General Questions About Shafts

• What are the features of steel shafts and graphite shafts?

  Steel shafts are excellent for consistent distances, achieving different trajectories, as well as assuring accuracy and stability. On the other hand, graphite shafts can be designed with more flexibility. Making the manufacturing of a lighter shaft easier with graphite. Therefore distance oriented clubs can easily be designed using graphite.

• I am using steel shafts which I bought more than 10 years ago. The surface is clean. Can I still use them?

  Without actually seeing them, it’s hard to answer. However, steel shafts maintain their durability if you regularly take good care of them, dried after play and stored in a dry cool environment. However there is a high risk of rust forming inside, if your clubs aren’t dried after play, which reduces shaft durability.

• When is the best time to reshaft?

  You can use our shafts for a long time unless there are any deformities, such as: dents, scratches through the chrome, bends, etc. However, the shaft's life is up to your frequency of use and degree of maintenance. Also, deformities may not always be visible. Please make sure to inspect inside the shaft when you change grips. If you happen to find rust, we recommend reshafting as soon as possible. Also when you continue to use scratched or damaged shafts, the chances increase for breakage or even injury. To prevent these incidents, our recommendation is to check all the shaft's conditions before tee off.
  
  Reshafting is also effective when you change your swing or want to change shot performance, like trajectory. Visit us at one of our club fitting events and try to find the right shaft which brings out your best performance.

• I heard that shaft vibration at impact is higher with the steel shafts. Can it be bad for the body? I’m worried about elbow pain and/or possible injury.

  Compared to graphite shafts, steel shafts are generally inferior in dampening vibration. There is chance steel shafts can be physically more taxing, however lighter steel shafts such as our N.S. PRO 950GH are much easier on your body due to the inherent dampening nature of our raw materials. Plus vibration-reducing devices are available that will lessen the impact of vibrations.

About the Product

• What shafts are environmentally friendly?

  Studies have been conducted to recycle carbon fibers but have yet to be put into practical use. The problems lie in the purposes and the costs. On the other hand, steel has regularly been recycled for many years so you could say the product is environmentally friendly. Lighter steel shafts are definitely earth friendly.
  
  Nippon Shaft has an ISO 14001 registration, an international accoladed environmental management standard which creates a systematic framework for an organization to manage the short and long term environmental impacts of their products, services and processes. We will continue to engage proactively in environmental initiatives.

• N.S. PR0 950GH is considered the standard for lightweight steel shafts. What is the difference between this shaft and other steel shafts?

  First of all, the raw material is different. With this patented material, our original manufacturing technologies in wall thickness controls and heat treatment techniques, we produce an inimitable shaft, known for its accuracy and overall performance. Golfers of all skills can hit their best shots ever with it. Since it's release, the N.S. PRO 950GH model has been a favorite among golfers because of its ultra-lightweight design, comparable to graphite.
  
  The N.S. PRO 950GH has a mid-bend point (or kickpoint) with smooth flexing from the grip to the club head. Thus this "standard shaft" can suit a wide range of golfers from late release types to full body turn types. Weight-wise, the 950GH promotes a logical transition with the different shaft weights in the driver to wedges.

• Please let us know the details of Nippon Shaft’s patented raw steel materials.

  Our patented raw steel materials were co-developed with Nisshin Steel, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of premium raw steel. Our raw steel materials were engineered just for golf club shafts and possess strength and stiffness, as well as excellent workability.
  
  These materials can only be processed with new manufacturing technologies that allow us to design the most technologically advanced steel shafts in the market.

• What’s the difference between the MODUS³ and the conventional steel shaft?

  The N.S. PRO MODUS³ tour steel shaft series was developed to satisfy the needs of touring professionals and low handicap golfers. It’s designed to focus on controlled performances, necessary to shoot accurate iron and wedge shots.
  
  To design the MODUS³ models, we used the direct feedback from U.S. tour professionals and other tour players around the world. The performance flexibility to respond to different course conditions, increasing club head speeds, swing trends are also remarkable features of the MODUS³ series.
  
  Our flexible manufacturing techniques have made it possible to create shafts with stable performances. These are a few reasons why so many professionals on all global tours highly appreciate the "Made in Japan" high quality.

• Tell me which type of golfer suits the MODUS³ ?

  We manufacture four models of the N.S. PRO MODUS³ Tour steel shafts to suit a wide range of golfers. From amateurs to professionals, from wrist turn swing types to body turn swing types, for slower swing speeds to faster swing speeds, there is a MODUS³ model that will fit you. You can say it’s a versatile, athletic brand.

• Talking about the MODUS³ series, why the various models at different weights?

  All MODUS³ shafts were designed based on tour player feedback. Shaft weights were also decided in close consultation with them. So the weight of the shaft varies depending on the model and feature of the product.

• Is the N.S. PRO Regio Formula series well matched with the N.S. PRO MODUS³ Tour shafts?

