Steel Shafts Vs Graphite Shafts For Mid Handicap Golfers
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- Опубликовано: 29 сен 2024
- 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.
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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!
i feel the better player uses steel shafts, leave the graphite for your woods
I enthusiastically agree with James. Always enjoy your videos but this struck me as a myopic conclusion.
@@Gjmouen Bryson uses graphite shafts
@@BayouHotBoy1 yeah he just lost to Patrick….
@@Gjmouen Bryson will be a legend before his career is over. Patrick, not.
Like many of the videos like this, wish there were more for Average Golfers. But, they all have something to offer. I'm 70, (not strong) have had/tried many different sets. Irons are my favorite part of the game. First, I think lie angle is one of the most important aspects, I ordered original set of 790's, had them fit by Taylor Made rep who was at store that day. When I used them they just did not work well for me. Talked to guy at golf store about what they were doing and he said sounds like lie angle is off. Sure enough, even though I was fitted they did not come with correct lie angle. I have two sets I use now, mixed P-7 Srixon P-785 with Modus 120S and 5-6 are P-585 Modus 105S, they are very accurate for me, other set is Callaway CF-19 with Recoil 760 F3 (which are considered regular flex), and I am almost as accurate with these as well, big surprise. (Graphite for irons has come a long way just in the last 2-3 years) But, this is the first set with graphite that I am accurate. (Both of these sets were barely used, both about 1/2 price of new, rarely buy new) So steel or graphite can work fine.
Maybe try a 95-105 gram graphite shaft? Like recoil etc
I use graphite 3i to 5i. 6i to PW I kept steel shaft. I feel (personal use) that I get a slight bit more control with the steel shaft.
Very informative update Regarding shaft technology development last 10-15 years, i lern that steel vs grapite difference is not lenger same as it was. I am a senior and I have played My custom fit callaway grapite shafts the last 12 years, but no I consider light waight steel. Thanks.
So … where does Mark lose strokes with that swing? Like you said, his short game must be horrid. 😉
Mid-handicap could be a 12 or 13...they mentioned that he might be down to single digits soon....he hit 12 shots and 3 or 4 of them were so-so to poor. if you mess up 6 approach shots on average during your round and are only decent at chipping and putting - the strokes start to add up.
Isn't modern graphite as stiff as still, so its a matter of weight.
Hope he does make single figures, but I really can't visualise it!!🏌️🏌️🏌️
He has a good swing. I have seen single figures with much worser swings.
Please stop the weather joke
Hello,
I like your vidéos, but I do not find you are using the correct approach on this one, it is like asking a vegetarian if he prefers meat over vegetables.
It would have been more fair play to ask a graphite/composite player to try steel and vice versa, because people tend to prefer the things they are used.
There are other points to consider, for instance that as much you improve your game you will tend to play different material the ultimate being « players balades », in this case from graphite to steel. But imagine good players aged or not with arthrytis problem would appreciate less charge on their articulations so from steel to graphite this time.
Just this about high performance cars or jet fighters, they are not using steel any more but a lot of composite material.
What a good idea for one of your next vidéo .... let’s do it ... and do it now ....(or later, or never .... up to you)
Best regards.
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.
Nice work, sir. 🏌♂️
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.
i agree, you see many tour players on the PGA and Euro tour using graphite shafts... Sneads with the Steelfibers, Kouch using KBS graphite (proto?)iron shafts.. for the average guy or girl it makes it easier to not have to go at it so much... I see great things in the future with the KBS proto's and the SteelFibers shafts, i see srixon using SteelFibers and they look just like steel iron shafts. Great point Brooks!
Still bit happening
I have used graphite shafts since I was about 15. never switched back other then a couple random clubs I have picked up a long the way. now a days I use a senior graphite shaft
Good call…should be happening soon all Bryson uses is graphite works for him
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.
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!
This is an old comment, so my repy is really for newer golfers reading the comment above.
My understanding is that playing with the club head flat is NOT what you want. I got better results when I went to the angled lie as shown by Mark. I forgot the techincal reasons why angled is better - but my contact improved greatly by making that change.
Anytime you make a change in your club(s) you’re going to recheck for consistent accuracy. Give me an extra 10+ yards on a 7i ANY DAY! I’ll figure out not to make that work in my game😂
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.
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.
Hey James, why does Mark not appear in your videos anymore?
Been having issues with my right elbow arthritis or tendinitis and find the graphite shafts feedback on misshits don't vibrate up through my hands to arms.
Yep. Anything to minimize pain is good.
Arthritis in the base of my thumbs and carpel tunnel in my hands made graphite the clear choice for me with my Ping g400s I bought a year ago. No pain from these but trying to work the ball when you need to is almost impossible.
