We’ve spent a great deal of time in the past few years looking at some of the lesser-known parts of the Nippon Shaft catalog. While the venerable N.S. Pro Modus 3 and N.S Pro GH iron shafts are widely recognized by enthusiasts, Nippon boasts a full line from graphite wood shafts all the way down to steel putter shafts. Yes, you heard that right. Nippon, with their extensive experience in producing high-quality steel, has aftermarket putter shafts. In fact, they’ve had them for quite a long time. Recently, the company re-booted their N.S. Pro putter shaft line, and has incorporated several new features to provide premium aesthetics and performance.
Specs and Features
With a stepless design and sleek new finish, 2023’s N.S Pro putter shafts are an instant hit in the looks department. A new patented plating called “Luxury Silver” reduces glare and feels fantastic in hand. Unlike some stepless, matte iron shafts we’ve used in the past, there isn’t a “sword coming out of the sheath” sound when pulling the N.S. Pro out of the bag. This is likely due to the very smooth nature of the Luxury Silver plating. A small N.S. Pro label is the only thing visible on the shafts, and of course the labels can be oriented downwards, leaving possibly the most “minimalistic” putter shaft we’ve ever seen.
The picture above shows the transition from the butt end that isn’t finished (this part is under the grip) into the Luxury Silver plating. Nippon believes the simple graphics and glare-reducing properties of the finish enhance alignment since there is really nothing to take your attention away from the ball. Nippon also touts Luxury Silver’s environmental friendliness, aligning with ISO 14000 certification, though we really don’t have any specific details on that.
One point Nippon likes to make is that, unlike many of the increasingly popular aftermarket graphite shafts on the market, N.S. Pro putter shafts provide much more tactile feedback, making it easier to discern where you’re making contact on the putter face, even with the softest of inserts.
We mentioned Nippon had a putter shaft line out in the past. In addition to the design changes in 2023, they’ve expanded the number of options to include 120g shafts along with the existing 140g and 160g versions. This wider weight range allows players to choose a preferred feel and accommodates heavier head weights. The logo design has also been revamped for visibility and player convenience, with different logo colors for various weights – 120g has a green logo, 140g is grey, and 160g is black. In all, there are six different models: Three different weights, each with a .355 and .370 tip diameter option.
Performance
Prior to installation, we took a moment to weigh each N.S. Pro model and found all were within 2g of the stated weight. We chose to install the 120g (green) shaft on a 340g head (replacing a steel shaft) and left the logo facing upwards. In addition, we installed the 160g (black) on to a 357g head (replacing a graphite shaft) with adjustable weights and placed the logo downwards. Installation was incredibly simple and all the stated specs from Nippon were dead-on.
Simplistic and minimalistic are certainly great ways to describe how each putter looked with the N.S. Pro installed. Even with an upwards facing logo, it’s a very clean look. However, we want to make sure you don’t confuse “simplistic and minimalistic” with boring. The Luxury Silver finish presents a very luxurious look and feel, and there is no mistaking the fact that you’ve added a premium component to your putter.
It’s probably best to discuss feel in a few separate ways. First, let’s discuss Nippon’s claims of increased tactile responsiveness in comparison to graphite. We were in the fortunate position to test this claim somewhat directly, replacing a graphite aftermarket shaft with the 160g N.S. Pro. To remove audible feedback from the equation, we put on our favorite noise-canceling ear buds and played music during multiple trips to the practice green. We found the N.S. Pro offered a great balance of feedback in the hands and fingers while avoiding any hints of harshness. It was very easy to discern both center and toe-side impacts, even without the instantly recognizable sounds each produces. Was this better or worse than a graphite option? We’re not sure that’s a determination we can make for the diverse group of readers we have. It was pleasingly different, though relatively subtle.
What was quite evident was the lack of rigidity we often see in graphite aftermarket options. Again, keeping in mind the subtle nature of anything related to putter shaft feel, the N.S. Pro seemed a bit more forgiving and softer, especially with longer lag putts. Of course, it’s obvious that even the longest putting strokes are going to impart minimal bend in any shaft, but the less-rigid nature of the N.S. Pro was noticeable and appreciated. It was almost like stepping back in time, if the past also came with a sexy matte finish.
