Why graphite or steel shafts

The status quo has always been that professionals and low-handicap golfers use steel shafts, while amateurs and beginners benefit more from graphite shafts. This is not necessarily the case these days. 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. The steel-shafted club is heavier than the graphite club. Players with a high swing speed may find that this fits their swing tempo better and allows them more control. Players who tend to swing too fast also will benefit from heavier clubs.

Steel-shafted clubs are less expensive than graphite clubs. Mishit shots are apt to leave one's hands stinging due to the vibrations imparted through the shaft.

The heavier weight will slightly reduce swing speed, resulting in a difference of up to 4 miles per hour that translates into a loss of about 10 yards. Steel- shafted clubs are more likely to irritate chronic hand, arm or shoulder problems than a graphite club, due to the weight and rigidity.

Graphite shafts are lighter than steel shafts, resulting in an increase in swing speed and distance. This is particularly beneficial to players with slow swing tempos. Most golfers can realize an increase of at least 5 yards for each club. Based upon your forward swing time, and your ball speed with either a 6 iron or driver, we will then make recommendations for either graphite or steel shafts. In general, players with faster forward swings and higher ball speeds will need to play heavier shafts.

The decision as to whether to play graphite or steel is then based upon two factors: 1. Feel and, 2. Most players can quickly feel the difference in a graphite shaft versus steel, especially at the same weight and flex.

Graphite will feel more comfortable, especially on miss-hits. Graphite shafts, however, are more expensive in both new clubs and in re-shafting existing clubs. View Results. Once players improve and move on from game improvement irons, then they will most likely turn to steel shafts in their irons for several reasons. 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. The biggest reasons are because of the feel, control, and ability to work the ball.

Graphite shafts do not have the same ability to work the ball to the extent of steel shafts, and that usually leads better players to upgrade to the steel shafts. Like I said above, the best kind of shaft for beginner golfers is certainly a graphite shaft in most cases. The added swing speed and forgiveness make them a solid choice.

After you know what type of shaft, then you should break down what flex to get depending on your swing speed. 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. 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. Some great players do not work the ball so they could even stick with graphite shafts if they are more comfortable with it. Unless you pick up a cheap game-improvement set , your wedges are probably steel shafts. The extra feel that steel shafts offer is great for your wedges and controlling the golf ball.

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.

Out of all of those, the main factor is based on swing speed and the type of club. Steel shafts should almost always be used in putters and wedges, but the rest are really up to you.

Also, drivers should almost always be graphite shafts.