While steel shafts weigh more than 100 grams, graphite shafts range between 49 and 72 grams. That substantial weight difference means that compared to steel-shafted clubs, players with the graphite counterparts can gain significant club head speed while swinging with the same force.
Are graphite golf clubs better than graphite?
But for the average golfer who just wants a nicer feel, graphite is better. If you are going to invest money on a new set of clubs, get fit. Don't just buy off the rack. Graphite really shines in the club-fitting department.
When did graphite shafts become standard in golf clubs?
Graphite shafts were introduced in 1970 at the PGA Merchandise Show. The debate pitting graphite vs steel shafts has continued ever since. Although slow to be included in golf clubs, it eventually became the standard in the 1990s for drivers and fairway woods. I have always had a strong and fast swing.
Should you play steel or graphite golf shafts?
Deciding on whether to play steel or graphite needs more consideration than price (graphite is more expensive). Graphite shafts are considerably lighter than steel. This is probably the biggest differentiating feature between graphite and steel. The lighter weight will help increase club-head speed and produce greater distances.
Are graphite golf clubs any good?
Graphite is an excellent option for golfers that need an additional help creating club head speed due to its lightness and can be helpful to golfers with injuries that are looking to cut down on the additional vibration that may be caused by steel.
Do graphite clubs break easily?
Graphite shafts do not break easier than steel shafts. Graphite shafts are more robust, lighter, stiffer, and easier to hit than steel shafts. Graphite is the synthetic material of choice; a lightweight material with superior performance is needed, such as spacecraft and racecars.
Are graphite shafts harder to hit?
Graphite shafts are less rigid than steel shafts and tend to have more whip and flexibility. Though this can be an advantage for a player with a well-grooved swing, it also can exaggerate the problems of a poor swing and may affect accuracy.
Are graphite golf clubs better than steel?
Historically speaking, steel shafts have been better for more advanced or higher swing speed players. Graphite has been more ideal for people with more moderate swings or players wanting maximum distance.
Can graphite shafts break?
Clubs that are 20, 30, even 40 years old start to become quite weak and can easily break. There is not too much difference between graphite and steel and what will hold up longer. As long as the graphite stays stable without having any scratches or scrapes on it, it should hold up for a long time.
Are graphite shafts durable?
Graphite Durability. Steel shafts were once considered much more durable than graphite shafts. That's not so much the case anymore. Quality graphite shafts will last as long as you do so long as they are not chipped, cracked, or the laminate-seal is not peeling.
Do golf pros use graphite shafts?
In total 100% of the top 100 PGA Tour pros use graphite shafts in their drivers, fairway woods and hybrid clubs. 14 out of the top 100 use graphite shafts in their utility irons while 21 pros use steel.
Does Tiger Woods use graphite shafts?
Woods' Masters career has also seen players go from drivers in the 260 cubic-centimeter range to 460 ccs, and in Woods' case, the move from steel to graphite shafts in metalwoods.
Do you swing slower with graphite shafts?
Graphite Shafts These are much more flexible when compared to the steel shafts. This makes them a perfect choice for those who prefer lighter clubs and have slower swing speed.
Do any pros use graphite irons?
Graphite iron shafts have been used by PGA TOUR professionals for decades including FedExCup Champion Brandt Snedeker and US Open Champion Bryson DeChambeau. There's also a third option in iron shafts which may eventually fall into the “best of both worlds” category.
Who should play graphite iron shafts?
Iron Shafts 101: How to choose between steel, composite, and carbon fiber. There used to be a basic rule for iron shafts – if you're a strong, competitive player you choose steel, and if you're older, slower, a woman, or generally not athletic, you choose graphite.
Are graphite shafts good for high handicappers?
The choice of Steel or Graphite shafts irons will mainly come down to swing speed. Graphite suits slower swings and steel suits faster swings. Besides that Steel provides more stability and with steel shafts, getting lighter, they are becoming a more attractive offers for many high handicappers.
How much does a graphite shaft weigh?
The difference can be up to twice the weight in fact, with graphite shafts tending to be in the weight range of sixty to seventy grams, while steel shafts weigh between one hundred and one hundred twenty grams. Now, this makes a difference because the weight has a direct effect on clubhead speed, making your speed faster with decreased weight.
