50 Words or Less
The Nippon NS Pro 950GH neo shaft is the next generation of the world’s first sub-100 gram steel iron shaft. Superb feel and consistent performance.
Introduction
20 years ago, Nippon released the world’s first sub-100 gram steel iron shaft, the NS Pro 950GH. Though other companies have tried to imitate it, the success of the 950GH – 40 million sold and over 200 global tour wins – can’t be copied.
To celebrate the success and longevity of this legendary shaft, Nippon has just released the NS Pro 950GH neo. I tested a set to see how the neo compares to the original.
Go even lighter with the NS Pro 850GH neo. Learn more HERE
Looks
While it’s hard to make a steel shaft too exciting, visually, Nippon made a couple great decisions with the NS Pro 950GH neo. First, as they typically do, Nippon printed the graphics directly on the shaft. That means no misaligned stickers, no wrinkled edges. They also chose a unique green color that stands out among all the black and blue iron shaft labels.
Feel
Suh-mooth. No matter what Nippon shaft you play, from the Regio to the Zelos to the Modus, you know that their trademark is smooth feel. The NS Pro 950GH neo is the embodiment of that.
What I love about the NS Pro 950GH neo is that it feels smooth on every swing. There are some shafts where maximum effort is required to get any kind of feel. With the neo, everything from a soft pitch to a full send triggered an effortless flow of energy from the grip section down to the club head.
While both the classic 950GH and the 950GH neo are very smooth, the neo has been redesigned to take it up a notch. The grip section is smaller to make it feel even softer.
Performance
The Nippon NS PRO 950GH neo has more than improved feel; there are also two key performance changes. Nippon has stiffened both the tip section and the mid section to stabilize heavier, modern club heads while slightly boosting spin and launch.
In my testing, I saw that the neo did launch and spin more than the standard NS Pro 950GH, but the difference was slight. With a mid iron, I was seeing shots launch approximately 1 degree higher. This shaft provides club fitters with a great tool for dialing in precise fits.
The obvious application for the NS Pro 950GH neo is the player looking to drop weight in their iron shafts while raising their trajectory. As someone who makes a very aggressive transition, I didn’t expect the NS Pro 950GH neo to be a particularly good fit, but I was surprised how well it kept up with me. I also liked the affect it had on my swing. Because I knew every swing would “activate” the shaft, I made smoother swings and saw an improvement in my dispersion.
The Nippon NS Pro 950GH Neo is available in four flexes: Regular, S/R, Stiff, and X. The uncut weights are 94.5, 97, 98, and 104 grams, respectively.
Conclusion
The Nippon NS Pro 950GH neo has already picked up where big brother left off, grabbing a professional win in the first event after its release. If you’re looking to drop a little weight or get a little more stopping power in your iron shots, the neo is an obvious choice. And even if you’re not the stereotypical neo player, give it a shot. My results was surprising and have me considering switching to a lighter shaft.
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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81 Comments
Hi Matt, great review! How would this shaft compare with Modus 105 in stiff, my current shaft? I’m looking for little more height as I’m 64 but still prefer steel. Little higher launch looks like?
Thank you !
Mark,
Yes, the 950GH neo will launch higher than the Modus 105, and it will be noticeably lighter.
Best,
Matt
Hi, A bit late to this string, but you might still see it. I currently have the 950gh’s in a set of Pings that I like. I also have naturally high ball flight. I’ve tried the Modus3 105, but did not like the firmer tip feel. Nippon states the Neo’s do have a firmer tip and midsection. I’m reshafting a set of Ping Gmax’s that do have the larger head they mention this shaft is meant for, but is the Neo firmer tip/mid more like the Modus?
Thanks for your tome,
Brent
Brent,
Great question. The neo is much much closer to the classic 950 than the Modus. That said, my standard advice applies: make sure to try it and get fit before you buy.
Best,
Matt
Good evening, I have a titelist AP3 718, 7 and 8 iron in need of replacing the steel shaft. I would like to stay with what I have which is the n.s.pro 950gh.
What would be the best way to go about ordering just the shafts for these two irons ?
Thanks in advance.
Harold Smith
Harold,
If you take those two clubs to Club Champion, they could get them built back to original specs for you. Alternately you could contact Titleist to see if there’s any kind of warranty help, though those clubs are likely too old to be covered.
Best,
Matt
Currently my shafts are modus 3 105 S in my 5-A irons. Looking to add a 4 iron to address the gap between my 7 wood and 5 iron. What do you think?
If you can find a 4I that hits a distance you need to hit, seems like a good move.
