50 Words or Less
The Nippon Zelos 6 shaft has a smooth, explosive feel. Extremely light weight helps produce more distance. Very consistent.
Introduction
Most people think that you need to switch to graphite shafts to drop weight. That’s not the case. Thanks to Nippon’s Zelos line, you can stick with the consistency of steel and still drop grams. The new Zelos 6 pushes that concept to all new lows.
Feel
I don’t know that I’ve ever used the word “explosive” to describe the feel of a steel shaft before, but I will now. The Nippon Zelos 6 loads effortlessly and explodes into the back of the ball producing a powerful impact. There’s no steel shaft that I’ve ever swung that feels smoother, and I’d go so far as to say it’s smoother than many graphite shafts I’ve tried.
Check out the slightly heavier Nippon Zelos 7 HERE
Performance
The primary selling point of the Zelos 6 is the weight. At 68.5 grams uncut, it’s the lightest steel shaft ever. That makes it a perfect choice for players who need (or want) to generate more speed with less effort. The extra speed helped me find 8 more yards of carry with my 6I.
What was surprising was that my launch angle remained nearly identical compared to my gamers. My spin went up about 10% – not a bad thing for me – but the trajectory was still strong. Moreover, the results were consistent in launch, spin, and direction, shot after shot.
Finally, switching to the Zelos 6 is also a good way to avoid fatigue. I put the Zelos 6 through a normal testing session and felt like I hadn’t done any work at all. Typically I’m ready to head to the 19th hole after a full session on the launch monitor. With the Zelos 6, I feel like I could play 36 or even 54.
Conclusion
When the Nippon Zelos 6 arrived, I expected it to be a strong performer, but I didn’t think it would have any influence on my personal equipment choices. Now I’m not so sure. I’ve dropped a little weight in my iron shafts, but this has me thinking I could go even farther. The gains in speed were so effortless that I would recommend the Zelos 6 to a much larger audience than I would have expected.
He founded Plugged In Golf in 2013 with the goal of helping all golfers play better and enjoy the game more.
Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.
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29 Comments
Considering the lighter weight and thinner walls of the shaft, did you play a stiffer flex shaft than usual?
Did you find that the shaft played softer than a heavier weight counterpart of similar flex?
Joe,
The Zelos 6 is only available in one flex, and it’s not labeled as to what flex that is, so going up a flex wasn’t an option nor is comparing it other shafts. What I can tell you is that it’s very light and very lively, but still felt consistent, even for my 90 MPH 6I swing.
Best,
Matt
I’m super intrigued Matt!! What “flex” would these be considered? Great review as always.
TJ,
The Zelos 6 is actually available in just one flex. Nippon has said it’s geared toward a slower swinger, so I would guess it measures out to a regular.
Best,
Matt
Going to test this asap. Thank you!
would you recommend these in wedges (48,54,58) as well?
Philip,
If they fit your irons well, they’re certainly worth trying in your wedges.
Best,
Matt
Only one flex is available, then what’s the torque and kick point? Thanks.
Would you recommend this shaft even for a golfer that has a swing speed of 80-85mph given the manufacturer’s target of 75mph pr lower swingers? I want a light shaft but prefer the control/feel of steel ones.
Jason,
I would certainly recommend that anyone looking to go light test this out.
Best,
Matt
I have some Ben Hogan apex and they are like new! They are really nice clubs but they are a stiff shaft. besides getting in the back yard or going to the driving range I am a weekend golfer. So I was going to put these zelos 6 shafts in them. What is your personal opinion? is it a waste of money should I look for a cheaper shaft? I am looking at 300.00 for shafts and grips.
Kurt,
If you know that the Zelos 6 will perform better for you, and you enjoy the heads, that seems like a very reasonable way to go.
Best,
Matt
Great review Matt. With your speed was the dispersion similar to your gamers? Seems like they have a larger potential user base than under ~165 yd driver distance as they state..
Ed,
My dispersion was good during testing, similar to what I see with my gamers. I do think that more people could play these than the group that Nippon notes.
Best,
Matt
Nice review Matt. I’ve just changed my shaft to zelos 6, however my distance dropped significantly and the ball went higher than usual. And i always slice the ball. Im a graphite user before this, wanted to change to steel but maintain the same weight. Any advice?
