Steel vs Graphite Iron Shafts? How to Choose

In this video I give you 3 ways to decide between graphite and steel shafts in your irons.
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[@justin2272]

This is 100% the conversation/content that I was needing when I reached out to you a few weeks ago. I can’t tell you enough how much I appreciate you making this content. I feel that you truly listened to my concerns and addressed every one of them. For those new to the channel, this guy is real and truly listens and wants to help you. ❤ like I said before once I can make the drive from Cookeville, TN to ATL, I will be hitting your up for your services

[@EFGMC]

Glad you liked it. Hope it simplifies things for many golfers.

[@andycobb3555]

I made the trip to see him from Chattanooga. Well worth your time. I highly recommend him.

[@lanmurgatroyd9503]

Moved from KBS Tour 120 to Recoil 95 2 years ago due to elbow pain and I've been playing my best golf ever since....Will never go back to steel even if the elbows don't hurt...everything except the putter is graphite in my bag and long may it stay that way

[@mre_man]

Same i had 120ctapers stiff and switch to recoils! As somebody who hits golf balls everyday my joints are never sore now!

[@mitchy7051]

the Recoil 110 F4 Soft Step - French Kiss - the recoil 110 sw perfectly for D2 without having to play 1/4 inch long as well!

[@JLeeGolf]

Still absolutely loving the axioms you installed into my takomos. Great vid as always!

[@RogalD0rn]

I literally just tested my 7 iron with a modus 120 stiff against a MMT 125 stiff all with the same lie and length today to see if I should switch. The graphite shaft had the same distance with a lower flight compared to the steel. Why ill be switching is because it's way more consistent and dispersion was a lot tighter for me. I found the steel shaft had more of a balloon flight. It also felt easier to hit the same distance with less effort I.e. it was easier to let the weight of the club swing through the ball and do the work.

[@bobincypress4206]

Good video. I have played since age 6 but could not get to the Golf Course (Columbus CC) myself until turning 16 (1966) and I became a monster in 1976 (Lynx USA w/True Temper Dynamic Stiff, 130 gram shafts). That all said, Here are my thoughts. 1. When playing well, I could feel the steel shafts snap through the ball at the bottom of the swing. I played these irons for over 30 years including one US Open Qualifying. I absolutely knew when I crushed the ball. 2. I have surely hit over 1,000,000 range balls for sure. Currently, I will turn 74 on August 15. Since the LYNX, I played Wilson Midsize irons with Regular Steel 120 gram shafts. (Loved them.) 3. Nothing hits like a Mizuno. For sure. I had to have a set. Mizuno 850's with KBS Regular 90 gram shafts. I won so much money I HAD TO buy another set of Mizuno's. 4. Now playing Mizuno JPS 921 Hot Metals with 60 gram Senior Flex Project X Loading Zone GRAPHITE SHAFTS. I still fitted at Regular Flex but I wanted some shafts I could grow into. It worked. 5 My grip size is 1/16" undersize. I now use Winn Dri-Tac Wrap MIDSIZE to also help absorb the shock. I live in Houston. These grips along with the graphite shafts have really taken out the shock to my old body. ALL grips have to be replaced every Year in Houston. 6. Last comment. I have soft stepped my wedges for 25 years. It is a big deal...Lefthand Bob in Houston

[@zarlodious1]

Jumbomax grips will last you ten seasons minimally

[@HowardSanger-py1dl]

still playing my Maltby TS1.1M with Axion shafts you built, love them.

[@davidbentz1281]

Are those irons forgiving? I’m deciding between those, MacGregor MacSpd or Takomo 101

[@wkndwarrior4733]

I recently fit into MMT 85 with Mizuno, really happy with it. Shaft feels tight and powerful. I randomly have lower back issues so wanted something lighter for those days. Also not practicing as much after having kids. More amateur golfers should be in graphite. There’s an adjustment to the lighter weight but it’s so much easier on the body

[@GeorgeJFW]

Man you have an effortlessly swing! I am pretty envious not gunna lie. 😂

[@alexli4942]

Great video. I grew up playing steel in the 90s. As I got older, I developed some bad carpal tunnel syndrome in both of my wrists where my fingers would go completely numb. I ended up quitting golf altogether for a time because of it. Graphite iron shafts are the only thing that allowed me to get back to playing. I think the vibration/pain reduction is a very real factor when choosing between steel and graphite. It's great to see that there really isn't any difference in performance between the 2 options.

