Which golf club shafts have the greater consistency throughout the set, steel or graphite?
Answers:
When and where did golf originate?
• Steel shafts are less expensive than graphite, so the same set of clubs will cost less with steel shafts than with graphite shafts.• Steel shafts were once considered much more durable than graphite. That's not so much the case anymore. Quality graphite shafts will last as long as you do so long as they are not chipped, cracked, or the laminate-seal is not peeling. Steel shafts will last forever so long as they are not bent, rusted or pitted.
• Graphite shafts transmit fewer vibrations up the shaft to the golfer's hands than do steel shafts. This might be good or bad, depending on your skill and your desire. You might want that added feedback that steel shafts offer - or you might be tired of your hands stinging so much on mis-hit shots.
The Most Important Point
The biggest and by far most important difference between steel and graphite shafts is this: graphite shafts are lighter than steel shafts. So clubs that have graphite shafts will be lighter than otherwise identical clubs that have steel shafts.
According to clubmaking and equipment guru Tom Wishon, the difference in weight between graphite shafts and steel shafts will translate, for most golfers, into an additional 2-4 mph of swing speed with graphite. And that could mean an extra 6-12 yards of distance with a graphite shaft, compared to a steel shaft.
That's why, in the everpresent quest for more yards, more and more golfers prefer graphite shafts.
What It All Means
You probably want more yards, too. So it's obvious: You should choose graphite shafts, right? Probably, but not necessarily.
As we said, the majority of golfers these days are going to graphite, at least in their woods, but steel shafts maintain a very strong presence in golf, especially among low-handicappers and scratch players.
In many cases, those are golfers who don't need the extra boost of swing speed that graphite shafts can provide. Players who prefer steel shafts often make that choice because their heavier weight provides the golfer with a feeling of more control over the clubhead during the swing. And these are players who can analyze and benefit from the added feedback (more vibrations traveling up the shaft) that steel provides.
We'll quote Tom Wishon: "If gaining more distance is a primary goal for the golfer, they should definitely be fit with the proper graphite shaft design in their woods and irons to match their swing. On the other hand, if distance is not the main focus for the golfer because they already have a high swing speed, if they like the feel of steel and their swing tempo matches a little better to the higher total weight steel shafts bring to the clubs, then steel is the better option."
And we'll add that anyone who is not physically strong, or has physical problems in their hands, forearms or shoulders that are exacerbated by the bad vibes of a mis-hit shot, should go with graphite.
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Your best bet is to go to your local pro shop and try both kinds of shafts out. I don't like how heavy the club head feels with graphite shafts. As far as consistency goes, it depends on what is most comfortable to you.Is a lob wedge really useful? Is it difficult to play with?
Graphite golf club shafts are lighter, you swing 'feels' easier. Graphite golf clubs absorb vibrations during your swing.That's why you can use longer clubs - especially a golf driver and fairway woods - and reach more distance.
A dislike: You pay for that luxury feeling. Golf clubs with graphite shafts normally are more expensive and less durable than steel.
Graphite is a synthetic material and varies in strenght, weight and flexibility:
An Ultra light graphite shaft is about 50g.
A Lower End graphite shaft weights about 75g.
A High-Modulus graphite shaft is somewhat stiffer.
Also there are Bi-Matrix club shafts, they are made of graphite and steel. Bi-Matrix woods have a graphite shaft with a steel tip. Bi-Matrix irons have a steel shaft and a graphite tip.
Both versions are meant for some more control.
Steel golf club shafts: starting golfers and high or a mid handicappers rather not choose for steel. Steel is meant for stronger people with a fast swing speed.
Steel shafts are somewhat stiffer and heavier for more control and precision. Most low handicap golfers are able to reach a great distance with steel clubs.
Steel club shafts usually are a little bit cheaper than graphite shafts.
And don't forget the flexibility, if you wonder which golf club shafts have the greater consistency throughout the set.
If you have a slow swingspeed than choose an LL or L - shaft, which is most flexible and enables you to hit far.
Regular - R - is fine for mid handicappers with a slightly faster swingspeed up to 90 to 95 mph.
If you are a low handicapper with a fast swingspeed up to 110 mph who wants good control, then take a Stiff - S - or firmer shaft.
An Uniflex golf club shaft is actually fine for any golfer.
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