Steel or Graphite

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By Cy S

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  1. Cy S

    Cy S

    After seeing Boo Weekley shoot laser beams on his way to a win at Colonial last week and having just finished watching "Kuch" wrap up the Memorial with exceptional ball striking and accuracy, it begs the question, is graphite starting to become a legitimate competitor for the tried, tested and true steel iron shafts of old!? I must admit I've never swung a graphite shafted iron but always saw it as the go to option once you've turned grey and had a hip replacement. Its always been considered, at least in my mind, the choice of the older golfer whos lost the speed and strength of their prime. However, is it possible that my ignorance is leaving me in the dark on graphite? I mean, everybody uses graphite in their driver, fairway and hybrids so why not their irons? Can someone please enlighten me to the pros and cons whatever they may be of the graphite iron shaft!?

  2. Darius V

    Darius V
    Barrie, ON

    I can't say much about steel shafts as I have played graphite since I started playing regularly. Apart from my first set which was a hand-me-down from a friend, I have never owned anything but graphite. I understand it is true that back in the early days, graphite shafts were questionable due to the lack of consistency in the flex etc, however graphite has come a long way over the years and in my opinion are now equal to or better than steel shafts in many cases. Yes - I am what would be considered grey, (but have not had a hip replacement).

    I find the graphite shafts lighter giving me a real good feel for the head of the iron and it's position at impact.

    When I got my Titleist AP1's to replace my older irons (competitor model) I stuck with the graphite shafts and am very pleased with the results. With so many options available in selections for graphite shafts (with no up-charge) one can certainly find the right shaft for their irons and not feel like they have lost any playability even after years of using steel shafts.

    I highly recommend going for a fitting and trying them out. That is the best way to really compare. My experience with the fitting process at the Titleist Regional Fitting Center was superb. Well worth the cost, and you get to try out a variety of shafts that you may not find available in many other locations.

    In the end - in my opinion there is no single option that is best for everyone. We all swing differently and we all have our preferences, so in the end - if steel feels best to you - then steel it is.

    Darius

  3. e4chan

    e4chan
    Markham, ON

    The new shaft is a hybrid of steel and graphite.   Easier on the arms.  Give Aerotech shafts a try if you get a chance.  Feels like graphite, but hits like steel. 

    e4

     

  4. Darius V

    Darius V
    Barrie, ON

    There is a great article on the PGA Tour website that is very timely in light of your question. It is dated June 4th.

    I do hope I am not breaking any rules by adding the link here for you.

    http://www.pgatour.com/equipmentreport/2013/06/04/graphite-shafted-irons-evolving-on-tour.html

    Darius

  5. Scott G

    Scott G
    Winnipeg, MB

    I've been using steel shafts in my irons for over 30 years. I graduated to graphite on my metal woods just after the original Burner drivers came out. I imagine my first graphite shaft was the first Burner Bubble. However, graphite can not give you the proper "feedback" that a true steel shaft can in irons. For me, I need to have a forged iron with a steel shaft to understand how I struck the ball. Graphite does not give that aspect of the game to me.

    Just my opinion.

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