  Yes. The N.S. PRO Regio Formula series is developed especially for golfers using the MODUS³. The reason is simple; we want them to enjoy golf more. The best match for the MODUS³ TOUR 120 would be the Regio Formula B, the MODUS³ TOUR 105 and TOUR 125 to the Regio Formula MB and the MODUS³ TOUR 130 would match with the Regio Formula M. By choosing the best matched shafts, you will likely reduce the kind of the days where the irons work well but the driver doesn't

• What’s the difference between the N.S. PRO MODUS³ Tour irons series and the N.S. PRO MODUS³ Wedge series? Can’t I use the iron shaft in my wedges?

  Yes, you can use MODUS³ Tour irons shaft for wedges. The MODUS³ Wedge shafts have been developed by focusing on increased spin control and feel around the green, which are very important for tour professionals' short games. The MODUS³ Wedge is designed a bit softer in flex so even for short chip shots, you can still feel the flex of the shaft. It’s good for the type of player focused on timing. Also, the ball stays longer on the club face so you can put the desired spin on the ball for better control. We recommend the MODUS³ Wedge models for golfers seeking a softer touch, better control and good feel. On the other hand, players who consider wedges as an extension of their irons, or who prefer full swings, our recommendation is the MODUS³ Tour iron shafts.

• Please recommend a MODUS³ Wedge model for MODUS³ Tour iron shaft users.

  For the MODUS³ TOUR 105 users, we consider the MODUS³ Wedge 105 the best match. But, for those who want to feel an increased club weight for their short game, and have a strong desire for stability and playability from the rough or bunker, we recommend the MODUS³ Wedge 115. For MODUS³ TOUR 120 users, we also recommend the MODUS³ Wedge 115. And for those who focus on increased stability around the green or easier club control to assist getting out from the rough and bunker, we recommend the MODUS³ Wedge 125. If you use the MODUS³ TOUR 125 or TOUR 130, our recommendation is the MODUS³ Wedge 125. There are three weight models in the MODUS³ Wedge series. Each model is set up with proper stiffness and weight balance, but the basic design concept is the same. It is common for tour professionals to play different weight shafts in the same set of clubs.

• What is the difference between the N.S. PRO 750GH and N.S. PRO Zelos7?

  The Zelos series is a completely new type of steel shafts specializing more in distance than stability, which people are likely to seek in a steel shaft. It also delivers the smooth control and stability with a low torque design only steel can provide. There has never been a full flexing steel shaft before Zelos. This generates more swing speed so you can hit longer shots than ever before.
  
  For those who are familiar with the feel of steel shafts, the N.S. PRO 750GH is our recommendation. For swinger or body turn swings and for those who are attracted to graphite shafts because of their distance but have trouble making accurate shots, we recommend one of the N.S. PRO Zelos models.

About Reshafting

• Can I expect immediate effects after I reshaft?

  If you chose a shaft which fits your body structure or swing, through a professional club fitting process, you will see an immediate effect. However, it’s normal to be trained to using the same shaft model that you have played or practiced with your whole golfing life. It may take a while to trust and get used to new shafts after reshafting. Thus we always recommend a proper club fitting when you start playing golf, and then review your equipment/shafts as you improve your game.

• I’m interested in reshafting. But I have no idea which shaft to choose. Please give me advice.

  First of all, we always recomend a proper fitting. It's necessary to decide the weight, stiffness, kick point, etc., through testing. If you feel something wrong, you should consult a golf shop or fitting professional. It's easier to identify the problems with your old shafts by pointing out unsatisfying factors. Swing tempo is a very important issue. Generally for those who have a quick tempo, stiffer shafts work well and softer shafts fit better for slower tempo golfers. One more concern is head speed. We recommend golfers to regularly check their own swing speeds and bring up any concerns during your fitting.

• Where can I reshaft?

  You can reshaft at any golf shop that has a workshop. Volume sales golf stores usually have a workshop.

• I have only a #3 Iron shaft but what I need is the shaft for a #5 Iron. Do you think a tip cut will work?

  No, it won’t work. Our products are all constant weight, thus tip trimming would affect swing weights. Also, the high strength reinforcement that is applied in the tip section will be compromised. There is a list of trimming instructions in our catalog. If you cut the tip beyond that allowance, the shaft’s strength would be degraded, which can compromise the integrity of the shaft. Do not use the tip-cut shafts except if our tip trimming instructions have been followed.

• How many times can you reuse a shaft?

  For steel, you can reshaft several times because metal structures stay the same shape after using an ordinary burner or heat gun. However during the process of reshafting, please be careful, especially when you try to remove glue at the tip of the golf club. You could damage the shafts, so extra care is needed.
  
  Graphite shafts use a resin to bind carbon fibers into a sheet. This resin material melts at almost the same temperature as the epoxy glue used to assemble the club head and shaft. Therefore, once the heat is applied the shaft is weakened drastically so we discourage the reuse of graphite shafts.

• Is the designated data of the weight of the shaft in a catalog before cutting or after cutting?

  All data is before cutting.

• What is the "balance point?"

  The balance point is the shaft’s center of the gravity. We measure the balance point as a percentage from the tip end. The larger the numerical value/percentage, the balance point moves higher toward the grip end. Two advantages of shafts with higher balance points are to allow for heavier weight heads (more solid impact feel), and longer finished clubs (without high-swing weight measurements).