Going to graphite in Irons - How light is too light?

[snowman0157]

I am going to graphite shafts in my irons due to joint problems, hoping this will help ease some of the discomfort.  Planning to reshaft  my current irons which have a 113 gram Nippon steel shaft - S Flex.   Unless I discover some other choice that really jumps out at me, at this point I am planning to go with the Aerotech Steelfiber in a R flex (I've read these play stiff and I probably shouldn't have an S in the Nippons anyway;  My 6 Iron swing speed is about 78-80 mph).

Question is this:   Anyone have experience knocking 28 grams off the weight of the shafts in their Irons?  (that would be if I go with the 85 gram Steelfiber).   Will that completely mess up my swing tempo?  Would the 95 gram Steelfiber be a better choice, you think?  I'd like to go as light as reasonable/possible as I'm thinking that might also help the sore joints.   Any experiences/opinions  that you can share will be appreciated.

[WUTiger]

Originally Posted by snowman0157

I am going to graphite shafts in my irons due to joint problems, hoping this will help ease some of the discomfort.  Planning to reshaft  my current irons which have a 113 gram Nippon steel shaft - S Flex.  ...

Question is this:   Anyone have experience knocking 28 grams off the weight of the shafts in their Irons?  (that would be if I go with the 85 gram Steelfiber). ...

Irons factory-shafted in graphite tend to be a half-inch longer than the steel versions. This longer shaft helps keep the swingweights from being too different (i.e., in Callaway RazrX numbered irons, steel = D2, graphite = D0).

My cureent Project X 5.0 flighted shafts weigh in at 115 grams. I am considering lightweight steel, and have tested several versions. I will probably get something in 95-100 gr. range, as I move through the ball quite well without losing control. With 85 gr. or less, I'm all over the place overswinging.

For your situation, I would suggest getting an iron fitting - even if it costs $50. Find out which range of shafts performs well for you (launch angle, spin, clubhead speed, etc.), and then choose the one you like best. I haven't tried many graphite-shafted irons, but the swingweight vs. the club's total weight are factors in graphite shafting too. And, keep the fitting data as a baseline for future equipment adjustments.

You will be dealing with both swingweight and total club weight issues.

Another way to decrease overall clubweight and help balance out the swingweight is to go with lighter grips. There's a lot more available than 60-gram grips.  One that I've tried is the Winn Dri-Tac grips, lightweight and soft. I am testing them on a second 6-iron I bought, and a driver I built. A 30-something clubfitter told me the Dri-Tacs feel good, and absorb some vibration. I may use the Dri-TACS when I regrip, or reshaft and regrip.

snowman , keep us posted on your shaft hunt. I'd like to know what you find.

[bigoak]

all joints?

hands?

wrists?

elbows?

shoulders?

ever try Ping cushin shafts?  lighter weight steel and vibration dampening?

is it the vibration or stress on the connective tissue that inflames joints?

[snowman0157]

It's the elbows mainly ... Don't know for sure if it is the vibration or other stresses that cause the problem, but I have heard from others that Graphite shafts have helped, even when lightweight steel and vibration reducing inserts have failed; so I'm willing to give 'em a try.

[Mr. Desmond]

I went from Nippons in 125g to

Aerotech i80s with no issues.

And yes, you are correct, from all reports - R flex is firm, Stiff is very stiff.