Steel VS Graphite Iron Shafts
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 ต.ค. 2024
- txg.ca - Many golfers believe graphite shafts are meant for slower swing speeds only, and can't live up to the consistency and stiffness of a steel shaft. In this video we test two identical weight shafts, one in graphite and one in steel, and discuss the characteristics of each. Could you benefit from going to graphite shafts in your irons?
Filmed at: Tour Experience Golf
Custom Golf Club Fitting Studio - Toronto, Canada
Featuring: Ian Fraser & Matt Blois
Testing starts at 7:11
Ian, this is the greatest explaining of tip/butt stiffness I've seen on the internet. It's absolutely brilliant and crystal clear. Keep up the good work.
This is one of the most informative episodes yet, and I've watched them all!
What an interesting discussion, especially for anyone who is, and has been, using graphite-shafted irons almost exclusively since 1988. Your channel is already light years ahead of all the golf channels out there. Thank you for what you do!
You guys are the best tech golf channel for sure. Would love to spend a day at the shop just absorbing knowledge AND then get fitted for some new irons. Wow! Keep it coming.
You guys are hitting home runs on some very useful and helpful content. I think if Matt slows down his swing speed to better reflect the avg golfer, these videos instantly become more appealing to a broader audience. Very well done regardless guys. Keep up the good work. Mich
Yeah, the disconnect between how fast Matt is vs the rest of the world is the only thing that bothers me with all these testing videos.
Great content and info on the graphite shafts. I just had my son who is 13 years old fitted and the fitter went into the graphite and steel shafts realm. It was amazing to see how each shaft profile either steel or graphite actually effected the flight of the ball. In the end, we were fitted for the graphite shafts for his next set of clubs. These were based on his club head speed, launch, and angle of decent of the ball. This experience was amazing to observe to see the science and knowledge of the fitter and the final outcome.
TXG is now my favorite channel. Graphite shafts in irons is the hardest sell i have to make. It's hard to even get people to try them from steel and i'd say a good 75% of those i've finally gotten to do it see significant improvement once they do in all areas of launch , distance, and dispersion. Great video guys. Keep it up!
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I started golf 4 years ago with an off the shelf graphite xxio iron set. I’m 52yr old with two shoulder reconstructions and a fairly beaten body. I really enjoyed the feel of the clubs. I have been fitted 6 months ago into a titleist Ap1 head and a light steel true temper shaft. I did ask the question when being fitted re. Graphite v steel shaft and the fitter said I would be fine gaming the steel shaft. My handicap continues to drop and I am enjoying the clubs but I have definitely felt more pressure on my right shoulder, I have a great rehab team around me to keep me going. I will be contemplating graphite shafts on my next upgrade.
Great video guys. I am a 61 year old golfer who is losing distance with my irons. Graphite shafts and an experienced fitter can probably help me a lot. Thanks for the info!!
Tremendous insights backed up by years of professional fitting, technical expertise, and a passion for the game that respects players of all abilities ! This really is priceless information - thank you for another amazing video TXG!
As someone who has converted completely to graphite, thank you providing this information. Your videos are the best - period!
This was a brilliant chat, perfect for a guy who’s approaching 50 and a bunch of injuries. I’m exactly that person you mentioned thinking steel is more consistent. Now I’m strongly investigating graphite iron shaft options and ditching my x100s.
Fantastic explanation of technology in graphite shafts. I'm seriously considering graphite in my next irons ( 55 years old ). I'm watching this video 1 year on , would love an update. Thanks for your efforts.
Great Review again gentlemen!...Hdc @13 ...Had steel R300’s last year in the G700”s but went with the Recoil 95’s in the 919 HM’s recently ...What a great combo for me (54 yrs old) due to pain in my hands and wrists...I’ve been hitting some of my best iron shots and more often than ever...Sooo happy I went with the Graphite and HM’s!