Having a variation of 155 - 175 yards with a 7-iron will kill your game.
God bless you for saying this out loud... No one else has the courage to say "maybe I don't need to hit a 7 iron 175 if I can reach it with my 5 iron"
If my 7-iron goes 160, there will be shots from time to time that only go 150 or 160 - how is that any different than the occasional shots that go 170 or 180? Doesn't that happen to all of us from time to time?
@@johnedmondson7911 not that much unless you include flyer lies, wind and super hot days. Under normal conditions the range should be about 15 yards
He only hit 6 shots with a shaft and set up he had never used before. To believe that is a valid indication of distance dispersion is laughable. No serious golfer or fitter would consider that a valid sample for serious dispersion analysis.
Robert Gardner in
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.
Well sure. Everyone pretty much automatically expects seniors to use graphite. They go hand in hand
Forged blades and stiff shafts are not the standard choice for “mid-handicappers”.
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
I’m not sure that this was a very fair test really as Mark is a well established steel shaft user, so the graphite shafts felt unusual to him. It was clear that as he took more shots, his distance did improve quite a bit with them. For me though it is more about how the club feels when played and steel shafts just give me an unpleasant hard knock feeling at ball strike , which graphite cushions totally. I imagine it would be quite a big deal for anyone well used to one kind of shaft to change to the other, so agree for Mark changing shafts was not right, as the advantage may not be that great, and he is not unhappy with the feel of his existing clubs. Equally I like my graphite shafts and would not want to change.
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.
Interesting vid, but I am not sure that I followed your conclusion at the end of the vid. If Mark's handicap and ball striking is improving I don't see why this would automatically preclude him from using graphite shafts. Because of the manufacturing tech used in making graphite shafts, designers are able to produce a wide range of weights, stiffness (the stiffness can be varied through the length of the shaft) and bend profiles.
Rather than just giving Mark a stiff graphite shaft I would like to see him get fitted into the correct shaft (weight, flex, flex profile, bend profile and torque profile) by an expect club fitter. I am sure that he would be amazed at the improvement in consistency that he could make with the correct shaft.
My guess is that those last two shots would become the norm once Mark was used to the "feel" of graphite and was confident enough to swing freely.
Been using graphite on my ping I 10’s for over 10 yrs. love them, easier on the shoulders and elbows I think.
I'm with you on that comment
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
I switched to graphite and my body thanked me...
Me too. I had tennis elbow bad and it has all but, went away.
I think you have to account for the difference overtime with graphite, especially if you’re used to steel shafts. I have 1 graphite hybrid and I actually like it a lot but to hit it well you need to hit the center of the face or It doesn’t perform well. Took me a min to figure that out but when you do flush it it’s like you don’t even feel it. It’s highly satisfying go buy some 😈
Mid handicap is not a good gauge of iron play Myself and more than a few guys in my league are 18 handicap because of bad short games but play clubs for “Better Players “ why just because you can’t read greens doesn’t mean you need Game Improvement Irons
The camera palm gimmick (and terrible audio) is precisely why you did not get either a like, or a subscribe from me- It's pretty juvenile guys. Bye
I’m 13 I shoot 6 over par typically and I personally do better with steel but I like graphite better
Strange after gaining 5 more yards with the graphite shaft - Mark can say that he's not looking for distance?! The I500 is a distance iron!
Myself I play a 33 degree Callaway 2014 forged Apex Pro 7 iron with the UST Recoil 110 F4 that carries 155 -160 yards which I find very playable and good feel too.
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.
Should I use graphite shafts? Possibly. Will I use graphite shafts? No
An interesting comparison, is there a heavier graphite shaft you could try such as a Mitsubishi-Rayon Kuro Kage TiNi 105?
I’m sure there is mate.
And marks club lie angle is way off, completely wrong for him
With the clubs available now it's easy to find any combination of lie, forgiveness, and desired distance with steel shafts and graphite is certainly the right answer for we who suffer from arthritis. Feel and control it seems is where the concern is when talking about graphite. Will adding graphite to a game improvement iron mean a considerable loss of feed back & control and consequently slow a golfers progress on the downward handicap trail? How about a test to see if you can work the ball with graphite shafted clubs?
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 !
If steel was so good why aren't we using steel drivers, woods and hybrids. It's total bs
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.
Is it just me or do all Mark's shots seem to start from a toe-up position. Lie angle much?
If your dispersion & trajectory is good then of course you want distance.
I can't understand the comment about it being too long when on a 150 yard par 3 and the club going 170. Why not use and 8 or 9 iron?
