Equipment
Nippon expands Modus line with Tour 105 and 125 iron shafts
Nippon iron shafts have gained the attention of many PGA Tour players in recent years. Proof can be found in our Tour/Pre-Release forum, where a thread published in November 2014 — “Is it just me or are a lot of pros switching to Nippon iron shafts” — has amassed nearly 2,000 replies and 165,000 views.
Most of the conversation in the thread has revolved around Nippon’s N.S. Pro Modus3 Tour 120 and Tour 130 shafts. Expect the conversation to continue now that the company has released two new Modus shaft models: the Tour 105 and Tour 125.
Both the Tour 105 and Tour 125 are mid-launching, mid-spinning shafts, but as their names imply they use different weights to target two distinct audiences.
N.S. Pro Modus3 Tour 105
The Tour 105 is the company’s lightest N.S. Pro Modus3 iron shaft, and was known as the “Proto ST” during its 48-month testing phase on the PGA Tour that saw as many as 25 players using the shaft at one point. It weighs approximately 106 grams in stiff flex, and 112 grams in x-stiff flex, making it a fit for golfers who prefer the lightweight steel and composite/graphite shaft models that have increased in popularity in recent years.
[quote_box_center]”The Tour 105 really caught us by surprise,” said Hiro Fukuda, sales and marketing for Nippon Shaft in the Americas. “We didn’t expect this shaft to do so well on Tour. We brought it out based on the recommendation of our tour reps, and the feedback was that its spin rate and trajectory was more consistent than other shafts in the 115-gram category.”[/quote_box_center]
OEMs have taken notice. Ping chose the N.S. Pro Modus3 Tour 105 as a stock shaft option for its new “i” and GMax irons.
N.S. Pro Modus3 Tour 125
The Tour 125 shaft weighs roughly 125 grams, and first gained traction on the Japan Golf Tour. It will launch higher than the company’s Tour 120 shaft, yet lower than the company’s Tour 130 shaft. According to Fukuda, the Tour 125 has been most popular with former Dynamic Gold players.
The Tour 125 uses Nippon’s MHT or “Multi-Heat Treatment” Technology, which allows the company to use different heat treatments on different areas of the shaft to fine tune feel and performance. The technology was also used on the company’s N.S. Pro Modus3 wedge shafts, which were released in April. In the Tour 125’s case, the heat treatment gave the shaft a slightly softer tip section and a slightly stiffer butt section.
Both shafts are currently available through Nippon’s network of retailers and fitters for $37 each.
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- Richy Werenski what’s in the bag accurate as of the CJ Cup Houston Open.
Driver: Titleist TSR3 (10 degrees, D1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana PD 60 TX
3-wood: Titleist TSR2 (15 degrees, A1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Red 8 X
Hybrid: Titleist TSR3 (19 degrees, D1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei CK Pro White Hybrid 90 TX
Irons: Titleist T100 (4-9)
Shafts: Nippon N.S. Pro Modus3 Tour 105 S
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM9 (46-10F, 50-12F), Titleist Vokey Design WedgeWorks Proto (54-M, 58-L @60)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 Onyx (46-50), True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 Onyx (54-60)
Putter: Scotty Cameron prototype
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x Left Dash
Grips: Golf Pride ZGrip Cord
Check out more in-hand photos of Richy Werenski’s clubs in the forums.
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Equipment
Adam Scott testing green “Masters Use Only” putter + 6 interesting equipment photos from the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Welcome to the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson event at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas, which, for your geographical reference, is about 25 minutes from Dallas.
In early-week equipment news, we saw some interesting putter testing from Adam Scott, a Maxfli golf ball signing on the PGA Tour, a 16-year-old’s WITB, a PGA Tour player using another PGA Tour player’s backup putter, and Jordan Spieth weighed in on why he recently switched out just his 7-iron (and then made a hole-in-one with it).
With so much to report and so little time to waste on the intro, let’s get right into this week’s equipment rundown from the CJ Cup Byron Nelson.
See all of our photo galleries from the week here
Adam Scott’s new L.A.B. putters
Before we get into a couple of the new prototypes Scott has been testing, above is a photo of the L.A.B. Golf Mezz.1 Max prototype putter that he’s been using, and will likely continue to use this week in Texas.
That being said, following the Masters, Scott was looking to try a couple putters with a slightly lighter weight to help with his feel on fast greens.
One of the new prototypes we spotted on Tuesday was a L.A.B. Golf DF3 “Proto 2.1”, custom-built with Scott’s preferred blue colorway, and an Australia-inspired Kangaroo laser engraving…
We also spotted him with a green-colored “For Masters Use Only” Mezz.1 Max prototype…
While it’s unlikely Scott will make a switch this week, it’s certainly something to keep an eye on going forward, especially on courses with faster greens.