[@PYGolf]

One of my favorite channels for golf tech videos. Great video as always

[@chrisb9478]

I started playing golf again after 12yrs off. I used to play with steel shafts & graphite for woods. Now I use all graphite, I like it so much better. Feel, control, vibration. Another KZbin golf fitter says he recommends graphite whenever he can due to them being more forgiving & less harsh vibration. I agree 👍🏻

[@roadtoscratchgolf3481]

Thanks for the education, learned something new. Will keep it in mind when I go for a fitting later this year. Cheers.

[@edj9961]

Went from KBS tour 120 to aldila NV 95s…just incredible feel

[@MrUlfdub]

Great video! May I also add a caution not to choose based on "standard" thinking about age and swingspeed. I'm 66 and have always played 1" over STEEL (heavy) shafts. When I retired I thought I needed lighter, flexible shafts. I have found that (even though I've lost speed and distance) I still need STIFF HEAVY shafts for swing control. I tried irons with 65 gram graphite and had to ditch them. Currently gaming TaylorMade Irons with (Pured) i110 Steelfibre shafts and LOVE them!

[@Bill-cl4ln]

Best explanation I’ve heard. Thanks

[@srplaske]

Good stuff, would you consider making a video where you test each weight class at all swing speeds?

[@imraniftikhar6967]

Thanks for an Excellent video. Could you please also guide on how to select driver shaft weight

[@jayhales3822]

I bought a set of irons 20+ years ago with graphite shafts, never looked back to steel. Over the years graphite iron shafts have come a long ways.

[@wenbray6396]

Good vid, can you do one on steel vs graphite wedge shafts only and hitch weight should your wedges be in relation to your iron set.

[@youngunz42]

Added bonus of L series LAGP graphite is they are counterbalanced so if you play +1” like me you can have a 120g flex without having to use lighter heads to get d5 swingweight

[@davidwalker683]

Great video

[@PaulByrne-ev2zm]

Great video. As others have requested, would you consider a discussion on pros / cons to different shaft weights? Got fit a few years back after a long hiatus and am concerned shafts may be too light

[@bowl816]

I tried graphite shafts for a while, but always hit steel better. The only graphite set I hit good was an older set of Taylormade ladies clubs. Fast forward 3 years to now, I have gone all the way to an older set of Adams, the V3 in a senior flex graphite. I still hit a Callaway uniflex steel good, but feel more consistent with the Adams V3. For now it’s graphite for me. Most likely a senior flex.

[@Nprater87]

Great video! I was fitted for the MMT 80g Stiff flex shaft during a PXG fitting but looking into Takomo 201 irons… torn on the KBS Tour lite regular or the Obsidian 95S 😩

[@cameronloveless1751]

Main reason for choosing steel is the price difference

[@patrickneal6086]

I choose graphite as my home is up against the seafront and rust attacks everything. It sneaks in into the inside of the shafts and does its nasty business. Graphite is not effected. As a senior golfer my arms are not strong anymore and a regular TM 65g ReAx shaft suits me well (swing speed below 75 mph)

[@KMSchriver]

Great video. Been wondering this for a while with the modern shafts. Also look at which one based on budget constraints. Some of the graphites are on the high end. I have an LA Golf wood shaft and love it…but I had to sell a kidney to get it. And that’s only for one club! Take that number times 8-10 shafts for irons/wedges!!! 😮

[@edj9961]

Aldila NV, UST recoil

[@drthomasrr]

Feel, feel, feel! It's all about feel.