What happens when your 120, 130 or 140? There’s no wedge for it so there’s a huge gap.
A mid-handicapper who is not looking for more distance is rare.
I like it when an amateur is used to evaluate equipment as a pro has the ability to manipulate any equipment to do what he wants, to a certain degree.
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!
Agreed
James...Mark, excellent test. I would have loved to see the dispersion compared. I personally play graphite in all my clubs except my sw, lw and putter. My personal comparisons showed me that I was more consistent with my dispersion, plus I loved the feel. I actually play single length pinhawk from 5 to gw.
I can not wait to see Mark's fitting vids. Will he be trying all the brands like you did? Also even if he goes to single digits, don't get anyone else, mark is amazing with these vids
Remember that the 7 iron is really a 5.5 iron
Absolutely is mate!
What?
The shot that was a total miss skews the numbers... and should not be used..
When should a player change the flex of the club???? Age??? Swing speed???? Distance????
Sack the weatherman, sack the hand mam and hire a sound man
Why are all drivers fitted with graphite shafts if steel is better
I got like 10$. Can we make a deal on that swing or what?
Is Mark's real name Eric Clapton? good video
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!!
The finish on my 15 year old TT Black Golds is still flawless. The finish on any quality steel shaft will last a lifetime. I have had graphite shafts develop bag wear within a couple of years.
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...
Was it the arrow, or was it the Indian???
Hi James and Mark, nice test, was wondering if Mark would consider the graphite if he continues to hit them longer, then surely going up a club 7 to 8 would allow him to improve his accuracy and his score could drop further by reducing his dispersion ( or am i barking up the wrong fairway) cheers and merry christmas to you both
I personally Prefer Steel Shaft. And I am 18 Handicap.
I tried these clubs. Did not like the feel. Tried the new i210 right after. The later one felt like butter and had much better ball flight.
Yes! Please test on the golf course....
"I can't feel the gap between hand and the club head".. I'm agree with mark.. That's my problem when i switch from steel to graphite..
Many, if not the majority of top Seniors and LPGA players use graphite in their irons, so wouldn’t it make more sense for amateurs to seek the same benefits. I typically shoot around 78-82 and have played blades up until now. I turn 60 in January and have seen a steady decline in consistency. I’m switching to graphite, a little more forgiving irons 6-PW, and a couple of hybrids. Can’t help but where my game could’ve been if I made the move earlier.
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.
OMG!!!!! Everybody is looking for more distance! The golfer who hits the ball longer wins everytime!!!
I did see who posted it and thought Rick Shields aged terribly 😅😅
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Thanks for the comparo! I am trying to locate a used 4i to round out my set and I can only find it in Graphite..
I wouldn't be surprised to find out that steel shafted irons far and away outsell graphite, but should I ask the question: if you are a steel shaft aficionado, why don't you use a steel shafted driver? What's not to like?
Mark kinda looks like Eric Clapton
i know it is old video but i looked up the specs of the i500 and the 7 iron is lofted at 30.5*. that is 1.5* stronger than my 5 iron when i started playing golf back in '85. so not quite sure if it is accurate to say that those are massive 7 iron shots (170 yrds) when your 7 iron is lofted stronger than the old 5 irons 1960s/70s era. we could probably say that they are massive shots for a 30.5* lofted club and not necessarily a 7 iron. today's 7 irons are lofted at 29* or 30* so those should go farther than that 7 iron all other things equal? i enjoy your videos.
I shoot low 40s to very high 30s and I must say I love graphite shafts. I get a lot more spin and the weight is more in the head unlike steel I feel as though they do great!
I was recently fitted into irons with a stiff tip graphite shaft, as I hit down on the ball it was much better for launch than the steel shafts I tried out
PLEASE DO MY TEST!!!!!! Cobra F9 irons versus Cobra F max irons. They both are made for people like me and mark. Let’s do it and let’s do it soon!! You have all the toys for testing. I can’t buy both sets. Please help me.
Like the video, but think players, even mid-handicaps should get fitted per their swing. I hit graphite 10 - 15 yards further than steel with the same specs (lie, loft, shaft weight)
Anybody tried mixing and matching graphite and steel to 'gap' certain distances, and limit the amount of clubs you carry? My beginner set of golf clubs came with all steel shafts, except for the 7 iron which they mistakenly threw in a graphite shaft.
I use the 7-graphite if I need to ensure I clear a hazard, or if Im going for a longer iron shot. I rarely use my 6 iron and honestly can probably go without it because of this. If I have danger far I either hit a smooth or full 8 iron and I'm good. Thx 7-graphite, you made my 6 iron irrelevant :)
Definitely worth a test in the 'real' course world.