We also got a peek into Scott’s full WITB this week, which consists of a super-mixed set of Srixon irons, including a ZX Utility 3-iron, a ZX-5 MkII 4-iron, ZX-7 MkII mid-irons (5-7) and Z Forged II short irons (8-9).
See Scott’s full WITB from the CJ Cup here
An update on Daniel Berger’s Odyssey Jailbird
Last week in New Orleans, we highlighted Daniel Berger’s Ai-One Jailbird Mini putter because of its unique sightlines.
Well, we have an update.
According to Callaway Tour Manager Joe Toulon, who spoke with GolfWRX.com this week, Berger’s Jailbird Mini is actually from fellow Tour player Tom Kim’s stash. Kim is a prolific putter tester, and the exact putter Berger is currently using was actually originally made for and tested by Kim. The putter didn’t make it into Kim’s starting lineup, however, so he gave the putter back to Odyssey, and it eventually made it’s way onto Berger’s gamer roster.
Jordan Spieth’s new 7-iron
As the story goes, Jordan Spieth changed out his Titleist T100 7-iron on Wednesday before the 2024 Valero Texas Open, and then on Thursday, he used the 7-iron to make a hole-in-one from 199 yards on the 16th hole.
Good timing on that switch, Jordan.
On Tuesday at the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson, GoflWRX.com caught up with Spieth to get the full story on why he switched just the 7-iron.
Our full story is over on PGATOUR.com’s Equipment Report, but here’s a snippet of what Spieth had to say:
“I hit my 7-iron a lot, especially on my own. The spin rates, relative to my 6-iron and my 8-iron, were lower, so it was going too far. I was trying to figure out why, if it was something in the makeup of the iron. I got the lies and the lofts checked, and everything was fine. So finally I was like, ‘Can I just get a new one and see if it fixes it?’
“Maybe there was one other time throughout my career where I changed just one iron, so it’s very unusual. I think it’s just because the grooves were worn down from hitting it too much.”
Ben Griffin signs with Maxfli to play the golf ball
At the beginning of the year, LPGA Tour star Lexi Thompson signed a deal with Maxfli to play the company’s golf ball, and now, Griffin has officially joined team Maxfli, as well, thus expanding the company’s Tour presence.
GolfWRX.com caught up with Griffin on Wednesday in Texas for a video interview about his new golf ball of choice, and how he marks it…
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A 16-year-old is playing on the PGA Tour this week, using a 2-iron!
Amateur golfer Kris Kim, at just 16 years of age, is making his PGA Tour debut this week after receiving a sponsors exemption into the event. In 2023, Kim won both the R&A Boys’ Amateur Championship and the European Boys’ International Championship.
On Tuesday in Texas, we got a look into Kim’s bag, which revealed that he’s currently playing a TaylorMade P-770 2-iron, and a bag full of TaylorMade clubs.
Check out Kim’s full WITB here
A smart golf ball stamping
I’m not going to sit here and pretend to be a big math guy, because I’m not. However, I do recognize David Nyfjall’s purple ball marking as a square root symbol.
While I don’t know the particular significance of the square root symbol for Nyfjall, I do know you have to be fairly intelligent to even consider using a marking like that. Pretty cool stuff from the Northwestern alum, and 2023 Byron Nelson Award winner.
And, with that, we say goodbye to Texas and TPC Craig Ranch. We’ll see you next week at the Wells Fargo Championship in Charlotte for more insider equipment news and storylines.
For now, don’t forget to check out all of our photos from the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
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- Wesley Bryan what’s in the bag accurate as of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson.
Driver: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond Max (9 degrees @10)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana GT 50 TX
3-wood: TaylorMade Stealth Plus (15 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana GT 60 X
Hybrid: TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus Rescue (19.5 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus HB Blue 8 X
Irons: Titleist T200 (4), Takomo 101U (4), Takomo 101T (5), Takomo 301 CB (6-9)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (46-10F, 52-08F, 56-14F), Titleist Vokey Design WedgeWorks Proto (58-A)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400
Putter: L.A.B. Golf DF3
Grips: SuperStroke, Golf Pride Tour Velvet
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
More photos of Wesley Bryan’s WITB in the forums.
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Dave Portnoy places monstrous outright bet for the 2024 Masters
John Daly stuns fans into silence with brutal opening tee shot on PGA Tour Champions
Justin Thomas on the equipment choice of Scottie Scheffler that he thinks is ‘weird’
Things got heated at the Houston Open between Tony Finau and Alejandro Tosti. Here’s why
Tiger Woods arrives at 2024 Masters equipped with a putter that may surprise you
‘Absolutely crazy’ – Major champ lays into Patrick Cantlay over his decision on final hole of RBC Heritage
Report: Tiger Woods has ‘eliminated sex’ in preparation for the 2024 Masters
Two star names reportedly blanked Jon Rahm all week at the Masters
2-time major champ announces shock retirement from the sport at age of 33
Report: LIV Golf identifies latest star name they hope to sign to breakaway tour
Richy Werenski WITB 2024 (May)
Richy Werenski what’s in the bag accurate as of the CJ Cup Houston Open. Driver: Titleist TSR3 (10 degrees, D1...
