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
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 11859461, member: 62865″]
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
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dunno, most of the ones I have are in the 120g range. I like them and it would be a more direct comparison, but curious what a heavier shaft would do.
[QUOTE=”Jeff Spicoli, post: 11859397, member: 10545″]
[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?
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The stiffness isn’t really addressed by Nippon when it comes to performance. I think for Nippon, the benefit of steel comes down to feel and feedback that is reduced with graphite. They believe that you lose the ability to adjust/learn via feedback.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 11859539, member: 1193″]
They believe that you lose the ability to adjust/learn via feedback.
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I’m not sure that jives with everything I’ve tried.
[QUOTE=”baylrballa, post: 11859545, member: 52381″]
I’m not sure that jives with everything I’ve tried.
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How so? Not disagreeing btw. Just curious about your experiences.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 11859539, member: 1193″]
The stiffness isn’t really addressed by Nippon when it comes to performance. I think for Nippon, the benefit of steel comes down to feel and feedback that is reduced with graphite. They believe that you lose the ability to adjust/learn via feedback.
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I do feel less feedback with the stability shaft in my Versa, but believe there’s a performance benefit that outweighs that for me.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 11859551, member: 1193″]
How so? Not disagreeing btw. Just curious about your experiences.
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I’ve tried the kinetixx zero trq, KBS gps, Full graphite all in, steeltip all in.
they all dampen vibration and “shorten” feel. everything is more instant and abbreviated, but once you kind of prepare for that the feel of misses and contact is still there.
it is by far muted the most with the kinetixx zero trq
KBS gps is next
Full graphite all in is very similar to the KBS.
The steel tip all in is kinda in between the above and steel.
So I have the 160g cut down another roughly 1/2”, and have it curing in a Toulon Portland. It stuck in enough that I could at least give some rough swings and it seemed a bit better already. Will report back when I’ve had some actual testing.
I’m going to need some more time to evaluate this, but so far the 160g feels just a bit too heavy and is making my stroke hard to keep consistent for whatever reason. The weight is very noticeable to me, but the 140g might be a good bridge here. I’ll give an update after a few more days with it.
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Just to provide some background about what I normally use – I basically exclusively use either strokelab or the KBS CT Tour.
So after a few more days….the 160 is ok. I think if you’re someone who uses something like a superstroke typically and use the 50g weight, it’s going to feel very similar. If you find those too heavy, you’ll probably have the same issue with this one. It feels like something that will help smooth out short putts, but I am worried about consistency with distance lag putting. it does it’s job though of making you use your bigger shoulder muscles while putting, but it forces it a bit too much for my liking.
I think that 140 might be a really good slight step up over a standard 120, but the 160 jump is big. I also believe that if you are someone who likes standard counter balanced putters, and not something like stroke lab, this could also be a great option without having to be SO heavy like a lot of counter balanced putters end up being. Very similar feel to me IMO.
The finish on the shaft is absolutely incredible.
Tinkering with the 140g in a 5K DW, and I’m loving the way the shaft changes the acoustic and feel on contact. Gives the ball (CSX) a sharper hollow acoustic if that relates to anyone. Feel the weight is perfect for me as I typically lean towards heavier but don’t prefer the sledgehammer feel by adding the weight towards the head on putters. This allows the weight to be noticeable but nicely distributed through the lower 2/3 of the putter.
The acoustic bit is real. I’ve had a few that produce sounds like I haven’t heard. Guessing that happens when I get out towards the toe.
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 11868231, member: 62865″]
The acoustic bit is real. I’ve had a few that produce sounds like I haven’t heard. Guessing that happens when I get out towards the toe.
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Mine have been centered but didn’t sound like the All-In or Stroke Lab shafts that were previously in the putter.
There is so much more feel and audible feedback in the 120g compared to the UST All-In at contact. I have been rolling them side-by-side with the same head now pretty much every day for a week. If you are one that prioritizing feeling the hit and location, I couldn’t recommend trying one of these out enough.
From a stroke standpoint, it continues to feel a bit more lively than the graphite. Not loose or out of control in any way, but not a stiff as the graphite. The time is it almost feels like I need to be touch, more aggressive, or in tempo if that makes sense. I’m not sure which I prefer but I’m definitely intrigued.
Getting out for a round today to see how it goes
The 140g shaft feels outstanding. I like a heavier feeling putter and this provides a great way to accomplish that.
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 11885687, member: 62865″]
There is so much more feel and audible feedback in the 120g compared to the UST All-In at contact. I have been rolling them side-by-side with the same head now pretty much every day for a week. If you are one that prioritizing feeling the hit and location, I couldn’t recommend trying one of these out enough.
