Steel generally has less flex, more stability, low torque, and provides more accuracy. Standard steel shafts are shorter. Good players still show a preference for steel shafted irons, wedges, and putters, where accuracy is more important than distance.
Why use a steel shaft for a golf ball?
Because there are good reasons to consider trying out a steel shaft. Here are some of them. The biggest advantages of using a steel shaft include stiffness, reliability, and durability. Steel shafts twist far less on off-center hits than graphite shafts do, making it easier to control the direction of the ball.
Should you buy graphite or steel golf shafts?
The part where the divide starts between graphite and steel golf shafts are with irons. For beginner and high handicap golfers, you are going to most likely want graphite shafts. For scratch and low handicap golfers, a steel shaft might be better if you have the ability and desire to work the ball for your approach shots.
Why offer steel wood shafts?
Why offer steel wood shafts, when most fairway woods and nearly all drivers use graphite wood shafts? Because there are good reasons to consider trying out a steel shaft. Here are some of them. The biggest advantages of using a steel shaft include stiffness, reliability, and durability.
What are golf shafts made of?
Heavier shafts are generally made from steel and lighter shafts from graphite. Manufacturers add the most commonly used shafts as standard, but there is an aftermarket shaft available to suit your swing down to a tee.
Why do golf pros use 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 any pro golfers use steel shafts?
99% of the top 100 PGA Tour pros use steel shafts in their irons. Abraham Ancer is the exception using Mitsubishi's MMT 105 TX graphite shafts in his Miura TC-201 irons. Matt Kucher has also used graphite irons in the past as does Brandt Snedeker.
Why are steel shafts better?
Typically, steel shafts are much heavier, more durable and are generally less expensive than their graphite counterparts. They are more often than not made from stainless steel and they tend to weigh in between around 90g-120g. Torque or lateral twisting found in all graphite shafts is lower in steel irons.
Are steel shafts easier to hit?
One of the most common questions that comes up when purchasing golf clubs nowadays is, “What type of golf shaft should I get?” Historically speaking, steel shafts have been better for more advanced or higher swing speed players.
Does Tiger Woods use steel or graphite shafts?
If you're considering a steel shaft in your driver or fairway woods, please consider a proper club fitting. A steel driver shaft is a thing of the past. Tiger Woods used a steel shaft in his driver, a True Temper X100, but moved away from it 20 years ago. Even competitors in the World Long Drive use graphite shafts.
What shaft is best for my swing speed?
– Golf Shaft Flex ChartCarry DistanceSwing SpeedFlexUnder 200 yardsUnder 75 mphLadies or Senior200 to 240 yards75 to 95 mphRegular240 to 275 yards95 to 110 mphStiffOver 275 yardsOver 110 mphStiff or Extra StiffOct 15, 2019
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.
What shafts does Tiger Woods use?
Tiger has a Mitsubishi Diamana D+ 60 TX shaft fitted to his driver.
What shafts do pro golfers use?
Fujikura driver shafts are the most used by the top 100 PGA Tour players with 28 players using them including Justin Thomas, Jordan Speith, Dustin Johnson, Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler and Louis Oosthuizen. The Ventus Blue 6X and Ventus Black 6X shafts are the most popular individual driver shafts.
What shaft is better for high handicappers?
Favourite Steel Shafts For High Handicappers The AMT Red from True Temper is great shaft, at 94g it's light for steel and it is designed to get height and spin on the ball. This is a shaft that will feel great and get you feeling confident in a steel shaft for your irons.
Should a beginner golfer use a stiff shaft?
With the proper fit, the new golfer can learn without making compensations for clubs that are too stiff or too flexible. In general, the faster a golfer's swing speed the stiffer a golf shaft should be in order to provide more control over the ball's flight.
Do any pros use graphite iron 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.
Why do golfers use steel shafts?
The first reason is that better golfers tend to have more swing speed than beginners, so they do not need the extra help that graphite shafts possess.
Why is it important to choose the correct golf club shaft?
Golf club shafts are very useful if you have relevant knowledge because they can have an effect on your ball flight and accuracy of your shots. Most golfers focus on basically everything but choosing the correct shaft and shaft type based on their swing speed.
Why are putters made of steel?
Putter shafts are going to be steel because the flex of your putter does not matter. Some golfers do experiment with different types of steel shafts in their putters because the feel can be different depending on the shaft.
Why do women's golf clubs have graphite shafts?
Graphite shafts are also found in almost every set of women’s and senior golf clubs because it helps equal out the lack of swing speed that they have . Steel shafts are practically nonexistent with senior and women golf club shafts. Another category of golf clubs that almost always have graphite shafts is game improvement irons for all types ...