This is one of the most interesting and informative episodes you guys have done. We’ve seen pros and ams experiment more and more with graphite in driving irons the last couple of seasons. Maybe that acts as a catalyst to a few more guys trying graphite in irons.
So much great info guy's I've heard about using an 8 iron shaft in the wedges and the explanation makes perfect sense it's becoming an obsession watching your vids so different from other TH-cam channels which is absolutely fantastic.
So glad you guys are doing these videos. They are wonderful and providing information and busting/proving myths etc. Good job fellas 👍
I am so glad I stumbled across this channel. It provides informative videos that are relevant and easy to understand.
Until the cost of graphite shafts come down, i don't think you will see a big move into them for irons. As an example, I bought a new set of Callaway MBs this year with the KBS Tour V which list at $1300. I also bought a Callaway XForged UT with the Aerotech Steel Fiber shaft which I love. If I had gotten the irons with the Steel Fiber shaft, the cost of the irons would have been $1780. When you are looking at adding $500 to an already expensive set of irons, it makes it very hard to justify.
It's always nice to attend another class at the best golf club fitting university I know of!! Great job!!!
Yup that was my thinking like Matt said graphite shafts are for seniors, women and low swing speeds, but you guys changes my way of thinking after watching this video and I'm now more open to it.
Thanks for making this video. I switched to graphite almost a year ago because of tennis elbow. I always wondered if I was losing accuracy with graphite compared to steel and this video finally puts puts this doubt to rest. Keep up the great work!
Hands down one of my top 5 channels to watch on TH-cam. The content is ALWAYS spot on and helpful to so so many. I am seriously considering spending the time and money to come to Canada to be fit. Amazing content from 2 very personable and knowledgeable people. Thanks for being who you are! Look for me in the near future!!
I’ve been watching a number of your reviews, but am just getting around to this one concerning graphite vs steel in irons. You guys do a great job of covering some really interesting topics. You have a very different format than many of the other club reviewers. I seem to like both, but your unique presentation format provides some interesting insights that can’t be found elsewhere.
Excellent video! I really believe that the graphite has come along way since the 80s and 90s , back then I lost control of my shots but now that I’m a senior I have distance and control with my irons. Thank you for this video
Ian, I'm stealing your explanation of how tip trimming affects flex...Sooo much clearer than what I've said to people in the past! This was a terrific video, and I really appreciate that you and Matt busted some of the myths people have about graphite. Thanks! Dave.
I use my hands a lot for work and recently got fitted and expressed how I have early signs of arthritis and get tennis elbow when I practice a lot with steel shafts in my irons. They recommend the recoil SmacWrap which dampens vibration another 65% than your average graphite. Ignoring my hand and elbow situation for any golfer you have advantages of extra feel due to the minimal vibration. I never hit any irons so constantly in distance and direction in my life. A big upgrade in iron tech for me as well in my fitting but graphite is a huge game changer for feel, consistency and ability to practice more without numbness from constant vibration from steel shafts. It’s shocking that more people don’t look more into it and I think this video will convince open minded golfers. This channel has great content and informative feedback on golf. Thank you 🙏🏼
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Great video. I'm a huge graphite fan an will be back in them again soon. Matt nailed it that stronger and faster players can game them if they tried them
I game the Accra Tour 110i in my OnOff irons. For the past 20 years I've (nearly) exclusively played graphite iron shafts, and over the past 7 years they've mainly been Japanese (Quadra/Roddio/Diamana/Fubuki/UST....etc). Great vid guys.
FANTASTIC discussion guys, thank you!! This channel is a golf geek’s dream!
What about the difference in factory graphite vs factory steel? 95% of golfers will play factory shafts and in my limited experience, there was a significant difference. Great episode on showing what is possible with a fitting and the best case scenario
This year I put a set of Fujikura MCI 100S steel fibres in my irons and I really felt a difference with them. I love how they play. My ball flight has straightened out and I don't feel the vibrations of miss hits in my wrists.
