Graphite vs Steel Irons for a high handicapper?

jamvr10 · July 30, 2009

Ive been hearing conflicting advice on Graphite vs Steel Irons for a high handicapper. Guy in Edwin Watts told me to go for stiff steel. Then another guy there told me to get stiff graphite.

Im 6'3 and stong, swing speed is 98, my last time out i shot a 101 (thats good for me) currently using a used set of nike sumos. But i was hitting with the Callaway ft i-brids in stiff graphite, i loved them. But then again i was hitting indoors and couldnt see the ball flight.

Im very tempted to get the Callaway ft i-brid in stiff graphite but i dont want to hurt my game anymore than its hurting already.

thanks for the advice

**PiKapp23** · July 30, 2009

With your swing speed I would think steel is a much better option. Graphite would potentially give you more distance, but because they are so much lighter and usually longer you would probably lose some accuracy and feel. The advantage to graphite might be that it would allow you to slow you swing down without sacrificing distance and possibly inproving accuracy because of a more controlled swing and better tempo. If you think you can 'dial back' on your swing speed and consistently do that then graphite might be a viable option. Typically graphite shafts in irons are only used by seniors, ladies and those with a slower swing speed that need the distance (they are also sometimes used by those who have wrist problems or those sort of problems because they have less vibrations). Like everything in golf its important you go with what you like best because it often helps your confidence level if nothing else. I played graphite for about 6 years and was happy, but as I got better I realized I was sacrificing a bit of accuracy. With that said, graphite shafts have improved a lot since that time.

jamvr10 · July 30, 2009

thanks for the reply, i do think i can dial it down a bit. Ive been trying to not murder every ball i hit anyway. I have been striking the ball well, getting it off the ground nicely. My troubles are that im either leaving the face too open, or too closed. That is resulting in me hitting it either way left or way right. My aim stinks. I have demo the clubs in graphite and loved them. Im just worried about having even less control than i already have.

any of you ever hit with the callaway ft i-brid irons?

**beachbreak** · July 30, 2009

I played a friend's graphite shafted irons recently. It was the first time I have played graphite irons. I hit them about 5-10 yards further with a smoother, better tempo I believe. At my age 56, I believe they might serve me better than steel. I am in the process of research and experimentation to confirm my suspicions.

**prutkows** · July 30, 2009

I'd definitely go with steel shafts if your swing speed is a 98. If you're shooting in the 100's, I'm pretty sure you will be picking up swing speed as your game & swing improves and when that happens, you'll regret having graphite shaft irons (even if they are stiff).

Not only will the steel benefit you more down the line, right now as a beginner you need accuracy more than distance (especially if you're swinging the club as fast as 98) and steel provides much more control and accuracy than graphite does.

Howie · July 31, 2009

Go for the stiff graphite. You're trying to learn control, not swinging as hard as you can. All the instructors I've talked to, both country club and Golf-tec, mention that you can really launch the ball without swinging for the fences. Ultimately you'll want to try both multiple times some place where you can see trajectory and accuracy.

Unless you have a terrible swing and need lots of help, stay away from the ibrids and look at the regular FT irons. You'll want something you can grow into, not irons that look like training wheels when you become accomplished.

**Zeph** · August 1, 2009

I suggest steel shafts. It is of course a matter of preference, but generally, graphite shafts are used by women, children, elder and people otherwise not physically strong enough to perform with the weight of a steel shaft.

Women are generally physically weaker than men. Not to say all women use them, but many do, and there is no doubt there are some huge differences on speed and strength from men to women out there. You can even see it on the LPGA.

You can probably get somewhat similar performance in a graphite and steel shaft, but if you don't have problem swinging a steel shaft, I'd say get it.

bucklateral · August 1, 2009

I have a high handicap and love my taylor mades w/ graphite shafts. I prefer the feel of graphite compared to steel.

However, a friend of mine who has a lot slower swing speed and is not as strong prefers steel to graphite. He prefers the feeling of steel to graphite.

Those that I golf with all have different opinions, but all of them say they prefer one or the other based on the feel. I would try several of both and see what you prefer.

**Greg** · August 1, 2009

Sounds like you would be better off with stiff steel shaft clubs, more control over graphite, not quite as much distance but you probably hit it plenty far already. Ive tried graphite shaft irons, I dont like them, dont get much of a feel when you hit bad shots like with steel and I'm not convinced they would last like steel would. Graphite is great for driver, fairway woods and hybrids but accuracy is usually not at a premium with those clubs, distance is.

**Dub** · August 2, 2009

Stiff steel would be my short answer.

Shot dispersion with graphite irons may be an issue with your swingspeed.

**Golfaway** · August 2, 2009

i-brids?
I don't know, they're too big it's not even funny anymore.
If you want something big check the Fusion wide soles. They're still big but not as big as the i-brids.

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