50 Words or Less
The Nippon Modus Tour 115 iron shaft is a great addition to the Modus family. Mid-launch and mid-spin. Stable and easy to control. Trademark smooth feel.
Introduction
10 years ago, Nippon launched the Modus into the Tour-level steel shaft market that was absolutely dominated by two other brands. A decade later, you can’t talk about the category without mentioning Modus. With over 200 professional wins, a pair of majors, and Tour usage that grows every year, Modus is a proven winner. To celebrate the 10th birthday of Modus, Nippon is adding a new model to the line: Modus Tour 115.
Looks
The Modus Tour 115 has a couple different looks available, if you act quickly. At release, there will be 2,020 sets offered in Luxury Black with silver graphics. Once those are gone, the standard chrome finish with red graphics will be available.
A small thing that I’ve always liked about Nippon shafts is that they print their graphics on the shaft rather than using stickers. Stickers peel off or bubble, but Nippon’s graphics always look perfect.
Note: The in-hand photos in this review feature prototype graphics.
Feel
Every Nippon shaft I’ve ever swung – and I’ve tried them all – has one thing in common: they’re smooth. The Modus Tour 115 is no exception.
This combination of a Tour-style profile, mid-weight, and Nippon’s trademark smooth feel was outstanding for me. The Modus 115 can hold up to an aggressive swing, but it doesn’t compel you to swing all out. This made me feel comfortable hitting all manner of shots with it.
Performance
Nippon refers to the Modus Tour 115 as having a “simple” EI profile that “responds universally to the player’s intention.” That’s a much more interesting way of saying exactly what I found in my testing which is that this shaft does exactly what you want it to do.
For me, the consistency and shot-making capability of the Modus 115 is huge, and it’s equal parts specs and feel. Of course a shaft that’s going to handle high swing speed needs stability and lower torque, that’s a prerequisite. What elevates it is the fact that it feels the same during almost any swing. Knowing exactly what I’m going to get from the shaft, I can confidently make adjustments to hit different shapes and trajectories. Because I felt like the Modus Tour 115 would let me do anything I wanted, hitting it became addictive.
Nippon states that the untrimmed weight of the Modus 115 is 120 grams, which is similar to what I’ve been playing for the last several years. This weight class is also becoming more common among better players who realize they no longer need a 130 gram shaft to get stability. Shaving off a few grams not only offers the possibility of distance gains, it reduces fatigue.
Conclusion
Regardless of what Tour-style shaft you play now, the Nippon Modus Tour 115 is worth serious consideration the next time you’re looking to upgrade your irons. The combination of slightly reduced weight with smooth feel and stability makes it an ideal choice for the skilled and aspiring player. This is a shaft that could very well be in my irons and wedges in 2021.
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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65 Comments
I’ve played the Modus 3 105’s (112g) in X flex in G400 irons for 3 years. I’m in my mid-40’s now and had lost some SS. The lighter weight shaft is very stable and my only issue is higher ball flight which is probably both the shaft and iron combo. . If I were to change clubs/shafts, these would be in the mix for sure. Love the Nippon feel. Thanks for the review Matt.
Thanks for another great review Matt.
I have a complete blind spot when it comes to understanding shaft manufacturers and the performance of their products. Can you point me, and I’m sure many others, at a comprehensive resource to research and understand shaft characteristics and their mapping to a players swing characteristics and desire ball flight?
Thanks again, love this sight!!
Tim,
I’ve written a few things you can find here: https://pluggedingolf.com/?s=shaft+101
-Matt
Matt,
Which irons did you test this shaft in? Which flex did you test ?
Thanks,
Rudy
PING Blueprint, X-flex.
-Matt
Hi Matt,
Thanks for the review, I play the Nippon Modus 120 and do rate them how would you compare the 115 to these? Also like you I do like the graphics but most of my shafts the print has rubbed off now and cannot even see the type of shaft it is.
Jon,
The 120 has a different profile than the 105, 115, and 125. The 5s are more typical of “Tour” style shafts like Dynamic Gold.
-Matt
Hi again Matt! I have a quick, aggressive transition and an early release flaw. Do you think Modus 115 or 120 would be a better fit for me?
Driver club head speed 106 to 109.. Thanks, Matt!
Joe,
My advice is always to get fit. Those are both great options, but reshafting an entire iron set is a big cost in time and money – make sure you’re making the right choice before you dive in.
-Matt
Matt,
Apples to apples shaft wise..would you say the Nippons are lower flighted than a similar KBS Tour?
Thanks
Frank,
At the same weight, I think most players will hit the Modus a little lower than the KBS Tour.
-Matt
Hi Matt,
How do these shafts compare to the Oban CT-115?
Anthony P.
Anthony,
I haven’t spent much time with the Oban, so I can’t offer a knowledgeable comparison.
-Matt
How can I get my hands on a set of the 115 black? So happy this line has been added to Nippon.
Kyle,
You will need to contact a Nippon retailer like Club Champion. They will be able to order a set for you.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt, how would you say they compare to the NS Pro 1150GH? They seem you be very similar in weight.
