Steel Shafts Vs Graphite Shafts For Mid Handicap Golfers

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.

[jimyang]

I disagree with the comment of "sticking with steel shafts" if you're looking to improve your game. I believe it would have been more beneficial to the viewers not to add to the stereotype that steel is better rather the point of golf equipment is to get properly fitted. I'm a 7 handicap and have played graphite for most of my life. I was fitted to graphite due to swing tempo/better trackman numbers (vs Steel) and personally I prefer the softer feel of graphite at impact. People should just get fitted and play whatever makes them feel the most confident on the course!

[terrywright]

I am 74 and had a fitting by Mizuno and almost expected to be recommended graphite but my best shots came with steel shafts with stiff flex. Get a fitting is the answer here. It is the same as blades v cavity backed clubs, or irons v hybrids you have to try them yourself to see which you like. Nice swing Mark.

[davidlum]

I went to graphite about 14 years ago, but not for ball speed or added distance. I was having tendinitis issues in both elbows. I did it mainly for the shock absorption qualities. This past summer, I was looking for a change, so I tested several irons (steel and graphite) and got a fitting. I wasn't thrilled with the recommendations of the clubheads, so I ended up taking my last set of steel shafted irons (forged) and getting reshafted with a premium graphite shaft. I probably saved over 50% of the cost of a new set and am hitting a forged head that I loved long ago. I'm a senior golfer at 65 now and I have become accustomed to the graphite.

[larryorrman]

I changed this year from Taylormade steel shafted irons to Taylormade Qi Irons with Fujikura Ventus TR Blue graphite shafts. Graphits shaft has given me more distance and more accuracy. Graphite is lighter, easier to swing and increased my clubhead speed. All around graphite has made a huge difference in my game. I'm a 72 year old with a solid 9 handicap playing across multiple course at an average of 6, 100 yards.

[keithkatz]

70 years old play mizuno jpx 900 with graphite regular flex 70 gram project x
Easy on the hands and joints do enjoy the steel in my 50 54 and 58 vokey 7's
Is Mark really Eric Clapton😜
Keep up the good work gents cheers from NorCal

[charlesrohl]

Love this ! Case and point; I'm pushing 63 and have played graphite for quite awhile. Went the Mizuno optimizer, around 5-6 times, and always came back w/steel shaft(115-120G). Around 80 mph club head speed (7iron) but my tempo is a little on the down swing. Really wanted graphite shafts, but succumbed to the fact to give away to technology. 919 HM's, w/115G reg project x rifle shafts !

[krabboy]

I’m telling you right now the way they make graphite shafts now days, More people will be switching to them for longevity and stability. It’s just easier on your body to use them.

[Eaglez]

As a single digit handicap Senior (age 73), my observations are:
1. Spin rates are over rated for those who have slower swing speed.
2. Older golfers usually have hand and/or joint issues.
3. Senior flex steel shaft weigh at least 100 g. versus 50, 60, or 70 g. for graphite.
With these three things in mind, graphite shafts are almost always better for seniors.

[tommyh]

Congrats to Mark, your swing is lovely!
One thing I noticed in the video: When one sees the club in close-up lying on the ground (e.g. at 2:59), it appears to me it is angled upwards quite a bit? Is that a correct fit? I would have thought it should lie more flatly on the mat? Anyways, thanks for the good video, James!

[ThePNWRiderWA]

I have used both graphite and steel over the years. As I am an older man I have a bit of arthritis here and there and I don’t like the hard feel from some steel shafts. However I have settled on the lightweight Nippon steel shaft. They do not seem to cause as much stress on my joints as the heavier steel shafts. Personally I have come to the conclusion it is more of the weight of the steel shafts that cause me issues then the material

[guitarMonke]

This test shows that no matter what club/shaft you use, that ability to hit the ball in the center of the face is what matters.Look at the smash factor and it shows more of the story than what shaft combo you are using.

[randoshus]

I recently went to regular graphite from stiff steel blades. The stiff steel forces you to sharpen up your ball position and release. The regular graphite forces you to smooth out your tempo and keep your hands in syc with your body or else you'll spray all over the place and toe it a lot. The best advantage of steel is less toe droop.

[grigsbypoland]

Enjoying watching Mark's journey. Looks like you're right - you might need a new mid-handicapper next year but in the interim on course testing would be fun to watch. I'm 67 with an 85-88 mph driver speed and when I got back into the game after a 15 year hiatus I went straight to light flex graphite shafts. (My previous set from 15-20 years ago is/was stiff steel with forged heads). My logic was they might be a little whippy now but I'd grow into them as my physicality degenerated further. Like Mark, I immediately noticed how much heavier the club head felt but I've learned to deal with it (I think). I'll definitely get a fitting if I transition to a newer more expensive set of clubs in the future and after watching and listening to Mark, I will be more open should the fitter recommend steel shafts.

[billbel]

Near the end of the video, you mentioned about using graphite in a blade. Some years back, I re-shafted a set of Nicklaus Murifield Blades with graphite, in the same flex that I was playing at the time. They played beautifully, as accurate as the stock steel shafts; they were about 40gm lighter - of course I was 8 - 10yds longer. Loved those irons, so soft to hit & pretty to look at, not slighting how they performed...

[coach]

Lydia Ko was playing the KBS TGI 80 graphite shaft and played tremendously well with them. KBS graphite shaft has performed excellent for me as an 8 handicap with pretty good clubhead speed. Graphite in irons technology has improved greatly in the last few years.

[fityougolf]

Always interesting to see tests like this using a single subject...often more helpful than a big data set since the golfer can offer their subjective thoughts. Related to your purpose here, lightweight shafts (graphite or steel) don't always produce more speed over heavier options in my experience. Graphite shafts are sometimes preferred because of feel and the different torque offerings compared to steel. But ultimately your video supports the importance of getting fit!

[davidleigh]

My golf partner was fitted for Ping G700 with graphite shafts.
It has changed his game.
Longer and more accurate.
Now goes one club less to avoid the overhit on par threes.
I am still not sure as I felt a lack of connection between between hands and clubhead.

[davidgleason]

Yes, video of on the course play!! Thanks guys. Leaning a lot, but most importantly I’m enjoying golf more; more good shots in my rounds.

[GDJ]

Hey James, why does Mark not appear in your videos anymore?

[Calmdown]

Just been fitted for a new set of irons, by a proper club fitter. We tried out graphite shafts last. Only as I found with the steel shafts, I lost the perception of where the clubhead was. Mainly as the new cobra forged tec irons have a hollow foam infilled head. The difference was immediate, distance and accuracy. I would have never thought to use graphite in my irons, as a mid handicapper still in my 20's, and was shocked by the results. I think there is a stigma around even asking to try them, but clearly the numbers don't lie. Another plus is the graphite ages mutch better than the chrome finish on most shafts and offers you the opportunity to match them with hybrids/ fairway woods. Definitely worth a try I think!!