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why graphite over steel in golf shaft

by Dr. Loy Sawayn V Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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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.Dec 18, 2019

Full Answer

Is graphite stronger than steel?

Though graphite, its bulk form is brittle, it is 200 times stronger than steel. So, it can enhance the toughness of a material. This property has made it a promising material for use in vehicle parts, shoes and other tools. It is likely to enhance the polymers that are being used in modern times. In modern times, polymers are widely used.

What is the difference between graphite and steel?

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.

What is stronger graphite or steel?

Who Should Play Steel Shafts?

  • Strong golfers and athletes
  • Players with lots of club head speed
  • Better players than want more feel and feedback in their swing
  • The golfers that like to work the ball left and right
  • Players that want to control the ball flight and launch
  • Those that worry more about precision and accuracy than distance

More items...

What is better graphite or steel golf clubs?

The main differences of graphite vs steel shafts.

  • Steel Shafts Weigh More
  • Faster Club Head Speed with Graphite Shafts
  • Better Feel with Graphite Shafts
  • Steel Shafts are Cheaper
  • Steel Shafts Have More Longevity

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Is it better to have steel or graphite 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.

Do golf pros use steel or graphite shafts?

Over the past decade, graphite has become the material of choice on the PGA TOUR for shafts in drivers, fairway woods and hybrids, as pros have shifted away from steel and into lighter composites that increased swing speed and distance.

Should I use graphite shafts in my irons?

Wall mentioned, it's absolutely time to get over any stigma around using graphite iron shafts. I'll go as far as saying that more than 50 percent of golfers would find better performance and a more pleasurable experience by switching to graphite.

Are graphite shafts more forgiving than steel?

The graphite shafts are more forgiving and do not sting when you mishit, and beginner golfers should take advantage of that. Also, the lighter graphite shafts make the irons go farther when hit well, so it is a win-win for golfers in the game improvement section.

Do any PGA Tour players 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.

When should I 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.

What pros use graphite shafts?

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.

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 shafts easier to hit?

First, graphite shafts are lighter, so they are easier to swing. Most golfers agree that contributes to an increase in swing speed and ball carry. Second, if golfers mishit shots, graphite shafts create less sensation in the hands than steel.

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.

Who should use graphite shafts in golf?

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.

What type of golfer should use graphite shafts?

1. Woods (including hybrids) No doubt, every wood in there must have a graphite shaft. And this applies to golfers with a faster swing speed as well because lightweight graphite is the most capable of generating the clubhead speed as well as the distance required.

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.

Is graphite shaft more expensive than steel?

While it’s true, graphite shafts do tend to be slightly more expensive than steel, this gap in price is narrowing quickly.

Is graphite better than steel?

The advantages of graphite shafts over steel. 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 to graphite shafts. Many have a pre-conception that graphite shafts are too soft and too expensive, not to mention the loss of man points should you be ...

Is Mizuno graphite or steel?

To highlight this, Mizuno offer graphite and steel for the same price in their new JPX EZ line, encouraging golfers to make the switch. Graphite shafts are generally much lighter than steel, which should make them easier to swing for those with slow swing speeds or that lack strength, like lady and senior golfers.

What are graphite shafts good for?

Benefits of Graphite Shafts. 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.

Which is heavier, steel shaft or graphite?

The steel-shafted club is heavier than the graphite club. Players with a high swing speed may find that this fits their swing tempo better and allows them more control. Players who tend to swing too fast also will benefit from heavier clubs. Steel-shafted clubs are less expensive than graphite clubs.

What are the disadvantages of steel shafts?

Disadvantages of Steel Shafts. Mishit shots are apt to leave one's hands stinging due to the vibrations imparted through the shaft. The heavier weight will slightly reduce swing speed, resulting in a difference of up to 4 miles per hour that translates into a loss of about 10 yards.

What are the benefits of steel shafts?

Benefits of Steel Shafts. The main benefit of the steel-shafted club is it imparts more vibrations up the shaft to the player's hands. Skilled players often desire this feedback. A skilled player can often tell what they may have done wrong or right by the feel of the swing and impact; more so than a beginner.

