When it comes to selecting golf equipment, golfers often put a lot of thought and consideration into their clubheads, but overlook the importance of the golf shafts. The golf shafts play a crucial role in the performance of the golf club, and choosing the right one can make a significant difference in a golfer’s game.
One of the most popular brands of golf shafts is Nippon, which has been producing high-quality shafts for golfers of all skill levels for many years. In this article, we will compare two of Nippon’s most popular shafts, the Nippon 105 and the Nippon 120, and help you understand which one might be the best fit for your game.
Nippon 105 Golf Shaft
The Nippon 105 golf shaft is a lightweight steel shaft that is designed to provide golfers with a high launch and maximum distance. This shaft is ideal for golfers who have a slower swing speed and want to maximize their ball speed.
The Nippon 105 golf shaft features a unique design that combines a soft tip section with a stiff midsection and butt section. This design helps golfers to generate more speed and power through the ball, resulting in longer drives and better ball flight.
The Nippon 105 golf shaft is also known for its excellent feel and feedback. Golfers who use this shaft report that it provides them with a solid feel at impact and helps them to better control their shots.
Nippon 120 Golf Shaft
The Nippon 120 golf shaft is a heavier steel shaft that is designed to provide golfers with a lower launch and more control. This shaft is ideal for golfers who have a faster swing speed and want to maximize their accuracy.
The Nippon 120 golf shaft features a similar design to the Nippon 105, with a soft tip section and a stiff midsection and butt section. However, the Nippon 120 has a higher stiffness rating overall, which helps golfers to better control their shots and reduce their dispersion.
The Nippon 120 golf shaft is also known for its excellent stability and consistency. Golfers who use this shaft report that it helps them to produce a more consistent ball flight and reduces the number of off-center hits.
Which Shaft is Right for You?
When it comes to choosing between the Nippon 105 and the Nippon 120 golf shafts, it ultimately comes down to your individual swing characteristics and preferences. If you have a slower swing speed and want to maximize your distance and ball flight, the Nippon 105 may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you have a faster swing speed and want to maximize your control and accuracy, the Nippon 120 may be the better option.
Differences in Weight and Flex
One of the main differences between the Nippon 105 and the Nippon 120 golf shafts is their weight and flex. The Nippon 105 is a lightweight shaft, weighing in at around 105 grams, while the Nippon 120 is a heavier shaft, weighing in at around 120 grams. The weight of the shaft can have a significant impact on a golfer’s swing speed and overall performance.
In terms of flex, both the Nippon 105 and the Nippon 120 come in a variety of flex options, including regular, stiff, and extra stiff. However, the Nippon 120 also offers a unique “tour stiff” option, which is even stiffer than the extra stiff option.
Launch and Spin Characteristics
Another difference between the Nippon 105 and the Nippon 120 golf shafts is their launch and spin characteristics. As previously mentioned, the Nippon 105 is designed to provide golfers with a high launch and maximum distance, while the Nippon 120 is designed to provide a lower launch and more control.
In terms of spin, the Nippon 105 tends to produce more spin, which can help golfers to stop the ball quickly on the green. The Nippon 120, on the other hand, produces less spin, which can help golfers to achieve a more penetrating ball flight and greater roll out.
Which Shaft is Best for You?
When it comes to choosing between the Nippon 105 and the Nippon 120 golf shafts, there is no right or wrong answer. Both shafts are high-quality options that can help golfers to improve their performance on the course.
If you are a golfer with a slower swing speed and want to maximize your distance and ball flight, the Nippon 105 may be the better option for you. However, if you have a faster swing speed and want to maximize your control and accuracy, the Nippon 120 may be the better option.
Cost and Availability
When it comes to cost, the Nippon 105 and the Nippon 120 golf shafts are priced similarly. Both shafts are considered to be on the higher end of the price spectrum, with the Nippon 120 generally being slightly more expensive due to its heavier weight and greater stiffness.
In terms of availability, the Nippon 105 and the Nippon 120 are both widely available through golf retailers and online stores. However, depending on your location and the specific flex and weight combination you are looking for, one shaft may be more readily available than the other.