Chris,
They have similar weight but are entirely different profiles.
-Matt
Hi Matt
Is there a release date for the 115’s?? I cant find that info anywhere. Any time I search Modus Tour 115 I only find info on the Modus Wedge shaft
Thanks
Joe
Joe,
I haven’t seen a specific date. I would suggest contacting your Nippon dealer to see when they plan to have them in stock.
-Matt
Are these just a lighter version of the 125s? I play the 125X now and curious if they perform same just a lighter option.
Eric,
Yes, it’s the same profile with less weight.
-Matt
Hi Matt,
How do these compare to DG 120 X100? Feel launch and finished wait? 115x modus.
Thank you
Dan,
I have a full review of the DG 120 here: https://pluggedingolf.com/dynamic-gold-120-shaft-review/
Best,
Matt
Hey Dan. Not sure how relevant this is to you but wanted to reply in case someone like me was readimg this a 1.5 yr later lol. I was very excited to try the dg 120 x100. But they felt like a brick in my hands. These had the harshest feel to me of any i tried. I thought the px lz 6.5 125g fets smoother than the dg 120x.
I ended up on the modus 115x as it was still stable but easier to swing.
Hi Matt,
Very nice review on these shaft.
I love Modus 120 and 105. My only problem, is I have a tendency to go a bit to the left. It is not the shaft but my swing.
I solved my problem with KBS tour which seem to me just a bit stiffer, or more stable for a quick tempo swing.
I was considering the Kbs c taper lite, but after reading your review, maybe the Modus 115 should be a very choice.
My question is what is the difference between KBS c taper lite and modus 115 in term of feel, stability, stiffness of tip, and launch?
Will the Modus 115 should be available soon?
Thank you, and I wish you an excellent 2021
Richard,
The Modus 115 should be available from Nippon dealers now.
They’re very close to the C-Taper Lite in performance for me, I just find the Modus to be a little smoother throughout, the C-Taper Lite a bit more stout feeling. I could be really happy with either one, but I think I’ll be switching to the Modus 115 in 2021.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt! Great review! You mentioned in one of the comments that this shaft has a different profile then the Nippon 120x shafts. How different do they feel? I play the 120x shafts and am thinking about trying out the 115s as long as they don’t feel completely different. Do you feel like dispersion would be similar between the two? Also, with the black edition, do you think the paint will hold up pretty well? Thanks!
Brady,
I don’t have any experience with the black finish, but I trust Nippon to put out a quality product.
Regarding the 120 vs. the 115, I can only tell you that they’re substantially different to me. Others might not find them meaningfully different at all. That’s why fitting is so important.
-Matt
Thanks for your response! In your opinion, what do you feel makes the two shafts different? Curious about your thoughts. I wish I had the ability to hit the 115’s but unfortunately, I don’t. Thanks!
Brady,
The 120 is much softer in the mid-tip than the 105, 115, or 125.
-Matt
Hi Matt!
Based on your answer above, for you, does the Modus 120 fly higher and spin more for you than your Modus 115?
I couldn’t find the review of the Modus 120 on your site.
Thanks, Joe
Joe,
My recollection from my recent Nippon fitting was that the 120 was pretty similar to the 115, but the 130 was noticeably higher.
Best,
Matt
Hey. I just got a hold of the 115s and will install it soon. Do you think there is a big difference between the 115s and 115x? I currently play 105x and having a bit of regret that I didn’t wait for the 115x.
Brian,
I can’t tell you whether that will be a big difference for you. There’s a difference, yes, but how noticeable it is varies from person to person.
-Matt
Don’t want to resurrect an old post but, how similar are they to the 120TX, just a shade lighter?
Kevin,
The 105, 115, and 125 are all the same profile in different weights. The 120 and 130 are different profiles.
Best,
Matt
Any idea when these will be released as a standard edition chrome shaft? Thank you for your review. Always enjoy your site!
Lee,
Thank you!
I believe it’s supposed to be this fall, but I’m not sure things have gotten pushed back by COVID.
Best,
Matt
Hi I see the modus3 tour115 is the standard shaft in Japan for the soon to be released globally Mizuno Pro 221,223 and 225. Using Mizuno shaft analyser I was recommended project x 6.0, KBS tour 120 or KBS $120 . I was fitted with kbsTour V 100 in my current set. Is the modus 115 at all similar to any of these or should I go through the whole fitting process again which I’d rather not given the expense ? Many thanks Dean
Dean,
Those shafts are all fairly close in weight but, to me, will feel quite different.
Best,
Matt
What do they mean by simple EI? Is it a linear type or can you elaborate more on the butt mid and tip sections ?
Hi Matt,
Hope you are doing well.
On previous conversation, I was asking about availability of these shafts. Not the black, ( to expensive) but the red one. Since that time, I did only find them on new clubs. like Mizuno 223.
Resellers like Golfworks do not have them.
I just pulls out from new Mizuno 5-PW but I still missing the shaft for 4 iron.
Could you tell me where I could order one?
