Nippon Shaft Swing Speed Chart – [Guide To Choose The Right Flex]
Used by some of the best players in the world, Nippon shafts suit numerous swing speeds and playing styles. However, choosing the right one among 36 different shafts is a big hassle. To help you with this, we’ll take a look at the Nippon shaft swing speed chart.
Generally speaking, if you have a swing speed of 72 mph or lower, you need the L flex shaft. Other common Nippon shaft flex sizes include:
- R2 flex (65 to 85 mph)
- SR flex (80 to 90 mph)
- R flex (84 to 96 mph)
- S flex (97 to 104 mph)
- X flex (above 105 mph)
Read on to explore which Nippon shaft you should choose depending on your swing speed.
Nippon Shaft Swing Speed Chart: Quick Rundown
Before we dive into the details, here’s a summary of the Nippon shafts based on the swing speed:
Swing Speed | Shaft Flex | Common Available Nippon Shaft Models |
72 mph or lower | Ladies (L) | N.S.PRO WT Elegance Driver (50.5g to 52g) |
N.S.PRO WT Elegance Iron (49.5g to 51.5g) | ||
65 to 85 mph | Regular 2 (R2) | N.S.PRO Regio Formula M (52g) |
N.S.PRO Regio Formula MB (53.5g) | ||
80 to 90 mph | Stiff Regular (SR) | N.S.PRO 950GH (97g) |
N.S.PRO 950GH Neo (97g) | ||
84 to 96 mph | Regular (R) | N.S.PRO Modus3 Tour 105 Steel (103g) |
N.S.PRO Modus3 Tour 115 Steel (117.5g) | ||
N.S.PRO Modus3 Tour120 (111g) | ||
N.S.PRO Zelos 7 (74g) | ||
N.S.PRO Zelos 8 (84g) | ||
Above 105 mph | Extra Stiff (X), Tour X | N.S.PRO Modus3 Hybrid (101g to 112g) |
N.S.PRO Modus3 Tour105 Steel (112g) | ||
N.S.PRO Modus3 Tour115 Steel (119.5g) | ||
N.S.PRO Modus3 Tour120 (120g to 126g) | ||
N.S.PRO Modus3 Tour125 (129.5g) |
Which Nippon Shaft Should You Choose for Your Swing Speed?
While most brands manufacture 4 to 5 flex sizes, Nippon has 6 sizes to meet more diverse needs. Now, we’ll take a deeper look at the different flex sizes available for Nippon shafts.
You’ll learn what flex is suitable for which level of player. Keep in mind that the swing speed here is for your drivers, not for the irons or wedges. Here are the details:
L Flex, Swing Speed 72 MPH, Or Lower
For most golf shafts, L flex is typically the lightest and most flexible option available. Here, the L stands for ‘Ladies,’ but this doesn’t necessarily mean all female players will be comfortable with it.
That’s why you need to consider your swing speed to decide whether it’s flexible or stiff enough for you. Go for the L shaft if your swing speed is 72 mph (miles per hour) or below.
Nippon L flex shafts are available for only the N.S.PRO WT Elegance Driver and N.S.PRO WT Elegance Iron weighing from 49.5g to 52g.
R2 Flex, Swing Speed 65 to 85 MPH
When compared to the standard flex sizes, the R2 or Regular 2 shafts are more similar to the Amateur/Senior shafts. The R2 flex is a good option for senior golfers, lady golfers, and golfers who are just starting.
It’s designed for golfers with swing speeds between 65 and 85 mph. N.S.PRO Regio Formula M (52g) and N.S.PRO Regio Formula MB (53.5g) are the two models that come in R2 sizes.
SR Flex, Swing Speed 80 to 90 MPH
With a mid-stiff flex profile, the SR or Stiff Regular flex is slightly stiffer than a regular flex but not as stiff as a stiff flex. It’s a good choice for golfers with swing speeds between 80 and 90 mph.
This flex profile allows golfers to generate more power and control their shots. The N.S.PRO 950GH (97g) and N.S.PRO 950GH Neo (97g) are two great examples of the SR flex.
R Flex, Swing Speed 84 to 96 MPH
This one is probably the most widespread shaft flex, which suits the speed and style of most golfers. The R or Regular Flex is for golfers with a moderate swing speed of 84 to 96 mph.
Nippon produces R flex shafts of many different weights, starting with the lightweight N.S.PRO Zelos 6 (68.5g). There are also heavier ones, such as the S.PRO Modus3 Tour125 (127.5g), N.S.PRO Modus3 Tour130 (121g), and N.S.PRO 1050GH (106g).
Generally, the lighter shafts are for mid-level golfers with slower swing speeds. More professional golfers with higher swing speeds should choose a heavier shaft instead.
S Flex, Swing Speed 97 to 104 MPH
For any standard golf shaft, including Nippon, the S Flex refers to a Stiff Flex, which is suitable for faster swing speeds. Golfers who have a swing speed typically above 97 to 104 mph should use the S Flex shaft.
As the S flex shafts are less flexible than regular or senior flex options, they provide more control and accuracy. The regular S flex Nippon shafts like the N.S.PRO Modus 3 Hybrid (91g), N.S.PRO 750GH (83g), and N.S.PRO Zelos 7 (77.5g) are lightweight.
However, the Tour S Flex shafts, including the N.S.PRO Modus 3 Tour 125 (128.5g) and N.S.PRO Modus 3 Tour 130 (124g) are on the heavier side.
X Flex, Swing Speed Above 105 MPH
The X or Extra Stiff flex is the stiffest flex option available for Nippon golf club shafts. Extra stiff shafts are designed for golfers with an extremely fast swing speed, often exceeding 105 mph.
Usually, professional golfers and very skilled players prefer the X flex shafts. Some top examples include the N.S.PRO Modus 3 Hybrid (101g to 112g), N.S.PRO Modus 3 Tour 105 Steel (112g), and N.S.PRO 950GH Neo (104g).
FAQ about Nippon Shaft Swing Speed Chart
Now it’s time to address some common queries you might have regarding choosing the right Nippon shaft. Here’s what more you need to know about:
Q. How is shaft swing speed measured?
To accurately measure your swing speed, you’ll need a launch monitor or a device called a radar-based swing speed sensor. These devices use Doppler radar technology to track the speed of the clubhead.
For a rough measurement, you can measure the carry distance for a particular iron and calculate the speed accordingly.
Q. How do I know what shaft flex is right for me?
Choose the right shaft for you based on your swing speed, carry distance, experience, and swing tempo. Beginners with a slow swing speed, 200-240 yards carry distance, and average tempo should pick a Senior/Amateur or Regular flex.
More experienced players with high swing speed, 250+ yards carry distance, and aggressive tempo prefer stiff or extra stiff flex.