[@dan.promedio]

Great video. I got my 62 year old dad some new ping g430 irons but with KBs tour 120 S shafts. Looking back on it I’m a little worried they’ll be too heavy for him. He hasn’t had any complaints but is there anything I should be on the lookout for to see if he needs lighter or softer shafts?

[@EFGMC]

If the shots are consistently missing on the right (assuming he is right handed), they could be too stiff. If they are too heavy we would look for a drop off in ball striking as the round progresses.

[@bowl816]

Thanks for the video.

[@RichardMau-jn5ci]

Great info

[@Handletaken4]

At the local used golf store there are 3 dozen sets of forged blades with S300 Tru Temper. Why? Impossible to hit. I play Apollo stepless, but Kuro Kage are good for the money.

[@mek90703]

The LA Golf shaft helped me get rid of the tendonitis in my elbow. I love them but damn, they are expensive! What do you think about shaft inserts like Sensicore, Shaftease, or Prosoft? Thanks!

[@EFGMC]

They can help. Got some content coming up soon I hope to address this topic.

[@Buckdax]

I have two sets, graphite and steel - dg 105 and alta cb stiff. I have better timing with the steel shaft it seems (less hooks) but my elbows hates the steel shaft so....graphite it is, tho id like something a bit heavier

[@msi1985]

I have a set of Takomo 301 mb/CB combo and I went with the KBS 130 X shaft, my swing speed is around 90mph but I'm feeling slight mishits as very harsh vibration in my right hand and elbow. I'm 39 with some previous injuries from military service. Should I go with graphite in a similar weight? I like the clubs so far but boy sometimes it's a stinger 😮

[@BigDawgCAM]

I think the X-flex graphite shafts are finally worth consideration. Mitsubishi MMTs, LA Golf A flex, and Fujikura Axioms are every bit as good as their steel counterparts

[@Yankees18]

Generally can go lighter weight in graphite vs steel I’ve gone from 130 to 105 in graphite with faster club head speed

[@EFGMC]

I would stay in that 115-130 range if it works currently. Don't see a reason to drop into lighter unless you've actually tried lighter shafts and liked them.

[@msi1985]

@@EFGMC lighter shafts I've tried especially in carbon or graphite felt softer but I couldn't test similar weight and my swing was way off to the right constantly vs. the 130s hitting strait / slight fade. Thanks for info

[@msi1985]

@@Yankees18 I'll ask fitter if they have something heavier to test graphite feels way softer to me

[@glenbirnie588]

would love to see steel shafts are on modern driver data results

[@EFGMC]

Did this which is on the same line. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3XLaX6cf7Zgibc

[@ecjaye]

Driver, fairway wood and hybrid all graphite. Why not play it in your irons? I'm ready to make the switch. Now it's all on me to choose the right shaft.

[@freddym6643]

Go graphite if you: 1. Need low weight shafts. 2. Need vibration dampening due to pain. 3. Hate having money. Otherwise, steel's the deal.

[@annefilippobertozzi7601]

Another good reason, at least for me…: if you’ve temper issues, breaking a steel shaft it’s more difficult and less expensive…

[@berkit1]

You'll better illustrate the difference between steel and graphite shaft if you compare between a club with a 120gm steel stiff shaft and 90gm graphite stiff shaft with the same swing speed. Side by side comparison on same weight, swing speed and stiffness will just produce similar results

[@EFGMC]

Exactly the point of the video. Similar specs will yield similar results. That's why I give these 3 ways to decide.

[@anneveniot9002]

What weight shaft for a senior golfer. Steel,fibre steel and graphite?

[@EFGMC]

Hard to answer without doing some testing to see how you hit different weights. As a pure guess based on experience I would start out looking between 75-105g.

[@bobincypress4206]

Go get fit, Outside, with someone using a Trackman. 9 years ago I accidentally got fit for a new Driver Shaft. I picked up 65 yards and won approximately $5,000 over a two year run.

