what is the difference between steel and graphite golf shafts

Difference Between Steel and Graphite Shafts

• Weight. Graphite shafts are much lighter than steel shafts. ...
• Ball Flight. The ball flight you get from a golf club can be determined by the type of golf shaft you purchase. ...
• Distance. Although the main ingredients for distance will be swing speed and ball speed, the type of golf shafts that you have in your golf clubs will play into this ...
• Accuracy. ...

Full Answer

What is better graphite or steel golf clubs?

Mar 30, 2021 · 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. But this is not the case anymore.

Are graphite shafts better for senior golfers?

Mar 25, 2022 · Graphite shafts fly higher, whereas steel shafts fly lower and are more regulated. High launches lead to greater carry and longer shots. The main issue with greater ball flight is that it might be difficult to manage for players with quick swing speeds. Thus, too high an angle and too much vertical launch might cause a loss of distance and control.

What is stronger graphite or steel?

Here are the four basic differences in the graphite vs. steel shafts. Weight. Graphite shafts are much lighter than steel shafts. When you swing with a graphite shaft, you are going to be able to generate a great deal of club head speed. The lighter weight appeals to players that are older or that lack a bit of strength in their golf game.

What is the difference between graphite and steel?

Steel shafts range from approximately 80g to 130g, while graphite shafts can be a low as 32g. The most popular weight range of graphite shafts for woods is 60-70 grams and for iron shafts the weight is closer to 70 – 80 grams. One of the biggest advantages to graphite shafts is …

What is better graphite or steel shafts?

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.Mar 30, 2021

Should beginners use graphite or steel 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.Nov 19, 2012

Do any pro golfers use graphite shafts in their 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.Apr 7, 2021

What is more forgiving steel or graphite shafts?

Another category of golf clubs that almost always have graphite shafts is game improvement irons for all types of players. The graphite shafts are more forgiving and do not sting when you mishit, and beginner golfers should take advantage of that.

Do graphite shafts give more distance?

Graphite shafts are lighter than steel shafts, resulting in an increase in swing speed and distance. This is particularly beneficial to players with slow swing tempos. Most golfers can realize an increase of at least 5 yards for each club.

Do graphite shafts 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.Jan 3, 2022

Are graphite shafts better for older golfers?

Generally speaking, graphite shafts are better for seniors than steel shafts unless the senior still maintains very high swing speeds. There are some seniors in incredible shape that can easily hit a regular steel shaft in their iron.

Who plays graphite irons on tour?

Rickie Fowler has confirmed he has switched into graphite shafts in his irons - just like Bryson DeChambeau - as he looks to play his way back into form on the PGA Tour and book his ticket for The Masters in April.Jan 23, 2021

Who should play graphite iron shafts?

If you've had neck or back problems lighter weight graphite can be a big help for you, too. You struggle to hit the ball with ample trajectory or lack clubhead speed: You're a prime candidate for graphite shafts.Dec 5, 2018

Can you replace steel shafts with graphite?

On golf clubs that are not forged, light work will still be included, but you can replace the steel shafts with graphite. You will have to heat the clubhead and remove it, and you may have to buy a new grip. It's a little involved, but completely doable.

Are graphite shafts good for high handicappers?

Which Is Best For High Handicappers? High-handicapped golfers who need help generating speed should use graphite, this will really help them pick up speed. Steel could help you with stability though.

Are graphite irons easier to hit?

It's easier on your joints Bryson DeChambeau and Abraham Ancer swear by graphite product in their irons. It's incredibly consistent and may help you pick up a bit of distance along the way.Apr 1, 2021

How much does graphite shaft weigh?

Typically, in modern graphite shafts, the ones you’ll find on the shelf are going to be in the lighter weight range, from 50 to 65 grams. But there’s still plenty of variation.

How many grams are graphite shafts?

You can now find graphite composite shafts up in the 100-gram range, especially with iron shafts, and there are even models coming in at the 29-gram range with the Mitsubishi Grand Bassara. The thing I love about this category of shaft is the graphic and colors; the chrome plating on steel does not allow for the same kind of decoration.

What are the factors that all shafts share?

There are certain factors that all shafts share. The first of these is the range of flight characteristics, or kick points. You can have a low, mid and high kick-point which would result in high ball flight, mid ball flight and a low ball flight respectively.

Is graphite shaft good?

Graphite shafts got a bad wrap when they were first released. They were criticized as not durable or consistent enough, and were often plagued with criticisms of hitting the ball too far, until recently. Graphite shafts, now using different forms of carbon composites, have finally caught up to steel as far as consistency, durability and distance control.

Is graphite better than steel?

Yes, graphite will be a little longer than steel and steel will be slightly more accurate then graphite. But you should really look at the outlying factors to help you decide. Graphite does cost more and steel will cost less.

Is steel shaft good?

Companies like Nippon Steel are even pushing the limit and making steel shafts in the 70-gram range. Steel is really good for giving you a feeling of more control. However, if you go too light, you will compromise that main feature. Weight is mainly what makes a steel shaft stable.

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 are graphite golf clubs so popular?

Graphite has the ability to absorb vibrations which makes it more comfortable and easier to hit. The club won’t create vibrations in the player’s hand, even if the ball is a mishit. As it’s an ambiguous term in the golfing world, many professionals consider vibration as feedback that they want after hitting the ball in order to get more control of the clubhead. As compared to the steel clubs, these clubs give a damp or muted sensation that might be appreciated by golfers that suffer from arthritis.

How heavy is a steel golf club?

