Graphite or steel

[Jcomer]

Im new to golf and would like to know what would make you choose graphite over steel or vice versa? Thank you.

[jamo]

Generally speaking, every driver, fairway wood, and hybrid you are going to find will have a graphite shaft. Most better-players irons will be exclusively steel, and most game improvement irons (made for people who shoot higher scores) will give you a choice, though graphite will usually cost you a few hundred extra. Graphite is lighter and generally whippier, and will hit the ball farther but it can be somewhat less predictable. It's also softer and more vibration dampening, and can be good for older people, or those with injuries.

[airguard]

Originally Posted by jamo

Generally speaking, every driver, fairway wood, and hybrid you are going to find will have a graphite shaft. Most better-players irons will be exclusively steel, and most game improvement irons (made for people who shoot higher scores) will give you a choice, though graphite will usually cost you a few hundred extra.

Graphite is lighter and generally whippier, and will hit the ball farther but it can be somewhat less predictable. It's also softer and more vibration dampening, and can be good for older people, or those with injuries.

All very true.

My experience about 6 months ago; have used graphite shafted irons for the last 18 years and really liked them. Was fitted for a set of Callaway RAZR HLs and was ready to buy the graphite set but the Callaway fitter had me hit all the steel shafts which I didn't care for until I hit the TrueTemper GS-95 steel shaft in a reg flex. For me it was much smoother and explosive than the graphite. I ordered them with the GS-95 and have not regretted it. Just my 2 cents but always keep an open mind about buying your equipment.

[GaijinGolfer]

Graphite all the way, even in irons.  Graphite is lighter, so you should pick up some clubhead speed with it and I dont find quality graphite shafts to be any, "whippier" than quality steel shafts.  Some people would say that graphite kills the feel but when you consider that what much of what we perceive as feel is sound, not vibration coming up through the shaft, it would lead you to believe that graphite doesnt kill the feel as much as some would claim.

Steel was once king in drivers and fairway woods too but has been replaced by graphite and, IMO it will soon replace steel in irons as well.