What is the difference between graphite irons and steel irons. They basically make the dynamic gold steel wood shaft still, but youre unlikely to find a hosel that fits it unless youre lucky. Some players get good control and distance when they use this club. Graphite shafts are less rigid than steel shafts and tend to have more whip and flexibility. Looking to go to steel shaft for driver golf talk the. When buying a new golf club, it can be confusing when it comes down to selecting between a steel and a graphite club. On the contrary, the graphite material weighs less then steel, allowing your swing speed to increase by 23 mph. While sets of steel shafts are still commonplace in the bags of amateur golfers, many of them would actually improve their iron play if. Golf driver shafts steel or graphite askgolfguru, mark crossfield answers more question and talks about golf shafts in your driver.
This is particularly beneficial to players with slow swing tempos. Stepping adjusts a club 12 flex, so combining a 3iron shaft with a 4iron clubhead, for example. Oct 30, 2018 this week i compare graphite shaft to steel shaft in irons using the titleist ap3 head, custom fit golf clubs may have a new option. Graphite or steel for your driver about once a month, i will come across a person who, for whatever reason, decides that a graphite shaft in their driver is not for them. What is a better shaft for golf clubs graphite or steel. Graphite shafts are lighter than steel shafts, resulting in an increase in swing speed and distance. Steel golf shafts are made from a carbon steel alloy and protective chrome plating is applied to prevent it from rusting. With very few exceptions, a steel shaft is going to weigh more than a graphite shaft. Id like to say that this was intentional but not really i bought my wedges seperatel. I have tried everything, listened to everyone including the teacher. Graphite shafts give off less of a vibration during ball strike which may decrease the sting felt in your hands on a misshit but for this same reason graphite may provide less feedback than steel. Selecting golf clubs steel vs graphite shaft irons golficity.
For men, the standard length of a driver with a steel shaft used to be 43. Steel vs graphite iron shafts which one is right for you. The first graphite shaft was designed by the shakespeare sporting goods co. Use it a ton of the tee, very confident with it on narrow holes. Driver dave hits a regular shafted steel driver 240 yards. Graphite hit the market as a replacement for steel in the mid1980s and it also made inroads in the shaft market, but in 2010 the shafts on most golf clubs are made of steel. By the 1920s, steel became the undisputed common material.
The additional weight tends to be a deciding factor for golfers choosing between the two types. The oversize heads 360460cc that i have tried on steel. Somehow i can see myself switching from steel to graphite in a driver more so than an iron. Because the density weight of the steel fiber is 5x that of graphite, the shaft weight can be manipulated with 15th the amount of material which helps minimize wall. The steelfiber shaft has superior hoop strength to even the steel shaft giving it better stability than the benchmark of the industry. Generally speaking, steel shafts are less expensive than graphite shafts, so the same set of clubs will cost less with steel shafts vs. The materials that go into creating steel is much cheaper. This speed could result in 510 more yards in distance, but again, this faster swing could alter your control. While steel shafts provide that crisp feel or feedback to the player. While the lessons have helped with my overall game, my driving still sucks. The other issue is that if i dont like the graphite shaft, it would be a lot harder to go back to steel just because of the different head weights as i understand it. Graphite shafts are much lighter and more expensive in comparison to steel shafts, and weigh between 50 and 85 grams. Shakespeares graphite shaft was first used in 1969. The other issue is that if i dont like the graphite shaft, it would be a lot harder to go.
Steelfiber golf shafts graphite composite aerotech. Steel shafts are much less expensive in comparison to graphite shafts. Apr 10, 2019 these sheets of graphite fiberplusbinder material are called prepreg. Shafts for golf clubs are primarily made of either steel or graphite. These sheets of graphite fiberplusbinder material are called prepreg.
The advantages of graphite shafts over steel golf monthly. In recent years, the traditional steel golf shaft has given way to graphite in metal woods, especially in drivers. This is a related question to the fitting thread but a somewhat seperate issue. What are the differences between the two types of shaft materials. Why are clubs with graphite shafts clubs longer than those.
Anyone with injuries to the upper body wrists, hands, elbows, shoulders, etc. With the pga tour season ramping back up this week, its time to take a look at some of the most popular driver shafts. Graphite, a much lighter material, is very commonly found in all drivers, fairways, and hybrids. Aug 24, 2009 you should not have to change your shaft to fix your ball striking.
Graphite is considerably more expensive than steel. What is a better shaft for golf clubs graphite or steel answers. Though this can be an advantage for a player with a wellgrooved swing, it also can exaggerate the problems of a poor swing and may affect accuracy. There is not a clearcut answer because both have advantages and disadvantages. Of course, both shafts have their advantages and disadvantages, and a lot comes down to personal preference. When a stock graphiterayon shaft spec reads 3 it might be 10.
