CARLSBAD, Calif. – It was 20 years ago that Nippon Shaft introduced the world’s first sub-100-gram constant-weight steel shafts, the N.S. PRO 950GH, which went on to become the best-selling and most successful steel irons shaft in tour history.

Now, to celebrate the occasion, the company has introduced the 950GH neo, which updates features of its predecessor and commemorates the 950GH’s historic place in the industry.

In 1999, the 950GH revolutionized the shaft segment of the golf equipment business, which had not been able to create and manufacture to stringent standards a shaft weighing under 100 grams. Nippon Shaft finally did. The result? The 950GH became the industry’s best seller with 40 million units sold worldwide and a shaft that touring professionals worldwide relied on to help them win more that 200 tournaments. Moreover, the N.S. PRO 950GH became the much-imitated industry benchmark for lightweight steel shafts.

An extension of the 950GH, the N.S. PRO 950GH neo features a:

• Slightly firmer Tip Section, which creates a slight spin increase and a 1-2 degree higher launch of mid/high trajectory;
• Firmer Mid Section, which stabilizes newer clubheads throughout the swing
• Softer Grip Section: Smaller .600” diameter (from .610”) aimed at enhancing “NS” feel.

“Nippon Shaft is proud to introduce the N.S. PRO 950GH neo, which we believe will serve golfers with its enhanced attributes and improve performance and feel,” said Hiro Fukuda, marketing and sales for Nippon Shaft.

The 950GH neo will be released at retail on September 5 and is anticipated to retail for $35 per shaft, company officials said.

Nippon Shaft products are available globally either as stock or custom shafts in many of the world’s top iron brands. In addition, Nippon Shaft products are available through Nippon Shaft’s dedicated global club fitter network. Details of these can be found at www.nipponshaft.com

Based in Yokohama, Japan, Nippon Shaft is the No. 1-selling steel shaft in Asia. Nippon Shaft is a privately-held subsidiary of NHK Spring Co. LTD, a Japanese automobile parts manufacturer. Nippon Shaft’s North American headquarters is in Carlsbad.