-Matt
How does it compare to the true temper amd red
Currently im using taylormade r11 regular shaft irons, which nippon shaft would be the equivalent, i think the r 11 s are 101 grams, iv tried p790s their shaft are 103 grams i find them to heavy, over 65 years old
Are we talking golf improvement clubs here?
Harry,
I’m not sure I understand your question.
-Matt
How would you compare this feel-wise to the KBS Tour 90?
Dan,
It’s been a while since I’ve spent any time with the KBS Tour 90, so I don’t feel confident about offering a comparison.
Best,
Matt
Looking at Nippon’s website they do not list this shaft. How new is it and is it widely available from a good fitter? Looks very interesting and another excellent review Matt. Thank you.
Jim,
These were just officially announced, and I believe they’re getting to fitters late summer/early fall.
Best,
Matt
Do you think the neo would be a good fit for wedges too? I am thinking of going 6-SW with them and wanted to see if that was a wise decision.
It always comes down to fit. Personally, I like having the same shaft throughout my entire set, and there’s no reason the neo can’t work in wedges. That said, some players want a heavier wedge shaft, and the neo is certainly not heavy.
Best,
Matt
Thanks Matt!
Hi Matt,
I was considering to get a Project X 95 flighted to improve the flight on my 5 and 4 irons. How it woud be compared the 950GH Neo?
Tks
Agno,
To me, the Nippon shafts are dramatically smoother feeling than the Project X.
Best,
Matt
Matt – Do you know if any club manufacturers are offering this as an option – either no-charge or up-charge?
Thanks,
Frank
Frank,
I’m sure it’s a custom option from some OEMs but I don’t believe it’s no-up charge anywhere.
Best,
Matt
I believe mizuno offers it at no upcharge
Matt,
!
Considering this shaft for a Miura Passing Point 9003. I know the PP9003 isn’t a large/low spin head that Nippon advertises this shaft for, but do you think it will still give a little higher launch than the 950GH in this head?
Thanks
Ed,
I don’t think the difference would be significant for the majority of golfers, but for some it might. Always best to test it in a fitting to find out.
-Matt
I just received my 2019 TaylorMade P790’s with the Neo version. They were a free upgrade through TaylorMade. So far, they are correcting my biggest concerns with the 790’s – lower launch, lower flight, and lower spin. They are very smooth without being “mushy”. The consistency in length and launch is great as is the L/R dispersion. I like them a lot.
Rick,
What is your Normal SS with a 7 or 8 iron?
My son is hitting my Ping G400’s with Modus 105 X’s and needs more height and less weight. He likes the P790’s and can get a set with 950 Neo S flex hard stepped. Thank you for your reply.
I need your professional advice. I am buying the Callaway Apex Forged irons and looking for the best Nippon shaft. One company has advised the NS Pro GH while the other the Nippon Zelos 7 R2. I am a senior looking for more height. My swing speed is in the 85 MPH range. I also will be adding extra weight in the head. My shots are mostly straight. Your advice on this would be ………?
Les,
When you say that one company said one thing and another said something different, are you saying that you went to two different fittings and got two different results? Or are you talking about online fittings and the like?
Best,
Matt
Matt,
The two different responses were offered by two different sources over the telephone. One was by the manufacturer of the heads, Callaway. The other was by a component provider, Golfworks. Callaway does not offer the Nippon Zelos 7 R2 shaft. I merely gave them both info based on my readings from my launch monitor.
Les,
Got it. If you’re looking for the best Nippon shaft, my advice would be to visit a Nippon fitter, like Club Champion, and test a variety of shafts in the head that you want to play.
Best,
Matt
Matt,
I just bought Nippon 950 gh neos. I’m going to install them in a week. My goal was to try to get more height then I’m currently getting in longer irons. My 7 iron swing speed is around 85 mph. Typical angle of attack is the inside out sometimes more then it should be which I know is a lower ball flight move. Do you feel I’ll achieve more height with these shafts? My past consists of kbs s taper and currently am playing the Aerotech 115 steelfiber. Been tinkering obviously. I didn’t feel the aerotechs did much for height but they oddly make my ball stop in the green faster, I cut them 1/4 short and my lies are 3 degrees flat. I’m only 5’6”. I’m also a scratch player.
Just had my fitting this week for a new hybrid/iron set of Mizuno 921 Hot Metals . Went through about a dozen shafts but when they switched in the 950GH neo
I WAS SOLD-SMOOTH AS BUTTER-EFFORTLESSLY SWINGS. No upcharge with Mizuno
Just had a fitting today and the best results for me were the Hot Metals with the Neo shaft. The dispersion was just a startling contrast to everything else. I’m excited to play these. Hope they work out for you.