When buying a new set of clubs, the old steel vs graphite shaft irons debate will inevitably cross your mind. Buy steel golf shafts and true temper golf shafts monark. The graphite fibers used to make the prepreg sheets can vary in strength and stiffness called the modulus of the graphite material to afford the shaft designer more creativity in the performance design of the shaft. Cleveland classic macgregor m85 copypersimmon head with dynamic gold shaft from the 197080s. Nowadays with hundreds of different shaft options available choosing the correct shaft for.
You need to be aware of the type of shaft material you are measuring with and make sure that it matches the clubs you would use when out on the course. Taking a look at popular driver shafts on the pga tour. L ladies, a senior, r regular, s stiff, and x extra stiff, least to most flexible, respectively. Mar 30, 2020 driver dave hits a regular shafted steel driver 240 yards. As a result, the lightweight shafts on graphite irons can help to create a greater swing speed for more power. Driver shaft usage on tour can be a bit unpredictable, with some players. The longer the shaft the harder to control the club and hit the ball squarely. I build my own clubs and have several drivers with both steel and graphite shafts in them. As the only material used is steel, these clubs are cheaper compared to graphite clubs. The first is to produce two different weight heads with the heavier devoted to the graphite shafts.
The distinct advantages each material offers fuels a. However, in 21st century, 45 inches drivers are considered as standard. Ive tried other shafts in graphite and steel but couldnt see my self changing any time soon. Graphite shafts are more expensive and typically add about 15 percent to 20 percent to the cost of a set. Lighter shafts produce lighter clubs with more weight concentrated in their heads for more energy transfer to the ball. Graphite shafts are lighter than steel shafts, in some cases significantly so. Dont get me started on spaghetti flexes or the price difference. When a stock graphite rayon shaft spec reads 3 it might be 10. For the past several years ive played graphite shafts in my clubs from driver through pw. Graphite shafts weigh as little as 60g, compared to 120g for standard steel shafts. Graphite shafts then became commonplace in the mid1970s, but the revolution turned out to be a fad.
Should you go with steel shafts or graphite shafts in your golf clubs. Just an average golfer giving unbiased opinions on all things. A good swing will be able to hit the ball straight whether its a steel shaft, graphite shaft, or senior shaft. And that could mean an extra 612 yards of distance with a. Testing the performance of drivers of different eras. Some say steel shafts give you more distance and enhanced ball control. That advantage disappeared as graphite technology improved. What is the difference between graphite irons and steel. We see a lot of players on the champions tour moving to steelfiber i110 shafts as a compromise from a heavier steel to a lighter, more shock. Then, he used a graphite driver and hits it about 250 because of the increased clubhead speed.
By far my most reliable and consistent drivers have the steel shafts. We usually hear that golf pros prefer steel clubs, whereas graphite clubs are more suitable for beginners, women, or players who are old and suffer from arthritis. Should you play graphite or steel shafts in your irons. Deciding whether to purchase a set of irons with steel or graphite shafts can. Steel shafts are heavier than shafts made of graphite. So the clubmakers has two options if they want the swingweight to be the same with steel or graphite shafts. Selecting golf clubs steel vs graphite shaft irons. This week i compare graphite shaft to steel shaft in irons using the titleist ap3 head, custom fit golf clubs may have a new option. Nowadays with hundreds of different shaft options available choosing. The biggest and by far most important difference between steel and graphite shafts is this. Jan 02, 2019 with the pga tour season ramping back up this week, its time to take a look at some of the most popular driver shafts.
When a steel shaft spec reads 3 of torque it might actually be 3. Some professionals have termed vibration as feedback which they need after hitting the ball to get greater control of the clubhead. Steelfiber golf shafts graphite composite aerotech golf. Golf driver shafts steel or graphite askgolfguru youtube. While tipping can finetune a graphite shaft, irons can be adjusted by stepping, which means to use a shaft meant for a clubhead one step stronger or weaker. While sets of steel shafts are still commonplace in the bags of amateur golfers, many of them would actually improve their iron play if they switched. I prefer having the graphite shaft for it as it goes quite a bit longer with it and i feel i can swing it faster as it is a longer and lighter shaft than a steel counterpart would be for the club. You are more than likely doing one of the following. I also doubt that if i went to a pro to get fitted that he would have the current line up of different shafts steel and graphite for the ap1s, so thats why i am reaching out to. Heres a quick education on flex to get you up to speed literally. They will insist that the good old steel shafts from twenty or thirty years ago were more reliable and forgiving. Graphite golf shafts can also be called a composite shaft because it made from multiple layers of carbon fiber and epoxy resin holding the layers together. I am also going back to a steel shaft on my driver. You need to be aware of the type of shaft material you are measuring with and make sure that it matches the.