As noted earlier, both the 120g and 160g were tested for this review. Unfortunately, time and material issues made installing the 140g shaft impossible prior to publication. The 120g felt incredibly nimble and balanced with the lighter 340g head, while the additional weight of the 160g option was glaringly obvious from the first putt. The 160g shaft still maintained solid head/butt balance, but just seemed heftier in every way imaginable, as one might expect. Personal weight preference certainly comes into play here, which is the beauty of having three different options available. We’ll just say that you really need to like a heavier feeling putter to enjoy the 160g version to the fullest. If you’re looking to dip your toes in, the 140g option may be a safer bet. The biggest surprise of all was just how much we loved the green 120g shaft. It was just a pleasure to putt with.
Details
- Available now at authorized Nippon fitters
- Including installation – appx $85
- More information at nipponshaft.com
Finish on these look great. I prefer a softer feel in putter shafts so these have me very interested.
I have one of these that I am going to drop in a putter.
Going to give it a run over the next couple of weeks, like the feel aspect described.
I was impressed with these. Probably wouldn’t go 160g again, but that’s just personal preference.
That’s an interesting take considering the rage is going rigid per the stability shaft.
I’m too chicken to experiment with my gamer putter.
Great write up [USER=1193]@Hawk[/USER] ! Big fan of Nippon steel.
Nice writeup. I’ll be interested in seeing others thoughts on feel as these start to get out there.
The finish is stunning!
[USER=1193]@Hawk[/USER] the softer feel mentioned is there anything you would compare that too out currently? I’m not a huge fan of how stiff or boardy some current options feel, but don’t want what the Sigma putters with the adjustable height shafts felt like.
[QUOTE=”Golfers Anonymous, post: 11827040, member: 59233″]
[USER=1193]@Hawk[/USER] the softer feel mentioned is there anything you would compare that too out currently? I’m not a huge fan of how stiff or boardy some current options feel, but don’t want what the Sigma putters with the adjustable height shafts felt like.
[/QUOTE]
I don’t know that I can really frame it in the context of other shafts out there. I wish I could, but I’d be tossing nonsense at you :ROFLMAO:
By no means would I describe this as floppy or anything close to overly soft. In fact, I’m not sure I could blindly tell the difference between these and other steel options. I did feel like the difference was noticeable compared to graphite though.
[IMG alt=”ron burgundy GIF”]https://media1.giphy.com/media/XWwIzh5GIWWf6/200.gif[/IMG]
Just ordered a 120, 140, and 160 in .370 to give a try.
[QUOTE=”Golfers Anonymous, post: 11827078, member: 59233″]
[IMG alt=”ron burgundy GIF”]https://media1.giphy.com/media/XWwIzh5GIWWf6/200.gif[/IMG]
Just ordered a 120, 140, and 160 in .370 to give a try.
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Oh snap. I’m excited to hear how they work out for you. Really tempted to order a grip and install the 140 on something. I have a feeling it’s the Goldilocks.
Interesting price point and message compared to what other graphite options are doing. Seems more inline with the UST mamiya offering rather than the kinetixx, KBS, BGT side.
The subtle objectivity with putter shaft reviews is so hard to convey, but this was well done.
Fascinating. I use them in my irons and wedges.
Good stuff [USER=1193]@Hawk[/USER], I really like the finish on that putter shaft and the tech behind the design is intriguing.
I know nothing of the benefits of aftermarket putter shafts, but am quite intrigued by what people are saying about them. This looks like a fantastic offering.
[QUOTE=”baylrballa, post: 11827276, member: 52381″]
Interesting price point and message compared to what other graphite options are doing. Seems more inline with the UST mamiya offering rather than the kinetixx, KBS, BGT side.
The subtle objectivity with putter shaft reviews is so hard to convey, but this was well done.
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Appreciate that. Very subtle and the finicky nature of putting in general makes it even more difficult.
Nippon does a fantastic job in their iron shafts. I’d be curious here to test the different weights of the putter shafts, as it basically goes the complete opposite direction that stroke lab does for Odyssey with going so light.
Extremely interesting that even with the presumed increase of steel in the 160 that the feel off the face is maintained.
I’m also, definitely, going to go try and putt with noise cancelling ear buds now. :LOL:
[QUOTE=”baylrballa, post: 11827362, member: 52381″]
I’m also, definitely, going to go try and putt with noise cancelling ear buds now. :LOL:
[/QUOTE]
There was a lot more sensation than I initially expected!
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 11827062, member: 1193″]
By no means would I describe this as floppy or anything close to overly soft. In fact, I’m not sure I could blindly tell the difference between these and other steel options. I did feel like the difference was noticeable compared to graphite though.
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How would compare the difference?
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 11827371, member: 62865″]
How would compare the difference?
[/QUOTE]
Graphite felt noticeably stiffer to me, and a bit less dead I guess? I don’t want to get too cliche, but that’s what I felt.