A steel club normally weighs anywhere in the range of 70 to 140 grams. Although steel clubs are heavy, experienced players that have higher swing speed and strike prefer these as it provides them with much better control of the game. If you’re a mid or high handicap golfer with low swing speed, a steel club isn’t a suitable choice as the impact won’t give much flight to the ball. You won’t be able to hit the ball in the right direction which will result in the loss of accuracy and distance.

Why use graphite clubs?

Using graphite clubs helps you hit straighter, as it improves the accuracy and trajectory of your shots.

What is the durability of a golf club?

Durability. In golf, it isn’t just the swing and speed that matters , but the club’s durability and the shot’s flexibility factors in too. Regardless of the material of the club, the durability depends on whether or not it’s kept well maintained and receives proper treatment.

How long do steel golf clubs last?

According to golfers who use steel clubs, the material tends to last for decades as it’s well known for its strength and durability. The steel and carbon alloy, along with the chrome plating, makes these steel clubs very strong.

Is graphite a good material for golf clubs?

Graphite clubs are made to be light in weight and provide greater flexibility. However, the biggest concern of the players is that the material used isn’ t as durable as steel.

How does steel golf club feel?

Steel clubs resonate on impact and direct the vibrations through the shaft up to the golfer’s hand giving it a more solid feel. If the player hits the ball off the sweet spot or the center of gravity of the club face, the vibrations produced might be greater. It gives a crisp feeling, or feedback, as professionals like to call it.

Why are graphite shafts so popular?

"The big reason graphite shafts became popular is their ability to offer stiffness and durability suited to the most powerful swings while being very light in weight ," Wishon said. He further explained:

How long do graphite shafts last?

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. Steel shafts will last forever so long as they are not bent, rusted or pitted.

Who is Brent Kelley?

Brent Kelley is an award-winning sports journalist and golf expert with over 30 years in print and online journalism. Should you go with steel shafts or graphite shafts in your golf clubs? What are the differences between the two types of shaft materials? Is one type of shaft better for your game than the other?

Who is Tom Wishon?

Golf equipment designer Tom Wishon, the founder of Tom Wishon Golf Technology, explains: "Steel and graphite shafts are totally different in the manner in which they transfer the vibrations from impact up to the hands, which in turn affects the feel of the shot. Simply stated, some golfers prefer the more crisp, ...

Should golfers use graphite shafts?

In the "old days," the general feeling was that recreational golfers, mid- and high-handicappers, should use graphite shafts, while the better players, low-handicappers, should stick with steel shafts. That's not necessarily true anymore, however. If PGA Tour golfers are using graphite shafts, that puts the lie to the idea ...

Weight

Graphite shafts are much lighter than steel shafts. When you swing with a graphite shaft, you are going to be able to generate a great deal of club head speed. The lighter weight appeals to players that are older or that lack a bit of strength in their golf game.

Ball Flight

The ball flight you get from a golf club can be determined by the type of golf shaft you purchase. Graphite shafts promote a higher ball flight than steel shafts. With graphite shafts, it is much easier to get the launch that you are looking for, even if you have a slower swing speed.

Distance

Although the main ingredients for distance will be swing speed and ball speed, the type of golf shafts that you have in your golf clubs will play into this decision. Most of the time, graphite shafts will be known for distance, while steel shafts are more for control.

Accuracy

Depending on your skill level and handicap, there are different levels of accuracy that may matter to you. For mid to low handicap players, the irons need to be consistent, workable, and accurate. Most of the time, these factors require a steel golf shaft.

Do Any Pro Golfers Use Graphite Shaft Irons?

On the PGA Tour, players tend to have very fast swing speeds. This is typically not the right thing for those that want to play graphite shafts. However, through the years, there have been a few players that have put a graphite shaft in their irons.

Should Beginners Use Graphite Or Steel Shafts?

Most beginners are going to put a graphite shaft in their clubs. Since the graphite gives a higher ball flight and some easier performance, it is a better choice for beginners. There are, however, other factors that will play into this.

Is Graphite More Expensive Than Steel?

Graphite is more expensive than steel. For a set of graphite irons, you will typically pay about $100 more than you will for a set of steel golf shafts. The process of making a golf shaft with composite material is more involved and takes more time as well.

What do the numbers say?

The numbers can be seen in the following graphs. There are significant differences, especially in launch and spin. The Steelfiber shaft started much flatter with 19° than the Zelos and Pro shafts with 19.8°. The spin was lowest with the Steelfiber shaft with 5939rpm and highest with the Zelos 7.

What do we conclude from this comparison?

If you look at the dispersion above you will notice that it was lowest with the Zelos steel shaft. With the other two shafts there are hardly any differences to be seen. The steelfiber fluctuated even more in the length control which is due to the reasons mentioned above.#N#The advantages of a (well fitted) steel shaft are therefore

Our conclusion

For this player we would clearly recommend Zelos 7. The advantages outweigh the disadvantages in this case. The steelfiber shaft does not perform very well in this test, but that does not speak against this shaft. It is just that it could not convince this player with his values.

Advantages of carbon in the development of shafts

One thing must be said quite clearly: unlike steel, carbon is still a relatively young material that is constantly being researched. Carbon offers some options that are not possible with steel and other materials.

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 ...

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.

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.

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.

Steel Shafts Cost Less Than Graphite

Steel vs. Graphite Durability

Vibrations More Noticeable in Steel

Weight

• The biggest and by far most important difference between steel and graphite shafts is this: Graphite shafts are lighter than steel shafts, in some cases significantly so. So golf clubs that have graphite shafts will be lighter than otherwise identical clubs that have steel shafts. "The big reason graphite shafts became popular is their ability to o...

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The Bottom Line in Steel vs. Graphite Comparisons