Truly an outstanding example of expertise , knowledge and pure passion for the art of bespoke club fitting.
Great video gents! A video idea I had was to test different steel shaft profiles from the same company at the same stiffness. For instance, taking the Project X Rifle, LZ, and PXi all at the same stiffness, 6.5 or 7.0, which ever fits Matt the best. Would be interesting to see what effect different shaft profiles can have.
Returned to the game after a long (essentially 25 year) lay off. Got fit into irons with DG120 S300 shafts, in part because back in the day I hit DG S300 shafts - still 30 years old in my mind. Working with a teacher and getting my swing back but have started having left elbow issues. Since my swing has changed (was very steep before starting lessons), I decided to have another fitting w/Club Champion specifically to explore graphite shafts. Ended up fitting into a SteelFiber i95 in regular flex, and moved the head from 1 degree up to 1 degree flat since my swing is now much less steep. Looking forward to gaming them but even during the fitting it felt like my elbow was getting much less stress. Thanks for helping to teach an old dog new tricks...
I personally have played both (currently playing lightweight steel) and will be surprised if I don't end up with graphite in my next set. I have had some issues with tennis elbow and the graphite seemed to keep it at bay more than steel shafts for me.
Another great video with loads of information.
Finally guys! Thanks so much TXG...Graphite v steel and tipping v butt trimming explained, at the definitive level.
Used a ladies graphite iron years ago just in practice because there was nothing else in another country. I mashed every shot to pin seeking accuracy. No one could explain back then but I supported its validity for men, to ridicule.
Tipping has been a struggle to comprehend. No data available or expertise very rare. I suspect shaft width needing moreso for hands. Stiffness or less flex may produce better feel of the club head, without swing weighting the head ....so much.
What could be the gauge comparison for stiffness gained or lost with tipping v butt trim?
Tom wishon could not explain it any better, good work guys.
Had a fitting last week with the Orka fitters, ended up with KBS TGI 70 shafts, just felt great in the fitting, moved away from KBS Tour 90 steel. Looking forward to receiving and playing with them. Thanks for the explanation guys, great content.
I love my graphite irons, and I’m a pretty powerful hitter with a good swing speed.
I have recoil e80 smacwrap f3 shafts in my cobra utility iron all the way up to gap wedge (irons are cobra forged Tec Black.)
I love that shaft- couldn’t give a scientific reason why, it just feels sweet, ball spins good/stops and I like the high look of the flight plus get plenty of distance with sensible gaps.
I’ve tried other shafts in graphite and steel- but couldn’t see my self changing any time soon.
However I am getting an f9 driver and fairway wood soon, and do wonder what shifts might end up suiting me best in those. My current fairway has an adila blue 70g regular flex that’s I have enjoyed a lot. Will see what the fitter says, but I’m open to suggestions!
Maybe the hazardous smoke 5.5?
After playing steel shafts for forty years and trying early graphite shafts (not good) I had Steel Fibre shafts (70 gram) installed in my irons. They are the BEST! Great feel, consistent performance, about the same distance but always solid. Only negative is the cost.
this answered a question i have had for a long time. I got a set of irons in graphite years ago (mizuno jpx ez forged 2016). Got them surplus off of ebay but only had the graphite option. been thinking of getting fitted for a long time and at a larger chain store the salesmen said he would never put me in a graphite shaft because of my swing speed. I doubt they have the options a club fitter would have so I will be sure to be open minded when i do get fitted. Thank you!
I just switched to graphite a week ago and played a round with it the other day. I’m so happy I made the switch. Likewise, I’m far from being a senior, but do have hand issues. Hand fatigue and soreness after the round, very little to none.
You two are sensational. Love your work.
Just got fit for Accra Tour i110 XStiffs when I went to my fitting with Bryan LaRoche. They felt phenomenal compared to my PX 6.5s. Got a full bag fitting with him and I’m insanely excited for those to come in. Y’all definitely helped convince me to get fit by a professional and Bryan was an awesome choice.
