Introduction
Steel Shafts vs Graphite Shafts For mid Handicap Golfers, Should mid handicap golfers use steel shafts in their irons or graphite shafts in their irons? would graphite shafts help mid handicappers increase distance with irons and lower scores? would graphite shafts suit mid handicap golfers better? who should be using graphite shafts? who should be using steel shafts? are these clubs perfect for beginners? does it even make a difference? in this video we put the two he'd to head using the PING i500 iron. lets find out... and lets do it now.
Video
I think we'll stay inside today, mark yeah, calling all you miss, handicapped, golfers out there.
Today, myself and Mark are gonna answer the age-old question: should you be using steel, shafted items or graphite shaft tonight? Let's do it and let's do it now, hi everyone James Robinson here, if you're new to the channel, that much is your first time watching my content and Mark wanted s to do subscribe.
Make sure you hit that subscribe button ring the notification about, so you don't miss anything that myself and Mark we're doing we'll.
Just we got another way.
My son, that myself and my mid handicap tester mark are putting on make sure you don't miss it.
Let's get straight back to this video on a graphite shaft today and against the steel shafted iron for a Midland account golfer today we're using the pink eye.
507 iron head, both stitch arts, the graphite I'm expecting to be lighter in the swing and therefore, perhaps a bit more speed through the ball and therefore we'll need to see what what happens off the top face.
Without that additional speed, more control, more distance, less control, less distance and so on both shafts standard length, I'm five-eleven, so standard length is pretty standard for 511 lat.
So we'll see what happens? Okay, guys so, just like mom said to stiff shafts, both standard length.
We know steel shaft first there because supplements used to.
Let me check out the numbers, then we're going to have a look at the graphite shaft and then we're going to see which shot you well which shot mark.
Should we use it? Let's do it and let's do it now, couldn't let mark do the only one of them in the video could okay mark so fire away.
We're gonna hit a reason you guys see in this mid handicap, and this was really important, guys that wasn't marks best swing, but we are going to keep it in there for the numbers.
We want as fair a comparison as possible.
Obviously mark be the mid handicap.
It's not going to be in fairness, the most the most consistent real, consistent numbers of these over yeah, actually, six okay, so that is the third six shots head.
That is with a steel shaft mark before we take a look at numbers.
Obviously you played steel a long time.
Just tell the people at home what you thought too, that maybe a little bit about the club, but mainly about the shaft well with the SIP shaft, if I felt much more control off of the swing and therefore more confident, perhaps of the head, striking the ball properly, yeah, all those you're safe on from the shots, those I stopped well, when went very nicely, those I didn't strike so well.
I still went okay, yeah, so remember we are using the ping I 500.
It is a power item, yes, and we will be expecting to see some pretty impressive, some good numbers yeah.
So just before we move on to the graphite.
Let's take a look at the numbers for mark the mid handicap tester for our steel, shafted ping, I 507, I'm, okay, guys! So, as you can see here, high pressure in these that's bringing them rain in the south and Mark's numbers are so seriously talking you through the numbers.
Now, if we look at those six shots, those fantastic consistency about them, taking away shot number three and shot number six they're all pretty much the same mark averaging total distance 160 so bear that one in mind an averaging spin rate just under 5,000, so bear that one in mind when we do the comparison right at the end averaging ball, speed, 110, averaging Club Ed, speed 87.3.
So these are all things that were going to have a look at we're going to compare them at the end.
I would expect club head speed, maybe to rise on the graphite shaft.
It's gonna be really interesting to see what that does to spin rate and also white, just a distance.
That's it for me, the weather man, let's get back to in these graphic, shows Cuoco.
What do you cover chest of drawers? Okay, guys now, we've done to the grandfather.
The graphite shaft in question is pings very own al tusi be shaft in a stiff flex.
It looks fantastic.
I fix a little bit black, oh yeah.
So let's see how that compares against pings very own steel.
My first reaction.
That's interesting.
First swing with the graphite shaft marks obviously warmed up.
If it sounded good, did it feel good, look felt good, sounded good and with ten yards down, that is only one shot.
Now, let's it five more just for a fair comparison.
