One of the best reasons to use soft stepping golf irons is they allow you to hit the ball straighter and higher. They also have a larger sweet spot, so it’s easier for just about anyone to utilize them. If you want to improve your golf game, soft stepped irons are the way to go.
What does it mean to soft step or hard step irons?
What does it mean to "soft step" or "hard step" a set of irons? Stepping shafts is a method of reshafting that focuses on a flex between the specific designations, say, between a regular and a stiff flex. "Hard stepping" would make a shaft stiffer, "soft stepping," more flexible.
What is hard stepping and soft stepping in golf?
Hard Stepping and Soft Stepping. Soft stepping a set of irons This is the process of making a clubs shaft a little more flexible. The 3 iron shaft would be fitted into the 4 iron head, the 4 iron shaft into the 5 iron head a so on. The 3 iron would require a new shaft and the PW shaft would be left over.
How far do soft stepping golf irons go?
The average distance in yards that a golfer hits a soft stepping iron is 150 yards. By using a soft stepping golf iron, you can expect to increase your distance by 10-15 yards. The differences between Hard and soft golf irons
Should I soft step my irons and wedges?
I would actually loft your irons more rather than soft stepping your shafts. If you like the spin rates your getting from your irons then you should not soft step as this would increase your spin rates as well or if you don't mind the extra weight make your clubs a 1/4 to a 1/2 inch longer. I have soft stepped once all my irons and wedges.
What does soft stepping an iron do?
Soft stepping is the term used to indicate changing flex of a taper tip shaft by adjusting the stiffness of a set of irons by putting the lower numbered iron shaft throughout the set.
Should I Soft Step irons?
When you soft step a set of irons, you actually make them a bit easier for a golfer to swing. This is because they have a much softer feel, and they can make it easier for the slower swing speed player to get the club around them and complete the full golf swing.
Should I hard step my iron shafts?
1:062:10What is Hard Stepping or Soft Stepping a Golf Shaft? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo if they want to go at one they can really keep up with them. And they have confidence over theMoreSo if they want to go at one they can really keep up with them. And they have confidence over the ball. It's a method used by some of the best fitters on tour some of the best fitters in the world.
What does stepping mean for golf clubs?
Hard and soft stepping is a way of changing the flex of a shaft in a club to obtain an in-between flex which will also produce a slightly different ball flight. It works the same way regardless if the shafts are taper or parallel tipped.
How much difference does soft stepping make?
The average distance in yards that a golfer hits a soft stepping iron is 150 yards. By using a soft stepping golf iron, you can expect to increase your distance by 10-15 yards.
What is Tiger stepping?
0:585:39TIGER STEPPING / TIGER WOODS WEDGE BUILD SETUP - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIs taking a shaft in this case the dynamic gold shaft that really only runs is only made down to aMoreIs taking a shaft in this case the dynamic gold shaft that really only runs is only made down to a nine iron. So whether you're putting it in a nine or a pitching sand gap lob wedge.
Do longer shafts play softer?
Also, longer clubs should play 1 to 1.5 flexes stiffer than shorter clubs. So, if your driver is S(6.0), your irons should probably be R(5.0), etc. Some golfers swing harder with their drivers so they may need stronger flexes in their longer clubs.
Can you soft step a graphite shaft?
1:276:04Hard Stepped and Soft Stepped Golf Shafts Explained - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWell you can you can soft step it by instead of using if this is a five iron.MoreWell you can you can soft step it by instead of using if this is a five iron.
Can you soft step parallel shafts?
I have read in many articles a tipped Parallel shaft which is the same flex as a taper tip meant for the same iron head can be softstepped or hardstepped. It has also been my practical experience that this same concept works perfectly for a Parallel shaft.
What is hard step and soft step?
Stepping shafts is a method of reshafting that focuses on a flex between the specific designations, say, between a regular and a stiff flex. "Hard stepping" would make a shaft stiffer, "soft stepping," more flexible.
What is stepping in a golf wedge?
Hard stepping and soft stepping is a way changing the flex of a shaft in a club to obtain an in-between flex which will also produce a slightly different ball flight. It works the same way regardless if the shafts are taper or parallel tipped.
