Steel vs graphite shafts. It’s one of golf’s age-old debates. Golfers are always asking what type of shaft they should use, be it in their woods, irons, wedges, or even putter.
Golf club shafts can be a confusing subject for golfers, so let us break down the differences between steel and graphite, and help you decide which might be the best fit for your bag…
Steel vs graphite, what’s the difference?
Integral to the golf club, and constantly evolving, learning about golf shafts and their characteristics can be a real Pandora’s Box. Initially built out of hickory, modern day golf shafts generally fall into two main categories – steel and graphite.
As technology improves, the differences between the two can become blurred. At its most basic, graphite shafts are generally lighter than steel, often resulting in the ability to swing the club faster. But this speed comes with an element of compromise, as graphite shafts will also have more torque than steel, meaning less consistency and stability in the delivery of the clubhead.
Steel shafts are generally heavier than graphite shafts, with the increased weight providing a more ‘solid’ feel for most players. The additional weight of steel shafts also provides more durability, particularly notable within irons and wedges which regularly strike down into the turf.
These differences generally lend themselves to graphite shafts being used in the longer clubs, metalwoods and hybrids, while steel is usually preferred within irons and wedges.
The lighter weight of the graphite shaft, combined with the increasingly lightweight metalwood clubheads enables an increased swing speed, helping to launch the ball further. Crucially, it is imperative that metalwood shafts are correctly fitted, as too much or too little flex here can hinder your ability to hit the ball straight, negating any distance gains you may have made.