Graphite vs. Steel Iron Shafts - Performance Test
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- Опубликовано: 23 авг 2024
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txg.ca - Testing two shafts, one steel and one graphite, with extremely similar weight and profile to see how they compare in ball flight performance, feel, vibration, and more!
Filmed at: Tour Experience Golf
Custom Golf Club Fitting Studio - Toronto, Canada
Featuring: Ian Fraser & Matt Blois
/ theofficialtxg 
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Here in the UK it is cold, wet and thoroughly miserable...but a new TXG video has landed, happy days!
Yep, it's been raining here in Manchester all-day, a friend of mine had to go to the Doctors recently.....he was developing webbed feet! But PXG saves the day lol
@@banditbaker1675 that's a strange mallardy to have....;)
@@oldgold5848 🤣🤣 I saw what you did there 👍
You guys have the best golf content on RUclips without question ...listen to you guys while I’m working or at home. Someday I dream of getting my first custom fit by the best fitters I know TXG 👍🏻
At my age I finally went to graphite last year and absolutely love them. Plus, I have Mizuno JPX 900 Forged irons which made a big difference from my 20 year old Titleist DCI 981's
Ian’s knowledge base on Golf in general is amazing, but he sounds like a physics professor when it comes to a shaft! I have learned more from this video than I could have from anywhere...
Those 620 Titleist MB irons are unbelievably fun to hit. First Titleist that I have hit that feels similar to Mizuno. We’re right to buy a set today, those would be on the top of the list.
After I tried a ladies club at the local golf store. I could feel the head a lot more and slow down my swing and delivered the clubhead much better into the ball. After that I have stared to thinking to replace my steel shafts ($-Taper 120 stiff) with graphite shafts. The shop manager recommended the Aerotech i95 stiff graphite shafts.
Would love to see an updated review with more of the graphite’s out there such as the Steelfibers, Accra i Series Tour (with the Ti mesh), the MMT, etc. And it would be great to do a test in the mid weight range (95gr - 110gr). Always great content!
pinger530 I would agree that a steel fiber shaft review is definitely needed!
Scott Mackey I’ve played the Steelfibers for a bit and recently changed to the MMT to experiment. I like them both. The Steelfibers I played at 95 grams and I’m playing the MMT’s at 105 grams. I really like them both. Way easier on the body than steel
@@pinger530 which do you prefer and why?
Agree with additional testing based on current market offerings. I would add the Fujikura Pro 115x to the test, smoothest shaft I have ever put into an iron.
Was just fit into and ordered Accra iSeries Tour 110i shafts with Titleist 620CB heads. Have been playing steel since I started playing the game and am so happy this new technology exists. Great review, guys!
Installed recoil 125 f5 prototype, only regret is i waited so long.
love the channel, keep it up guys.
I know Matt used a heavier version than other mixed graphite shafts, but I would love to see a video about differences in the swingweight between say a Steelfiber 95/105 stiff shaft vs the Nippon or KBS 120 gram shafts.
For payers with nerve damage such as ulner or carpel tunnel, the graphite is a big improvement on vibration dampening.
As ever Guys thank you for an authoritative vid, there certainly seems to be lots of developments in graphite and MMT technology at the moment. Speaking personally I would never go back to steel shafts in my Irons and now being able to experiment with graphite shafts with different weights/profiles is a major step forward. I changed to KBS Tour graphite shafts in my Irons this year and I have found the extra weight has really improved my ball striking.
Bandit, if you don’t mind me asking what is your age and handicap. The question for myself as a 60 year old 5-6 Hcp who is planning on upgrading my irons this year it’s hard for me to equate my swing speed with Matt’s.