What is a stepped shaft?
Stepped shafts are widely used in drive trains. They are generally holding large gears and cams, which are key elements in power transfer. Mostly supported by bearings at the end, the shaft experiences bending loads, axial thrust and torsional loads. The shaft must have greater strength to withstand these loads.
Benefits of Soft Stepping Irons: 3 Major Benefits
The ball flight differs in hard and soft stepping by changing the shaft’s flex. No matter the shafts are parallel tipped or tapered, it works the same way. It depends. Stiff shafts can give you a softer feel where a regular shaft gives a firmer feel. The best practice is to remove all the shafts and then put them in the proceeding club.
Additional Benefits of Soft Stepping Irons
Now that you know why soft stepping irons are needed, if you find your clubs are too stiff, it’s time to soft-stepping them for better results. On the other hand, opt for hard stepping if you like to have stiffer clubs. The decision depends on your choice how you want your swings.
Why do golfers use soft stepping?
A paraphrased quote from Tom Wishon (Master Club Maker. "The main reason for soft or hard stepping is to change the feel of the shaft for golfers who really want their shafts to feel just right. The second reason is to try to change the launch angle and trajectory of the shot or to reduce or increase spin. A ½ inch can exhibit the beginning of ...
What happens when you soft step?
3iron will become 4iron length, 4iron will become 5iron length and so on. When you soft step, the club lengths will increase. PW will become 9iron length, 9iron will become 8iron length and so on.
How to make a stiff shaft feel firmer?
The most common practice is by removing all the shafts from your matching irons (3 iron through to PW) then put each shaft in either the following or proceeding club.
What is hard and soft stepping?
Hard and soft stepping is a way of changing the flex of a shaft in a club to obtain an in-between flex which will also produce a slightly different ball flight. It works the same way regardless if the shafts are taper or parallel tipped. Depending on which way you go, a regular shaft can be made to feel a little firmer and a stiff shaft can be made ...
Can a PW shaft fit a 9iron?
This is the process of making your clubs shaft a little stiffer. The PW shaft would be fitted into the 9iron head, the 9iron shaft would fit into the 8iron and so on. The PW would require a new shaft and the 3iron shaft would be left over.
What is spin in golf?
Spining is another entry in the long line of "new" innovations in the golf industry that aren't really new at all, such as bore-thru heads, shaft butt-weighting, freezing, shock absorbing, and magical pendants. The TrueTemper Company espoused spining in the 1970's with very limited success, and there is a good reason why.
How is graphite shaft made?
A graphite shaft is produced by the wrapping of several layers, or plies, all beginning and ending at different points to form the body of the shaft , leaving several seams present. Shaft manufacturers have made great strides towards perfecting consistency and have nearly eliminated any weak or strong sides of the graphite shaft, ...
What does it mean when a golfer soft steps his irons?
When a player elects to soft step their irons, they are typically electing to either achieve lower or higher launch from the club. For lower launch, an example would be a strong player needing a stiffer tip to prevent shots from ballooning without going to X-Stiff.
What is the increment in golf clubs?
The increment is usually in between Stiff and Regular shafts. Most club manufactures use 1/2" increments in shaft lengths. Some players may prefer only 1/4" or longer 3/4" for taller players. Many golfers like 1" over standard. Using stepping methods, player can fine tune their clubs for personal preferences.
Do custom clubs have matched shafts?
Custom Club makers may refer to their process as "Frequency Matching Shafts" for the similar performance. Granted factory clubs for the most do not have matched shafts, which most players would never notice the difference in "feel". Some players will note they like the feel when club testing between shaft variance.
Is a soft step good for a young player?
While for other players a soft step will benefit them. A young player may hard step and increase shaft length for more yardage. While an older player may soft step and benefit a few yards. It's more about launch and ball flight trying to optimize the shaft performance to benefit any player.
What is soft stepping on a parallel tip shaft?
Soft stepping on a parallel tip shaft is simply the process of trimming less than what the manufacturer suggests. For example, if you have a 5-iron, you tip trim the shaft like a 4-iron. This is called soft stepping once and would decrease the stiffness by a quarter flex. Soft-stepping twice would be cutting the shaft as a 3-iron ...
