Steel or graphite?

[Lady Golf Pro]

Lady Golf Pro's Tip of the Week!

Shaft Options - The Basics
The two differences in golf shafts that beginners should keep in mind are shaft composition (graphite or steel) and shaft flex (the amount of bend in the shaft during your swing). Steel is sturdier and cheaper, but graphite is lighter, so it will generate more swing speed. Women and older players will benefit most from graphite shafts that have a softer flex. Stronger, younger men may go with regular or stiffer shafts, but remember that many teaching say too many golfers use shafts with too much stiffness.

Taken from "Lady Golfers Guide"

[WUTiger]

Several golf club companies make Petite clubs for women 5-foot-2 and under in height. The shafts are shorter, and have slightly flatter lies.

Also, the GolfWorks catalog (Ralph Maltby's operation) features graphite shafts in an LL flex, which is even more flexible than so-called Ladies flex. Something to think about it you are not that tall.

(My wife is only 4-foot-10, and she got some of the original Nancy Lopez Square2 Petites back in 1990. She still likes them, even with steel shafts).

[GaijinGolfer]

Graphite is definetly the way to go if you can afford it.  Its just a shame that a lot of people think that graphite shafts are somehow inferior to steel (and are only a good choice for women and old people) because they really are missing out.

[WUTiger]

More on Maltby flex grahite shaft specifically designed for women. The shaft model is called LTech and features three flex zones:

• LL (Soft) for 25+ HDCP players
• L (medium) for 15-30 HDCP players
• A (firm) for 20 HDCP and below players

The model has separate shafts for woods and for hybrids/irons, and are available through The GolfWorks.