I have a driver and fairway metal with graphite shafts. My 20* and 23* hybrids have graphite shafts. Why wouldn't I have a set of irons with graphite shafts? (I have a 6 handicap.)
One of the answers I'm dismissing is that graphite-shafted irons are just for ladies and seniors. That's an image issue I can get past.
The conventional explanation, I know, is that graphite cannot offer the consistency of steel. One graphite shaft isn't necessarily the same as the next, and a set of irons needs to move up the range varied by the loft and without an odd shaft giving more or less kick than the one next to it.
But plenty magazine articles now suggest that graphite today is much better than, say, ten years ago. And no-one seems to question its use in the long clubs and hybrids. So how near are we to having graphite shafts in sets of irons for use by players of all ages and standards, including low handicapers? Or are there other problems, such as clubs being too light? If graphite shafts were used, could manufacturers make them very specialised, eg., by a precise placing of the kick point?
That's a very good point. Personally I can hit metal shafted or graphite shafted irons. But I find I can hit different types of shots easier with graphite and that's why my irons have graphite shafts. Maybe it's just me.
Not sure if it makes any difference but I am a single figure lady golfer.
A graphite shaft will normally be lighter, thus producing a slightly faster clubhead speed. Also the feel of a graphite shaft is usually "softer"... no bumble-bees in the fingers when a ball is struck on the toe of the club. However, a graphite shaft will twist on all but pure shots. The M.O.I (moment of inertia) designed into drivers, fairway woods and hybrids compensate for most of this twisting, so a graphite shaft is desirable for these clubs (as a faster clubhead speed = more distance). A steel shaft will invariably produce MUCH less (if any)twisting on all but a terribly mishit shot. As the M.O.I. for most irons will not compensate for the twisting of a graphite shaft, steel is the shaft of choice for irons when a golfer has average and above clubhead speed (probably around 85-90 mph). I have one set of regular flex graphite irons, which I normally use in cooler weather and one set with stiff flex steel for warm days. There is certainly an accuracy difference, I would say the spread pattern is probably 2-3 yards less accurate for graphite. Also, a graphite shaft in standard length is 1/2" to 1" longer than steel. I would say play whatever you prefer, as there is no "bad" choice. Plus a high quality graphite shaft would probably be a better choice than a low quality steel shaft. One other consideration, graphite shafts can cost ALOT more money.
I play graphite shafts in my irons and love em. I am certainly more acuarate with them than the steel versions Can't say i've noticed any twisting in them, definately more whip through the ball tho (i.e the extra club head speed) The only steel shafts in my set are in my wedges and they are all softer wedge flex shafts.
I was about to be convinced by Don's MOI arguments. And then I read 23rdman's comment that Monty uses graphite shafts in his irons. I was momentarily astounded Then I saw the smiley face and the wink... Hey, feel sorry for Monty. He hit one bad shot on the final hole of a Major last year, and lost out. Harrington hit two bad shots on the final hole of The Open, and got another chance and won. Life - and especially golf - isn't fair.
Back to graphite shafts. Interesting that two contributors have different accuracy experiences with graphite shafts. Of course there's no comparison available of clubhead speed or brand of club. Perhaps the weight of the club-head will make quite a difference.
It's often said/written that graphite shafts are far more fragile - easily damaged - than steel shafts. Anyone who uses them should have club protectors. Is that true in experience?
Yes, graphite shafts will develop "bag wear" after a while. It is basically cosmetic (it would take a very long time to develop significant wear), but it does effect resale/trade-in value. Also, please don't misunderstand me, graphite shafts are absolutely fine for the non-pro golfer (as I said, I have a set for cold weather). It has just been my finding (and the numbers back me up) that graphite shafts on irons are prone to twisting. The better quality graphite shafts (read "expensive") will resist twisting better. I believe that anyone who takes two sets of identical clubheads, one fitted with proper length, lie angle and flex shafts made of graphite and one of steel, that person would see a dispersion variance... steel being the more accurate. Now, someone who is normally no where near the pin to begin with will probably not notice the difference, but a player who has the ability to pin-seek or especially "work" the ball will notice (2-3 yards off target is considerable). With all the tools available to a club-fitter these days, it is no problem to spend an hour with one to get the proper shaft for you. Graphite shafts on irons are not just for old ladys and super slow clubhead speeds, anyone who says so is being a snob... so don't let anyone scare you off graphites with that nonsense. Best thing to do is pay a few dollars for a proper club fitting (ie: launch monitor, clubhead speed indicator, lie angle tape, etc). Again, just trying to be helpful, not insulting. :)
I have TM OSII's in graphite shafts (3-PW), previous irons were also graphite so this is all I am used to playing. However, I do have Titleist vokey wedges (steel) and really like these clubs. First thing I noticed was I could not hit my Vokey 56* anywhere near as far my previous graphite SW (not sure on angle difference). I also notice an improvement on direction, however this could be down to me improving my swing/handicap.
I recently went to AGD and tested a few steel shafts and found I really liked the Mizuno MX25's. Took a 6-iron to the course and used it a few times and again found that I was more accurate (at least 5-10yds - enough difference to be close to a pin and miss the green with some pin positions) but again shorter. I have now got over the macho thing of hitting the ball 150yds with a PW and now want more accurracy than length. I think that this is one thing that could improve my handicap by at least 3 shots.
I really need to take the plunge and get the MX25's and last Saturday I found them in JJB's for £399 (3-PW) £50 less than Internet, AGD etc. I have two problems now, a) getting these new babies past the wife, b) I really wanted custom fitting but not sure JJB would book me into mizuno's fitting centre.
To: Birdie Boy, Just a word of advice, please make sure you get fitted for the shafts before you buy. An improper shaft flex and length will render even those awesome TM's you have unplayable. You may feel a loss of distance using steel shafts due to improper flex or a shaft that does not have the proper "feel" for your swing. A proper club fitting business should have an extensive variety of shafts for you to try (so they feel right for you....VERY important) as well as a launch monitor and ball spin monitor. Different shafts have different kick points and different feel. I have noticed that all but the cheapest graphite shafts have an acceptable feel and I am inclined to believe that is a big reason why many golfers think graphite shafts on irons are right for them. However, a properly fitted steel shaft is (in my mind) the way to go for a player who is looking to lower their handicap and move up to advanced shotmaking. Please, PLEASE, make sure you have the proper shaft before making such a hefty investment, there are only so many things you can sneak past the wife (trust me... I KNOW lol). Also, a good set of steel shafts will last as long as your swing and swing speed are not affected by age or injury (that could be decades) so they are a very good investment if chosen properly. I believe, and many of the club pros and scratch handicappers I have spoken with over the years tend to agree, the shaft is, by FAR, the most important part of the club. Good luck and enjoy. :)
Don, thanks for the advice. I cannot remember what shaft was in the 6-iron I tested but I know for sure that AGD only had one type of shaft in the MX-25's, so I didn't even get to test the difference between stiff and regurlar let alone other makes of shaft although whatever it was it did feel good and felt much better than other makes of clubs. For the sake of an hours drive to Leatherhead on a Saturday morning it has to be worth me going there and getting fitted.
Having played (good quality) graphite shafts for 10 years I made the switch to lightweight steel shafts. Having played these for about 18 months now I really cannot see any major differences, given that I only hit a few 'perfect' shots in any round.
Ps the reason for the switch was swing speed related. I used to play stiff graphite and found that my swing speed did not quite match most regular graphite shafts.