Look the ball fly.
Everyone does you mean four people on that? Look at that ball flight.
There's some mid handicapper Zoot pay money for that man flex feet up spin, slamming down dish things the same.
This is outside that's a very heavy one yeah, that's the golf swing and I've got to say there.
That mark was hitting some absolute bombs in the warm-up.
So that doesn't surprise me that number all that is massive, mid handicap.
So no 179 yards you what everyone's coming to now.
He must not be off the chip and booked very well, but we're doing that, though James is that when you're on that little par 3, if you shot hundred 50 and it lands on the green, because that's 115 great- but if you don't do the 78 well we're now realizing you're you're off the back of in trouble.
Yes, it's wonderful to hit that shot.
It's amazing to hear sometimes so far but similar for myself when I tested the TaylorMade p7 92.
How that shot that looks amazing and then just keeps going and going and going and I can possible with as much as you want, but the fact is neither use nor only really speak to it.
In a real-life situation is consistency so guys we just have a quick round of there of what Mark thought about the graphics afternoon.
Before we take a look at the numbers, I've got a feeling.
These numbers are going to be pretty impressive mark for me as a coach.
Looking at it, the first few shots Marvel struggling to feel that the club that was he was struggling to feel how I could get club on Bob as soon as it got used to that a strike sounded phenomenal.
The wallflower immense just as you say there James, the I've helped I didn't like the feel of a club.
Now has picked it up.
I just felt too.
There was nothing was nothing between the hands and the head and therefore nervous and not confidently playing playing the shots and but I just once I got into everyone's got a bit more confident and realized.
The ball was actually going where I was so you're saying, yeah confidence started to increase and I was able to actually swing more well.
I got to playing a golf shot.
You know from wondering how this club was going to play the shot so guys James I'm, putting back here your local, weatherman and yeah it's time for that joke.
Is it let's talk numbers so numbers for the myth? Handicap graphite, shaft test? Let's talk about whatever I want to talk about the average distance.
An average distance is, oh by a whole, four yards swallowed every distance, but in fairness, looking at those last two shots, they were absolutely monstrous shots.
Look at the spin rates for these shots.
Four thousand six hundred.
Ninety four! So that's two hundred less than the steel shaft, making quite a big difference in realistic terms.
Club head speed is pretty much the same.
Eighty seven point three mile an hour off, so we're not going to touch any straws.
There ball speed up by a solemn one mile an hour so looking at the numbers between the graphite shaft and the steel shaft for mid handicap, golfer, very similar to what I found when I did this test, and this videos had loads and loads of hips.
When I put this test out, there didn't see a massive difference margin of Kamisha and just tell people first of all how the clubs fell and then, second of all the difference or lack thereof in the numbers.
Yeah, okay, I'm used to playing a steel shaft and therefore the first.
The first set of shots were much more confidently struck and the distance was reasonable, made a couple of bad shots in the middle there, so so that brought the average down.
But on the graphite it took me a few shots.
A few swings to get used to it.
But having done that, the last couple of shots were really big.
I would don't think I'd have a problem with a graphite shaft.
If I got used to it.
You know a bit more practice.
The distance could be further than that.
The steel shaft but I'm not sure that I'm looking for distance exactly this is one of the exactly when it's a tennis mark is a mid handicap golfer, but in Myers and I'm sure in your eyes, at home.
If you follow my landmark journey so far mark I think next year it could be lower than that.
I think we're looking at looking at single figures next year, so I hate to lose Markham in handicap tester book.
The way Mark stuff is going eats on the down.
No babies on the down the spiral upward spiral marks.
Golf is improving.
So for me, if you are a mid handicap tester and you looking it clinging on to that main handicap clicking on the cliff edge and you and you trying to do that by creating maybe a little bit more ball speed by lowering that's been making a bit more distance out of that by all means, graphite shafts could be for you, but I'm sure mark will agree with me here.
Graphite shafts aren't for everyone and, if you're, looking improving your game, I think maybe stick it out with steel and just work on your game a little bit now yeah and one thing I do really at this test.
I got out on the golf course played some different shots.
