Golf clubs are made of three key components: the club head, the grip and the shaft. The golf shaft connects the grip to the club head and helps transfer the power of your swing to the ball. Golf shafts are typically made of graphite or steel. If you're shopping for a new set of clubs, it's important to understand the difference between these two materials and the impact they can potentially have on your game.
Construction
Graphite and steel shafts are constructed quite differently. A graphite shaft is made by wrapping graphite tape with an epoxy binder around a steel mandrel. The graphite is heated and the mandrel is removed. Once it's cooled, the shaft is sanded, cut, painted and sealed with a durable laminate. Steel shafts are made by rolling a steel strip into a tube and drawing it out to achieve the proper diameter and thickness. The steel shaft is then hardened, straightened and chrome-plated.
Durability
The durability of steel versus graphite shafts is primarily dependent on how they are cared for. According to Golf Club Clone, shafts made of steel can last virtually forever so long as they are not bent, pitted or rusted. Graphite shafts can be just as durable as long as there are no chips or cracks and the laminate seal does not begin to peel.
Cost
Graphite and steel shafts differ in terms of cost. Graphite shafts tend to be more expensive than steel, and you can expect to pay as much as 25 percent more for a set of clubs featuring graphite shafts compared with those made with steel.
Performance
Graphite and steel shafts perform very differently. Graphite shafts are much more lightweight, and, according to Golf Club Clone, for players who lack the physical strength to swing a steel club, this can add anywhere from 6 to 12 yards to their drive distance. Graphite shafts also absorb feedback better than steel, reducing the amount of vibration felt in the arms and hands. For players who don't necessarily need extra distance, steel shafts can offer greater control and accuracy on your shots.
Considerations
When choosing between graphite and steel, consider your physical strength, skill level and style of player. Inexperienced players and players who have a hand, arm or shoulder injury may prefer a graphite shaft, which is more forgiving and requires less swing power. Players with a more powerful swing may opt for steel, which can withstand a stronger drive.
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