Steel VS Graphite Iron Shafts
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- Опубликовано: 11 сен 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.
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!
This is one of the most informative episodes yet, and I've watched them all!
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.
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.
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
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.
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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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.
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!
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!!
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.
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 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.
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 RUclips channels which is absolutely fantastic.
As someone who has converted completely to graphite, thank you providing this information. Your videos are the best - period!
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.
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 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 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!
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.
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.
So glad you guys are doing these videos. They are wonderful and providing information and busting/proving myths etc. Good job fellas 👍
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
You two are sensational. Love your work.
Tom wishon could not explain it any better, good work guys.
Hands down one of my top 5 channels to watch on RUclips. 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!!
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?
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
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 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?
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.
It's always nice to attend another class at the best golf club fitting university I know of!! Great job!!!
Truly an outstanding example of expertise , knowledge and pure passion for the art of bespoke club fitting.
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
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.
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.
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.
My JPX 900 Forged irons have the UST Recoil 95R F3 graphite shafts. Love the feel.
Great video as always. So looking forward to your review/testing of the stabilizer putter shaft. Keep that content coming guys.
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
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!
FANTASTIC discussion guys, thank you!! This channel is a golf geek’s dream!
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! 😉
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
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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I appreciate the expert opinion on the Stability putter shaft (22 min) - thank you!
Tip trim or butt trim the 8 iron on the wedges?
I have to give you guys props for another great topic for a video! Thanks and keep up the good work.
Absolutely great video! I been using graphite shafts since I started playing over 20 years ago and I love them.
The best golf channel on RUclips!
If you guys are looking for new Quarantine content ideas, can you revisit a similar test? If you need shaft ideas, PX6.5 vs Mitsubishi Chemical MMT would be extremely convenient for me. Maybe put both of you through the testing to get a slightly bigger sample size? Hope you guys are staying safe these days, thanks for the content to help me get my golf fix in!
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 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.
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 love the feel of graphite shafted irons after hitting graphite shafted driving irons, but there are a few things that would turn me off getting graphite shafts in my irons ignoring performance/feel etc.
1. Price - I've bought 2 new sets of new AP2's in the last 18 months with S300's. Adding $50-100 a club for graphite isn't something I'd be keen to take on without significant performance improvements.
2. Wear - using steel shafts, wear is something you really don't have to think about. Just putting graphite shafts back in your bag and clubs rattling around in you bad can add visible wear to graphite shafts, whereas I can't say the same for steel. Playing out from under trees, out of hazards etc, I currently have absolutely no concern with damaging my S300's, unless there is a solid branch that I'm a chance to hit in my follow through. If I had graphite shafts, I don't think I'd be as willing to play attacking shots out of those conditions as I'd be more concerned with damaging the shaft from hitting a stick in my backswing than I would playing a good shot.
I recently got my old boy into graphite shafted irons - he is 68 and had really bad back soreness after playing 18 holes with his steel shafts, to the point where he could barely walk. Since putting the graphite shafts in the bag he only has mild back soreness after playing 27 holes and because of that his handicap has come down 4-5 strokes.
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’m 32 and have always used graphite. I like the balance point difference with graphite shafts...it’s like I feel where the club head is better during the swing.
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?
Hi guys, one of the best videos you've ever produced. Soo cool. Thanks a lot
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 learn so much on this channel. I love it
I can’t wait to see the test of the stabalizer putting shaft !!!
Definitely something to think about. So much information. Thanks for all you do.
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
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
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?
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 !!
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?
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.
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...
I had stock XP 90 regular flex Titleist AP1 when I went to get fitted. I was fitted with Accra icwt 95 m4 (stiff). I never imagined that would fit my swing. It took me a month to trust this but I am glad I did. It’s smooth and stable. Fitters know more than you. Get fitted by a professional. Not at the superstores though...
15:45
I’ve used this same line of reasoning at the bar but the ladies are having none of it.
Been playing graphite iron for 15 yrs. love them. Seem easier on my shoulders and elbows.
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)
Can you guys explain MOI matching and the benefits / potential drawbacks?
Thanks for introducing us to the future 👍🏻
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
Awesome video, chaps. I plan to book a fitting with you soon.
It would have been nice to have shown the specs of the two clubs. Total length, total weight, swing weight, balance point, frequency, etc. Matt mentions he perceived the steel shafted club to be heavier and you both say it was most likely due to balance point. It would have taken less than a minute to have measured the swing weight as well as the balance point to confirm this.
This reminds me of the "steel is real" lament from the cycling industry years ago. Very few high-end bikes are made from a material other than carbon fiber. The ones that are made from other materials are a niche market. If your woods can be made with a carbon fiber shaft with a 46" length that are not a noodle, I cannot see why an iron shaft could not be the same. It seems that it just comes down to cost.
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.
Terrific as usual. Thank you for sharing you knowledge. Cheers 👍🏌🏼
i was going to suggest this video and hear we are great job guys
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 switched to graphic shafts on my irons years ago, mostly due to vibration, I’d never go back to steel shafts. I’m disappointed that more manufacturers don’t offer them on higher/ players type irons.