Received these and like the profile of the shaft looks pretty nice as far as the tradition from butt to tip.
[ATTACH type=”full”]9213770[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH type=”full”]9213769[/ATTACH]
Cycled these with the head above at 35” and this is how they turned out.
The 120
[ATTACH type=”full”]9213771[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH type=”full”]9213772[/ATTACH]
The 140
[ATTACH type=”full”]9213773[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH type=”full”]9213774[/ATTACH]
The 160
[ATTACH type=”full”]9213775[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH type=”full”]9213776[/ATTACH]
[QUOTE=”Golfers Anonymous, post: 11836427, member: 59233″]
Received these and like the profile of the shaft looks pretty nice as far as the tradition from butt to tip.
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”IMG_0746.jpeg”]9213770[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”IMG_0752.jpeg”]9213769[/ATTACH]
Cycled these with the head above at 35” and this is how they turned out.
The 120
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”IMG_0749.jpeg”]9213771[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”IMG_0755.jpeg”]9213772[/ATTACH]
The 140
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”IMG_0750.jpeg”]9213773[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”IMG_0756.jpeg”]9213774[/ATTACH]
The 160
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”IMG_0751.jpeg”]9213775[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”IMG_0753.jpeg”]9213776[/ATTACH]
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How soon till you roll one? Which weight you going with?
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 11836440, member: 62865″]
How soon till you roll one? Which weight you going with?
[/QUOTE]
Building tomorrow with the 140.
Can you explain the frequency of the cycle?
[QUOTE=”Scribble (FKA 11Scooby71), post: 11836457, member: 64210″]
Can you explain the frequency of the cycle?
[/QUOTE]
Describes the stiffness of an object. The higher the number the stiffer. Just showing a difference in the shaft profile at a quick glance above.
Thanks to the generosity of [USER=59233]@Golfers Anonymous[/USER] I will be testing the 120 shortly.
I plan on installing in a Sik Flo M so I can directly compare to the UST All-in graphite shaft.
We are curing!!!
Hope I didn’t screw it up/it gets too cold in the garage tonight that it sets. If I can slip away from work to get it gripped it will see the course Tuesday.
If there is anything in particular folks are interested in please let me know.
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 11852641, member: 62865″]
If there is anything in particular folks are interested in please let me know.
[/QUOTE]
What’s the head weight of the putter?
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 11853338, member: 1193″]
What’s the head weight of the putter?
[/QUOTE]
That question would have been much better asked 12 hours ago ?
It appears the Sik Flo M weighs 360 g. Eventually on of the two heads will get shipped off for a refinish and I’ll try to come back to this.
Waggling it this morning without a grip I was liking the heavier head feel so I may switch grips on both putters to go lighter. Currently the All-in has a superstroke pistol tour. I need to refresh if that or the pistol 1.0 is lighter. Which ever is lighter to produce a heavier head feel will win out.
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 11853356, member: 62865″]
That question would have been much better asked 12 hours ago ?
It appears the Sik Flo M weighs 360 g. Eventually on of the two heads will get shipped off for a refinish and I’ll try to come back to this.
Waggling it this morning without a grip I was liking the heavier head feel so I may switch grips on both putters to go lighter. Currently the All-in has a superstroke pistol tour. I need to refresh if that or the pistol 1.0 is lighter. Which ever is lighter to produce a heavier head feel will win out.
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I kind of had a pre-built bias that I’d like/prefer the heavier shaft and head feel, but I was surprised to find that wasn’t the case. My only real regret with the 120g shaft is that I didn’t put it on a head I use more often.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 11853377, member: 1193″]
I kind of had a pre-built bias that I’d like/prefer the heavier shaft and head feel, but I was surprised to find that wasn’t the case. My only real regret with the 120g shaft is that I didn’t put it on a head I use more often.
[/QUOTE]
That’s what’s going to be fun here. I have the same head to go like for like. The only difference is the alignment lines, one has flange line the other is naked.
I almost didn’t throw my name in to the [USER=59233]@Golfers Anonymous[/USER] giveaway but the ability to test same head up against each other seemed too good to pass up
well that and the stunning finish. I need to try to get some good pics of it.
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 11853403, member: 62865″]
That’s what’s going to be fun here. I have the same head to go like for like. The only difference is the alignment lines, one has flange line the other is naked.
I almost didn’t throw my name in to the [USER=59233]@Golfers Anonymous[/USER] giveaway but the ability to test same head up against each other seemed too good to pass up
well that and the stunning finish. I need to try to get some good pics of it.