@@GolfNut10 No problem at all we all have a similar issue comparing ourselves with Matt. I am 67 and I play off a14 handicap and have a slowish swing speed these days. For approx 6 years I had been using a set of Wilson Irons and Jason MacNiven of Golf Principles based in Basingstoke in the UK fitted them with a 55gram Miyazaki graphite shaft. But this year I treated myself to a set of Orka Irons and Orka suggested that I change to a KBS Tour 70gram graphite shaft. This slightly heavier set up really suits my swing and I gained approx 11 yards carry distance with my 7 Iron and my accuracy is much more precise. If you are in the UK I would really recommend that you hook up with Orka the quality of their fitting and build quality is excellent, I don't know whether they are available yet in the US or Canada.
@@banditbaker1675 I'm in the UK (Harrogate), just too far to check out this place. Just switched in the last year from graphite back to steel. Might just creep back to graphite. I'm 62, 9 handicap with a slowish swing....who am I kidding.....I could fall asleep in the middle of it....
@@fhicks62 LOL, that's so funny....🤣🤣🤣🤣
This video just makes me think of how silly golf can be. You've got cutting edge technology in the shaft going hand in hand with something that hasn't changed too much in years in the head. Can't wait to see what manufacturers can come up with in the future.
This is a great option for someone with elbow issues. I played a 120 gram graphite 20 years ago because of severe elbow pain but they were very inconstant..this new technology makes a huge difference! Only downside is the high cost $$$$$!!
Ian, I have always thought that you were the smartest guy in golf, but I might change my mind if you don't make Matty put those 620 MB's in the bag, ha. He was killin it with them in the outdoor testing video also...
Oh hell yes! Can’t wait to watch this.
I keep on harping on to people about using graphite instead of being stuck on steel only...
Very interesting developments in the graphite shaft arena over the last few years.
Great video! Agree with Matt that results are arguably better with graphite. More club head speed, better strike location, better path, higher launch, more spin, and straighter for the same distance (within a yard), plus less vibration. But can you credit the shaft with affecting strike location, swing path, and club head speed? Assuming you can, does it overcome the curb appeal and price? I'm guessing that depends on the golfer. Great stuff, gents!!!
Love that if I need to know anything equipment related these guys probably have covered it.
Loved this video. Any chance you guys could do a comparison of tipped vs butt-end shortened driver shafts and/or regular vs hard step vs soft step on irons?
Ian, you're going to need a bigger wall and matrix for all these fabulous shaft options. Will it be steel, steel fiber, graphite, GOST or ... Only your master fitter knows for sure.
Guys, wouldn’t GEARS have been a good tool to utilise for this type of test? I know you did an intro to it some months ago and eluded to its complexity but would be great to see it used in testing a little more 😎
Andi Howland Gears can’t be shown on video til all the Patreon’s autograph it. 😂😂😂 Shots 🔥
Aero tech has offered an i125 (125 gram) composite shaft for many years (decades, actually), and the UST Mamiya Recoil iron shafts have been offered in 110 and 125 gram weights, and now are offered in 115 grams, as well. For very strong golfers who are accustomed to playing heavyweight steel iron (and hybrid) shafts, these shafts offer an excellent alternative, particularly when joint injuries are causing pain in teh hands, wrists, elbows and shoulder joints.
I went to graphite because I grew up playing a 90 gram shaft in my irons and never was able to adjust to the heavier shafts typically used for people with higher swing speeds. So I found a 90 gram graphite shaft with an X stiff profile. Absolutely love the graphite. My shafts only cost $20 each so not any different than most steel shafts out there.
I'm going through the exact same thing now. I have a pretty high swing speed but learned off of graphite. The shear weight of even lighter steel shafts throw me completely off and haven't been able to adjust. I'm buying a graphite set of the same clubs to see how it goes lol.
Feel like Matty absolutely needs to throw these irons in the bag I’ve never seem him hit them poorly!
Moving into playing golf from the tennis world, I always wondered why people played with steel shafts. I would never think of playing with an old t2000 steel racquet other than messing about. Biggest problem, in my opinion, is finding one that works for your own swing/game. Would anyone go back to steel shafts in drivers or fairways? I think not. Thanks TXG
PLEASE put the 620 MB’s in the bag. Absolute stripe show
Anyone else here after these shafts are blowing up on tour?
go ahead, kickstart the economy
Honestly graphites all day , for health purposes young or old .. that dampening is key!! Awesome review fellas !
