Should I change to steel irons?

[jsb990]

Start of last season I bought Taylormade Burners (Superlaunch series), with graphite shafts. They have massive club heads (I guess for max. forgiveness), and I was wondering if its a good idea to upgrade to some kind of stiff steel shafts with smaller heads. Last year I played probablly 20 rounds and it was really my first season playing (regularly) but I improved a whole lot. I generally shoot about bogey golf or a stroke or 2 better. I see a lot of sets have the 3-5 irons with larger heads and then they slim down to blades by like 8-9-PW, which seems like a good setup.

I looked at my swing on camera, and on my downswing you can see the club bending like crazy! I checked some other slow mo swings on youtube from pros and it doesn't happen with them, so I don't know if thats a bad thing or not. Just wondering what the advantage to steel shafts and more blade like heads are? I hit a slight fade (or slice you could call it since I don't do it intentionally), that is about 5 yards right to left, do you think that may come from the whipping action of the club? Any suggestions on some new irons? I'm a college student without too much $$, and to be honest I'd rather spend more on actual golf than equipment, but a lot of people seem to question why a 21 year old dude uses graphite, apparently they are for ladies and old men? lol cheers

[WUTiger]

Originally Posted by jsb990

... I hit a slight fade (or slice you could call it since I don't do it intentionally), that is about 5 yards right to left, do you think that may come from the whipping action of the club?  ... I'm a college student without too much $$, and to be honest I'd rather spend more on actual golf than equipment, ...

If you hit a slight fade regularly, this can be a good course management tool. A repeating swing (with a consistent shape) is what all beginners strive for - enjoy it!

Graphite shafts tend to be lighter than steel shafts of the same flex, so it you have a smooth swing graphite may be the way to go. Graphite absorbs shock better than steel; if you start playing golf  a lot, the graphite will be less wear and tear on your joints and tendons than steel shafts. Not a big deal right now, but it will matter 20 years from now.

Wise goal of using scarce $$ to play more. Suggestion: if you continue to improve, keep the current club mix until after you graduate. Then, you can get a decent job and buy a full fitting for your futures set.