Matt:
I just started playing the Mizuno 921 forged with the neo shaft(regular flex). I noticed a big increase in height of the ball and was wondering if a “stiff” flex would bring the ball flight down a bit and give me some additional roll?
John,
That’s possible, but far from guaranteed.
What shaft were you playing prior to the neo?
-Matt
I am 64, have a slower driver swingspeed of 85-88 mph! I m replacing my nippon neo 950 regular shafts in my Srixon zx-4’s with a senior black Catalyst 50 gram shaft( for higher launch), should I replace the Kbs 115 reg. Hi rev shafts in my 56 & 60’ Cleveland wedges, to lighten them a little to match my irons?
Rick,
I like to have my iron and wedge shafts match, but that’s a personal preference. I would suggest keeping your wedges as they are for now, seeing how that works, and then making that change if necessary.
Best,
Matt
Any thoughts on how the Neo vs original 950 will match up with the JPX 921 Forged? Would one be a better fit as both are being offered?
Steven,
It all comes down to how it fits the individual. Overall, they’re not so different that I think it will be a make or break decision.
-Matt
Matt:
Thank you. I am considering either the JPX 921 forged or a mixed set of PXG Gen 2 P and XF. Not considering the cost what would be your preference?
Best,
Steve
Steven,
The PXGs will be substantially more forgiving. Distance will depend on fit. Personally, I might opt for the Mizuno because they have less offset than the two PXGs that you mentioned.
-Matt
Hey Matt,
NS Pro 950GH WF (weight flow) Regular Flex VS Ns Pro 950GH Neo Regular Flex
Specs look similar… Didn’t try the Neo but got good results with the WF. Whats the difference between the two in your opinion? Titleist doesn’t offer the WF but offer both the neo and the pro gh.
Thanks
Casey,
I haven’t hit the WF, so unfortunately I can’t offer a comparison.
-Matt
Hey Matt,
Was looking to demo this shaft in the new JPX 921 Hot Metals, my JPX 900’s hot metals have recoil 95 F4’s shafts in them currently. How do these 2 shafts compare? Thank you….. Johnny
Johnny,
I don’t have much experience with the Recoil iron shafts, so I can’t offer an educated comparison.
Best,
Matt
Matt, how about NS PRO 950gh NEO vs TT Elevate pro 95 what would be the difference . Feel, etc thanks
Dennis,
I haven’t used the Elevate 95, so I can’t offer a comparison.
-Matt
Hi Matt,
How would you compare this Stiff 950neo feel-wise to the Regular KBS C Lite Taper 105 (my current shaft)? Especially on traditional Japanese head (old Miura/OnOff/Mizuno/Fourteen).
Thank you,
Mam
Mam,
The Neo is much smoother than the C-Taper Lite.
Best,
Matt
Thx for kind response.
Respect,
Mam
How does the Nippon 950gh compare to the Nippon 950 neo for feel? The 950gh’s are the best feeling shafts I’ve ever played. They load beautifully. I’m a bit concerned that the Neo’s might feel more “tip stiff” and hence have a little less “feel” than the original GH’s.
Your impression?
John,
I think the difference is pretty negligible. If you want every bit of softness and elevation, stick with the original, but I don’t see a lot of players being disappointed with the feel of the neo.
-Matt
Decided recently it was time for new clubs. Had a fitting and decided on the Mizuno JPX 921 Hot Metal Pro. Tried numerous shafts and when these went in it was a real “aha” moment. Beautiful balance, great feel and made the swing feel effortless.
Matt,
I was reently fitted for a set of Srixon Zx5’s. I demo’ed the irons using Nippon 950GH regular shafts. I’ve run accross a set at a great price with 950 GH neo’s stiff shafts. I now play a set of older Cobra’s with traditional lofts. My 7 iron is 34 degree loft and I carry it 150/155yds. Would the stiff shafts be detrimental to my game?
Thanks,
Rick
Rick,
With my standard caveat that you should always get fit first, I would say that the neo should be plenty smooth for a player hitting their 7I 150+.
Best,
Matt
Matt, Like many others you always state that fitting is the best way to go and i agree . Sadly my nearest registered fitter is 1538 miles away . SO @ 66 years old with H/C now up to 14 . Looking lighten things up . Present clubs , Titleist 775 nipon ns pro 100 stiff custom fitted 2007 , I Also have a set of Wilson fg 5 with 85 gram reg shafts but they feel heavy at the head . scores between 83 and 90 . Scores stay they same with either clubs .. Club head and shaft to consider please . Any advise ??
Thomas,
I’m very curious to know where you live that you’re so far from a fitter.
With regard to recommendations, I would not know where to start. What are you looking for beyond trying to get to lighter clubs?