Matt, you gotta throw those blades in the bag. You hit almost the exact same carry yardage every single shot. Those things look money in your hands
Was waiting for this shaft... thank you
I game the cleveland launcher hybrids in reg flex graphite. Trying to match wedges to the set has been really difficult. So far best has been cleveland cbx graphite.... but i find the wedge flex feels awful, to stiff, to heavy. Have you guys done a video on regular flex vs wedge flex in wedges for high handicap?
Great video, I play 20 year old Yonex ADX Tour irons with their LTB600 Boron reinforced graphite shaft (stiff flex). Reviews claim this set was very good. I would like to know how this shaft differs from today's graphite shafts. As for my opinion I love them. When I do my part by striking the ball correctly I dont feel a thing, which is how I like it.
You young guys probably don't consider this, but a lot of us older guys play graphite for one reason-joint comfort.
I waited for these for a while as I have all AV blue shafts in woods, but ended up going with Steelfiber fc90cw in all irons and 110CW in wedges.
Have two sets of Srixon 785s (4-PW). One is shafted with KBS Tour 130Xs, and the other with Ozik Program 130 7.0s that are 125g. I struggle with tendonitis in my right elbow, and when it's bad, I can absolutely play just as well with the graphite shafts. Adding a softer grip like the Pure DTX midsize helps as well. I will say that aside from shock absorption and weight (for those that need lighter shafts), I haven't seen any real advantage to graphite iron shafts as of yet.
It’s Monday which means we get a wardrobe change! Now what’s interesting to me is of everything you’ve tested is this or anything else worthy of not a revisit video but something that would turn into something that would be tested over a period of time? 🤔 The TXG Advantage Test ....Matty/Ian repeats something to produce a result to produce data on variance of Monday so to speak? #txglab 👍
Awesome guys!! I had just spoken with someone about them possibly switching over to graphite.
What are your thoughts on the steel fiber shafts that come standard in the new callaway epic irons?
Great video.. I will be definitely going to graphite shafts in my irons at my custom fit next year. Coming off a rotator cuff surgery in December 2019 and need all the help i can get in having less shock to my joints.. The performance between the 2 is nearly identical... my last set of irons i had were Nippon 105 tour stiff irons which i was custom fit for with my JPX 900 Forged irons 3 years ago.. Spring of 2020 I had those same shafts put into Callaway Apex Pro forged ‘19 irons but they didn’t spin enough for me... so now I’m “ironless”. LOL. Haven’t hit a ball since Sept. ‘19 due to my shoulder surgery... still doing rehab and won’t be ready for a custom fit until spring of 2021.. Looking forward to it ! What graphite shafts are recommended that have a similar bend profile to the Nippon 105T stiff ?
Interested in switching to graphite from current Modus 105’s (s) just to take some pressure off the wrist. What’s going to be the equivalent bend profile in the graphite market?
Mitsubishi has just launched MMT utility iron and scoring wedge shafts. I would love to see the comparison between Nippon GOST and MMT utility iron shaft in a driving iron + scoring wedge and other specialized wedge shafts e.g. Nippon Modus3 wedge or KBS wedge shaft. Thank TXG, because of this video, I am currently gaming MMT105Tx in new irons and all elbows pain gone 💕.
Keep up the good work guys !
@TXG How do you feel the MMT compares to Aerotech steel fiber shafts? I know getting a fit would be the best way for me to get a feel for them myself but just really trust your expertise. Absolutely love all the videos keep it up.
I would like to see you guys do a run down of graphite shafts for irons. I put the stiff Project X LZ graphite in my irons but never found any kind of You Tube testing of them just short one or two minute info spots. There are getting to be a number of different ones out there. It would be nice to see a breakdown of them.
