The company that quietly revolutionized the golf equipment industry by perfecting the first sub-100 gram constant-weight steel shaft, will release the world’s lightest constant-weight steel shaft on April 1, 2014 in Australia, Europe and the USA.

“The N.S. PRO ZELOS 7 is a 100 percent-steel shaft, but it is designed to mirror the best qualities of graphite shafts,” said Hiro Fukuda, sales and marketing for the global company. “Nippon Shaft is very proud of our engineering and design staff, which set out to make the ZELOS 7 in order to help make the game of golf more enjoyable for as many people as possible.”

The ZELOS 7 is aimed at golfers whose 7-iron swing speeds measure 75 miles-an-hour or less, estimated to be 80 percent of the world’s golfers, including some pros. The shafts will be available in 3-iron through wedge, measuring 38.5-35.0 inches in length and featuring a low kick point. The regular flex shaft weighs 74 grams while the stiff flex weighs 76 grams. Constant weighting means each iron will weigh the same regardless of its length. The ZELOS 7 shaft will be softer than a graphite shaft from the tip to the butt end of the club.

“The ZELOS 7 is a shaft that’s going to fit a lot of players,” Fukuda said. “For golfers who currently play graphite shafts and who would prefer steel, the ZELOS 7 will be a perfect alternative. The ZELOS 7 also is for players who already have switched to graphite but would like to return to steel without giving up the light weight and the full flexing advantages of graphite. We are proud to announce the first professional win with the ZELOS7 by a former graphite shaft user at the first event on the 2014 Japan LPGA tour, Daikin Orchid Ladies.”

Nippon Shaft has a rich history when it comes to designing and producing lightweight steel shafts. In 1999, the company introduced the 95-gram N.S. PRO 950GH shaft, which became the first sub-100 grams constant weight steel shaft and one of the most popular shafts in the world.

In addition to its success with average golfers, the 950GH was and is one of the most popular shafts on the LPGA Tour, where it has been the shaft of choices for hundreds of winners on the world’s most prestigious women’s pro tour.

In recent years, Nippon Shaft has successfully expanded its product line to include shafts designed for PGA TOUR professionals and low-handicap amateurs.

Since 2012, Nippon Shaft recorded more than 50 victories on professional golf tours worldwide, as the best players in the world increasingly chose to install in their irons steel shafts manufactured in Japan to unparalleled quality standards.

Nippon Shaft manufactures all of its steel and graphite shafts in a state-of-the-art factory in Komagane, Japan. The company’s integrated production lines are strictly monitored and controlled with thorough checks conducted responsibly through the entire production process. As a result, Nippon Shaft is able to control high product quality – from material selection to final testing.

Nippon Shaft has more than 100 professional victories worldwide. 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.

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 clubfitter network. Details of these can be found at www.nipponshaft.com