Just like me and Marvin, when we did the blade versus cavity back I.
Am a review so comment below.
Would you like to see me a mark or basically mark get out on the golf course test these shafts in a real in a real time environment on the golf course equally, what do you think about putting a graphite shaft into a bladed head that could be a bit of a mash up because it could not what you'd see I have to do that? Well guys, apart from that, this is Mark.
My mechanical tester, his Twitter, is below that my to disappear.
Mainstreamers over there make sure you hit that subscribe button and we'll see you soon great see you soon.
FAQs
Steel Shafts Vs Graphite Shafts For Mid Handicap Golfers? ›
For mid to high handicappers (with a slower swing speed), you'll want both a lighter shaft and probably a regular flex. As you groove a more consistent swing, you'll likely go from regular to stiff (or maybe x-stiff), and possibly a heavier shaft as well.
What shaft should a mid handicapper use? ›For mid to high handicappers (with a slower swing speed), you'll want both a lighter shaft and probably a regular flex. As you groove a more consistent swing, you'll likely go from regular to stiff (or maybe x-stiff), and possibly a heavier shaft as well.
How do I know if I need steel or graphite shafts? ›Historically speaking, steel iron shafts have been better for more advanced or higher swing speed players wanting a low shot trajectory, while graphite golf shafts have been ideal for amateur golfers with more moderate swings or players wanting maximum distance with lighter shafts.
Are steel shafts easier to hit than graphite? ›Steel shafts can weigh 1.5 to 2X what graphite shafts weigh, which also makes it easier to hit knockdown shots for optimal control. They're also usually cheaper than graphite shafts as they cost less to produce. If you're looking to save money, steel is usually the way to go.
When should a golfer use graphite shafts? ›Graphite is an excellent option for golfers that need an additional help creating club head speed due to its lightness and can be helpful to golfers with injuries that are looking to cut down on the additional vibration that may be caused by steel.
What shaft should a 70 year old man use? ›Almost all senior flex golf shafts are graphite as they're easier to generate swing speed. Steel shafts are heavier, hard to hit, and not ideal for older golfers. Opt for a lightweight graphite senior golf shaft to hit the golf ball better.
How do I know what shaft flex is right for me? ›| Carry Distance | Swing Speed | Flex |
|---|---|---|
| Under 200 yards | Under 75 mph | Ladies or Senior |
| 200 to 240 yards | 75 to 95 mph | Regular |
| 240 to 275 yards | 95 to 110 mph | Stiff |
| Over 275 yards | Over 110 mph | Stiff or Extra Stiff |
Are graphite shafts better for seniors in golf? Yes, graphite shafts are the best choice for most seniors. As I mentioned, the shaft plays a major role in ball striking, consistency, and distance. The overwhelming majority of senior players would benefit from using a graphite shaft.
Do any pros play with graphite shafts? ›However, there are professional golfers like Matt Kuchar, Abraham Ancer, and sometimes even Bryson DeChambeau will use graphite shafts in their irons. Remember, not all graphite shafts are lightweight, and they can be made just as stiff as a steel shaft.
Is there a big difference between regular and stiff flex? ›Regular Flex vs. Stiff Flex: What Is The Difference? The regular flex golf shaft is more flexible and easier for slower swing speed golfers to swing than the stiff flex golf shaft. A stiff flex golf shaft creates more resistance in the swing of a golfer.
Do graphite shafts flex more than steel shafts? ›
Steel tends to have very low torque (rotation during the swing) and also a stiffer tip section, while graphite can offer much higher torque rates and more flex in the tip. This combination will help with launch and also help you swing faster with less effort.
Does Tiger Woods use steel or graphite shafts? ›Tiger Woods used a steel shaft in his driver, a True Temper X100, but moved away from it 20 years ago. Even competitors in the World Long Drive use graphite shafts.
Can I change my steel shafts to graphite? ›Less Vibration but the Feel of Steel
Simply switching to a graphite shaft can reduce vibration over 30%. Adding a softer grip like a Winn grip can help as well. But, to keep the feel at impact of steel you need some material advantage. Aerotech SteelFiber i95 and i110 shafts are the industry leaders in that regard.
