How do you decide whether to purchase graphite or steel golf club shafts?

Answer 1

Here are the pros and cons of steel shafts vs graphite shafts:

STEEL

Pros: (i) consistent manufacturing of steel is easier to attain and there is less variation from manufacturer to manufacturer; (ii) more accurate because of a lower more penetrating ball flight; (iii) less torque and twisting.

Cons: (i) heavy; (ii) produces lower club head speed, and therefore less distance on shots; (iii) favors swing speeds above 95 MPH, thus eliminates many higher handicappers from playing steel.


GRAPHITE

Pros: (i) light weight; (ii) produces higher clubheadd speeds and longer distance on shots; (iii) more easily customized for players of all skill levels; (iv) matches up better with today's larger drivers, hybrids and fairway woods

Cons: (i) less accurate; (ii) higher ball flight that can be difficult to predict and control; (iii) confusing array of choices for the average golfer; (iv) no standardization of specs such as flex, kick-point, twisting and torque from manufacturer to manufacturer; thus one company's "firm flex" may another's "stiff flex" and so on.

In sum, if you want more distance, play graphite; if you want more accuracy and control, play steel.

Answer 2

Generally a player who generates more club head speed and more torque will go with steel. Steel is heavier, so if you swing harder, steel would be a better choice.

Answer 3

You should hit them first so you can decide what works best for your swing