Nakashima NP-1 Driver Review

A relatively new player has emerged on the golf club scene. Since its big launch in 2004, Nakashima has been making waves among golfers around the world. Their unique approach to selling golf clubs along with cutting edge technology and classic designs has made them a rapidly growing manufacturer.   John Nakashima, President has shunned …

A relatively new player has emerged on the golf club scene. Since its big launch in 2004, Nakashima has been making waves among golfers around the world. Their unique approach to selling golf clubs along with cutting edge technology and classic designs has made them a rapidly growing manufacturer.

 

John Nakashima, President has shunned the traditional mass-production approach to making golf clubs. Quality craftsmanship is stressed in all Nakashima golf clubs ensuring performance and great looking clubs. As well, all Nakashima dealers are authorized Master Clubmakers who ensure that all of their clubs are fit properly.

 

The NP-1 line of drivers introduced in 2004 exudes all of the qualities that Nakashima stresses in their golf clubs. It is a very clean looking golf club with a deep face and a classic pear-shape. The glossy black finish is simple and classy. The NP-1 is a two piece driver consisting of a titanium body and a Super Micro Grain forged titanium face. The use of only two pieces as opposed to three or four means more energy is transferred into the golf ball at impact. Because of their custom-fitting approach the NP-1 is available in almost any shaft imaginable. It also comes in four different head sizes ranging from 380 to 460 cc’s so there is something for everyone.

 

As well as being one of the nicest looking drivers on the market, the NP-1 performs. It is long off the tee and the larger of the four models, 442 and 460 cc, are extremely forgiving. Despite it’s classic looks the feel is somewhat surprising. The feel and sound at impact are alot tinnier than one would expect from the club and not very solid. The other downside is a limited distributorship. Because Nakashima only deals through authorized club builders you might have to search a little harder to find these clubs. Once you do find them though, I’m sure you’ll agree that it was worth the effort.

 

Overall Rating – 80%

 

Target Handicap: Anybody – depending on head size

 

Ball Flight: mid to mid-high in the larger heads

 

Lofts: range from 8.5 to 15.5 depending on the head

 

Shafts: custom