Nippon 105 Iron Shafts
| Model | Flex | Weight (g) | Torque | Launch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NS Pro 1050GH | Regular | 94 | 2.0 | Mid |
| NS Pro 1050GH | Stiff | 97 | 1.8 | Mid |
| NS Pro 1050GH | X-Stiff | 100 | 1.6 | Mid |
| NS Pro 950GH | Regular | 95 | 1.9 | Mid |
| NS Pro 950GH | Stiff | 98 | 1.7 | Mid |
| NS Pro 950GH | X-Stiff | 101 | 1.5 | Mid |
| N.S. Pro Modus3 105 | Regular | 100 | 1.8 | Mid |
| N.S. Pro Modus3 105 | Stiff | 105 | 1.5 | Mid |
| N.S. Pro Modus3 105 | X-Stiff | 110 | 1.3 | Mid |
| N.S. Pro Zelos 7 | Regular | 72 | 3.3 | High |
Nippon 120 Iron Shafts
| Model | Flex | Weight (g) | Torque | Launch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N.S. Pro Modus3 120 | Regular | 115 | 1.8 | Mid |
| N.S. Pro Modus3 120 | Stiff | 120 | 1.6 | Mid |
| N.S. Pro Modus3 120 | X-Stiff | 125 | 1.4 | Mid |
| N.S. Pro Modus3 Tour 120 | Regular | 115 | 1.8 | Mid |
| N.S. Pro Modus3 Tour 120 | Stiff | 120 | 1.6 | Mid |
| N.S. Pro Modus3 Tour 120 | X-Stiff | 125 | 1.4 | Mid |
| N.S. Pro Modus3 Wedge | Wedge | 120 | 1.5 | Mid |
| N.S. Pro Modus3 Wedge | Wedge+ | 125 | 1.4 | Mid |
| N.S. Pro Modus3 Wedge | WedgeX | 130 | 1.3 | Mid |
| N.S. Pro Zelos 8 | Regular | 84 | 3.0 | High |
Torque Comparison
| Model | Flex | Nippon 105 Torque | Nippon 120 Torque | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NS Pro 1050GH | Regular | 2.0 | N/A | N/A |
| NS Pro 1050GH | Stiff | 1.8 | N/A | N/A |
| NS Pro 1050GH | X-Stiff | 1.6 | N/A | N/A |
| NS Pro 950GH | Regular | 1.9 | N/A | N/A |
| NS Pro 950GH | Stiff | 1.7 | N/A | N/A |
| NS Pro 950GH | X-Stiff | 1.5 | N/A | N/A |
| N.S. Pro Modus3 105 | Regular | 1.8 | N/A | N/A |
| N.S. Pro Modus3 105 | Stiff | 1.5 | N/A | N/A |
| N.S. Pro Modus3 105 | X-Stiff | 1.3 | N/A | N/A |
| N.S. Pro Zelos 7 | Regular | 3.3 | N/A | N/A |
| N.S. Pro Modus3 120 | Regular | N/A | 1.8 | N/A |
| N.S. Pro Modus3 120 | Stiff | N/A | 1.6 | N/A |
| N.S. Pro Modus3 120 | X-Stiff | N/A | 1.4 | N/A |
| N.S. Pro Modus3 Tour 120 | Regular | N/A | 1.8 | N/A |
| N.S. Pro Modus3 Tour 120 | Stiff | N/A | 1.6 | N/A |
| N.S. Pro Modus3 Tour 120 | X-Stiff | N/A | 1.4 | N/A |
| N.S. Pro Modus3 Wedge | Wedge | N/A | 1.5 | N/A |
Conclusion
Choosing the right golf shaft is an important decision that can have a significant impact on a golfer’s performance on the course. The Nippon 105 and the Nippon 120 golf shafts are two excellent options for golfers of all skill levels, with each shaft offering unique characteristics that can benefit different types of players.
When deciding between the Nippon 105 and the Nippon 120, it is important to consider factors such as weight, flex, launch and spin characteristics, and personal preferences. Trying out both shafts on the driving range and seeking the advice of a professional club fitter can also be helpful in making an informed decision.
Ultimately, choosing the right golf shaft is a matter of finding the perfect balance between distance, accuracy, feel, and control, and the Nippon 105 and the Nippon 120 are two high-quality options that can help golfers achieve their goals on the course.
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