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The Nippon NS Pro 750GH neo rounds out the company’s offering of super lightweight iron shafts. Wonderful, smooth feel. Effortless to swing. Surprising levels of control given the lack of weight.
Introduction
While we all aspire to swing as fast as the pros, the reality is that there are far more players trying to get their drives to 200 yards than 300 yards. Nippon recognizes this reality and builds their line up accordingly. The new Nippon NS Pro 750GH neo is their third super-lightweight iron shaft, joining the Zelos7 and the NS Pro 750GH. I tested a set to see what performance benefits it can offer to golfers.
Looks
Graphically, the Nippon NS Pro 750GH neo is identical to the previous models in this line, the 850 neo and 950 neo [review HERE]. The stepped steel shaft has a chrome finish, and its graphics are a unique shade of green. As is their norm, Nippon prints the graphics right on the shaft, which is a huge improvement over stickers that can tear or wrinkle over time. Another big plus is that the graphics are only on one side, allowing for a “logo down” installation, if you prefer a totally clean address look.
Feel
While iron shafts over 125 grams are something I left behind several years ago, I’m always amazed at how much farther light weight can be pushed. My gamers, the Modus 115 [review HERE], never feel heavy to me, but swinging the Nippon NS Pro 750GH neo feels absolutely effortless.
During the swing, the 750GH neo is as smooth as any steel shaft I’ve ever hit. Getting it to load and kick requires very little force. In this way, this shaft has a strong familial resemblance to its heavier brother, the 850GH neo [review HERE].
Comparing the Nippon NS Pro 750GH neo to their two other 70 gram iron shafts, the neo sits in the middle. Per Nippon, the standard 750GH will be the firmest of the three, and the Zelos7 [review HERE] will be the most active. When I had them side-by-side, I could tell the difference, but in the larger context, they’re all very smooth and fairly active.
Performance
For players my age and older, an iron shaft in the 70 gram range seems wild, especially when it’s made of steel. We grew up when there were two “real” choices: Dynamic Gold and Project X, both over 120 grams. But the benefits of dropping weight are obvious. For a lot of players, going lighter will add substantial swing speed and distance. It’s also a major factor in reducing fatigue. Sure, we can all swing a heavy shaft on the third hole, but what’s happening on the back nine?
Additionally, the Nippon NS Pro 750GH neo has higher launch and spin, just like the other neo shafts. This works in concert with the lighter weight to serve the target golfer. Players who will benefit most from the lighter weight typically need that higher flight to maximize their distance and hold the green. The 750GH neo delivers on both counts.
What always surprises me about Nippon’s lightweight offerings is how well they hold up for a player who is, at least on paper, not a fit for lightweight. When I keep my transition smooth, these shafts are nearly as consistent as my gamers, which are much stiffer and heavier. They also give me good control over trajectory and shot shape, though they do have a natural tendency to fly a bit higher.
Comparing the Nippon NS Pro 750GH neo to Nippon’s other 70 gram offerings, the performance is in the middle, just like the feel. The torque rating sits between the 750GH and the Zelos. The 750GH produces a lower ball flight for most players. Looking across the neo line, Nippon recommends the 750 for players using larger irons, the 950 for small or mid-size heads, and the 850 for those in between.
The Nippon NS Pro 750GH neo shafts are currently offered in regular and stiff flex. They have a tip diameter of 0.355 and come in 3-PW lengths. Uncut weights range from 74.5 grams to 78 grams.
Conclusion
According to Nippon, if you’re playing a driver shaft at or below 50 grams, a 70 gram iron shaft might be great for your game. I’d suggest an even wider range of golfers give the Nippon NS Pro 750GH neo a try in their next fitting. If you want a shaft that will keep you energized and add distance to your approach shots, this is it.
Visit Nippon Shafts HERE
He founded Plugged In Golf in 2013 with the goal of helping all golfers play better and enjoy the game more.
Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.
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3 Comments
I feel like I need a legend to keep up with Nippon’s naming conventions at this point. Had to re-read this a few times to get that there’s a difference between the Nippon NS Pro 750GH Neo and the Nippon NA Pro 750GH
Hello – Is there a release date on these shafts? Thank you
Landy,
They will be available this fall. I don’t have an exact date.
Best,
Matt