SCHAUMBURG, Illinois (Oct. 22, 2007) – Nippon Shaft, the world’s second-largest manufacturer of steel shafts, has been selected by Cobra Golf to supply stock lightweight steel shaft’s for the company’s new King Cobra UFi irons, it was announced today.
"Nippon Shaft is extremely proud to have been selected as the stock steel shaft provider for the King Cobra UFi irons," said Hiroyuki Fukuda, manager of sales and marketing for Japan-based Nippon Shaft. "Nippon Shaft appreciates the strong, ongoing partnership we have with Cobra Golf and its parent company, Acushnet, which are known for their demanding quality standards."
The release of the UFi irons marks the third generation of the highly successful partnership between Cobra and Nippon Shaft, a relationship that began in 2005.
The King Cobra UFi irons will be outfitted with Nippon Shaft’s N.S. Pro 900XH, which weighs a mere 90 grams. Though 35 grams lighter than the standard 125-gram steel shaft, the N.S. Pro 900XH provides the stability and consistency normally found in heavier shafts; yet its lightweight qualities enable golfers to increase their swing speeds, helping them add distance and reduce stress on the body.
"In developing the UFi irons, the objective of the Cobra iron research and design team was to utilize advanced technology and design to achieve the highest level of playability at any cost," said Jeff Harmet, president of Cobra Golf and Titliest Cubs.
"The Nippon Shaft N.S. Pro 900XH shaft is a light weight premium shaft that offers an outstanding blend of feel and accuracy," Harmet continued.
The UFi stands for Ultimate Forgiveness irons.
"The UFi is the most technologically advanced iron Cobra has ever developed," said Scott Rice, Cobra’s director of research and development.
Nippon Shaft has been providing lightweight steel shafts to Acushnet brands, including Titleist, since 1995, Fukuda said. The N.S. Pro 100 is the stock steel shaft in Titleist’s 775-CB iron and the N.S. Pro 970 is a popular custom option for all Titleist irons and hybrids. In addition, Nippon Shaft long has provided the stock steel shaft for Titleist’s iconic Bullseye putter.
Nippon Shaft is the No. 1 selling steel shaft in Asia with more than 80 percent of the market. The company ranks No. 2 in the North American market. Currently, more than 100 touring professionals use Nippon Shaft products in their clubs, Fukuda said. All shafts sold by Nippon Shaft are made in Japan in order to maintain the highest quality labor and technical expertise.
Nippon Shaft’s major breakthrough in North America came in the year 2000 with the introduction of the N.S. Pro 950GH, the world’s first consistently manufactured sub-100 gram steel shaft. The N.S. Pro 950GH was the first "constant weighted" shaft in the industry, meaning that all clubs, 3 through pitching wedge, weigh the same despite their different lengths.
Nippon Shaft is a subsidiary of privately-held NHK, a Japanese automobile parts manufacturer based in Yokohama, Japan. Nippon Shaft’s North American headquarters is in Schaumburg, Illinois.
Contact:
Barry Cronin
Cronin Communications, Inc.
847-698-1801 (office)
847-867-3032 (mobile)
bcronin@cronincommunications.com