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