Why are graphite shafts used in golf?
Graphite shafts are found in virtually every driver on the market because they are lighter and promote clubhead speed for golfers to really bomb it down the fairway. No matter what the skill level is, a graphite shaft is most likely going to be used with a driver. Graphite shafts are also found in almost every set of women’s ...
What shaft type is best for a driver?
Best Shaft Type for Your Driver. Graphite shafts are going to be your best bet when it comes to your driver. The swing speed and forgiveness that a graphite shaft offer will make your performance the best.
Why does my golf ball go right?
The ball goes right due to too stiff of a shaft (for right-handed golfers). Not able to work the ball as well with graphite shafts in irons. Low trajectory if the shaft is too stiff. Too high of a trajectory if the shaft is too flexible. Less accuracy if the shaft is too flexible and “whippy”.
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 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 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.
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 ….
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 ...
Why is flex important in golf?
As for the benefits of increased flex, there are quite a few, the most important being more power which in turn results in more distance on your golf shots. This added flex and torque also allows you to swing the club faster, and as we have discussed previously the faster the swing the more distance you get from the club.
What are the benefits of a heavier shaft?
Chi. Steel golf shafts are traditionally heavier than graphite shafts and the key benefit, according to the U.S. Golf Teachers Federation, is accura cy. Because of the weight, steel shafts are traditionally shorter than graphite shafts, making them easier to control.
Why is a heavier shaft better than a lighter shaft?
Because a heavier shaft is usually shorter than a lighter shaft, the club should be easier to control and the end result is cleaner contact with the ball. But according to the U.S. Golf Teachers Federation, improved accuracy may come at the cost of distance. Heavier shafts also have less torque, which is the resistance to twisting on impact, so a heavier shaft helps prevent slices or hooks and keeps your ball flying straight.
How does tempo affect golf swing?
Heavier shafts help golfers to "feel" the club in their hands and can slow the tempo. Because of the slower tempo, golfers have time to think about cocking their wrists at the top of the swing and turning them over at impact, both which translate into a cleaner swing. A slower tempo, particularly with short irons and wedges leads to an improved result.
Why do golfers have to cock their wrists?
Because of the slower tempo, golfers have time to think about cocking their wrists at the top of the swing and turning them over at impact, both which translate into a cleaner swing. A slower tempo, particularly with short irons and wedges leads to an improved result.
Which is cheaper, steel or graphite?
Steel is a less expensive material than graphite, which is manufactured, so steel-shafted clubs are less expensive than graphite. Steel is also a sturdier material and heavier clubs will have a longer life span. Graphite clubs can splinter. Bryson DeChambeau and Aaron Rodgers win The Match.
Is steel shaft better than graphite shaft?
Overview. Steel golf shafts are traditionally heavier than graphite shafts and the key benefit, according to the U.S. Golf Teachers Federation, is accuracy. Because of the weight, steel shafts are traditionally shorter than graphite shafts, making them easier to control. According to "Golfweek," steel shafts weigh up to 125 g ...
What are golf shafts made of?
Shafts are manufactured from steel, graphite, multi-material, titanium, and nanofuse shafts. Heavier shafts are generally made from steel and lighter shafts from graphite. Manufacturers add the most commonly used shafts as standard, but there is an aftermarket shaft available to suit your swing down to a tee.
What is the best speed for a golf shaft?
As a guideline slower speeds below 85 mph will benefit more from lightweight shafts, mid speeds between 95 and 105 mph midweight shafts, and fast speeds over 105mph heavy shafts. Ultimately the best-suited shaft is the lightest shaft that enables you to exert control over your shot while still getting a good distance.
How much does a steel shaft weigh?
Steel shafts weights vary between 85g to 130g and although this does not seem like an enormous difference it will make an impact in your shot-making ability. Furthermore, your strength, swing speed, swing tempo, and club length play an enormous role in determining shaft weight.
How much shorter is a driver shaft than a fairway shaft?
Most stock shafts from manufacturers use the same weight of shaft in fairway woods as their driver models. Fairway woods have shafts that are between 1 and 3 inches shorter than your driver shaft.
How does swing speed affect the quality of the strike?
The effect of your swing speed. Your swing speed exerts forces on the shaft and makes it bend. The faster your swing speed the more bend you will get in the shaft. When there is too much bend in the shaft it will affect the quality of the strike, control, and ball trajectory will be affected.
What is the debate around golf shafts?
The debate around shafts is related to heavier vs lighter golf shaft and the pros, cons, and benefits of each. In general the weight of the club will determine how fast you can swing ...