Man, it would have sounded better if you'd been in an actual echo chamber. Come on guys....
i use a combination of both, steels very nice for chipping and pitching, but i do like the whippy feeling of a graphite shaft when i want to knock them further.
James, this was a great vid!
a much older but a mid-handicapper like Mark, I have always wondered the diff between hitting a steel vs graphite shafts and recently retired, I'm looking to get fitted for some new irons.
How about having Mark in more vids testing (mid/high handicap) irons..!?
What's your opinion on spending the $ on getting fitted for irons..!?
Thanks again for the vids!
Seemed like Mark hit more accurate with the graphite shaft and only hitting a few. If he put more swings on the graphite I bet he would change his attitude
It should be all about dispersion. It’s not how far, it’s how many. Tighter dispersion, on or off fairway, and on or off the green.
Mark, unless you want to stay a mid-handicapped player, you might want to think about adding some distance. This video clearly shows me that the graphite shafts work much better than the steel. I t seemed you were hitting them longer and straighter. If the seven iron is to much, hit the eight? I'm 62 with elbow problems. I've just went to project x catalyst graphite shafts with cobra forged tec heads, I might not be able to hit them but they will place in a beauty contest!
Interesting James and Mark, if not too enlightening. Lighter club equals more clubhead speed. One thing, Mark is obviously a big lad with a decent swing. I wonder how much better a graphited shafted club would work for smaller people like me at 5'6"? I play off 6 handicap but always find distance with my irons a challenge, especially the shorter (heavier) irons.
I like steel more as I feel I'm less likely to hit a bad shot as opposed to graphite, I'd rather have more consistency than distance personally.
Been using graphite shafts in my irons for 25 years now. It’s easier on my body now that I’m in my 60s. Lighter for you guys who lug around your clubs, I use a golf cart because of my knees. I just want to hit the ball in play so I’m not worried about precision distance control. Graphite shafts are pretty good now.
When I swapped to Mizuno graphite shafts the new normal was longer and lower but still stopped.
Seems to me that 6 shots is a really small sample. I would also maintain that the inconsistency is the golfer, not the shaft. If we were consistent, we wouldn't be mid handicappers. We golfers are resistant to change, except for drivers, which we will change like underwear.....
I don't want to be negative good idea but why didn't you use the Ping i210s to be a little more consistent. One could ask is it the iron head or the shaft that make for the wide dispersion front to back? As to the weight there are a number of graphite shafts that get pretty close to steel I went from Nippon Modus 105s to Project X LZ graphite and didn't give up too much weight. I have yet to see any graphite to steel tests where the testers try to get shafts that are at least similar in weight. I just wish it had been more apples to apples comparison Still a thumbs up for trying Love your content..
Is it me, or did it look like in the close up from the floor camera angle that the toe of the club was up....like maybe the lie of the club isn't properly setup for Mark?
I know this is a old clip what handicap is Mark now? Surely still not a mid handicap player in 2020
James why do you think a single figure handicap shouldn’t use graphite shift got fitted few weeks back and these gave me good numbers but still unsure would be interested in your opinion
I'm watching this cause i have the opportunity to grab some taylormade burner (bubble shafts) irons.... Problem is i like steel... I'm used to it and if i want to improve myself in the game... Stick it out with steel. (My old school wooden woods are steel shaft, i love the feel when you connect.. makes me feel like i did the shot not the titanium club)
Harder to hit irons out of the rough with lighter grahite shafts than steel shafts. Main difference I've found.
I bought a set of graphite shafted irons with a 3 wood and driver about 25 years ago, I got down to 5 for a while, but too much commitment to keep it there. After a 15 year break, have re-started golf, I can still hit them reasonably well getting about 200 metres with my 3 wood - fairly straight too. If you have a set of clubs that work well, then use them until your HC is as low as it will go then consider a change.
Graphite bends back more in general on the downswing so delofts the face = more dist less spin, this is a stiff graphite shaft so not as noticable.
I don't know maybe i need to go and do a fitting to buy clubs but i got my p790s fit and they added 10 yards to my max but added almost 10 yards to my deviation..... which is worse and after 600 in new shafts.... any suggestions on the fitting brands
Found some old titleist Graphite DCI’s $40. Can I use them to re-shaft some aeroburners? Would it be worth it? Not sure it it would be an upgrade or not
Please Please Please test out at the course and use some good spin balls like Prov1 or Srixon Zstar or Callaway Chromesoft...enjoyed the review. I hit still fiber shafts it would be interesting to see if mark would like a shaft that that?