Do fairway woods have graphite?

In almost all cases, your driver and fairway woods will have graphite shafts. The real question comes down to the irons. The status quo has always been that professionals and low-handicap golfers use steel shafts, while amateurs and beginners benefit more from graphite shafts. This is not necessarily the case these days.

Is Tiger Woods a man of steel?

Tiger Woods is a man of steel, but that doesn't mean you should be. What about amateurs? Are steel or graphite shafts better? There is not a clear-cut answer because both have advantages and disadvantages. In almost all cases, your driver and fairway woods will have graphite shafts. The real question comes down to the irons.

Is graphite shaft better than steel?

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. Graphite shafts are more expensive and typically add about 15 percent to 20 percent to the cost of a set ...

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.

Overview Of Wedge Shafts And How They Affect Performance

When you purchase a wedge off the shelf, the chances are that the specs of the shaft don’t suit your style of play.

How Important Is Shaft Material In Wedges?

Shaft material matters in all your clubs and, wedges are no exception. In an interview with Golf Magazine, True Spec Golf’s Tim Briand suggested that 75% of the players that he fits have the wrong shaft.

Is There A Big Difference Between Steel And Graphite Shafts?

The short answer is yes. There is a big difference between steel and graphite shafts.

Should You Use Graphite Or Steel In Your Wedge Shafts?

I always suggest visiting a professional fitter to make an accurate decision on the clubs you should use.

Fujikura MCI 105 Solid Wedge

Although the Fujikura MCI 105 wedge shaft delivers the spin of a graphite shaft, carbon fibre is the predominant material. The design helps the average golfer generate optimal greenside spin for better control and short game performance.

Mitsubishi MMT 105 Scoring Wedge Shaft

The versatility of Mitsubishi’s MMT 125 Scoring Wedge shaft offers leisure golfers the best of both worlds.

Best Steel Wedge Shafts

True Temper’s Dynamic Gold S400 shafts sport a lengthier construction to increase the flexibility of the tip and reduce weight. As a result, the company suggests that those with a moderate tempo are best suited to low launch and mid-spin.

How does a golf shaft affect performance?

Intro To Golf Shafts And How They Affect Performance. A golf shaft can impact the ball flight, distance, and forgiveness of the golf shots that you are hitting. If you are a player that is struggling with your game, it could be because you are not playing with the proper golf shaft. One of the most important reasons to go for a club fitting is ...

Why is the shaft of a golf club important?

The shaft of the club is what helps to make players of all different abilities capable of playing the game and succeeding. Both graphite and steel golf shafts have their positives and negatives. You will find a match that works well ...

What do golf pros use?

What Do The Pros Use. Golf professionals tend to use steel shafts that are typically extra stiff in flex. The swing speeds of the professionals make it impossible for them to go with anything less flexible as it will be hard for them to get their full distance potential from the club.

What shafts are used for golf swings?

The steel regular flex shafts are some of the most common that there are on the golf market. The average golf swing speed player is going to need a steel regular golf shaft that will work for average golf swing speeds.

Do graphite shafts have negatives?

Both graphite and steel golf shafts have their positives and negatives. You will find a match that works well for your game, and then that perfect shaft match can change as your golf game progresses. Let’s take a look at the graphite and steel golf shafts and who should play with each one. Hottest Golf Gadgets 2020.

2. You get the best of both worlds

Andrew Tursky, Senior Equipment Editor: As J.Wall mentioned, it’s absolutely time to get over any stigma around using graphite iron shafts. I’ll go as far as saying that more than 50 percent of golfers would find better performance and a more pleasurable experience by switching to graphite.

3. You can swing faster

Luke Kerr-Dineen, Director of Game Improvement Content: I went to our sister company True Spec for an iron fitting a couple of years ago, with one simple goal: I wanted to hit the ball further. I was sick of steel, so in came the graphite, and I was immediately vindicated.

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