In general, golfers with a fast swing should use a stiff shaft and slowed swings should use a regular flex shaft. To check your swing speed a shot tracking device will be the most accurate method. Based on your swing speeds here are our recommendations: 80-95 mph swing speeds should use regular shafts.
Can you put a steel shaft in a driver? ›Golfers, who tend to hit the ball a long way and/or need more control, may find steel to their liking. There are only a handful of steel shafts available for drivers and fairway woods as an alternative to graphite. Irons and wedges are usually just the opposite in the shaft material choice.
How fast do you need to swing for stiff shafts? ›Stiff – This range is still considered fast, but you most likely won't be out on Tour anytime soon. If you're between 97 and 104 mph with the driver, you need a stiff flex.
How far should a 70 year old man hit his golf clubs? ›| Club | Men (Distance in Yards) | Women (Distance in Yards) |
|---|---|---|
| Driver | 180 | 145 |
| 3 Wood | 150 | 125 |
| 5 Wood | 145 | 120 |
| 3 Hybrid | 140 | 115 |
The best iron shaft for seniors is a senior flex high launch golf shaft with a lightweight feel, stability and impact, and a great transfer of energy or power to the golf ball. Mitsubishi MMT Taper Senior Flex Shaft is built for both feel and performance, and is currently our top overall choice in its category.
What is the best shaft for slower swing speeds? ›- Best for swing speeds under 80 mph: Accra TZ Series.
- Best for swing speeds 80-94 mph: Veylix Alpina Black 573.
- Best for swing speeds 95-105 mph: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX 60.
- Best for swing speeds 106 mph and above: Tensei 1K Pro White.
- Best in forgiveness: Fujikura Ventus TR.
If your driver's shaft is too stiff, the clubhead may not square with the ball at the point of impact, causing slices and fades. If you can't feel the weight of the clubhead loading through the shaft, it's probably too stiff, and can cause errors and issues associated with accuracy such as these.
What happens if a shaft is too flexible? ›
Incorrect flex
A golfer using a shaft that is too flexible may experience a ball flight that is too high, a ball that spins too much, or a shot pattern that has inconsistent dispersion.
Rice conducts lots of studies using launch data, which you can read on his website, and tells golfers that if they want to hit the ball over 300 yards, they need to swing their driver about 108 mph.
Can graphite shafts be stiff? ›95-120+ grams: These shafts are for the fastest players, and from a materials and design perspective graphite, shafts in this weight range can be made extremely stiff —beyond the point of similar steel shafts.
What is a senior golf shaft? ›When it comes to senior golf shafts, or if you see a golf shaft with a senior rating, it means that the shaft has been manufactured to a lesser stiffness than a regular golf shaft in order to accommodate the generally slower swing speeds of older players.
Do pros use stiff or extra stiff? ›Most professional golfers use Extra Stiff Flex clubs, so unless you're headed to Augusta National sometime soon, you likely don't need one. But, if your average club head speed is 110 miles per hour or more and you're consistently hitting with a distance of around 270 yards, an Extra Stiff Flex staff could be for you.
Do graphite shafts need to be longer? ›Graphite iron shafts tend to be about a 1/4 inch to a 1/2 inch longer than a steel shaft. For most players, this is not going to be a problem. However, if you choose steel or graphite shafts, you should make sure that they are custom fit to your exact height specifications.
Do any pros use SteelFiber shafts? ›Brandt Snedeker and Matt Kuchar have both routinely used Aerotech SteelFiber shafts in their irons throughout their careers. And keep in mind, these aren't two fringe players struggling to keep a PGA Tour Card. Kuchar has 9 PGA Tour wins, 3 international wins and over $54 million in on-course earnings.
What happens if you swing too fast with a regular shaft? ›If you should swing a stiff flex but are using a regular shaft, you will hit the golf ball too high and spin too much. This will kill distance and also leads to much bigger misses. Make sure to read our full article on signs you may need a stiffer shaft.
How can I tell my swing speed? ›The most convenient way to measure swing speed is with a portable, handheld launch monitor. These small handheld devices measure so much about your swing and no longer cost a fortune. Now, launch monitors are as low as $200 but can provide amazing insight to your game.
