Nippon NS Pro Modus 3 Shaft Review

on July 30, 2015

50 Words or Less

The Nippon NS Pro Modus shafts have great response and feel which translate into elite performance.

Check out the new Nippon Modus Tour 110 HERE

Introduction

Nippon may not be the most common shaft at your local big box, but there’s a reason the Nippon NS Pro Modus shafts are quickly infiltrating the bags of tour players all over the world. With impeccable feel and even better performance, the Pro Modus literally takes any golf club to a whole new level. We mentioned in our wedge shaft review that the Pro Modus will make an average wedge feel good and a great wedge feel unbelievable, and the same can be said for any set of irons. I’ve had all different high-end shafts in my current gamers, but the Nippon Pro Modus has far and away provided me with the best on-course results I’ve seen in years.

Feel

Perfect. I should just leave it at that. My only other previous Nippon experience was in the 950GH review and I was exposed to one of the best feels I’d ever had in a steel shaft. The difference is that the 950GH did not have the feel I was looking for in a steel shaft whereas in the Modus I believe that I’ve found everything I’ve been searching for over the past decade. Admittedly it could be an extended honeymoon phase, but I feel that the Pro Modus has a nice kick to it, solid feel, and a perfect flex profile. One thing we agree on at PIG about the Pro Modus shafts is that they have a very distinct tight snap at impact feeling like you let go of a heavy duty sling shot. Nippon made the butt section of the Pro Modus to be more rigid which is supposed to help your timing of the swing and create a smoother feel at impact. For me, I feel like I can hit any shot with the Pro Modus shaft.

Performance

The Nippon Pro Modus shaft profile is rigid in the butt and mid section, but somewhat softer toward the tip section. The firm sections of the Pro Modus keep it stable throughout the swing while the soft gives you a little more trajectory and a decent amount of spin. I found that I get a very unique (for me) ball flight with the Pro Modus that I had to adjust to. At first, I didn’t think it seemed like the ball really elevated all that much. In reality, the ball was getting in the air faster and had less elevation change over its flight (see graphic below).

Frankly, I didn’t really care because I was hitting the ball in tight patterns with good distance and was able to maintain a lot of control on my shots. Once I understood this characteristic of the flight though, it helped me better understand what I could expect from my clubs, and I realized I could do more with the flight. I’m able to get the ball in the air quickly, get plenty of height when needed, but I still have the ability to get the ball down and hit a low penetrating shot. As far as spin, I wish I had a little more bite with the Pro Modus, but I put up much better spin numbers relative to a C-Taper. I’m able to hold spots on the greens with my wedges and keep the ball a little more under control.

Conclusion

The last thing I expected to change in my bag this year was my iron shafts. All it took was one range session with the Nippon NS Pro Modus 130 shafts and I was hooked. With its unmatched feel, control, and overall performance, it’s no wonder Nippon has made such a great name for itself on tour and a lot of us mortals would likely benefit from putting a shaft from the Nippon range in some of our clubs.

Author
Recent Posts

Bill Bush

Co-Founder at Plugged In Golf

Bill is a true golf gear nerd by definition who loves making custom club creations in his garage with tools like sledge hammers, blow torches, and his bare hands. By day, Bill is a technology manager living in the Chicago suburbs with his wife and kids.

Bill plays Scott Readman Concepts putters and accessories.

12 Comments

Frank Walley
July 30, 2015 at 10:57 am · Reply

Well written article Bill…
I have the NS Pro Modus X in my Hogans and I love the firmness and feedback.
Purchase yours today at http://www.benhogangolf.com/hoganfit
luke-donald-duck
July 30, 2015 at 9:46 pm · Reply

Great review, as always. Have you tested the Modus 120 as well? I believe that model is supposed to launch lower with less spin than the 130, in a lighter package. How would you say the Modus compares to Project X?
- Bill Bush
  July 31, 2015 at 10:24 am · Reply
  
  We have not tested the Modus 120 yet, but stay tuned. We have some more Modus tests coming.
  
  What Project X are you looking for a comparison to? I haven’t done any direct A-B testing, but I formerly played PXi shafts, and I have played regular PX shafts.
luke-donald-duck
July 31, 2015 at 8:05 pm · Reply

Just the regular Project X, not the PXi. Could you compare both performance and feel? I know Project X is known for a somewhat “love it or hate it” kind of feel. (I use it, so I’m in the “love it” section, just so you know)
- Bill Bush
  August 1, 2015 at 8:46 pm · Reply
  
  I’m operating more off of memory since it’s been awhile since I’ve swung a regular Project X, but I would say the Nippon has extremely better feel and a more noticeable kick. As far as flight and whatnot, it’s been too long for me to give you a great answer there. I can tell you the Nippon is easy to control to get the desired trajectory and shapes you’re looking for if you have the mechanics.
Lawrence Williams
January 23, 2016 at 6:18 pm · Reply

Hey Bill…..we spoke on your review of the pxi…..does the modus 130 play like a tighter pxi version?
- Bill Bush
  January 23, 2016 at 7:16 pm · Reply
  
  The Nippon from this review and the PXi are completely different shafts and don’t really compare in any way. Sorry for the short answer, but that’s the honest truth.
  
  Best,
  
  Bill
Von Senk
May 16, 2016 at 9:53 am · Reply

Mr. Bush. I was recently fitted by a Ping rep for new G irons and driver. With the irons he gave me two options which I would like your thoughts on. First shaft was the Nippon tour 105 in regular flex. I hit this well . The second shaft was the TTX95 in regular flex. I also hit this well and a bit longer. As a recent retired folk, I need these to last a few years, and the spring wind in north AZ. Also needs to be considered. I prefer a mid to high flight. In closing I do enjoy yor reviews ,please keep up the good work. Von.
- Bill Bush
  May 16, 2016 at 10:20 am · Reply
  
  You have to go with what performs best for you. I can’t comment on which would be best for you and give you exactly what you’re looking for. After testing both, you’ll have to decide what felt best, what performed the way you wanted it to, and what fits your budget.
  
  Sorry I can’t be more help, but that’s the nature of choosing golf equipment. Everyone will have different results.
NB
June 4, 2016 at 10:03 am · Reply

I played PX 6.0 shafts but just switched to modus130. The difference is night and day. Ball launches far higher with PX but the penetration with modus is far better.

Its an individual thing but far prefer the modus, which still flies high but with more control & better for my general conditions.
Billy M. Smith
December 13, 2016 at 8:04 am · Reply

recently ordered new Ping I blades and factory installed new Modus 105 stiff shafts in my irons. Great shaft with very little vibration. After two hand surgery’s this year I noticed the difference immediately. Great height with long irons, which is what I wanted also. First set of clubs I’ve owned with Nippon Modus shafts and won’t be the last.
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