What is the downside of soft stepping?
The downside to soft stepping is two-fold. First, since you are cutting less off the tip, that means you are cutting more from the butt end. While the variation is small, it can lead in some cases to a smaller grip size under the lower hand.
What is hard stepping?
Hard stepping is the opposite of soft stepping whereby you elect to tip trim more than the amount suggested by the manufacturer to create a stiffer flex. There are two things to be aware of when doing so.
What does it mean to soft step twice?
Soft-stepping twice would be cutting the shaft as a 3-iron or two clubs more and would decrease the stiffness by a half flex. If you soft step once for one club, you will do so on all the irons and wedges to have a uniform progression of flex throughout the set. The downside to soft stepping is two-fold.
Is a taper tip shaft hard stepped?
The concept of hard stepping a taper tip shaft is just the opposite of soft stepping. However, this is rarely done because you run out of raw lengths when you get to your shorter scoring irons and wedges. If you examine the row labeled "hard stepped once", notice the 9-iron and wedge entries.
Can you tip trim a long iron?
Secondly, if you have a long iron or hybrid, you cannot tip trim less than zero which will not maintain uniformity in the set. In the example above would affect the 2-iron by soft stepping once or the #2 and 3-iron by soft-stepping twice.
Is a 39.5" shaft stiffer than a 4" shaft?
The 39" 5-iron shaft is not only shorter, but stiffer than the 39.5" 4-iron shaft to offset the heavier weight. Therefore, if we placed the 39.5" 4-iron shaft into the 5-iron (or soft stepping once), then the club will become more flexible. Soft stepping twice would be placing the 40" 3-iron shaft into the 5-iron.
Fitting the True Temper Dynamic Designs
From a club fitting perspective EI Bend Profiles give us a new understanding of fitting the True Temper designs. Adjustment made with hard and soft stepping have a small effect on stiffness and flighting. Adjustment made with flex changes have a significant effect on both stiffness and flighting.
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Why do golf clubs have soft stepping?
"The main reason for soft stepping or hard stepping is to change the feel of the shaft for golfers who really want their shafts to feel just right.
What are the two ends of a golf shaft?
There are two ends of the shaft to consider. The butt end (the end to which the grip is fitted) and the tip which fits into the club-head. There are two different types of tip, parallel and taper-tip. The parallel-tip shaft is a constant diameter from the last step down to the tip of the shaft. The idea of this is that one shaft can be manufactured ...
What is a taper tip shaft?
The taper-tip shaft, as the name indicates, tapers down from the last step in the shaft. Taper-tip shafts are manufactured to the correct length and flex for each club so it is important that the correct shaft is fitted to the corresponding club. A 3 iron shaft would fit into an 8 iron, for example, but it would play far too soft in flex ...
How to get flex on a parallel tipped shaft?
To obtain the correct flex with a parallel-tipped shaft, the shaft is cut from the tip end at the appropriate point to achieve the correct flex. Then the shaft is cut from the butt end to achieve the desired length. The taper-tip shaft, as the name indicates, tapers down from the last step in the shaft. Taper-tip shafts are manufactured ...
What is hard stepping?
Hard stepping and soft stepping is a way changing the flex of a shaft in a club to obtain an in-between flex which will also produce a slightly different ball flight. It works the same way regardless if the shafts are taper or parallel tipped. Depending on which way you go, a regular shaft can be made to feel a little firmer ...
What shaft would fit a 9 iron?
The PW s haft would be fitted into the 9 iron head, the 9 iron shaft would fit into the 8 iron and so on. The PW would require a new shaft and the 3 iron shaft would be left over. The effect on each club would be that each clubs shaft would be a little bit stiffer than they originally were and produce a slightly lower ball flight.
What is the size of a Wilson over fit shaft?
There are others such as the Wilson over fit shaft (fat shaft) manufactured by True Temper and Apollo which measures in at .500 but most the common are .335, .350, .355 and .370. The smaller sizes,.355, .350 and .355 are what a wood would usually require and. .355 and .370 for irons but this is not a steadfast rule as club manufacturers are ...
