Deciding on purchasing a steel or a graphite shaft can be confusing when you are new to golf, or you are looking to buy your first set.
Which is easier to hit? Will the difference in shaft effect my distance?
Those are the questions many golfers ask themselves when purchasing a new set of clubs.
We will take a look at feel, weight, performance, durability, and price.
By the end of this post, you will know if you should consider a steel or graphite shaft for your next set of clubs.
Let us start off with this cool infographic.
The Feel
The most important aspect to look at when deciding to purchase steel or graphite shafts is the feel.
How the club feels in your hand is a big determination if you will be able to put a good swing.
Many golfers have said graphite is more comfortable, easier to hit. This is due to the weight being very light, hence the club is easier to hit.
If your swing speed is slower you will definitely benefit from using a graphite shaft.
On the other hand, steel shafts feel much more solid.
They give the golfer a direct response when a shot was hit well or not. Steel shafts are great for players who demand better performance, more responsiveness and those who have faster swing speeds.
Steel shafts were once considered much more durable than graphite. That’s not so much the case anymore. Quality graphite shafts will last as long if they are not chipped, or cracked.
But one thing for sure and we have all seen it is steel shafts will last forever as long as they are not bent or rusted.
I bet some of you have clubs from the 80s in your garage right now!
Weight
Steel shafts are way often heavier and result in a tougher time to hit with players who don’t have much strength.
The more weight the club has the slower your swing can be, which results in a loss of power. Your swing speed can decrease 2-4 mph with a heavier shaft. You could be losing about 10 yards if you have a slow swing speed and are using steel shafts.
The more weight the club has the slower your swing can be, which results in a loss of power. Your swing speed can decrease 2-4 mph with a heavier shaft. You could be losing about 10 yards if you have a slow swing speed and are using steel shafts.
You could be losing about 10 yards if you have a slow swing speed and are using steel shafts.
Graphite shafts are usually lighter and much easier to swing with. This is why some golfers use graphite because the less weight makes it easier for the golfer to swing the club. The decreased weight can also increase your swing speed resulting in longer distances.
This is why some golfers use graphite because the less weight makes it easier for the golfer to swing the club. The decreased weight can also increase your swing speed resulting in longer distances.
The decreased weight can also increase your swing speed resulting in longer distances.
Performance
Durability
Price
Steel shafts are much less expensive in comparison to graphite shafts. The materials that go into creating steel is much cheaper. As for graphite, the materials are much more expensive to produce resulting in high prices.
The price is a major factor in determining your club shafts. But don’t be mistaken by the higher price tag, usually, they are well built and made for the beginner.
So I would not avoid the price because if you don’t have the right shafts it will hinder your game.
Summary
Both shafts have their pros and cons. For steel shafts, they are made for the better players.
But might not be so easy to hit for the inexperienced player.
With graphite shafts, they are lighter in weight and have a different feel which many high handicappers and slower swing speed golfers end up using. In the end, it is up to you which shaft you believe feels better and helps you perform better.
Low handicappers prefer steel shafts because they don’t need a boost in distance. They prefer a better feel, more feedback, and better performing shaft.
Hopefully, you are now aware of the differences between steel and graphite shafts. You are now more informed on which you should choose for your next set.