How heavy is a driver shaft?
Driver shaft weight can vary from 65g to 130g.
Why are golf shafts longer?
Longer shafts can produce extra distance because you will have a longer swing arc and more club head speed. Shorter shafts are easier to control and yield more accurate shots.
Why use lighter shafts in golf?
Be aware that lighter shafts make it harder to feel the club's position throughout the swing, which could lead to less control. Heavier shafts are easier to keep on plane during the swing and help promote good tempo. Heavy shafts tend to produce lower-trajectory shots.
What is the difference between graphite and steel shafts?
Steel shafts are heavier and provide the golfer with more vibrational feedback on mishit shots. Graphite shafts are lighter , encouraging a faster club head speed . Graphite shafts also dampen the vibrational feedback on mishit shots, which can sting your hands.
What is flex in golf?
Flex refers to the amount of bowing the shaft does on the downswing. The most common flex choices are ladies, light, regular and stiff. The flex you need is determined by your swing speed. You should not try to swing faster or slower to try and fit your swing into a club.
What is the difference between a high and low torque shaft?
This twisting effects the way the club face impacts the ball. High-torque shafts could help golfers with slower club head speeds and golfers who slice the ball. Low-torque shafts are good for low-handicap golfers with fast club head speeds, improving accuracy.
Which point of the shaft is the most likely to bow during a downswing?
Kick point is the area of the shaft that bows the most during the downswing and through impact. A low kick point bows near the head of the club, producing a higher ball flight. It is better for slower swing speeds. A mid kick point bows in the middle of the shaft and will have a medium-high trajectory.
Where is the mid kick point on a golf shaft?
A mid kick point bows in the middle of the shaft and will have a medium-high trajectory. A high kick point bows near the grip end of the shaft and produces a low trajectory. You need a fast swing speed to play a shaft with a high kick point.
What is the most important choice when buying golf clubs?
One of the most important choices you have to make when buying golf clubs is which shaft flex to use , with 80% of golfers being suited to either regular or stiff shafts.
Why do golf irons have higher kick points?
Because stiffer shafts need more power or a more efficient action to work at their best, they usually feature higher kick points to help players control their ball flights. RELATED: Best Golf Irons. The right weight and kick point also play a part in finding the right shaft.
Is graphite shaft better than steel?
On the whole graphite shafts are a little lighter than steel alternatives and will help slower swingers find better, longer ball flights. For some golfers, lighter graphite shafts feel easier to use – helping to generate good ball flights with less effort.
Is a stiff shaft stiffer than a regular shaft?
A stiff shaft is firmer and harder to bend than a regular shaft, and so more often than not, they’re also heavier in weight. As a rough rule of thumb, the more speed you generate, the stiffer your shafts should be.
Why are fairway wood shafts important?
Fairway Wood Shafts And Why They Are Important. The fairway wood is a unique club, you want it to go far but you need it to be accurate. These clubs can help you find tight fairways or reach distant greens. Picking the right shaft is essential to help you optimize your accuracy and length. Many golfers think of the fairway wood as an afterthought ...
Why is it important to pick the right shaft?
Picking the right shaft is essential to help you optimize your accuracy and length. Many golfers think of the fairway wood as an afterthought and just grab a bargain. Finding the right club can be great for your game. Think of Henrik Stenson and his magic 3 wood, by carefully selecting a fairway wood shaft, you too can start a love affair with ...
What is shaft flex?
Shaft flex is often the main focus for people looking at new clubs but it’s not the be all and end all. Your swing speed helps to determine what shaft flex you should be using, The weight and torque of the shaft can also play an instrumental role in the shaft that you should be using.
Why is torque important in golf swings?
This will help the player feel more control in the shaft and that it is supporting your speed. This will also help you with better control and dispersion.
What happens if a golf shaft is too long?
A shaft that is too long will go further but it will be much harder to control. Long drive contest entrants use extra-long shafts, for example. If you get a shaft that is too short, although it will be accurate and easy to control, you will lose a significant amount of distance with the club.
What is the best material for golf clubs?
The classic shaft material, graphite gives superior weighting options and is great for keeping a club light. Graphite is optimized for distance and will be the best material for most golfers. The best thing about graphite is the exquisite control you can gain on flight characteristics.
What happens if you get the weight wrong on a golf swing?
If you get the weight wrong, the first issue will be that it just doesn’t feel right during your swing. A shaft that is too heavy will be difficult to fully load and it will make you struggle to get good distance. It may feel a little dead sin your hands and very stiff through the swing. If it is too light, you may struggle with the timing ...
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.
