Help With Graphite Iron Shafts

[Beretta_Shooter]

I am thinking about putting graphite shafts into a set of irons. I have a few really stupid questions to ask the board.

Can you build a set of irons with graphite shafts at the same length as a set of steel shafted irons?

The reason why I have shied away from graphite in the past is they are always longer. I think it is to maintain a similar swingweight as the steel. Can someone give me a few tips on how to build a set with graphite at a steel length.

Thanks!

[dbwood]

You can build graphite shafted irons to pretty much any swing weight and length considered normal for steel.  You can add tip weights, use lighter weight grips, or any of several different weights of graphite shafts.  The total weight of a graphite iron is usually, (but not always) going to be less than a steel iron.

My 37.5" 6i has a very light, (66 gram) shaft and is at D3 and 370 gram total weight.  The Titleist steel shafted AP-1 I borrowed awhile back was 37.5", D1, and 419 total weight.

[mlf16507]

Check out this link and see if it helps. If you have any questions let me know.

http://www.tutelman.com/golf/design/swingwt6.php?ref=golfcoast

[1puttit]

I've built a few sets of graphite shafted irons. Like others have said, you can build them to standard length and and use tip weights to get a swing weight you like.

Graphite shafts are generally going to be quite a bit lighter than steel so your total club weight is going to go down.Do not get to hung up on swing weight as a D3 steel shafted club is going to feel different than a D3 graphite shafted club.  I would suggest that you build just one club in the set without any tip weights and then test with various amounts of lead tape to zero in on a swing weight.  Try a swing weight of around C9. You will probably find that a lighter swing weight than "standard" will work better for you.

[moparman426]

Originally Posted by Beretta_Shooter

Can someone give me a few tips on how to build a set with graphite at a steel length.

Make sure the hosel and the shaft tips are the same.  Taper tip shafts are .355,  and parallel tip shafts are .370.  Most graphite shafts are .370, but not all.  If yours are taper tip, you will need to ream out the hosel to accept the larger diameter graphite shaft.  This can be done with a drill and a bit, but isn't for the feint of heart.  You really need a drill press and a proper hosel clamp to ensure correct alignment.  Most drill bits sold for this are actually .375", so I would also suggest using some glass beads in your epoxy mix to get a nice snug fit.  I also use 24 hour slow set epoxy on graphite.  Once the epoxy has been set, you can butt trim the shafts to your desired length, but don't forget to account for 1/4" at the end for the grip (standard).