What are the reasons that graphite shafts can hit a ball further than steel shafts?

Answer 1

They don't depends on your swing. You should try both before purchasing a set of clubs. You need to find out what works best for your swing before you buy. There is some good info at www.pga.com improve you game section

Answer 2

I think graphite shafts have come a long way about 15 years ago they might not have been that good but today their is a huge difference. If your an average golfer and have graphite shafted woods with regular flex they will provide more speed because of the shafts Weight and more whip in the downswing for more additional distance. tour players have other options today they can make graphite shafts that mimic steel with less weight good player have lots of speed and dont want the whip they gain extra distance because of the light weight shafts. Tour players have graphite shafts that are stiffer lighter and longer to hit the ball further without sacrificing control.

Answer 3

In the "old days," the general feeling was that recreational golfers, mid- and high-handicappers, should use graphite, while the better players, low-handicappers, would stick with steel. That's not necessarily true anymore, however. Even PGA Tour golfers can be seen using graphite shafts. In 2004, Tiger Woods switched from a steel shaft to a graphite shaft in his driver (most pros made that switch even earlier).

As with every type of golf equipment, the key is to try out both kinds and determine which type best fits your swing.

Some Keypoints
• Steel shafts are less expensive than graphite, so the same set of clubs will cost less with steel shafts than with graphite shafts.

• Steel shafts were once considered much more durable than graphite. That's not so much the case anymore. 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.

• Graphite shafts transmit fewer vibrations up the shaft to the golfer's hands than do steel shafts. This might be good or bad, depending on your skill and your desire. You might want that added feedback that steel shafts offer - or you might be tired of your hands stinging so much on mis-hit shots.

The Most Important Point
The biggest and by far most important difference between steel and graphite shafts is this: graphite shafts are lighter than steel shafts. So clubs that have graphite shafts will be lighter than otherwise identical clubs that have steel shafts.

According to clubmaking and equipment guru Tom Wishon, the difference in weight between graphite shafts and steel shafts will translate, for most golfers, into an additional 2-4 mph of swing speed with graphite. And that could mean an extra 6-12 yards of distance with a graphite shaft, compared to a steel shaft.

That's why, in the everpresent quest for more yards, more and more golfers prefer graphite shafts.

Answer 4

Graphite shafts have flex to them, when you swing to the top of your backswing the head of the club continues a little further, by time the club head has swung around and caught up with the shaft it has generated additional speed. This additional speed creates more energy, more energy more distance.

Answer 5

I agree with "dreamin" above. It is all about Physics. Generate the greatest club head speed any way you can - but not at the great expense of impacting the ball squarely on the sweet spot.
At impact zone (i.e. 1 foot before and after the ball) your eyes play the most important role. Of course there about 1 million variables that enable a golfer hit squarely at the ball.
If you can hit the golf ball with only underspin, without side spin, my Physics tells me that the ball will fly straight.

Answer 6

It's because the graphite shafts are lighter, which translates into more club speed, which equates more distance.

Answer 7

it gives an extra kick to the club. the flex means tht the shaft stays behind for a split second before you swing forward . you generate more power in tht spilt second and when the club face hits trhe ball the shaft is still swingin down reely fast .im 14 n i know tht

Answer 8

The main reason is greater clubhead speed due to lighter weight and the increased arc w/ 1.5-2" increased length over steel. Flex is significant if you swing below 85mph. However, if you are pretty strong and you can handle a heavier club, greater mass will always deliver greater force, but you have to measure that against loss of speed. Most people can't handle the weight. Accuracy will always increase w/ decreased length.

Answer 9

It all has to do with the graphite shafts are more flexible than steel. thus when you swing there is more whip in the club.

Answer 10

They are lighter so you can put more of the effort into a higher head speed than with a steel shaft. They are also a bit less rigid.