Graphite vs steel vs GOST hybrid test? That would be awesome. Also any suggestion for 110+ graphite shafts that dont require a bunch of lead tape on the heads to get SW up?
Jacob McCain I got fit yesterday at club champion. Mizuno mp 20 mb with Aerotech steelfiber FC 110g F5..... SW was d3. Picked up 7 mph ball speed and incredible dispersion! Check those out
@@chipper1069x I am currently playing i110cw lol. Maybe the FC does a better job but I needed lead tape on every club to get it to feel right. Love the feel and performance once I got it set up though.
Jacob McCain lol. Never tried aero tech before but glad I did. Actually I was mistaken, the FC are 115! Looking at the build sheet my SW came out to D4... I’m sure it’s a combo of shafts and head to get the SW where it’s at. I bought a used set of srixon z785 with recoil prototype 125 and that SW was only C8! Hopefully Ian can give us an answer!
Currently gaming the Mitsubishi OT Tour 100 Taper Tip in stiff having changed to graphite due to arthritis in the fingers and elbow issues. I am really interested in the new MMT shafts - Would it be possible to do a test on the MMT Taper 105 in stiff at a swing speed around 90mph. Loving your videos - Keep up the good work.
A question for you- am debating between the kbs max graphite 65 r or the kbs tgi 70 r shaft for my new irons. Currently game the tgi 90. Only managed to test the kbs max graphite a year ago. With lockdowns hard to test. Any thoughts or advice about the differences to expect between the two shafts.
Looking forward to the Paderson testing. Play the Paderson Kinetix IMRT Green hybrid shafts currently.
I know this is an old video but I would love if you could do a breakdown of graphite shafts in the 95 gram and up weight range. There is so little information out there on the web.
Very cool! Was the droop similar ?
Likely identical, dynamic lie readings were within 0.1 degree of eachother
Txg guys. How does your club head/shaft connection system affects swing weight?
Switched away from steel shafts, problem with my wrist, no more vibration (sharp pain) now, will never go back
Hiya mate.
Have you tried the 110 tgi kbs shaft yet?
I play the 120g Steel KBS in pxg clubs. My mate is going to sell his gen4 already, and he has 110 TGI in them.
From your experience will these play similar or are the graphite a bit stout at the 110.
Many thanks
Ian
Matt and Ian, what would be my graphite equivalent with me using the ping AWT 2.0 X flex at 1” longer than standard? I’m in the market for new irons this year. Looking to get the new titleist T100s. I’m looking to eliminate a hook in my shot if that helps. Thank you guys for the videos and work you do!
Thoughts on hitting graphite shafts off mats? I had a set of "Feel" irons years ago with graphite shafts and the 5 iron shaft broke while using mats at the range.
Ugg waiting for the Rebar Review! Tell LAGolf to ship faster!
I did not hear in this vid that the Graphite shaft used was the Same Length as the steel shaft used. I am only asking as all the irons sets with graphite shafts,here in Oz, seem to be half inch longer than their equivalent steel version. Can you confirm this please.. cheers
I’ll never understand the golfers ego and aversion to graphite over steel. Manufacturers can do so much more with graphite to really help fitters customize to their players. The stigma that graphite is light, is weak, is for seniors etc. is outdated and archaic. If graphite can improve your distance, spin, dispersion and consistency then why would you not want to play and score better...ego. It’s why 7 irons now have 28 degrees of loft. Ridiculous. Well done lads.
I think you're romantiscing a fair bit there, Michael. The truth is steel is a wonderful material. It's versatile, strong, consistent and cheap! Only in very recent years have advances in material sciences allowed manufacturers to even begin to compete with steel. Composite shafts are an exciting new product tech. - I'm eager to try some myself, but to misquote Mark Twain; 'reports of the death of steel are greatly exaggerated..'. For now, anyway...
Well said. Played graphite iron shafts since Wilson Fat Shafts.