A 44 driver helps golfers to achieve a distance of about 275 yards. As a result, a set of highquality graphite irons tends to cost several hundred dollars more than a set of steel shafts. But this requires two different sets of tooling plus ads. About once a month, i will come across a person who, for whatever reason, decides that a graphite shaft in their driver is not for them. Knowing whether to buy steel or graphite shafts can be confusing to both beginners and experienced players alike. The gap has closed, but the difference is still significant. Sep 10, 2012 when buying a new set of clubs, the old steel vs graphite shaft irons debate will inevitably cross your mind. So clubs that have graphite shafts will be lighter than otherwise identical clubs that have steel shafts. I have taken lessons and spent countless hours at driving ranges. Steel shafts vs graphite shafts for mid handicap golfers youtube. Even if a golfer mishits the ball, the shaft wont produce the vibration for the golfer. All the irons sets has the steel shaft and graphite shaft for each series,for exempl,the new taylormade rocketballz rbz in. I am now thinking about putting my head on an old steel shaft from an old set i have.
Most instagrammed golf courses new golf drivers for 2020. Since a heavier shaft will take more effort to swing through the hitting area, most golfers will notice an increase in swing speed as they move into lighter and lighter shafts. Note the lightest steel shafts weigh less than the heaviest graphite shafts, but generally speaking, graphite is usually the lighter option by a significant amount. Two years ago i got a professional fitting and went from stiff steel to an a flex graphite shaft. I want to thank you guys for the great deal on the club i. Make monark golf your onestop shop for steel golf shafts and your golf clubmaking needs. This produces higher swing speeds and greater distance. In the 21st century, all drivers and fairway woods utilize some sort of composite graphite shafts. Graphite vs steel shafts choosing the best golf shaft.
Steel vs graphite do shafts matter and does flex make a. This is one reason why you so the majority of golfers have both steel and graphite shafted clubs in their bag. Generally a lighter swingweight will be a result if a lighter shaft is used. Expect a club with a graphite shaft to cost more than with a steel shaft. The driver and fairway metals should have similar flex and feel, as should the irons. Flex is the amount of bend in a shaft when you swing it. Steel the main advantages of steel are its stiffness, consistency and durability.
The clubs are almost the same, with a slight difference in the length and diameter of the shaft girth. As for graphite, the materials are much more expensive to produce resulting in high prices. Steel vs graphite iron shafts club fitting team titleist. Steelshafted drivers simply could not produce the same results in todays power game. Stop blaming your flaws on your equipment and focus on your swing. If you have been playing steel for a long time, especially a heavier steel shaft like a dynamic gold s300 or project x, going from a steel shaft to a graphite shaft may have a big difference in feel. Steel drivers back in the day were 4344 inches and graphite drivers are now 4547.
I hit my irons great and the graphite shaft on my driver. And that could mean an extra 612 yards of distance with a graphite shaft, compared to a steel shaft. According to clubmaking and equipment guru tom wishon, the difference in weight between graphite shafts and steel shafts will translate, for most golfers, into an additional 24 mph of swing speed with graphite. Almost 100% of all drivers have graphite shafts in them. But golf is an everevolving game, where weve moved from wooden clubs to clubs made with steel and graphite. Graphite shafts, on the other hand, do not fare as well in irons where control and feel are paramount. Common theory among golf professionals and club fitters states. Testing the performance of drivers of different eras miles. Graphite clubs shafts transmit fewer vibrations up the shaft to the golfers hands than do steel shafts as compared to steel clubs shaft are less expensive and they are more durable than graphite. Some people feel that the graphite shafts are meant for seniors less distance, juniors, and high. I have more control issues with the graphite shafts versus the steel.
Graphite shafts are generally much lighter than steel, which should make them easier to swing for those with slow swing speeds or that lack. Buy steel golf shafts and true temper golf shafts monark golf. Steel continues to dominate in iron sets, but some players opt for the benefits of graphite in their irons, too. Comparison of graphite golf driver shafts sportsrec. Dec 21, 2019 the steel shaft held on for a while after graphites introduction in drivers, mainly because it offered the golfer more control over the clubhead. Now consider the head and assume that all specs not mentioned are the same. The steel shaft held on for a while after graphites introduction in drivers, mainly because it offered the golfer more control over the clubhead. It is important to note however that i play smaller heads 280320cc in the more traditional pear shape. Both graphite and steel shafts come in a variety of flexes.