Also my 6i CS is 95mph. So definitely on the faster side.
You guys are the best content on the internet period! I have Nunchuk shafts in my irons and love them. Incredible accuracy. The Driver shaft is the best I have found for high speed players. I’d love to hear your comments on the Nunchuk shaft since it is lesser known. Cheers!
Great video. I had an iron fitting with Ian in March. went with an open mind, but was still a little surprised when he suggested graphite shafts. The results were terrific and I am loving my new Srixon irons with the Accra graphite shafts. Hitting my irons longer than ever, with much better feel and dispersion. A bit more pricey than I expected but absolutely have no regrets. Thanks Ian!
The best golf channel on TH-cam!
Very informative, as always guys. I’ve been playing some lighter recoils in the 65g range. Completely see the benefits of the vibration dampening, but wanted to move up in weight a little to the 90g range. Any particular favorites (mid launch/spin)?
Thx for all the hard work on the channel
Great video as always. So looking forward to your review/testing of the stabilizer putter shaft. Keep that content coming guys.
I have to give you guys props for another great topic for a video! Thanks and keep up the good work.
Great vid as always, shared to the golf subreddit since there’s a lot of misinformation floating around there.
Also, is the upcharge to graphite in ping clubs so expensive because how they co engineer their shafts?
I learn so much on this channel. I love it
Can you guys explain MOI matching and the benefits / potential drawbacks?
Absolutely great video! I been using graphite shafts since I started playing over 20 years ago and I love them.
My JPX 900 Forged irons have the UST Recoil 95R F3 graphite shafts. Love the feel.
I appreciate the expert opinion on the Stability putter shaft (22 min) - thank you!
Another great video guys. Very interesting to hear your comments on this subject. Currently I only have a recoil shaft in my 2 iron, but love it. Have considered recoil in my irons, but haven’t yet.
Thank you for this gold mine of information.
Recently I started using a 19’ Ping G400 hybrid with an Altta R flex shaft. It’s the best performing golf club I’ve ever used. When I say performance I’m talking about a distinct kick, just prior to impact , where I can actually feel the shaft doing it’s job. I’m curious about what’s going on because I don’t get that sensation with any other club.
Sounds like a visit to TXG would be in order.
I can’t wait to see the test of the stabalizer putting shaft !!!
Hi guys, one of the best videos you've ever produced. Soo cool. Thanks a lot
Fascinating. I have never been one to hesitate using graphite shafts after my very first two iron sets (hogans, xxio) many many moons ago even as a young man then. While now no choice given slower swing speed ever since even that time I found graphite to be better and more reliable. So really interesting that it jas not taken off. As you intimated it will also probably take some of the top young stars to be making the switch for it to become more of a norm and this perhaps even bring down prices as a result through volume demand. Thought the explanation that related to stiffness and bend very helpful and gives me something specific to ask and ho back to my fitter with. In my recent iron fitting nothing like this was mentioned or explained in why he chose a particular shaft for me. Fortunately it seems to work though whether there might have been a better configuration or not I will not know till the next time. I appreciate and respect the fact that you dont charge and keep an ongoing relationship with clients for tweaks and adjustments. I really wish others started to follow this example.
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Hi again Ian and Matt not only did I win the wedges I now feel like a film star after getting mention in this video
Joking aside another very informative video, I’ve always looked on graphite iron shafts been for elderly people but after watching this obviously 🙄 not especially how well Matt hit them.
I use Aerotech Steelfiber 95 gram shaft in all my irons and wedges. Several pro golfers are currently using or have used this shaft in their irons, to include Matt Kucher, Brandt Sendecker, Fred Couples, and others. It's also very popular on the LPGA tour
I’m curious if for taller players it can help manage swing weight, as adding length increases swing weight. Or would it not affect it? Is swing weight more to do with balance point?
