Nakashima NP-1 Driver Review

Nakashima NP-1
Nakashima NP-1 Titanium driver 380cc model, 9.5° loft, 45" length, with Graphite Design YS-6 graphite shaft in stiff flex and Nakashima Crossline grip; Nakashima NP-1 Titanium driver 420cc model, 10° loft, 45" length, with Nakashima NP-65 Tour graphite shaft in regular flex and Nakashima Tour Harmony Winn grip.

Manufacturer's Description
The Nakashima NP-1 Titanium driver from Nakashima Golf features a 2-piece pull-face design construction in which the body is vacuum casted from a super high-grade titanium alloy, to minimize welding. This process avoids energy loss at impact, creating maximum power transfer. The loft on every driver is CNC milled after precise measurement after production providing a very tight tolerance. The head features Nakashima’s proprietary super micro grain forged titanium face technology that conforms to the USGA maximum COR of .830. Available in two models 420cc (lofts - 8°,9°,10°,12°) and 380cc (lofts – 8.5°,9.5°,10.5°). The driver comes standard with Nakashima’s NP-65 Tour shaft and Nakashima’s Tour Harmony Winn grip. Custom shafts are available. Suggested retail price is $399 each. The NP-1 Titanium drivers are only available through authorized Nakashima dealers.

Information:
Test Location:	Course, Driving Range
Reviewer 1 Info:	5'10" 155 lbs, Age 38, Handicap 1
Comparison Driver/Ball Used:	Titleist Titanium 983K 9.5°/ Precept U-Tri Tour

Reviewer 2 Info:	5'8" 155 lbs, Age 40, Handicap 8
Comparison Driver/Ball Used:	Titleist 975 LFE 9.5°/Nike TA2\|LNG

Reviewer 3 Info:	5’9" 245 lbs, Age 33, Handicap 8
Comparison Driver/Ball Used:	SMT Nemisis/SMT O2/Titleist Pro V1

Nakashima NP-1 Driver Review:

Accuracy	Less-Avg-More
We found the NP-1 drivers to be more accurate than our current drivers. Both the 420cc and 380cc models were easy to align and want to go straight. The stated face angles on both drivers is 0.5° closed, but we found the 380cc model to set dead square while the 420cc model appeared to be slightly closed. Reviewers particularly heaped praise on the 3800cc model for its ability to find the center of the fairway. Even on less than perfect swings the ball tended to stay close to the target line.

Distance	Short-Avg-Long
Both the 420cc and 380cc NP-1 drivers produced above average distance. The golf ball tended to explode off the face and seemed to release more in the fairway with ample roll. Since the drivers are sold only though authorized Nakashima clubfitters, each driver shaft was well suited for our game and resulted in near optimal performance. This is a definite advantage to Nakashima’s approach.

Trajectory	Low-Avg-High
The trajectory of the 380cc model was slightly higher than our comparison drivers with comparable lofts. The trajectory of the 380cc model was described by one evaluator as "perfect – a nice boring trajectory but with enough height to maximize carry". We did not experience any ballooning with either driver. The 420cc model provided a higher launch while the 380cc model offered a more penetrating trajectory.

Feel	Less-Avg-More
Both drivers provide a very solid feel at impact. The sound associated with these drivers is distinct and not as high pitched as many drivers currently on the market. The best way to describe this feel is SOLID.

Forgiveness	Less-Avg-More
The NP-1 drivers were found to be very forgiving. Off-center hits produced minimal distance loss, particularly with the 420cc model. We found the 420cc model to be more forgiving than the 380cc model.

Looks
The NP-1 drivers have a classic pear profile with deep face and rich midnight black finish topped off with a raised logo "N" on the crown as the alignment aid. The finish is of high quality and as good as any manufacturer on the market. The traditional shape makes these drivers look smaller than they actually are.
Summary: The NP-1 driver from Nakashima Golf receives high marks for accuracy, looks, and forgiveness. We also like the above average distance from this driver. We feel that between the two models, Nakashima has a line of drivers that will appeal to golfers of all abilities. We recommend the 420cc model for golfers looking for a more forgiving and higher launching driver and the 380cc model for golfers looking for accuracy and workability. Two of our reviewers have already added a Nakashima driver to their bag. The suggested retail price of $399 each for a non-major manufacturer brand may turn some people off but we found the Nakashima quality combined with a premium custom-fitted shaft by an authorized clubfitter to be worth every penny. The bottom line is that they offer a high quality alternative to today’s major manufacturer offering with real performance and outstanding looks. Additional information on the complete lineup from Nakashima Golf can be found on their web page at http://www.nakashimagolf.com.

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Additional information on
our review methods can
be found here.

Nakashima 380cc			Nakashima 420cc