Why is graphite more flexible than steel?
One simply because of the material that each shaft is made out of, only in superhero movies do you see steel bend as if it is a normal occurrence. However, graphite is generally much more flexible as a material which makes it more flexible in a golf shaft. It is also due to the decrease in weight that makes the shaft more flexible ...
What is the difference between graphite and steel shafts?
On the other hand, graphite shafts are lighter, less durable, but hit the ball further due to extra swing speed. I standby the recommendation of steel shafts for everything but fairway woods and drivers.
Why are graphite shafts so easy to break?
Since the graphite shafts are lighter, this is why they are much easier to break. In addition to their lighter weight, they are also easier to break due to their increased flex, since steel does not flex very much if at all during a normal golf swing. This brings us nicely onto ….
What does graphite sound like?
It will sound like a solid strike or maybe not, which will only help you further decide whether you are doing the right or wrong thing. Graphite shafts and clubs, in general, will sound more plastic and it may even sound like you broke the club every time you strike the ball.
What type of shaft do pro golfers use?
Similar to the answer from the previous question, you will often see that a pro golfer uses steel shafts for his irons, wedges, and putter but when it comes to his longer clubs they often opt for graphite shafts.
Which shaft is better for high handicap?
Based on the decreased accuracy with the flex of graphite shafts, steel shafts are better for high handicappers. In addition to this added forgiveness, the clubs are more responsive overall which allows you to gain a better feel for your strikes and swings.
Are Graphite Shafts Better?
It depends! For a driver, yes 100% of the time. When you get to the irons, our recommendation is if you swing your driver less than 90 miles per hour, then graphite shafts will be better for numerous reasons.
Who Should Use Graphite Shafts?
Junior, Senior and most Women golfers should use graphite shafts in their irons and hybrids. The majority of golfers in these categories swing their driver less than 90 miles per hour. Of course there are always exceptions to the rules and golfers should measure their swing speed for the final determination.
Advantages of the Graphite Shafts
The graphite shafts can feel more comfortable and easier to hit. The lightweight nature of the graphite shaft provides additional swing speed and the golfer is able to hit the ball further. With the additional torque the golfer can feel a bit of a trampoline like affect with a solid struck ball.
Next Steps: Test Your Options Out
Our number one recommendation before making any purchase is to test out your options. Whether you go for a complete fitting with a professional or visit your local golf store, make sure you are testing out and measuring total distance, feel and overall performance with the variety of options that are out there.
Final Steps: Create A Distance Chart
Once you have determined and selected your golf clubs, make sure you create a distance chart like the one below. Golfers need to know how far they hit each club in their bag and there are now simple ways to measure. You no longer have to stand at the range and measure with poor quality golf balls or inaccurate readings to specific targets.
Take Action – What You Can Do Today to Get Better
What does this mean for you? I believe in the following recipe to get better:
What is the shaft of a golf club?
Picking the proper shaft is the most critical step in deciding which clubs to buy. The shaft is the "engine" of the golf club. It transfers the energy from your hands into the club head.
Why is it important to have a greater selection of golf clubs?
The greater selection allows golfers to be more accurately fit for custom clubs. If the shaft is not suited for your swing, it doesn't matter if you have the best club on the market, you will not play your best. Deciding on whether to play steel or graphite needs more consideration than price (graphite is more expensive).
What type of driver do golfers use?
Most professionals use graphite-shafted drivers. Steel or graphite? This question makes many golfers scratch their heads as to which is best for them. Picking the proper shaft is the most critical step in deciding which clubs to buy. The shaft is the "engine" of the golf club.
Is graphite good for club fitting?
Graphite really shines in the club-fitting department. There are more options of weight, kick-point, length and torque with graphite.
Why Do Pros Use Steel Shafts?
Steel shafts were introduced many years ago and have undergone continuous improvement to deliver the qualities and specifications suited to modern player swing speeds. Steel shafts used to have steps in the length, and now seamless steel shafts are in everyday use. Steel shafts offer stability and less torque and flex through impact.