[/QUOTE]
It is definitely gorgeous.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 11853411, member: 1193″]
It is definitely gorgeous.
[/QUOTE]
It’s so good, but it’s also subtle. I‘m afraid photos I take won’t fully do it justice
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 11853418, member: 62865″]
It’s so good, but it’s also subtle. I‘m afraid photos I take won’t fully do it justice
[/QUOTE]
Agree here, the photo isn’t quite able to capture the great finish it has.
Putter has been gripped. Hope to roll some tonight, if not, straight into the fire tomorrow.
Props to [USER=59233]@Golfers Anonymous[/USER] for the shaft to test. I got the 160g in house and will be pairing it in a 350g odyssey #7ch. My main putter is a 2-ball 11 CH with a stroke lab, so it should provide a pretty good comparison to different ideals currently out there.
Pre cut weight [ATTACH type=”full”]9215970[/ATTACH]
Cut to play about 34” in the 7ch[ATTACH type=”full”]9215979[/ATTACH]
One thing to note is this thing is thiccc to get to this weight. I couldn’t use my normal small pipe cutter very well on it and had to use the saw lol.
Should have it gripped up and ready to go tonight for initial impressions.
Maiden voyage went pretty well. Only one three putt I believe but was playing on punched plinko greens.
There seems to be a bit more lively feel compared to the UST All-In graphite shaft. I almost react in making a bit more assertive stroke if that makes any sense. Yet with that lively feel, it doesn’t feel loose at all like I’ve had with other steel shafts. It’s an interesting combination.
I’m going to be really curious how this more assertive approach impacts my 5-10’ putting. I leave too many of these short.
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 11858690, member: 62865″]
Maiden voyage went pretty well. Only one three putt I believe but was playing on punched plinko greens.
There seems to be a bit more lively feel compared to the UST All-In graphite shaft. I almost react in making a bit more assertive stroke if that makes any sense. Yet with that lively feel, it doesn’t feel loose at all like I’ve had with other steel shafts. It’s an interesting combination.
I’m going to be really curious how this more assertive approach impacts my 5-10’ putting. I leave too many of these short.
[/QUOTE]
Very different feel than the All-In for sure.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 11859153, member: 1193″]
Very different feel than the All-In for sure.
[/QUOTE]
100%. I am going to try to replicate your feel test between the two.
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 11859175, member: 62865″]
100%. I am going to try to replicate your feel test between the two.
[/QUOTE]
Love that you all are getting to do this!
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 11859176, member: 1193″]
Love that you all are getting to do this!
[/QUOTE]
[USER=59233]@Golfers Anonymous[/USER] is a good dude!
Initial reaction of the 160g is interesting. I may take this out of the #7 and put it in a blade. The weight distribution makes it feel so much different, even though it’s actually lighter than if someone uses a superstroke with the 50g butt weight installed. I think with the way the head weight is distributed in a mallet, it doesn’t gel super well with it for me. I think it would have a bigger impact/benefit with a blade. I will do that change tonight and see if it improves the overall feel of it.
[QUOTE=”CBaker, post: 11859347, member: 25261″]
Initial reaction of the 160g is interesting. I may take this out of the #7 and put it in a blade. The weight distribution makes it feel so much different, even though it’s actually lighter than if someone uses a superstroke with the 50g butt weight installed. I think with the way the head weight is distributed in a mallet, it doesn’t gel super well with it for me. I think it would have a bigger impact/benefit with a blade. I will do that change tonight and see if it improves the overall feel of it.
[/QUOTE]
interesting. got blade head sitting around needing a shaft, curious what you see.
[QUOTE=”baylrballa, post: 11859358, member: 52381″]
interesting. got blade head sitting around needing a shaft, curious what you see.
[/QUOTE]
You should join the party
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 11859378, member: 62865″]
You should join the party
[/QUOTE]
it is a thought, I’m torn on the weight though.
I was going to swap another retrofit graphite shaft into a milled SWAG head, but it’s apparently a .355 hosel.
now i have a lonely shaftless head.
[USER=1193]@Hawk[/USER] enjoyed the writeup. It’s interesting that Nippon is saying less stiff works better, while Odyssey is going the opposite direction. Do you know why?
[QUOTE=”baylrballa, post: 11859391, member: 52381″]
it is a thought, I’m torn on the weight though.
I was going to swap another retrofit graphite shaft into a milled SWAG head, but it’s apparently a .355 hosel.
now i have a lonely shaftless head.
[/QUOTE]
Do you want to stay within a weight class existing or live a little on the different class? And what weight would that put you in