Choosing between steel and graphite golf club shafts is a bit like debating the merits of the Beatles versus the Stones: It ultimately comes down to personal preference. In general, golfers with slower swing speeds might prefer graphite, which weighs less and bends, or flexes, more easily. Both of these factors might help you hit the ball farther. Professional golfers and low-handicappers often prefer steel, which can be easier to control and provides better feel if you generate lots of swing speed. The only way to find out which is better for you, says "Golf Magazine," is through trial and error.
Weight
Graphite weighs considerably less than steel. Steel shafts start at about 120 g and graphite shafts top out at about 85 g. The lighter shafts of graphite clubs enable many golfers to raise their swing speed and hit the ball farther. Graphite shafts on woods are 1 inch longer than steel shafts. Graphite shafts on irons are a half-inch longer, and the extra weight also can result in more distance, but you might sacrifice too much control.
Flex
Graphite shafts bend more easily than steel shafts, although both can be manufactured to the same standards of flexibility, or flex. There are five designated levels of flex. In order of the amount of flexibility, shafts come in L for ladies, A for seniors, R for regular, S for stiff and X for extra-stiff. However, there are no standards that manufacturers are compelled to follow, so an R shaft on Nike clubs might feel different from an R shaft on Mizuno clubs.
Best Flex
Golfer are advised to use "the most flexible shaft that you can control," says Scott Hennessy, president of True Temper, the world's largest manufacturer of steel shafts. Surveys have shown that most golfers use flexes that are too stiff, in part because they overrate their swing speeds. On the other hand, if the flex is too soft for you, it will bend too much and, say Hennessy, "you will spray the ball all over the place."
Considerations
In addition to weight and length, there are several other differences between steel and graphite shafts. Your hands will feel less vibration with graphite on your mishits. For higher handicap golfers who hit lots of bad shots, this might be a major factor, but many better players prefer the vibration, which give them more feedback on their shots. Graphite shafts are more expensive than steel, so sets of clubs with graphite might cost $100 to $200 more, as of April 2011. Ultimately, you will benefit from testing lots of clubs under the eye of a golf professional or instructor to find the right flex and shaft for you.
Member Comments