Should high handicappers use regular flex? ›Regular Flex
They are most appropriate for most mid to high handicap golfers, and even some who are more experienced but getting older and don't quite generate enough speed to warrant a stiff shaft. For men who are total beginners, a regular flex club would be the place to start for your first set of clubs.
Do graphite design shafts play soft to flex? ›
It comes in a number of different weight and flex options. I did the DI-7s in an I-mix tip. Now typically I play a stiff flex, but Graphite designs shafts always seem to run a touch soft, so I tipped mine an extra ½”.
What does AW mean on a golf club? ›Clubs labeled as an Approach Wedge (AW) or Gap Wedge (GW) have more degrees of loft than a Pitching Wedge (PW). A full swing shot with an AW/GW should travel shorter than a PW, but further than a SW. A standard Pitching Wedge loft is around 46 degrees, while an Approach Wedge/Gap Wedge has a loft closer to 51 degrees.
What is the best steel for shafts? ›Carbon Steel – The most common shafting material
It is the least expensive and easily hardenable, which gives it outstanding performance with all bearing types, predominately with ball bearings. The high carbon content allows for this shaft to be easily machinable, but susceptible to corrosion.
Rickie Fowler uses Cobra King Tour irons (4-PW) with KBS Tour C-Taper shafts.
Why did Tiger Woods leave Titleist? ›Titleist sued Nike after Tiger's infamous hackey-sack commercial, when Tiger at the time had contracts with both Nike and Titleist. While those scars have healed, Titleist doesn't have a track record of signing older players who haven't been playing their clubs for a while.
Why does Bryson use graphite shafts? ›I had been spinning my iron shots too much, and the new graphite shafts lowered my spin rates and helped reduce deflection.
Can graphite shafts bend? ›Graphite can be made much stiffer at lighter weights than steel shafts, meaning they'll bend/flex less during a swing. Graphite shafts can also vary more in their stiffness throughout the shaft. This allows manufacturers to make more unique bend profiles to fine-tune spin, ball speed, and launch.
Can graphite shafts be cut down? ›A cut off wheel will work well for both steel and graphite shafts. Let the saw get to full speed before pushing the wheel smoothly through the cut.
Can you reuse a graphite shaft? ›Continuously reusing graphite shafts is not a good habit either. Each time the shaft is exposed to a heat source, there has to be some effect to the shaft.
Who should use stiff flex irons? ›If you're wondering, “What swing speed requires a stiff shaft?” The golfers who tend to have a faster swing speed between 90 to 105 mph. The professionals often carry an extra stiff golf shaft. The stiff flex isn't a good choice for beginners because most beginners don't start with a fast swing speed.
Who should get stiff iron shafts? ›
Stiff shafts are best suited to golfers with fast swing speeds. Golfers fitting into this category typically swing a 6-iron between 84 to 91 mph. Stiff iron shafts help fast-swinging golfers produce their desired launch, ball speed, and spin levels for satisfactory results.
Should a high handicapper use a stiff shaft? ›A high handicapper should generally avoid stiff shafts. Beginner players or golfers who don't get to the course as would often benefit from senior or regular flex shafts.
Do drivers and woods use the same shaft? ›Driver shafts and fairway wood shafts in most cases are basically the same thing — except for a few fairway-wood-only exceptions in the marketplace, beyond changes in overall weight. What makes the shafts different is how they're cut and installed.
What's the difference between steel shafts and graphite? ›Graphite shafts are lighter and are generally preferred on longer clubs like drivers, fairway woods, and hybrids. They are also more expensive. Steel Shafts are heavier, less flexible but they are also more durable. One of the most critical choices is between the material of the shafts for the irons.
What is the longest shaft you can have on a driver? ›The maximum shaft length allowed by the Rules of Golf for competition is 48 inches and common thinking suggests the longer the shaft, the more clubhead speed you can create. This is backed up by the fact two-time World Long Drive champion Joe Miller uses a 50in shaft.