Zhaf,
Were you fitted for the Zelos? If so, what results did you see in the fitting?
-Matt
Matt,
Currently play 714 AP1. A flex. Was in rehab from military injuries. Back in gym and practice more since retirement. Looking to upgrade clubs to something more recent. P790, JPX 919/921, Mavrik, or cobra Speedzone. I want to go back to 4 iron Vice hybrid, possibly 3 iron. Feel I am not going after the ball enough on certain swings with the hybrids. Or get them caught in rough Vice an iron. But know I would still need a shaft like this. Doing research not many OEMs are offering it in their lines. Instead of just order the heads. And shafts separate then get them installed locally. Do you know what OEM will offer zelos 6 and when ?
Josh,
I do not have any information about who will be offering the Zelos 6 or when.
Best,
Matt
Would like info for women good club player shoot in 80s want light weight shaft for more speed but do not know about flex if it would be too stiff in a reg or do they have design for more flex want steel for feel etc
Row,
The best advice I can give you is to get a fitting. No one can credibly tell you what shaft will fit you over the internet.
-Matt
Hi guys/ladies. I just came out of my second fitting session to get new irons, and settled on the Zelos 6 shaft in TM SIM2 MAX irons. Over two hours of swinging TM, Callaway and Ping irons with various shafts, these shafts won out in ball height, distance and accuracy/dispersion. As the review says, the shaft seems whippy when you waggle the club. I asked the fitter about that, and he said not to worry. I believe him as in actually swinging, that goes away – I was getting height, distance and accuracy. I swing quite slow with my irons – about 80MPH – but at the same time swing 100MPH with the driver and can get off the tee easily 240 to 270 yards, and can hit a 3 wood 220 to 240 off the tee. With irons I’m deliberate, I guess. Don’t be afraid of these shafts. Try them out. Buy from a fitter who’ll let you come back and switch out (for cost, of course) if they don’t work. But I was carrying my 7 iron 155 and rolling to 170 or so, so have strong expectations on the course when I get there. Good Golfing Everyone. – Rob
Hello I recently got taylormade sim 2 iron and they came with nippon zeros 6. my driver speed is 95 and I hit my 8, 150 yards im confused these are marked s but are bendy…??
Joseph,
What are you confused about?
-Matt
Dear~
how to trim Nippon N.S. PRO ZELOS 6 shaft?
( tip or butt)
thank you~
Philip,
I recommend using a chop saw with a cut off wheel to cut shafts.
-Matt
Hi Matt,
Love your podcast, and separately I have a question about the Zelos 6. I usually play the Tensei av red am2 in regular flex for my Titleist t200 irons. Would the Zelos 6 be a good comparable steel shaft? Context, looking to shaft some fun Hogan apex 1999 heads that I have, currently my gamers are ‘23 T200 in the Tensei red shafts.
Ben,
My best advice is always to get fit. The Zelos is light and has an active profile, but that same description could be used on a shaft that you love and another that you hate.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt
I’m currently playing the Mizuno JPX 923 Forged Irons and looking to re-shaft. They currently have the Recoil 760’s, not the ESX version. I’m torn between the Zelos 6 & 7 and hope you can help?
I hit them “ok” but I just don’t feel any “kick” and love to hit the ball high and am hoping that the Zelos will help with both?
Being honest here: these are my current distances:
PW: 115
9: 125
8: 135
7: 145-150
6: 160-165
5: 170ish
Everyone tells me that I have a “smooth-swing” even though I feel like I’m going after it. I hope all this helps?
My question is the following:
Will the tip-size work in my Mizuno’s, and based on your expertise, would you recommend the Zelos 6 or Zelos 7, based on the above?
Thanks in advance,
Carl
Carl,
I appreciate your confidence in me, but I don’t fit over the internet. I do think that the Zelos shafts will give you more of the feel that you’re looking for and, at least on paper, should provide a higher ball flight. Between the 6 and 7, it’s a matter of feel and what works best with your swing. There is no substitute for trying them yourself in a fitting.
The Zelos will fit in your Mizunos.
Best,
Matt