Perhaps this has been addressed. I have been using steel 85g R in my irons. Looking to change over to the KBS Graphite. Was thinking of going S 75gr rather than 65g R. Without a fitting what would your instinct be? R to match prior flex OR S to closer match prior weight?
This is a great review. I might be trading in my Titleist T300’s for these standard Mavrik irons. I hit Callaway irons longer than other brands (I’m a 54-year old 10 HC with very average distance). My current Titleist irons have Oban CT-115 R+ steel shafts. Can you tell me which Callaway stock or custom buy-up shaft is most like that? I tried graphite iron shafts w the Titleist and it was a playing disaster (actually the shaft was the Mitsubishi Tensei AV Red AM2 (Regular)). It felt completely different and way too light to me with zero feel and I went back to Oban. Just looking for any suggestion as i like the idea of moving to graphite but it has to be similar in feel to Oban. If you could recommend a comparable steel and a graphite shaft, that would be great.
I went with Accra shafts in my new irons. Couldn’t be happier. Never going back to steel.....
I need your help! I injured my left wrist. I was thinking in moving from a steel to graphite? I've been playing golf for 25 years, and I am 36 years old and handicap 1. What would you suggest me to do? I really really need your help! I think I injured by hitting down on it to much. Please please help me!!!
Thank you for doing a test where the shaft weight was similar. I am sick of so called graphite to steel tests done with a super light graphite shaft and a heavy steel shaft. Then the golfer says “I don’t know it feels good performs well but it’s so light”. My point is that there are many graphite shafts that are not super light. Too many “golf pros” do a You Tube test with a S300
And grab any graphite shaft laying around usually 50 grams or less.
Can you guys do a review of the kinetixx shafts?
Such a great video, golf tech porn. Keep up the great work.
Hi lads, love the content both video and podcast, I love the hzrdus smoke 6.5 driver and 3 wood shaft, is there a directly comparable iron shaft that you would know of ?
Paul Robinson no there isn’t. The change in swing from woods to irons is significant.
I’m looking at switching to the Fuji 95i tour spec in my apex cf 19. What’s your opinion on the Fuji 95 I pro iron shafts.
I have graphite in my Mizuno irons ust 95gram in a stiff shaft I feel that the touch around the green is better I still have my sand wedge in steel.
Are either of you guys still using the planemate with any consistency?
As an amateur, I don't care the performance, but more interesting to see if the iron with graphite gives more convenient for swing, easier to make more consistent result with inconsistent swing, guess it cause more variation horizontally if swing is not consistent
How about doing a test comparing sst PURED shafts to non sst PURED shafts and is their any difference in performance.
Can Matt explain how he generates so much power?
When can we see some build videos?
Nick Krsnak in the new year once the new store is ready. We’re anxious to film those aswell!!
Could I just change the shaft in my 5 iron from a project x 115 gram to a graphite Recoil (for example) that weighs like 80-90 grams without adding weight to the head?
Hey guys, with the MMT shaft, on TaylorMades website, it says that the S flex for a wedge is like 76 grams.. is that too light?
Thanks
Ball marks on the green? Never noticed before or I need my eyes checked. :)
John White new feature!!
His dispersion was so consistent- I'd never see the marks because no two shots would be close enough.
Ian, new shafts for your irons??
do you guys believe in building the longer irons to a lower swingweight than the short ones?
what is the graphite weight equivalent to a kbs tour 120g shaft?!
Great video on how small the difference there is between steel and graphite the is .
My question is then why would someone pay more for graphite than steel if they are so alike....
IMO The main benefit/difference is with vibration transmission into the hands, wrists, and elbows. For anyone hitting a lot of golf balls, there is far less stress on these joints, so less risk of injury. The reduced vibration also gives a smoother feel.
I play graphite because i wanted an XX stiff shaft but only want it to weigh 85 grams. I Couldn’t find a light weight steel shaft that was as stiff as I wanted.
