Steel vs. Graphite

**Wizardvette** · May 12, 2005

I got a decent deal on a set of 3 & 5 Nike fairway woods with steel shafts. They will be replacing some "beginner" clubs with graphite shafts. Are there any pro's or cons to steel shafted woods? Will it drastically affect my swing? TIA.

**PGAfan790** · May 12, 2005

Well i guess it depends on what feel you want from your club.

I have graphite woods, driver, and hybrid and then i have steel irons. Some of these other guys and gals can probably give you good specific info.

**lightrider** · May 14, 2005

Wizardvette said:
I got a decent deal on a set of 3 & 5 Nike fairway woods with steel shafts. They will be replacing some "beginner" clubs with graphite shafts. Are there any pro's or cons to steel shafted woods? Will it drastically affect my swing? TIA.

Shaft determination is dependant upon alot of factors. The first is whether you swing is consistent enough to have repeatable results. Next your swing speed to flex and then its what you are wanting to do in terms of ball flight. Some shaft will help you carry the ball farther while other will go low and roll. Most people will play steel in a FW for control rather than distance.

**Wizardvette** · May 14, 2005

Thanks guys. Control is what I'm aiming for, so steel was the better choice. Plus, the price...I got both for $150. They look as though they never even hit a ball.

**PGAfan790** · May 14, 2005

Thats is good news wizardvette. Hope you are enjoying them.

**Rafcin** · May 16, 2005

Wizardvette said:
...Are there any pro's or cons to steel shafted woods? ...

The biggest difference for me is the swingweight. Unless you're talking about some high-tech royal precision projectX or something like that, the steel shafts is heavier. Heavier club causes slower swing speed. It also changes the feel of the club by distributing the weight differently. I don't belive in the less control argument about graphite material. With today's technology, puring etc. I doubt there is so much difference, that weekend players will even realize it.

For me is pretty much - try one, try another - stick with whatever works / feels good, regardless of "what THE Book says"

Putt4doh · May 16, 2005

I'm with you Rafcin...the biggest difference I've found between steel and graphic is weight and to a lesser degree ball flight. With today's technology in graphite, they can build a shaft to do whatever you need it to...

That being said, play whatever feels better without sacrificing distance or accuracy.

jimsp · May 22, 2005

whatever helps you create the best repeatable swing whether it's steel or graphite that's what you should use. That's a simple answer.

Tsukihime · May 22, 2005

Rafcin said:
The biggest difference for me is the swingweight. Unless you're talking about some high-tech royal precision projectX or something like that, the steel shafts is heavier. Heavier club causes slower swing speed. It also changes the feel of the club by distributing the weight differently. I don't belive in the less control argument about graphite material. With today's technology, puring etc. I doubt there is so much difference, that weekend players will even realize it.

Actually the difference is there , someone who has a swing speed of , lets say 105 with steel shaft , if he decides to switch from steel to graphite , the speed could change from like 105 , to 125 or more , so there is no way that , this player would be able to keep control of the club at that speed , theres a good chance that he will top the ball or slice it , since his swing is way too fast and the a good chance that when it comes to like irons 7-pw

since his swing speed is so fast that he will break the club , since graphite isnt as solid as steel , Graphite is made for people who have slow swings ,(usually Kids or Senior) so a person swigning at 75 with steel , by using graphite hes able increase his swing speed to match the other guy who swings at 105 with steel . So no , you dont hit less longer if you have graphite , its just a way for weaker people or people with slow swings to hit harder without having all the steel weight.

**lightrider** · May 22, 2005

Tsukihime said:
Actually the difference is there , someone who has a swing speed of , lets say 105 with steel shaft , if he decides to switch from steel to graphite , the speed could change from like 105 , to 125 or more , so there is no way that , this player would be able to keep control of the club at that speed , theres a good chance that he will top the ball or slice it , since his swing is way too fast and the a good chance that when it comes to like irons 7-pw

I honestly never heard of someone swinging so fast that it broke a shaft. 99% of the time its because of improper installation or poor striking. I also haven't seen a tremendous speed bump from steel to graphite shafts in swing speed difference. I have swung a 110 gram shaft and went down to 80 and my swing speed didn't vary that much. Also graphite shafts are made for all players now. They aren't my personal favorite shaft for irons but, there are a few that are made that will play just the same as steel. The only difference would be feel.

Tsukihime · May 23, 2005

lightrider said:
I honestly never heard of someone swinging so fast that it broke a shaft. 99% of the time its because of improper installation or poor striking. I also haven't seen a tremendous speed bump from steel to graphite shafts in swing speed difference. I have swung a 110 gram shaft and went down to 80 and my swing speed didn't vary that much. Also graphite shafts are made for all players now. They aren't my personal favorite shaft for irons but, there are a few that are made that will play just the same as steel. The only difference would be feel.

Yeah sure i mean it depends what kind of hitter you are , im am considered a big hitter , 110+mph , so when it comes to irons like , 9 iron , when you have to get under the ball and you hit some dirt its hard on the shaft , and after a while there is a greater risk of breaking , actually i broke 2 irons like that (with graphite shaft) , not on the first shot off course , but after 5-6 rounds ,

but anyway i am not a graphite guy either , my swing get way too fast and im just not comfortable , cause im not able to control the club properly .

**lightrider** · May 23, 2005

Tsukihime said:
Yeah sure i mean it depends what kind of hitter you are , im am considered a big hitter , 110+mph , so when it comes to irons like , 9 iron , when you have to get under the ball and you hit some dirt its hard on the shaft , and after a while there is a greater risk of breaking , actually i broke 2 irons like that (with graphite shaft) , not on the first shot off course , but after 5-6 rounds ,

Man, you must play on some hard dirt. What about PGA players that use graphite, like KJ Choi, does he change shaft every couple of rounds??? I don't hear Tiger or Hank Kuehne breaking driver shafts that often either.

**Everardo** · May 23, 2005

WOW! I know Canadian beer is stronger but a gain of 20 mph from Steel to Graphite...even 20 KPH is stretching it!

Tsukihime · May 23, 2005

lightrider said:
Man, you must play on some hard dirt. What about PGA players that use graphite, like KJ Choi, does he change shaft every couple of rounds??? I don't hear Tiger or Hank Kuehne breaking driver shafts that often either.

Im not talking about drivers , i do have graphite on my driver , everyone does , im taking about irons , mostly 7 to pw , those irons who needs to go under the ball for high velocity , i broke a 9 iron and a pitch

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