From a stroke standpoint, it continues to feel a bit more lively than the graphite. Not loose or out of control in any way, but not a stiff as the graphite. The time is it almost feels like I need to be touch, more aggressive, or in tempo if that makes sense. I’m not sure which I prefer but I’m definitely intrigued.
Getting out for a round today to see how it goes
[/QUOTE]
the round went well today as what I was feeling on the mat at 6’ translated to longer putts on the course, great audible feedback, stable yet could feel just a hint of action in it. I didn’t have much trouble of all lag putting, the shaft put out what I expected given what I put into it
The more I putt with this, the easier it is to start figuring it out and getting used to it. I am still not sold that the 160g is for me, but I can absolutely see the application for it. If you like the overall weight of a superstroke with the 50g butt weight installed, but hate how it light it makes the putter head feel, this is a fantastic option. The overall weight is actually 10g lighter than a standard shaft + superstroke + 50g red backweight, but doesn’t impact the overall feel of the head weight quite as much (at least to me) since all that weight isn’t completely at the butt end.
[USER=25261]@CBaker[/USER] – if you want to get crazy and swap the 120 and 160 for testing purposes let me know, I’d be down to try. Don’t think the heavier weight would be for me but this has been enjoyable to test so far
some lag putting on the green over lunch and I really enjoy the bit of flow in the shaft, just allows a free and easy stroke, almost like it gives a subtle kick into the ball which means less effort needed in the stroke, which then in turn means more accuracy
definitely pondering what the 140g feels like to give me just a bit more stability on the shorter ones
So still part of the audible feedback has resulted in a higher pitched almost harmonic sound with the 120g shaft that honestly isn’t very pleasant. Tried to add a couple of corks to dampen it but couldn’t quite get it to fully go away. I think there is something about how it interacts with the hosel/head shape that it’s not happy about.
[USER=52381]@baylrballa[/USER] – this built up yet?
Not yet wrong size for a loose head I have sitting. Debating what to put it in.
One drawback (if there really is one) of testing gear direct from OEM’s is you get things that don’t fit sometimes. A beautiful putter came my way a couple weeks back, but was unfortunately too short for me. Luckily I had a 140g Nippon waiting for a home. Definitely seems to be the most “balanced” of the three weight options for me.The 120g is still a sleeper to me – I think more people would like it than think they would (with the right head). For an all-around easy transition, the 140g is probably going to be the ticket though. The weight is comfortable and it feels really nice.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 12043640, member: 1193″]
One drawback (if there really is one) of testing gear direct from OEM’s is you get things that don’t fit sometimes. A beautiful putter came my way a couple weeks back, but was unfortunately too short for me. Luckily I had a 140g Nippon waiting for a home. Definitely seems to be the most “balanced” of the three weight options for me.The 120g is still a sleeper to me – I think more people would like it than think they would (with the right head). For an all-around easy transition, the 140g is probably going to be the ticket though. The weight is comfortable and it feels really nice.
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The 120 didn’t quite work for me due to the harmonics I saw but very likely to try the 140 next.
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 12043677, member: 62865″]
The 120 didn’t quite work for me due to the harmonics I saw but very likely to try the 140 next.
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Yea, that’s interesting. I can’t say I noticed anything like that with the NC blade I have it in.
I need to find a .370 hosel. ?
[QUOTE=”baylrballa, post: 12043680, member: 52381″]
I need to find a .370 hosel. ?
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Maybe something in a center shaft?
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 12043640, member: 1193″]
One drawback (if there really is one) of testing gear direct from OEM’s is you get things that don’t fit sometimes. A beautiful putter came my way a couple weeks back, but was unfortunately too short for me. Luckily I had a 140g Nippon waiting for a home. Definitely seems to be the most “balanced” of the three weight options for me.The 120g is still a sleeper to me – I think more people would like it than think they would (with the right head). For an all-around easy transition, the 140g is probably going to be the ticket though. The weight is comfortable and it feels really nice.
[/QUOTE]
I’d say the 120 is what most are used too, on the other hand the weight the 140g has is tremendous during the putt.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 12043679, member: 1193″]
Yea, that’s interesting. I can’t say I noticed anything like that with the NC blade I have it in.
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I think it had something to do with the Sik Flo M shape. Made the whole thing hum. Tried corks in the shaft, nothing seemed to dampen it.
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 12043724, member: 62865″]
I think it had something to do with the Sik Flo M shape. Made the whole thing hum. Tried corks in the shaft, nothing seemed to dampen it.
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Blech. That sounds awful.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 12043726, member: 1193″]
Blech. That sounds awful.
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It was not pleasant. Hopefully [USER=52381]@baylrballa[/USER] has better luck once he gets it installed.
