Reader Review – Nippon Modus Hybrid HL Shaft

Reader Review #2

Name: Jonathan Rivers

Handicap: 6.4

Hybrid: Taylor Made QI10 Tour

Previous Hybrid Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei 1k Black 85, Stiff

How did the Nippon Modus Hybrid HL feel? As a 50 year old golfer who was one of the last humans on earth to remove the steel shaft from his woods, the technology behind the N.S. Pro Modus Hybrid HL G.O.S.T. (Graphite On Steel Technology) shaft appeals to me. At the risk of sounding cliche, this shaft seems to deliver the stability of steel while providing some of the feel and weight saving benefits of graphite. I was surprised at how stable this shaft felt throughout my at times overly aggressive swing and was impressed by the forgiveness and consistency this shaft provided.

Did you gain distance with the Nippon Modus Hybrid HL shaft? Yes, after multiple sessions on a range with Toptracer Technology, there was an increase in both ball speed and carry which resulted in about five to seven yards gained. I feel this gain was due to both the improved launch and my comfort with the flow of this shaft which resulted in better ball striking.

Have you gained accuracy with the Nippon Modus Hybrid HL shaft? No, there was not much difference in dispersion between the Modus Hybrid HL and my gamer. I don’t find this result too shocking as I was fitted into the Tensei 1k black due to this shafts ability to tighten my dispersion.

Has your ball flight changed with the Nippon Modus Hybrid HL shaft? I found the Modus Hybrid HL shaft easy to launch which resulted in a higher average apex height than my gamer. I was able to work the ball in both directions on demand and felt my ball flight accurately reflected the quality of the swing I delivered.

Additional notes: In testing this shaft I was able to get in multiple range sessions and two full rounds of 18 holes. I had the opportunity to use this new shaft off the tee and turf and walked away pleased with the performance. The Modus Hybrid HL is a smooth flowing shaft that made my gamer feel boardy in comparison. While the shafts in my bag are focused on providing stability for my swing I have always struggled to launch my hybrid and have recently leaned towards a 7 wood. I believe the higher ball flight of the Modus Hybrid HL will allow me to put the hybrid back in my bag and utilize the versatility this club offers.

Will the Nippon Modus Hybrid HL be your new gamer? I think so , but more testing is needed.  I can not fully commit to the Modus Hybrid HL without a proper fitting but I am really intrigued by the G.O.S.T technology. I enjoyed how smooth and reactive this shaft was and the ease with which the Modus hybrid HL launched the golf ball. Given that this shaft performed the same or better than my gamer, in this casual comparison, I will quickly be booking a time with a fitter to dial in a Modus G.O.S.T. shaft for my hybrid.