I agree with everything you guys are saying, but I think what deters ppl. from graphite iron shafts is the price. $50-100 up-charge is hard to swallow for most?! Another great vid. guys, keep up the great work! 😉
Would love to see you do a video on grip size/weight and how it effects the fitting of a shaft. When getting fitted you normally swing with standard size grips. If you then change those to oversized, how is that going to effect the fitting?
I used only steel shafts, on my irons, all my golfing life ... until about 5 months. Went to test new clubs, started using steel, but the fitter suggested I try some graphite, with trackman monitor being used for test/comparison. To my surprise I ended up ordering the new clubs with graphite shafts. Still happy with the choice in real life, on the course, play. PS I am in the senior category and have been for a while.
Switched to graphite for the first time w/Mizuno p225. Absolutely the best move for me. The shafts feel excellent compared to steel - tested them all. I have decent swing speeds and the shafts do reduce vibration.
Definitely something to think about. So much information. Thanks for all you do.
Great video guys - love it !
Matt says “the feel was different” , but the weight overall was the equal. The balance point in steel and graphite is also different and I think, the swing weight was not the same on both clubs.
Do you think, you can make the same “feel” with the same swing weight ?
Swing weight would be one component of the feel
Excellent topic! One can’t argue with the data. Provided great info and cleared up (for me) a few myths. Really looking to try the stabilizer putter shaft...
Thanks for the video gentlemen! I almost felt like you were just talking to me 😂😂😂 I am still researching where to get fit in my region. Thanks for the advice Ian!
Jamie in California
Great video guys. What is the difference between the stabilizer putter shaft and the UST Frequency Filtered shaft that is “older” technology?
I love your content, it is so good. I have a set of irons with Accra 70. The reason I moved from TT S300 to Accra 70 was due to my uncured injured right arm which means I have no strength from that arm any more. My other set of irons has the VA Composites Raijin 74. Currently I found the Raijin generated a bit too much height, not sure why? I think it is to do with my swing. Again keep up the great work.
I would love to see a video that goes more in depth on soft tipping / what Ian was saying about putting in an 8 iron shaft on lob wedges. There’s a page on wrx spanning 6 years that’s still trying to explain it to people, and Ian has a way of just making everything simple and easy to understand. Thanks again guys for the great work you’re doing!
Great video guys! If you haven’t been in to see these guys do yourself a favour and go. My only thoughts about the steel vs graphite test is if they produced the same results why pay the up charge for the graphite shafts? Seems like your money would be better suited to go toward upgrading other areas in your bag. That’s just me thou
Love the work guys, is it possible to do a heavy driver shaft review, say 60-100 gms to see the data differences, thx.
Awesome video, chaps. I plan to book a fitting with you soon.
Fitter got me to try KBS graphite iron shafts after hitting a few balls with NS Pro stiff steel shafts and drawing every ball. Surprise surprise....I was hitting every ball straight! Lesson learned, mindset can sometimes miss positive outcomes.
Wonderful insight into the merits of going with graphite shafted irons....might have to book myself another fitting and see if i can find a viable option for my irons. Benefits seems to be less wear and tear on the joints (aint getting any younger @ 55) and perform equal to steel...A++ gents !!
the thought of vibration dampening now has me considering graphite in my next set of irons!
Another great video with awesome technical details. I agree that graphite shafts for irons are absolutely an option. But why would someone pay hundreds of dollars to get the exact same results the way Matt did? I know everyone is different, but that kind of cash is a lot of up charge. I’m sure it’ll come down eventually, but I’m just curious.
Interesting topic the Stabiliser graphite/steel shafts, What are your views on the Wilson Staff 76gram 50/50 Graphite/Steel shafts in D-fy series could one be used for a putter and lob wedge?
Hi Ian, I would like to see a vlog based on overall weight of the shaft v swing weight and the importance of balance. Cheers
Been playing graphite iron for 15 yrs. love them. Seem easier on my shoulders and elbows.
Great information guys, but would love a little more on the flexes? Thanks
Nice idea for a topic "short-swing Matty". Very interesting video.
