Full Answer
What is the difference between graphite and steel clubs?
steel iron shafts – what you need to know
- Graphite can be made much stiffer at lighter weights
- Bend profiles can be uniquely tuned thanks to multiple materials and composites (steel is a homogeneous material and very limited in this capacity)
- Graphite has greater shock-absorbing properties to help reduce vibrations transferring to a players hands
Why are graphite clubs longer than steel?
Are Graphite Clubs Longer Than Steel? There is a swing weight difference between carbon steel and graphite irons so they’re longer. A bit longer shaft makes the swing weights of a carbon steel more stable since the material is lighter than graphite. An extended shaft will be heavier, which matches the swinging weight for the steel.
Why is graphite used in golf clubs?
Why Is Graphite Used in Golf Clubs?
- Overview. Graphite shafts were introduced as early as the 1970s, but came into mass production in the 1990s. ...
- Weight. Graphite shafts are lighter than steel shafts. ...
- Flexibility. Graphite shafts are more flexible than steel shafts, which are generally stiff and unforgiving. ...
- Performance. ...
- Torque. ...
Are graphite shafts good for golf clubs?
Graphite shafts are a good choice if you want more distance from your golf club. Steel shafts, however, may be better for people who are looking for more accuracy. It’s important to remember that each golfer is different, and what works for one golfer may not work for another.
How do you tell if your irons are steel or graphite?
Steel tends to have very low torque (rotation during the swing) and also a stiffer tip section, while graphite can offer much higher torque rates and more flex in the tip. This combination will help with launch and also help you swing faster with less effort.
How can you tell steel from graphite?
1:4916:30This SHOCKED me...Graphite v Steel Shaft Test - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut create as much dispersion as possible so the two have to go hand in hand and sometimes graphiteMoreBut create as much dispersion as possible so the two have to go hand in hand and sometimes graphite you see a little bit more wild curvature.
Do most pro golfers use steel or 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.
Are all golf clubs graphite?
This is one reason why you so the majority of golfers have both steel and graphite shafted clubs in their bag. Almost 100% of all drivers have graphite shafts in them. This is because the driver is designed for maximum distance and is much larger and easier-to-hit than they were just a few years ago.
Do any pro golfers use graphite shaft 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.
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.
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 shafts better for older golfers?
Are graphite shafts better for seniors in golf? Yes, graphite shafts are the best choice for most seniors. As I mentioned, the shaft plays a major role in ball striking, consistency, and distance. The overwhelming majority of senior players would benefit from using a graphite shaft.
When should a golfer switch to graphite shafts?
Game improvement irons are almost always offered in graphite shafts. If you are someone with a handicap of twenty or above, chances are a bit more forgiveness, and distance wouldn't hurt you. Another player who will benefit from graphite is a person who has lost some flexibility in their game.
Should beginner golfers use steel or graphite shafts?
The graphite shafts or the flex steel – the beginners should necessarily have the graphite clubs. They could use steel clubs for beginning. The beginners should try as much as possible to avoid the extra stiff shafts. Big faces – when using a club with a bigger face, it means fewer misses.
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.
Are graphite 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.
What is the difference between graphite and steel shafts?
Graphite shafts are much lighter and more expensive in comparison to steel shafts, and weigh between 50 and 85 grams. As a result, the lightweight shafts on graphite irons can help to create a greater swing speed for more power.
Is graphite 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.
Is graphite the same as stainless steel?
The key difference between steel and graphite irons is that steel has low carbon content whereas graphite irons contain high carbon content. Steel is a metal alloy that has iron, carbon and some other elements mixed with each other while graphite iron is an iron alloy that has graphite along with iron.
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.
What shafts are used in golf?
On the whole, steel shafts are the most used option by amateurs and tour professionals. Beginners to golf are often given graphite shafts due to their lack of club head speed, this is not always the best option as making this selection may only be a short term option as golfers develop at different rates and may need to switch out ...
What is graphite used for?
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.
How much does a steel shaft weigh?
They are more often than not made from stainless steel and they tend to weigh in between around 90g-120g.
Why use steel shafts?
Steel shafts tend to offer the golfer more feed back and feel than its graphite counterpart, which can be part of the decision-making process when selecting the golf club. Some golfers may sacrifice the potential yardage gain that a graphite shaft may offer, in order to maintain the feel factor offered by steel shafts.
Why use graphite shafts in golf?
When you start to move up to fairway woods and drivers, you should use graphite shafts for added distance and swing speed. No matter your skill level, very rarely will you see a player hitting irons with graphite shafts for the reasons that we have discussed in detail above.
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.
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 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.
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.
Should I Play Graphite or Stiff Shafts?
Now that you understand the differences between the graphite and steel golf shafts let’s look at which one will be the best for your game. Certain golfers are going to fit into the graphite and steel category very clearly.
