The golf shaft connects the grip to the club head but it also helps to influence the speed, accuracy and distance of your shot. Golf shafts may be made of several different materials, including graphite and stainless steel, and the type you choose can potentially have a significant impact on the quality of your game.
Design
Golf club shafts made from stainless steel are typically constructed from a carbon steel alloy coated with chromium plating to prevent rusting. While some models employ a composite of nickel or vanadium alloys, their single-material composition makes them more consistent from shaft to shaft. Graphite shafts are made from multiple layers of carbon fiber, which may vary in strength, and these layers can be manipulated to offer varying degrees of flexibility and twist from one shaft to another.
Durability
In terms of durability, shafts made of stainless steel may last longer than graphite, which are potentially subject to peeling, chipping and cracking, although technological innovations have improved their overall durability. Ultimately, how long a particular shaft will last may depend more on how they're used and cared for versus what material they're made from.
Weight
Shafts made from stainless steel are generally heavier than those made from graphite, and your individual swing speed may potentially be affected by the club's weight. Stainless steel shafts typically range from approximately 90 grams to 130, while graphite shafts can weigh as little as 39. The average weight range of graphite shafts for woods is 60 to 70 grams; for irons, it's 70 to 80.
Performance
The added weight of a stainless steel shaft can result in a slower swing speed and reduce distance. The extra weight can also cause older or weaker players to fatigue more quickly. The lighter weight of graphite shafts can increase club head speed, and therefore distance. Graphite shafts are also more able to absorb or dampen vibrations in the hands and arms as the club face makes contact with the ball.
Cost
Stainless steel shafts are generally cheaper to make and less expensive than graphite. A premium stainless steel shaft can cost approximately the same as a low-end graphite shaft, with an average cost for basic graphite shafts ranging from $10 to $90. The downside of less expensive graphite shafts is that they offer less consistency in terms of weight, flex and torque.
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