Nippon N.S.Pro Regio Formula MB+ Shaft
Nippon has long been known for making some of the best feeling and performing steel shafts on the market. A handful of years ago, they introduced their first line of graphite shafts for woods based on many of the desirable traits in their steel shafts. The idea was if you played one of their steel shafts, you would be able to seamlessly transition to one of their graphite shafts in your woods. Fast forward and their graphite line has extended and evolved resulting in shafts like the Regio Formula MB+. This shaft is designed to mimic the mid launch/spin characteristics and smooth profiles of the Modus Tour 105 and 125 steel shafts.
The Looks
The Nippon Regio Formula MB+ shaft combines T1100G with carbon fibers called 7-axis and 9-axis throughout the whole shaft. I have no idea what that ACTUALLY would look like, but something about the iridescent whisps throughout the black base feels like you’re seeing the different fibers woven into the shaft. I’m well aware that the combined fibers wouldn’t really look like that, but it captures the vibe in my opinion. The yellow and orange graphics behind the branding remind me of a burst of volcanic lava. Overall, the Regio Formula MB+ is a sharp looking golf shaft without being too wild.
How Does it Feel?
As mentioned in the introduction, Nippon designed the Regio Formula MB+ to be the perfect match with the Modus 105 and 125 steel shafts. Now, it’s been awhile since I’ve hit either of those shafts, but I vividly remember them being extremely smooth, yet tight, and fairly easy to launch. That tight feeling I mentioned made both of those shafts feel more controlled to help keep the ball from launching too high.
The Regio Formula MB+ graphite shaft feels very similar. It’s very smooth, launch friendly, but has a tight and firm feel that keeps the shaft under control. Nippon achieved this by making the tip and upper sections stiffer which prevents “slack” in the shaft. What this means is that the shaft is more rigid in the tip and upper sections. Even though it feels smooth, you still have confidence to swing away at full speed.
On-Course Performance
| Club Speed | Ball Speed | Launch Angle | Spin | Carry (Yds) | Total (Yds) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 114.9 | 171.2 | 10.8º | 2392 | 283.6 | 311.2 |
Though the Nippon N.S.Pro Regio Formula MB+ is designed to be more on the mid launch and spin side, I actually saw a little lower in those areas than expected. And I certainly didn’t mind it at all. As you can see, at a 10.8º launch angle at my average speed, the carry was perfectly fine for me. My spin stayed about as low as I typically get before I start considering it mid spin. It was enough to keep my ball in the air, but low enough that I still got a lot of roll.
The aforementioned T1100G, 7-axis, and 9-axis materials also make the shaft more stable. This means it twists less and are “torsionally rigid”. Throughout a golf swing, the round shaft naturally wants to take a more ovular shape when under the stress of the swing. Using this combination of materials throughout the length of the shaft reduces the amount of change in shape. It also helps it return back to shape for the bit that it does change. This is one of those things I can’t scientifically prove, but I can say that I felt the Regio Formula MB+ was easy to control and had good stability.
Final Thoughts – Nippon N.S.Pro Regio Formula MB+
There’s no question in my mind that big Nippon fans will love this N.S.Pro Regio Formula MB+ shaft. If you have familiarity with the feel of Nippon shafts, you’ll definitely feel the relationship to the steel shafts. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not totally one to one, but they are definitely from the same DNA. Either way, the Regio Formula MB+ is a nice mid launch/mid spin shaft that’s user friendly with its smooth and firm feel.
