Steel vs Graphite

[slowhand]

Another steel vs. graphite thread, but this time irons. From watching tv it seems most pros play with steel shafts. My question is what would be better for a mid to high-handicapper like myself. What benefits would graphite shafts give, and are these benefits worth the cost? Also, besides durability, what drawbacks are there to graphite shafted irons?

 

[viscount17]

graphite is
lighter;
shaft for shaft, longer;
distance <u>may</u> be longer - probably due more to longer shaft;
(not sure about this) but I think more flex options available at the bottom end of the range

what's the point of the vote?

 

[slowhand]

Just wanted to get an idea of how many people here use steel shafts as opposed to graphite.

From your post I assume you reckon there is no playing advantage to using graphite shafts?

 

[USER1999]

I used to have graphite irons, but found them inconsistent. More modern shafts may have addressed this. I now play with steel, which I was c/f'ed for.

One advantage of plastic shafts is they don't rust when you leave them in a wet bag in a locker.

 

[viscount17]

My first clubs were cheap steel, moved to graphite and hit longer (though as part of a package not a 'quality' shaft). Now back with steel, and hitting as long, if not longer but this is hopefully a sign that I'm hitting better.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I use to thing graphite was for "older" players and less talented. WRONG. I went to a TM fitting with a set of steels and having hit some I got thrust the same make in graphite. I was hitting about 3-5 yards longer and my dispersion (landing area) was much tighter. I was stunned. Because I have a very quick swing, it appears that graphite, being lighter is mre suited to me. I have gone back and tried a numer of steel shafted clubs aimed at my abitlity (mis handicapper) including MX200, X22 and X22 tour, Titleist AP 1 and 2, G10's and Nike VR (cavity and half cavity) Cleveland GG red but to be honest none have felt as good as my graphite ones.

That said my wedges are all steel and I love them. Maybe its because I have no need to swing as fast and never put a full swing on them

 

[minigolfer]

since i am young and have only just started so my writs are not that strong i would say graphite because it is lighter but as i get stronger and i go higher in my game i would switch to steel