Should Beginner or High Handicapper Use Graphite or Steel Shafts?
There is a misconception in the world of golf that all beginners and high handicappers need to use graphite golf shafts. This is not true.
Which Golf Clubs Need Graphite Shafts
Throughout this guide, I have been talking about graphite shafts and steel shafts across an entire set of clubs. However, most golfers have a mix of both graphite and steel in their golf club sets. Let’s take a look at which clubs make sense to have in graphite and which should be steel shafted.
Do Pro Golfers Use Graphite Shafts?
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.
Conclusion: What Is Better Graphite or Steel?
In the end, I can’t say that graphite or steel shafts are better. I think having a combination of options in your bag that works specifically for your swing speed and ball flight preferences is essential. There is no right or wrong golf shaft in the game.
Why do golfers use graphite shafts?
One of the biggest reasons for a golfer to transition into graphite from steel in this weight range would be for vibration reduction, or in some cases to get extra stability unavailable in lighter weight steel compared to the graphite equivalent . Depending on the shaft, 90-gram graphite shafts are just as, if not more stable than, steel.
Who was the first golfer to use graphite?
When speaking of stability, it was just over a year ago that PGA Tour player Bryson DeChambeau went from steel in his irons to graphite and became the first golfer on the PGA Tour to use 14 clubs with graphite shafts. The designer of those shafts had this to say about working with graphite,
Do graphite shafts work on irons?
The benefits of graphite shafts in irons vary depending on the weight category they fall into. The weight categories also generally coincide with player swing profiles, which give golfers and fitters the best chance to see a performance gain.
Graphite Shaft Irons and Drivers
Conventional thinking is that iron shafts should be steel, and driver and fairway woods should be graphite. We want to help you find what is best for your game, so let’s put aside conventional thinking for now.
Steel Or Graphite Shafts For High Handicapper
Most high handicap golfers have slower swing speeds. This generally means that a lighter shaft would be more beneficial. Because now graphite shafts can be built to the same standards as steel, it comes down to personal preference in most cases.
Are Graphite Shafts Better For Seniors
Seniors should absolutely consider graphite shafts first. Given the quality of today’s graphite shafts, seniors could benefit in more ways than just performance. If you have a condition like arthritis, graphite or composite shafts can significantly dampen the vibration that comes with off-center hits and even clean strikes.
Ping Steel Vs Graphite Shafts
Ping is associated with high quality club craftsmanship. They have built a well deserved reputation in irons and woods. In addition to their club quality, they offer several options for steel iron shafts including True Temper, KBS and Nippon.
Frequently Asked Questions: Material
As a general rule, yes, graphite shafts are better for senior golfers. They provide for more speed through the ball and relief from the vibration of mishits. Seniors tend to lose clubhead speed and flexibility and a graphite or composite shaft (or combination of both) could be just what the doctor ordered.
What is the difference between graphite and steel?
The most important difference between graphite and steel shafts is their relative weight. The typical graphite shaft is significantly lighter than its steel counterpart, which should translate into faster swing speeds. According to Tom Wishon, technical adviser to Golf Digest and PGA.com, a typical steel driver shaft weighs between 115 ...
Does graphite shaft increase club head speed?
All else being equal, the increased club head speed generated by a lighter graphite shaft will translate into greater distance on your shots. If you switch from a driver with a steel shaft to one with a graphite shaft, you may increase the distance of your drives by dozen yards.
Do PGA Tour pros use graphite shafts?
Players with high swing speeds, who already generate sufficient distance, may prefer the consistency of steel. Nevertheless, plenty of powerful PGA Tour pros use graphite shafts, particularly for their drivers. Average players on a budget may need to purchase steel clubs, but weekend golfers looking for extra distance are often better served by graphite shafts, particularly in their woods.
Is graphite shaft better than steel shaft?
Feel. Graphite shafts absorb vibrations better than steel shafts. If you’re golfing on a cold day, or you have sensitive hands, that’s a definite plus. However, some golfers prefer the feedback they receive from a steel-shafted club, particularly pros or low-handicap golfers who can tell the difference between the feel of a ball ...
Why switch to graphite?
The usual reasons to switch from steel to graphite are to play a lighter shaft to increase swing speed, or to reduce the amount of vibration from a steel shaft. But that logic is a little outdated.
What to do if your golf clubs feel heavy?
If your clubs feel too heavy, you should have a good clubfitter help you determine the proper weight, and then, try some shafts in both graphite and steel at the same weight to see which gives you the best distance, accuracy, consistency and feel. The same thing applies to reducing shaft vibration. There are Sensicore inserts available ...
Does graphite reduce vibration?
Graphite shafts definitely reduce shaft vibration so if you have arthritis or chronic tendonitis, this may be a good option. Some golfers have concerns that going to graphite shafts will cause more inconsistency.