I saw a review a few months back on utube where steel shafts were swapped out for recoil shafts from UST and the claim was better feel better accuracy ( front to back dispersion) and a pick up of about 10 yards per club now I was sceptical to say the least but as I could use help with my 4 and 5 iron not getting 12 yard separation from the the 6 iron and don't realy want to through the long process of another fitting ( basically looking for a shortcut in gaining the extra 5 yards of separation I require )
@@rodneygreenwell7620 I'm not sure if just moving to graphite will automatically give you extra distance, getting the correct shaft graphite or steel for your swing is the vital element.
@@rodneygreenwell7620 that's pretty typical to have the 4-5 irons bunch up for people. Especially if they have average or below average swing speed. Most companies make their 4-5 irons only 3 degrees apart in loft. Manufacturing tolerances are +/- 1 degree. So they could very easily only be 1-2 degrees apart. It's not a bad idea to have them checked and maybe bent to be 4 degrees apart.
I got fitted an ended up with zx7 irons on accra iseries 100 shafts, there extremly smooth and effortless...however the oban steels were very good to on the zx7 heads, i went with graphite cus im 40 , if i was 35 i would of got oban steels graphite is just easier on the joints from impact an less effort to swing them
Great Swings no sway. Look at Him‼️ All over the Flag. Nice work
It's funny that people argue that graphite shafts aren't as strong as steel shafts, but what are fishing rods made of? Graphite not steel, so as for the strength part there isn't even an argument unless you want to talk about the strength in the aspect of not using the club properly. Obviously if you slam your club head against the ground because of anger issues due to a bad shot or having to take a shot where your swing may hit a tree trunk then graphite is more likely to be damaged than steel, but chances are you'll be replacing either type of shaft in these situations whether the graphite cracks/breaks or the steel bends or dents.
I think people will buy these more for feel or they are tinkerers. $100 a shaft vs $40 for basically the same performance just isn't quite worth it for me yet! Once OEMs can get these down to $50 or $60 each, then it becomes a better value.
Matt's keeping that lead leg stable as fook. I see swing changes @larrycheung
Guys, given that there's not a lot of difference in performance on full swings, how about trying different shots .. half swings, punch shots etc as this is where I found that graphite wasn't as playable as steel on the course.
Project X 5.5 in irons Vs S300?? Thougts
What is the device you use that’s on the shaft that connects to the head?
Club Conex adapter system
TXG Tour Experience Golf that is a genius invention!! Being able to swap shafts that easily for fittings is a god send for a fitter.
What’s up fellas. Question what happens if I put c taper lite 110 stiff shafts in my wedges to match my irons?
They become phenomenal. That shaft is just soft enough for good feel still. I have them in my 50° & 54°.
I was thinking about 50,54,58. How is the half shots with them?
@@hughiemcduffie6190, full shots with my 50° 99.9% of the time. 54° full shots 70%, half/chip/flop the rest of the time. Still great feel and control. I'm more of a feel player. Handicap 6.
I gave a Hi Rev 2.0 in my 58°, I'm enjoying it more and more. Tons of spin, but I only use it for sand and chipping.
Wait, higher torque doesn't mean more dispersal??
Please explain.
Biggest myth about shafts and often an excuse players use for bad shots. Torque is all feel.
@@Jschultepga well it's not all feel, it's torque... If it was as subjective as "just feel" then why would it ever be measured?
All comes down to feel.
I watch you everyday but often like today it seems like you are struggling to say what you want to say.
So if graphite has greater variety why don't more pros use it in their irons? 🤯
Graphite is unfortunately still to expensive.
Is it just me or did the graphite look shorter? maybe it's the color
105 club head speed! What?
Maybe time to go back to hickory.
Behind us are the times where graphite was only for women n seniors
RC hasn’t been the case for a while now.
@Mike Eastridge g410 with the dynamic gold steel shaft.. 300 carry....
@Mike Eastridge I measure drives in feet, not in yards... 😝