What happens if you swing too slow with a stiff shaft? ›If your golf shaft is too stiff and your swing speed is too slow, your well-struck shot will be limited on both carry distance and shot trajectory; a too-stiff golf shaft will most often lead to weak fades or slices.
How do I know what golf shaft to use? ›A player with a very fast swing will require a shaft with less flex, while a player with a slower swing will need a shaft with greater flex. Flex is generally rated as Extra Stiff (XS), Stiff(S), Firm(F), Regular(R), Senior(S), Amateur(A) and Ladies(L).
What is the difference between 60 and 70 golf shaft? ›60g driver shafts are great for golfers with a swing speed between 90 and 105mph and an average of 250-255 yards with their driver. 70g driver shafts are a good fit for golfers with a swing speed between 105 and 115 mph and an average of 285-290 yards with their driver.
Should beginners use stiff or regular flex irons? ›It's not recommended for beginner golfers to use stiff shafts. Most new players will benefit from a regular flex or even senior flex as they have a much lower swing speed. As you progress and increase your speed, then you can look at playing a stiffer or heavier shaft.
What type of shaft is better for beginners? ›The regular shaft is perfect for the golfer with around 90mph of swing speed. Most average golfers and beginners enjoy the regular flex shaft.
What swing speed is regular vs stiff shaft? ›
What swing speed requires a stiff shaft? Golfers at driving speeds over 90 mph should generally use a stiff shaft. Under 90 mph should probably use a regular shaft.
Will a heavier shaft help a slice? ›IMPROVE SPEED AND PATH
Mucklow's data also shows that a heavier shaft improves your swing path. For every 10 grams of weight, the club's path—which should come from inside the target line on the downswing—improves by a full degree. Great news for slicers.
One of the classic signs that recreational players need a stiffer golf shaft is they start to hook the ball. Typically speaking, when you are playing with a shaft that is too stiff for your game, it's easy to miss the ball to the right. The opposite holds true when you are hooking the ball.
How do I know my swing speed? ›The most convenient way to measure swing speed is with a portable, handheld launch monitor. These small handheld devices measure so much about your swing and no longer cost a fortune. Now, launch monitors are as low as $200 but can provide amazing insight to your game.
Should a high handicapper use stiff or regular flex? ›Should a high handicapper use a stiff shaft? It's probably not the best idea for a high handicap golfer to use a stiff shaft. But it ultimately depends on swing speed more than handicap level. This is why it's so important to use a launch monitor or get a club fitting session to determine your swing speed.
How do I know if my shaft is too stiff? ›If your driver's shaft is too stiff, the clubhead may not square with the ball at the point of impact, causing slices and fades. If you can't feel the weight of the clubhead loading through the shaft, it's probably too stiff, and can cause errors and issues associated with accuracy such as these.
How do you know if your shaft is too heavy? ›Nippon suggested that a player should be able to tell largely by feel. A shaft that's too heavy will cause a “labored golf swing.” A shaft that's too light will hurt your ability to make solid contact. When you find the right shaft weight, you'll experience a “high energy swing” with uniform contact.
How do I know if my shaft is too weak? ›Generally speaking, a driver shaft that's too stiff will cause shots to launch too low, with too little spin and low peak heights. A shaft that's too weak, on the other hand, may cause shots to spin too much, fly too high, and widen dispersion patterns.
Is there a big difference between steel and graphite shafts? ›Graphite shafts are lighter and are generally preferred on longer clubs like drivers, fairway woods, and hybrids. They are also more expensive. Steel Shafts are heavier, less flexible but they are also more durable. One of the most critical choices is between the material of the shafts for the irons.
Should I get a lighter or heavier shaft? ›A key factor in maximizing swing speed is maximizing muscle activation, which is why certain golfers can swing heavier shafts faster than lighter shafts. Slightly heavier shafts can activate additional muscle groups, effectively “turning on” more speed in a golfer's swing.
What is the difference between stiff flex and regular flex? ›
Regular Flex Golf Shafts: Understanding the Difference. A stiff shaft offers less flexibility and more resistance and control, benefiting golfers with faster swing speeds. A regular flex shaft offers a smoother and easier swing for golfers with slower swing speeds.