Best regards,
Richard
Richard,
The release of these seems to have been delayed a bit, likely due to COVID (that’s just a guess, I have no insider knowledge). That said, Nippon was promoting a full release of the Modus 115 this year, so any Nippon dealer such as Club Champion should be able to get these for you now.
Best,
Matt
Thank you Matt for the update.
Best regards,
Richard
Hi Matt,
I currently play project x 6.0 in Callaway Apex ’19.
The Mizuno shaft analyser recommended Project x io 6.0, C Taper lite stiff. Unfortunately neither shaft was available to try during the fitting???
How would the Modus 115 Stiff compare the 1. my current shaft & 2. Project x io or C Taper lite Stiff?
I have also used C-Taper & KBS 120 in the past.
Thank you for any advice.
Regards, Jason
Jason,
I have full reviews of the C-Taper Lite here: https://pluggedingolf.com/kbs-c-taper-lite-shaft-review/
and the KBS Tour here: https://pluggedingolf.com/kbs-tour-iron-shaft-review/
-Matt
Hello. Nice review on the Modus. I recently got fitted for the MP 225 with the Modus 105 shafts. Is there a big difference between the 105 vs. 115 shafts. Flight height? More control? Currently play with KBS Tour V shafts. Thanks.
John,
The only difference is weight.
-Matt
Hi again Matt!
Do you find the Modus shafts play slightly soft to flex versus Dynamic Gold? So if I liked the stiffness/ stability of a S300, but wanted the smoother feel of a Nippon Modus, would you recommend a X flex in the Modus and Soft Step it one time or two times?
Thank you,
Joe
Joe,
Feel is obviously personal, but I think the Modus is as stiff as the DG, just a lot smoother.
-Matt
Sorry Matt!
To clarify, I was talking about the Modus 115 specifically and the Dynamic Gold S300.
Thanks,
Joe
Thank you Matt!!
Hi Matt,
I see you are gaming the 115 X. These are hard to find. I noticed on specs that the only real difference between 115 S and 115 X (118.5 vs 119.5) is 1 gram and . 1 torque (1.6 and 1.5). Did you try the stiff and compare? They seem so close its a tossup? Is that a fair statement?
Ken,
I’ve never done any real testing of the stiff vs. X head to head, so I can’t give you an informed opinion about the difference.
Best,
Matt
Have you hit the Oban CT 115s at all? I’ve heard they are comparable…
Ken,
Once or twice, but I haven’t reviewed them or spent meaningful time with them.
-Matt
Matt. Thanks for the Modus 115 review. I matched them up with Mizuno 223 and have been very pleased with ball flight, distances and descent. Your review helped me narrow down my shaft selection. Thanks again
Matt,
Thanks again for all you do?
How does this compare the Modus 120x and the Project X 6.5 125g? I keep hearing people say these are both like phone poles which is scaring me off. Even though I’m 50 I still play the Aerotech Steelfiber i125 CW in X flex and prior to that was a KBS Tour 130x guy for years. I tried the Steelfiber i95 in X flex and it was too light.
Figure at my age a stiff flex will be required at some point but I still hit a 6 iron 180-185 so control is much more important than distance for now.
Also thinking about the UST Miyama 110 Prototype F5 but may be too light and not controlable enough.
Appreciate your feedback as always.
Your numbers and your typical misses on shots mirror a lot of my own so I tend to gravitate to what is working for you.
Luke,
To me, all the Modus shafts feel much smoother than the Project X. At 6.5, Project X is quite stout. The Modus 120 and 115 have slightly different profiles, so you need to feel each one to see how it impacts your swing.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt so I really like the tiniest 150 but they don’t offer my first choice shaft modus 115 tour
Could you suggest a close second
Thanks
Steve L
Steve,
I would suggest ordering the irons from a builder like Club Champion who will create the exact set you want. That’s too much money to spend – in my opinion – on a second choice. There are shafts that feel like Modus 115 (other Moduses) and there are shafts with similar performance (lower launch and spin), but nothing I’ve found has that combination.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt,
I know this review is a bit old, but how would you compare this shaft to the Dynamic Gold 120? During the fitting process they recommended either and I’m having a tough time deciding which one to go with. I appreciate any feedback. Thx.
Zach,
I think the Modus feels much smoother and better than the DG120. Weight is similar.
Best,
Matt
Finally had a chance to hit/compare Modus 115X to Modus 120X side-by-side (Callaway Apex Pro 24’). I’ve always thought the Modus 120X was smooth and did not require more input than necessary. Ball flight is high with great carry. My first few swings with Modus 115X were indifferent…but than the next 10-12 swings really stood out! I was getting the same carry with a slightly lower-flatter peak height. Dispersion seemed to be a little tighter. Modus 115x seemed to give you the ability to dial up or down and provide a little more workability…whereas the Modus 120 stays smooth with more of kick. Modus 115X allows you to be aggressive if needed, where the Modus 120X requires you to stay patient. Does this sound about right?
Kurt,
I would never tell someone what they describe about their interaction with equipment is wrong. That said, your description is similar to what I feel with those shafts.
Best,
Matt