What are Steel Shafts Made Of?
Steel shafts are made from special steel and lately, ultra-lightweight steel is used to enhance clubhead speed through the ball. Steel is more durable, stable, stronger, and less costly than graphite. Carbon steel is another very lightweight shaft.
What are Composite Shafts?
A composite shaft is manufactured from a mixture of carbon fiber and steel and is lighter than standard steel shafts. These shafts are manufactured for specific performance characteristics demanded by the top players. They can be made for a specific golfer in terms of weight, flex, and length.
Do Pros Use Graphite Shafts in the Driver?
The driver shafts today are predominantly graphite, but specifications vary from one manufacturer to another. The shafts can be as light as 40grams, which equates to a faster clubhead speed through impact. The flex will be X-stiff or XX-stiff for the strong pros who hit the ball a mile.
Who Should Use Graphite Shafts In Irons?
Senior pros and the top players on the LPGA use graphite shafts through the bag. They are lighter than steel and allow them to generate increased swing speed to increase or maintain the distance required to overcome some of the courses they play on the Tour.
Which Pros Use Graphite Shaft Irons?
Every pro golfer wants the very best performance from the shaft they fit to their clubs. It would be reasonable to believe that most of the top players have experimented with graphite shafts in some form or another, just to ensure they are not missing out on some technology that would give them an edge over their fellow competitors.
Why do golfers use graphite shafts?
Golfers that play graphite shafts typically do it to get extra ball speed. However, there are other reasons to think about using graphite shafts. Here are a few of the players that fit in this category the best.
What is the difference between graphite and steel shafts?
The major difference between graphite and steel shafts is their composition. Graphite golf shafts are made with composite shafts built to be lighter and offer different performance levels than other materials. Sheel shafts are stable, sturdy, and workable and can make the game easier for certain players.
What type of shafts do pro golfers use?
Pro golfers use graphite shafts in the drivers, wood, hybrids, and sometimes even their long irons. Most of the players on the PGA Tour have so much swing speed and require feedback from their iron shafts that only steel is going to benefit these players.
What shafts are used in Odyssey putters?
Most golf putters are sold with steel shafts. Recently Odyssey released their entire line of Stroke Lab putters that have a shaft that is partly graphite and partly steel. This is a unique addition to golf equipment and the first time we have seen putter shafts explored in this way.
What shafts affect golf ball flight?
The ball flight of your golf shot will be impacted by the type of golf shaft that you use. Graphite shafts allow for a higher ball flight, where steel shafts create a slightly lower, more controlled flight.
Why use steel shafts in golf clubs?
Steel shafts tend to be more popular among lower handicap golfers. The steel shaft allows for quite a bit of control and precision in the shots that are hit . Here are some of the players that are going to benefit most from using steel shafts in their golf clubs
Which shaft is better for golf?
The lower handicap player typically likes to control ball flight and hit high and low shots on demand. Steel golf shafts are a better choice for being able to control the flight of your golf ball.
Graphite vs Steel Shafts
The ongoing debate is steel or graphite better for irons continues with graphite seeming to continuously increase its market share.
Key Differences Of Graphite and Steel Shafts
Manufacturers provide an option of using either steel or graphite shafts in new clubs. You may also replace the original shaft with either a steel or graphite shaft.
Steel Shafts
Steel shafts are generally made from stainless steel and tend to weigh between 90 grams and 120 grams.
Graphite Shafts
In contrast to stainless steel, graphite shafts are much lighter weighing between 50 grams and 85 grams. This will aid you in swinging the club faster for more distance. Graphite is more expensive than stainless steel and requires a more intricate production process adding to the cost of graphite shafts.
Is It Better To Have Steel Or Graphite Shafts As A Beginner Golfer Or A High Handicapper?
Beginner and high handicap golfers are generally still forming their swing and thus have lower swing speeds.
Is Steel Or Graphite Shafts More Forgiving?
Graphite shafts offer more forgiveness than steel shafts and reduce the vibration taking the sting out of those all-so-common mishits.
Who Should Use Graphite Irons?
The general conception is that golfers with slower swing speeds will do better with graphite shafts to gain distance and forgiveness.