Graphite Stiff Vs Steel Regular Shafts – Whats The Difference And Best Choice

Graphite Stiff vs. Steel Regular Flex Shafts – What’s The Difference & What’s Better

 

When you talk to great golfers, they will tell you that the shaft is probably more important than the clubhead.

The shaft of the club is what helps to make players of all different abilities capable of playing the game and succeeding. Both graphite and steel golf shafts have their positives and negatives.

You will find a match that works well for your game, and then that perfect shaft match can change as your golf game progresses. Let’s take a look at the graphite and steel golf shafts and who should play with each one.

Intro To Golf Shafts And How They Affect Performance

A golf shaft can impact the ball flight, distance, and forgiveness of the golf shots that you are hitting.

If you are a player that is struggling with your game, it could be because you are not playing with the proper golf shaft.

One of the most important reasons to go for a club fitting is to match up the proper shaft.

 

How Does It Effect Performance

Both the shaft material and the shaft flex are going to impact the performance for a golfer.

Players need to choose both the proper shaft and flex if they want to get the maximum performance from their clubs.

If you play with a shaft that is not matched to your golf game, you can experience shots that don’t fly as far or as straight as they are supposed to.

Graphite Stiff vs. Steel Regular Flex Shafts – How Do They Compare

Some people think that graphite stiff and steel regular is going to be closely related. However, there are some differences. A graphite stiff shaft tends to be a bit less stiff than a steel regular golf shaft. The graphite shafts are also capable of producing a lot of distance and really high ball flight as well.

The steel regular flex shafts are some of the most common that there are on the golf market. The average golf swing speed player is going to need a steel regular golf shaft that will work for average golf swing speeds.

Graphite Stiff vs. Steel Regular Flex Shafts In Irons

Graphite Stiff Vs Steel Regular shafts is probably going to be the most difficult to chose in your irons where both can be easily utilized.

Graphite stiff is going to be a bit more flexible in your irons so those with average to slightly slower swing speeds can get good mileage out of graphite stiff irons.

With the increase in popularity of Graphite, steel shafted golf irons have had to improve as well so they are not left behind.

Steel irons are now lighter and more flexible than they have been in the past which is why most average and above golfers should be using them.

With that in mind, Graphite Shift should be used by moderate swing speeds, women, seniors and juniors and most should now be using steel irons.

 

Pros Of Stiff Graphite Shafts

• Easy to launch the ball
• A good choice for those that struggle to get enough ball flight or distance with steel
• It can be a little more forgiving than other golf shafts
• Tends to vibrate a bit less at impact

Cons Of Stiff Graphite Shafts

• Graphite can be harder to control than steel
• Golfers tend to get a little less feedback with a graphite shaft
• It can be a better match for a slightly slower swing speed

Pros Of Steel Regular Shafts

• Great feedback
• Easy to control
• Can be less expensive than graphite

Cons Of Steel Regular Shafts

• Can be heavier than graphite
• Not as easy to hit far
• Ball flight could be a little lower and harder to stop the ball when it hits the green

What Should You Use In Each Type Of Club

Your woods, drivers, and hybrids should only be graphite shaft.

These are the clubs in your bag where speed is the most important; if you don’t have the proper ball speed, you will lose distance on these essential clubs.

Signs You Need A Stiffer Shaft

• You are hitting the ball to the left often
• The golf ball flies too high, and you don’t get enough distance
• Not hitting the ball as accurately as you should
• Your game is improving, and you want to attack more pins

Signs You Need A More Flexible Shaft

• You have a hard time hitting the ball straight
• The ball is not getting very far off the ground
• Your distance is not as far as it should be
• You are tired and fatigued at the end of your round

What’s Best For High Handicappers

Graphite shafts tend to be best for high handicappers, although steel shafts are getting much better as well.

The graphite shafts absorb more vibration on poor shots and make it easier to launch the ball higher up off the ground.

Mid Handicappers

Mid handicappers are usually going to be better going with the steel shaft.

Even though the steel could cause a loss of a few yards, it will be more accurate and easier to control.

What Do The Pros Use

Golf professionals tend to use steel shafts that are typically extra stiff in flex.

The swing speeds of the professionals make it impossible for them to go with anything less flexible as it will be hard for them to get their full distance potential from the club.

How To Find The Perfect Shafts?

It takes a bit of trial and error to come up with the perfect golf shaft for your game.

You will have to spend time considering all of your options and seeing how they impact your game.

A combination of a fitting with working on trying out a variety of equipment tends to be the best way to find the proper golf shaft for your game.

Should I Get A Fitting For My Shafts?

Golf fittings are becoming more and more popular. The fitting experience helps you narrow down exactly what it is that you need for your individual golf game.

Golfers that are below or above average height are going to need a fitting to determine shaft length and club lie angle as well.

However, seeing on a computer screen the impact that your golf shaft will have on your game is very beneficial.

Conclusion

There are some similarities between the graphite stiff and the steel regular shaft.

The golfers that use these shafts are going to have very similar swing speeds and be able to perform at about the same level.

However, it is important to consider the performance that these two clubs can offer and to choose one that can give you the ball flight, distance, and feel that you are looking for.

Remember that when you purchase a golf shaft, there are more specifications to consider aside from just the flex.