-Matt
Hello Matt, I am buying a set of Mizuno pro 225 irons. I was fitted for Nippon neo 95 but have to order. There is a set of 225 with project x io 105 grain 5.5 available locally. Was wondering if you could comment on the differences in these shafts and if the 105 might work. Wait times are crazy for orders right now. Thanks
Bruce,
My advice would be to wait for the clubs you were fit for.
-Matt
HOW DOES THE NIPPON 950GH NEO COMPARE TO THE PROJECT X IO 6.0 ???
JORDAN,
THERE’S A FULL REVIEW OF THE PROJECT X IO RIGHT HERE: https://pluggedingolf.com/project-x-io-shaft-review/
-MATT
HOW DOES THE NIPPON 950GH NEO COMPARE TO THE NIPPON ZELOS 6 AND 7? THANK YOU.
I have a review of the Zelos 6 here: https://pluggedingolf.com/nippon-zelos-6-shaft-review/
and the Zelos 7 here: https://pluggedingolf.com/nippon-zelos-7-shaft-review/
-Matt
I have been looking at the JPX 921 HM Pro irons. I demoed a 7 iron at a local golf shop. I have played Cobra irons for 15+ years. My Cobra 7 iron is about a 155 club. When I tried the JPX the 7 iron was 170-174 with higher ball flight. The jpx had a R300 (reg flex)True Temper. My 7 i swing speed is 75-78. My question is, is the 95g too light in the neo?
Thanks… Greg
Greg,
The only way to know for sure if to test it yourself, preferably with a fitter. What is too light for some will be perfect for others.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt,
What is your 7 iron swing speed and what flex did you test? Did you find these too light or was the balance ok? Looking at the 950 Neo in Srixon ZX7 but wondering if these are made more for stronger lofted irons. Thanks.
Greg,
I think my 7I is a bit under 90 MPH. I tested the stiff flex. My advice is always to get fit.
-Matt
Good morning, i may be in the same boat as greg seeing as i also have srixons. I have the zx5 with modus3 tour 105 shafts. I hit great distances (165-170 with 7i) however the consistency isnt always there. Was debating going with the neo. My SS with my 7i is sinilar to yours, but again im simply not consistent enough. Would there be a benefit in terms lf repeatability with the neo’s?
Sal,
The only person who can answer that definitively would be a fitter who is working with you in person. The lighter, more active shaft may be better for you, but it might not. Both shafts – the neo and Modus – are tremendous, but they’re very different and need to be in the right hands.
-Matt
Matt
Was just fitted for 950 neo stiff shaft in Mizuno HM Pro – can’t wait to get them in! Your comment of knowing every swing would “activate” the shaft is exactly what I found. My current shaft is NP 120 Stiff. The 950 provided more feel as to where the clubhead was. The more I got comfortable, the easier I would swing. Each shot was higher, surprisingly longer, and a 3 – 5 yard drawl.
Great review as always
Bonjour Matt
Je joue actuellement des SHIMADA S LITE sur des PXG gen 4 P, je trouve la hauteur de balle vraiment haute.
Quel serait l’intérêt de monter le Nippon NS Pro 950GH neo ?
Franck
Franck,
If you’re looking for lower ball flight, I’m not sure the 950GH neo would be what you want.
Best,
Matt
Matt. I was fit for a Lz5.5 or a Nippon 115 stiff. However I like the swing and feel of the Neo 950. My question is if I have the Neo xstiff soft stepped and add 1/4 or1/2 inch length how will those changes effect my ball flight and shaft stiffness vs just a Neo stiff with regular length and not stepped. Thanks
Dee,
With the caveat that equipment changes can be unpredictable, I would guess that there’s not going to be a substantial difference between the two options you presented.
-Matt
Hi Matt
What do you think of irons JPX923 changing Dinamic Gold 95 to N.S Pro 950GH neo??
Tim,
I can’t say that I’ve given that much thought. We’re very strong advocates of custom fitting, so the stock shaft option doesn’t factor too heavily into my product evaluation, though I do like when manufacturers provide numerous options without upcharge.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt,
Was wondering how these 950ghs compare to the Oban CT115. I was fit for Oban CT115 stiff, but don’t really want to shell out for them. I heard that the 950gh in X would be similar, as the shaft profile is close to the CT115. Curious to your thoughts here. Thanks!
John,
Our policy is to never second guess a fitter, so I would not endorse a substitution. It’s really important to be up front with your fitter about your budget so you can get the most out of your fitting.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt
I just ordered T100 (7-P) and T150(4-6) with R Neo shaft. I always struggle on the shot trajectory and stooping power. With your review i hope i have made the right choice.