I think I’m going to get it in the Sport-20 this weekend. Might need some cutting.
[QUOTE=”baylrballa, post: 12096238, member: 52381″]
I think I’m going to get it in the Sport-20 this weekend. Might need some cutting.
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That sounds lovely.
Reminds me I need to order a 140 g and hope it installs better for me at that weight.
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 12096264, member: 62865″]
That sounds lovely.
Reminds me I need to order a 140 g and hope it installs better for me at that weight.
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I’ve got some extra cobra weights if it helps to go up or down with the head too.
The 140g shaft has arrived. Hopefully I can get it built up here in the next few days.
Need to work on bending one of these and trying to create a DB.
It could be rose colored glasses after draining the first two 15 footers I rolled, but the 140g shaft is showing so really strong early promise. The little bit of extra weight, distributed along the whole shaft, just gives a really comforting swing feel to it. Almost forces the larger muscles to do their thing, serves as a remind to not try to save it with hands, and it just kinda wants to stay in its swing. It’s really pleasing. I can’t wait to get some stats to see if it makes an impact for me.
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 12177940, member: 62865″]
It could be rose colored glasses after draining the first two 15 footers I rolled, but the 140g shaft is showing so really strong early promise. The little bit of extra weight, distributed along the whole shaft, just gives a really comforting swing feel to it. Almost forces the larger muscles to do their thing, serves as a remind to not try to save it with hands, and it just kinda wants to stay in its swing. It’s really pleasing. I can’t wait to get some stats to see if it makes an impact for me.
[/QUOTE]
this is super interesting to me. I look forward to your continued feedback.
Really would like to see a 140g DB option or even the 140g from OEM’s as it feels like a Goldilocks weight for putter shafts.
Another tidbit that hopefully provides clarity, is that my “miss” with a putter is to get a little quick on the takeaway and the putter head travels outside the line. This shaft at the 140 weight seems to stabilize that “miss”, at least so far. I’ve tried heavier putter heads to counter that but then it feels like it takes so much to get it moving. This one not as much.
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 12177956, member: 62865″]
Another tidbit that hopefully provides clarity, is that my “miss” with a putter is to get a little quick on the takeaway and the putter head travels outside the line. This shaft at the 140 weight seems to stabilize that “miss”, at least so far. I’ve tried heavier putter heads to counter that but then it feels like it takes so much to get it moving. This one not as much.
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hmmm I was just noticing a similar miss today and I’m sick of it.
Spent some time on the putting mat this morning and still really enjoying it. The biggest observation today was that it feels so stable on the takeaway. Some of the other shafts feel stable in the stroke, but that startup feel is still there. This one in the 140g weight class just doesn’t have that startup jolt. It’s really smooth and stable.
Really excited to get this on course soon. The stability in the stroke is something I’m looking forward to. It still has some feel but the extra weight across the entirety of the shaft gives a really pleasing balance and control.
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 12195201, member: 62865″]
Really excited to get this on course soon. The stability in the stroke is something I’m looking forward to. It still has some feel but the extra weight across the entirety of the shaft gives a really pleasing balance and control.
[/QUOTE]
Hope things work out well for you on the course. I’ve got the same 140 in the NC Reserve, which will almost certainly be my putter to start the season. Promising results in the house, but I need to get outdoors.
I’d be afraid to do a big weight jump where it would be too far away from any other putter I own. I need a putter shaft to swap into a Scotty just so I don’t cut it.
[QUOTE=”Typhoon, post: 12195758, member: 24954″]
I’d be afraid to do a big weight jump where it would be too far away from any other putter I own
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With three weights available, that shouldn’t be much of an issue imo.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 12195761, member: 1193″]
With three weights available, that shouldn’t be much of an issue imo.
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Yup, just reading about guys with heavy weight shafts was making me cringe. I’m looking at the KBS CT shaft as well but really don’t want to put too much thought into this. We’ve all gone years of just using whatever was in the putter and been just fine?
[QUOTE=”Typhoon, post: 12195785, member: 24954″]
Yup, just reading about guys with heavy weight shafts was making me cringe. I’m looking at the KBS CT shaft as well but really don’t want to put too much thought into this. We’ve all gone years of just using whatever was in the putter and been just fine?
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There’s something to be said for that for sure. These in particular look pretty damn cool though ?
[QUOTE=”Typhoon, post: 12195758, member: 24954″]
I’d be afraid to do a big weight jump where it would be too far away from any other putter I own. I need a putter shaft to swap into a Scotty just so I don’t cut it.
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fwiw, going from gaming a 120 g into the 140 g was not a huge shock to the system for me