SCHAUMBURG, Illinois (November 24, 2008) -Nippon Shaft today announced the introduction of its new WV shaft designed specifically to improve wedge play.

The WV shaft is designed to produce a slightly lower ball flight than a normal wedge shot but with more spin, according to Hiroyuki Fukuda, head of sales and marketing for Nippon Shaft USA.

"We are pleased to introduce the WV shaft, which is aimed at giving golfers increased feel, balance, stability, and control in their wedge games," Fukuda said.

The WV shafts will be available in three weights: 105, 115, or 125 grams. The WV shafts are10 to 30 grams heavier than the N.S. 950GH, Nippon Shaft's most popular sub-100 gram steel shaft for irons. Putting a relatively heavier shaft in a shorter club - sand wedge, pitching wedge, gap wedge, or lob wedge - is aimed at giving golfers more control and confidence over their shots, Fukuda said.

"Most golfers play the game using the same shaft in their pitching wedges and sand wedges as they use in the rest of their iron sets," Fukuda said. "But from 150 yards in or near the green, you don't necessarily need a lightweight shaft to increases club head speed. It's better to have a heavier shaft to enhance control and feel."

The WV shaft will be available exclusively on a custom basis through Authorized Fitting Centers -and its network of custom club makers, Fukuda said.

"Like all Nippon Shaft products, the WV is a shaft of incredible quality, uniformity, and efficiency," Fukuda said. ""It has all the hallmark attributes of a Nippon Shaft product: stability, balance, feel and control. We are confident the WV shaft will be very popular with golfers everywhere."

Nippon Shaft is the No. 1-selling steel shaft in Asia with more than 80 percent of the market and ranks No. 2 in North America. Currently, more than 100 touring professionals worldwide use Nippon Shaft products, resulting in more than 50 victories in the last three years, Fukuda said.

Nippon Shaft is a subsidiary of privately held NHK, a Japanese automobile parts manufacturer based in Yokohama, Japan. Return to Nippon Shafts>>