Wesley Bryan WITB 2024 (May)
Wesley Bryan what’s in the bag accurate as of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson. Driver: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple...
Adam Scott WITB 2024 (May)
Adam Scott what’s in the bag accurate as of the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson. Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 (10.5 degrees)...
Pierceson Coody WITB 2024 (April)
Driver: TaylorMade Qi 10 (9 degrees) Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K White 70 TX 3-wood: TaylorMade Qi 10 Tour (15 degrees)...
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Joe
Aug 13, 2015 at 11:09 am
In stiff PING says the Nippon Modus 105 actually weighs 100g, cut. The CFS weighs 110g, cut.
Mat
Aug 3, 2015 at 10:35 am
I could imagine the 105’s in some S55s would be rather enjoyable…
Dave
Aug 2, 2015 at 8:40 am
Just got fitted for Ping new I release. It came down to the Modus 105 or the True Temper Project X 95. It was so close. I was within 0.5% on ball speed, swing speed, smash factor, launch angle and average carry was identical. TT had a bit higher average spin for me 5357 vs. 5296 and total carry with a 7i was 172 with TT versus 167. I went with the TT based purely off of comfort and feel since they were so close. But these were very consistent shafts and if I have any second thoughts, I will move to these.
Mark
Aug 2, 2015 at 5:34 am
Our assistant has these in his AP2s. Very smooth to the point of feeling “soggy”. No discernable
difference in performance considering the upcharge.
Mats B
Aug 1, 2015 at 3:47 pm
Nippon rules! Smoothest iron shaft in the current market, with tight dispersion and great trajectory and spin. I play Modus3 120 Stiff in my forged Mizuno 850s and in my 50 deg. Titleist SM5 Gap Wedge. Thinking of changing my 54 and 58 deg SM5 Wedges to Nippon Wedge shaft as well. It may well happen, before the grooves are worn out. 🙂
Joe
Aug 1, 2015 at 3:34 pm
Ping calls the 105 a high launch shaft in their media. Yet in this article it’s called mid. Which is true? How does it compare to the CFS which PING calls “mid”. Thank you.
Mats B
Aug 1, 2015 at 3:51 pm
CFS:s can’t compete, if you ask me, I’ve tried them both in I25:s and S55:s. Doesn’t provide the same smooth feel and dispersion is not keeping up. At least not with my swing speed and the way I load the shaft…..F.Y.I I’m a swinger not a hitter.
KK
Aug 1, 2015 at 7:52 pm
I’m guessing it’s mid in X, high in R and maybe S. I think steel shafts have fairly similar specs per weight class and is differentiated more on feel and individual swing/iron head. That’s compared with graphite which can vary wildly in the same weight class because of the increased engineering potential of composites. You may draw your own conclusions based on the raw weight of CFS but of course, in-person demo is the way to go.
Joe
Aug 2, 2015 at 12:36 am
They just seem so similar spec-wise. Within a few grams. CFS vs MODUS 105. Hmmm
Mats B
Aug 2, 2015 at 1:38 am
Ask your fitter to put one of each in a 6 or 7 iron and try it out, using Trackmann or Flightscope on an outdoor driving range. Compare your feel with the given data. Make sure both clubs has the exact same swing weight to start with. Otherwise you’re not comparing the shafts. If you like your current 6 or 7 iron, use the same swing weight, with the CFS and Modus 105 shaft. I agree with KK graphite has a wider range of engineering dispersion. But for steel shafts engineering possibilities has changed dramatically over the past 5 – 10 years. And steel shafts currently has an advantage over graphite in one area, it might change in the future, but that is the shaping of the profile of the shaft, which in my opinion hugely influence, what we feel as players. All options brings out both pros and cons for us amateurs, unless we decide to stick to TT Dynamic Gold. If you ask me a regular set of Nippon iron shafts are delivered with roughly the same tight tolerances as TT tour issue shafts. To me that’s a quality mark. Good Luck, for more info, check out: http://www.golfwrx.com/231525/iron-shaft-shootout-top-rated-steel-and-graphite-iron-shafts-get-put-to-the-test/
Joe
Aug 2, 2015 at 7:09 pm
I’ve played x100 for years. It was more just a curiosity question. Tnx
Mats "PUMP 2" Bergsten
Aug 4, 2015 at 4:13 am
Fair enough Joe. Coming from X100:s you’d be looking more towards Modus, 120, New 125 or 130, if you’re looking for something to compete with your X100:s. 🙂