Irons: Steel Shaft or Graphite Shaft. How does one decide???

Question

Hi all, any rough idea or suggestions if which shaft (steel or graphite) is highly recommended. thanks in advance.

thanks for all the feedback. my clubhead speed is about 75-85 mph. just went for club fitting and that's how i know it. now is to decide steel or graphite shaft.

currently using graphite shaft with Mizuno Zephyer and upgrading to MX-25. got to decide in 2 days time as reserved date runs out.

when you guys said steel allows more control. what kind of control you are referring to. may anyone elaborate on "control", please?

i don't think graphite is meant for ladies or senior citizens. All i'm afriad is to spead $1K on a new sets of clubs and I can;t play it!

Any comments appreciated. thanks/dan

Answer 1

mens--steel
strong women--steel
tiny woman--graphite

=]


hope it helps!

Answer 2

One decides by trying them both out. If your clubhead speed is X mph, that really means nothing when it comes to choosing graphite vs steel. It's just what you feel comfortable with and what you like the feel of. Now let me list some clear pros and cons

Steel: Harder to swing, more effort required. But they give a very good feel and I think that's what people mean by "control". The stiffness makes for a more effective energy transfer from your club swing to the ball.

Graphite: They are softer, usually dull the feel, and they are more flexible so you will lose a bit of energy upon contact with the ball. However, they more than make up for this by making clubs easier to swing because of weight.

So you should go try them out, both kinds. See how bad the cons are and how good the pros are and make a decision. If you have graphite shafts and are used to them, it might be a good idea to stick with them, but if they aren't for you then it's never too late or too early to make the switch

Answer 3

Well, I hope I can help you.

Basically graphite is more for beginners and slower swing speeds (i.e. ladies and senior flexes) and steel is for more "established" players. Which depending on your age it depends on your swing strength, speed, and preference.

Both shafts have some advantages and disadvantages. Steel is heavier however it is a little stiffer than graphite and therefore is more accurate. Graphite is light, however it is a little "whippier" and can cause some problems with accuracy.

I currently use steel shafts, my first set of clubs had a graphite shaft. My suggestion for you is to use steel.

Good Luck and nice Irons

Answer 4

Hey Dan, speak with the club fitter for recommendations before you pay for the new set. Most people would like to have steel shafts as it also creates an impression that most better players go for steel (which isn't the case). If you are a mid-high handicapper (>18), I would recommend that you stick with graphite. I have used graphite + cavity backed clubs til I dropped my handicap to 11 before changing to blades & steel.

If the steel shaft is weighted 4.0 or 4.5 then pls go for it. Anything above 4.5 could be too heavy for us asians.

Answer 5

I used to have graphite on my irons. Now, I have Dynamic Gold steel shaft. When I have played 15 holes, I really make my hand so tired by swinging my steel shafted irons. I'm thinking of replacing Dynamic Gold with Royal Precision microtaper which weight around 90 grams. I hope it will feel as light as the graphite shaft.

Answer 6

This is simple...
It depends how strong you are...if you are pretty stong and you take a big divot then you will probably eventually break the graphite shafts,
but if you don't take that big divot and would like to put the ball out there then go with the graphites
-steel=better durabily
-graphite=faster club speed--further distance

Answer 7

By control, they mean that steel keeps the head of the club straighter as you swing. Graphite, while allowing more back and forth flex, it also allows more side to side flex. This means the head might hit the ball at an angle. Your ball may not go where you want it to go.

It's a trade off. You get the better distance with graphite. You get better accuracy with steel.

Answer 8

Nara's answer is correct. Unless you are a senior or a female, or a beginner with a real slow swing speed, choose steel shafts for your irons. You will be more accurate with steel shafts, and accuracy is the most important thing when hitting shots into the green. Use the graphite shafts for your driver and fairway woods, it will give you more distance.

Answer 9

depends. those with slower swings speeds choose to go with graphite because you can generate a faster swing with them. Graphite is usually lighter than steel, but also more expensive. With steel you generally get better feel with them. meaning shots hit on center or off center, vibrations are tranferred better through the steel.
If you're not a senior or a lady i would just say to get steel.

Answer 10

ok if you have a slow swing speed then graphite would suit you the best (gives you more power and distance)
but if you have a relativley normal swing speed then get steel shafts (give you more control over the direction of your shots)

hope this helps

Answer 11

how fast you swing your club when i play (30 years ago) when I was a 2 handicapper i love the stiff shaft and steel now (18 handicapper) I have a graphite my swing slow down a lot Good luck