Wow. Amazing video guys.
great stuff as always. next video: matts swing evolution since you guys started the channel. Looks like he's coming wayy steeper than before and/or has picked up some speed. club also looks more upright at the top instead of the loosey-goosey thing from before if you know what i mean
Has been some changes for sure! Still in progress, we can definitely talk about it in a future video.
I am considering the purchase of a set of Ben Hogan PTx irons. I am 72 with a 75 mph 7 iron swing speed. 7 iron carries 140-145 yards for 150-155 yard total on average. I am 6' 1/2" and 240 lbs. Bad knees keep my legs out of my swing more than when I was younger. My current irons are Ben Hogan Apex Edge with regular flex (3) apex steel shafts. Handicap is 15. I am trying to decide between the KBS Tour 90 regular shaft, the UST Recoil 760-F3 regular and UST 780-F4 stiff ES SmacWrap shafts. I 70g weight and 4.1 degree Torque of the 760 F3 scares me compared to the 87 gram weight and 3.5 degree Torque of the 780 F4 shaft. The 780 ES F3 (83 grams and 3.6 degree torque) is not available from Hogan. I was able to hit the TaylorMade P790 with the UST 760 ES F3 shaft at Golf Galaxy and had no obvious issues. Any thoughts/recommendations will be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.
Hi Ian and Matt - another great conversation. Ian you made a point about shaft profiles and wedges - I play Steelfiber i95's in regular (3 to PW) and have bought PXG wedge heads (used) in 50/54/58. I was intending to shaft the 50 the same as my PW - and go lighter/softer in the 54 & 58 - you mentioned 8 iron shafts - I assume they would be trimmed to length from the butt only to retain the length of the parallel tip?
i was going to suggest this video and hear we are great job guys
Great video guys and really interesting as always. I recently got fitted for new irons and with 7 iron swing speed of 81mph changed from stiff to regular flex. My new shafts are also lighter which in my opinion is the most noticeable change and feel so much better. Do you think the shaft weight is as important or even more important in a fitting process. Used to play graphite shafts in a set of Big Berthas back in I think 96 and thought they were great (very expensive at £1000 a set even then) lol
Shaft weight can play a significant role in a players' performance and consistency, absolutely.
I went graphite in irons years ago because with steel I got tendinitis in my elbows really bad. The shock absorbing of graphite took care of that. Just be aware that with the same length of shaft and the same grip the swing weight will be lower with graphite on the same head.
Recently switched to Recoil on my new PTX pro. Never go back to steel. Give it 5 years and probably won’t see many steel shafts in Irons. Just like with Drivers.
@Chaz Carrington I don't think you need to change flex. Graphite keeps same flex at lighter weight
Awesome was looking forward to seeing some graphite iron shafts.
Interesting in maybe Steelfiber stuff and KBS graphite (which on their site has no listing for flexes just 5g increments and suggested 6 iron swing speed)
I started playjng a few years ago. I have only ever used graphite because it was my first golf clubs(Department store brand). Now i have Taylor made aeroburner graphite. Because i was so new to golf i had no idea steel was preferred . I have often wondered if i should switch and maybe get steel because if the majority use steel. Now i love the feeling of light graphite. I love super light graphite on my driver. Less than 55g. I look forward to a full fitting one day to see what truly would best suite me. I truly love graphite weight in irons. I would recommend any golfer atleast try graphite.
Great detail and a very informative video as always. The kicker will be cost, I'm sure those accra shafts are a lot more than dynamic golds. From the recoils I have tried, the performance benefits didn't warrant the cost. If I had bad elbows that might be different.
Been playing graphite now for 7 years (gaming recoil 110s now) but it's never been a stigma against graphite for me. It's cost and selection from OEMs that hold me back from moving on from my set. I was lucky callaway offered the recoil 110s. A few now offer it but honestly, the selection is limiting. Would LOVE to get Accra shafts in my next set.