Graphite or Steel for irons?

[Johanathan]

Hi. Until this year I would play 3-4 rounds of golf, then this year I couldn't play enough rounds.  A few years ago I bought a generic set of clubs and over the last year added to it - a new putter, driver, hybrid.  Now, I'm in the market for a whole new set of irons.  I'm looking at the Callaway Diablo Edge Iron Set.  The question I have is, what's the difference between steel and graphite?  Is there any?  I was recently told that I should get graphite because I'm not a big hitter and the irons will be lighter.

Any thoughts?

Also, any other suggestions for a new set of irons?

[GaijinGolfer]

Graphite will give you more distance if you have a slower swing but most people prefer the feel of steel shafts.

[sean_miller]

Originally Posted by Johanathan

Hi. Until this year I would play 3-4 rounds of golf, then this year I couldn't play enough rounds.  A few years ago I bought a generic set of clubs and over the last year added to it - a new putter, driver, hybrid.  Now, I'm in the market for a whole new set of irons.  I'm looking at the Callaway Diablo Edge Iron Set.  The question I have is, what's the difference between steel and graphite?  Is there any?  I was recently told that I should get graphite because I'm not a big hitter and the irons will be lighter.

Any thoughts?

Also, any other suggestions for a new set of irons?

Personally I'd never recommend graphite for irons. I just like the heaviness of a steel shaft - the way it feels like one solid unit ready to take on whatever comes. Graphite is okay with lighter heads (hybrids and woods) but to me graphite shafted irons always seem like a rock on a stick.

[NuclearMike]

It really depends on you.  As I've gotten older I've developed some arthritis.  It's usually in my lower extremities but on occasion my shoulders, elbows, and hands are affected.  I got a set of Wilson Di9 irons with graphite shafts and I'm actually longer at the same loft than I was a few years ago with steel.  I understand people who say that they prefer steel but I get tremendous feedback on impact with these clubs.  As for the new irons the Wilson Staff game improvement irons have been good for me.  The new Di11s should have a better price point than the Callaways and depending on where you are in your progression may be able to help you get better even faster.  Just my opinion...

[mlf16507]

I suggest you hit both steel and graphite shafted irons on a launch monitor and have a club fitter tell you what is best. for you.

[Laws of Woo]

I've hit graphite irons in the past, and while they weren't horrible, they weren't anything special. I'd much rather use steel (maybe if its still made the Graphite Tip shafts that Adams used, I loved those). The weight, balance, and feel at impact all just feel better with steel in my opinion. As mlf16507 said, go to a launch monitor and try both. Have the pro that over sees you give some imput. Unless your a very slow swing guy, or have joint problems...I think steel would work better for you.

[GaijinGolfer]

Originally Posted by NuclearMike

I understand people who say that they prefer steel but I get tremendous feedback on impact with these clubs.

Youd get more feedback with steel though.

[newtogolf]

My first set (Callaway X-12's) had graphite regular flex shafts.  I noticed two things since switching to irons with steel shafts.  1)  I'm more consistent with my wedges because there isn't the big weight difference between the irons and wedges with steel shafts.  2)  I have better dispersion with the steel shafts.  Nuclear Mike is correct though you should get fitted and use the shafts that are best for your swing speed.

[WWBDD]

I went from graphite cavityback Hippos (cheap British brand) to steel cavityback Callaway X20s. Fairly similar club, but I like the feel of the Callaways a lot more.

My one suggestion would be that rather than the razers, you consider saving a bundle by buying last year's equivalent.

I bought my discontinued X20s last spring for $400 which was about a 50% savings, and now they're at my local Costco (Edmonton Alberta) for $300.

[BuckeyeNut]

Graphite shafted irons are for those with bone/joint pain...probs........

My 2 cents...and yes, I know nothing.

LOL

[LuciusWooding]

Graphite will be lighter... about 200$+ lighter in the wallet.

Steel is not only cheaper, it can't chip like the finish on graphite***. Steel gives better feedback, is slightly more accurate (though slower swings won't show much difference), and many people, including myself, prefer heavier clubs for control and feel.

However, graphite gives less vibrations for those with pain, it's lighter and a bit longer for those with slower swings, and if you walk the course, it adds up to a much lighter bag. Plus, kick point and balance are more controlled and can make the shaft more customized.

If money is no object, get fitted for graphite shafts that help you.

I recommend getting light steel shafts, maybe in the 90-100 gram range. They have most of the pros of graphite, but aren't as pricy and are more durable***. The fact is, low torque graphite shafts are expensive to make, especially lightweight, while steel is low torque anyway, regardless of weight. Dynamic gold shafts are between 120-130 grams, the lightest steel shafts are around 80.

The default shafts on the callaways look like the steel shafts are flighted, which will help your trajectory and probably get the most distance from your swing. They are lightweight, around 110 grams.

The default graphite look like they are high launching, 70-80 grams.

The steel looks like a better option, imo. Unless you want the graphite badly, it's not worth upgrading IMO.

***I don't want to make it seem that graphite shafts won't last for years, it's more about the paint chipping, especially if your bag holds the clubs loosely.

[ghalfaire]

I have played with both Steel and Graphite irons over the years.  While I agree with most of the previous comments on this thread the only practical difference I have noticed was that graphite will better cushion the shock from off center hits on cold mornings and cost $100 to $200 more.

[snofrog]

after replacing 4 graphite shafts I went back to steel and havent had any more issues