[@tomsanders2533]

Wilson cavity back regular flex kbs lite can I change to graphite to good effect

[@EFGMC]

You can change those.

[@FullContactDrummer]

Would you suggest matching shafts between irons and wedges? I have a matching set 5-lob. I am looking at new irons and wedges. I don’t mind different brand heads but should I mix shafts? Hard to find premium wedges with graphite shafts without a custom order.

[@EFGMC]

Most importantly is getting the weight progression right. That means either having the same weight or slightly heavier (within 15g) in the wedges. What you don't want is 70g iron shafts and 130g wedge shafts.

[@kja6336]

A lot of amateur golfers are moving into graphite too

[@seanpeacock5595]

Question… Once you find a shaft fitted for you, is it a good starting point to try different iron heads?

[@EFGMC]

Yes, the shaft will work with any head if it works with your swing.

[@pedroayala7100]

Would switching to graphite change your lie Angle at impact because of the flexion in the shaft.

[@EFGMC]

Would really depend on the specs you are comparing. Graphite can play identical in flex to steel or not depending on the shaft so it's going to be case by case.

[@barrygoodson4952]

I'm 68 with a lot of arthritis in my hands but I play Project X 5.0 or KBS Tour 90 R flex shafts because I much prefer the feel of steel over graphite. I would like to try Areotech. Steelfiber shafts in a 95 gram weight but not sure what flex would be comparable to either shaft I use. Which Steelfiber shaft would be the best fit ?

[@MTDub99]

The FC are flight control and help get the longer irons higher flight. Regular flex should be similar. If you want a lower ball flight then get the standard 95 gram shafts. In my opinion. Should help out your hands a lot. Also a slightly larger grip with softer compound. Good luck

[@stevec1660]

Hi, generic but relevant question - I changed ferrules in my new Mizuno 245 iron set but don't love them. Can I change them again, or is there a limit that hurts the integrity of the iron head? Thanks in advance.

[@EFGMC]

You can change them as many times as you want assuming you aren't heating them in an overly aggressive reckless manner.

[@seegarsmkr]

AJ, I think you missed the biggest determiner between graphite and steel. $$$.

[@EFGMC]

Graphite is in general more expensive though there are plenty of steel shafts over $60 per and a fair number of graphite shafts under $50.

[@ChristopherPendergast]

IYO what are the lowest launching 100ish gram shafts? I’ve got $ taper lite’s and I like the weight but I have to really keep my wrist turned down and swing flat to keep the launch angle and spin in the right spot. 90 mph 7 iron. Maybe it’s just the flex though (R) … it was all they had, probably a bad fit.

[@EFGMC]

The shaft is very unreliable when trying to change launch. Only real way to change it is with swing change or bending down the lofts. If I had to pick one though, I’d probably say Modus3 105x would be as low as anything.

[@ChristopherPendergast]

⁠@@EFGMCTks for the reply, I’m not that far off, and the shaft they fit me into when I bought is 95 gram R flex …. I was just getting back to playing after a lengthy layoff so it just wasn’t a good fit. I’ve already bent the heads a little to cover yardage gapping but before I go any further I want to make sure I’m not adjusting the swing for a bad fit on the shaft. I get it that it’s not the best way to deal with launch issues but getting the weight into the right spot while using a profile that’s better suited to my needs feels like a good way to establish a better baseline.

[@johnbrodnik839]

Great video! Finally out playing golf again. Swing speed dropped off after 10 months off. Miura’s in an Axiom 75/80 ?? Just concerned about the tipping and hosel dimensions. Do you demo these ? Thanks!

[@EFGMC]

I'd shaft one or 2 and see if you like the shaft weight. The Axiom works in the Miura heads no problem.

[@johnbrodnik839]

Thanks! I will look at the 8 iron and the 6 iron. The PW is very heavy. I had these built by Miura at 0.25 over standard. Swing weights were high using a 950gh R. Changed to heavier grips helped. I’ll let you know.

[@MyweathernetreportsBlogspot]

Hand, arm, wrist, shoulder elbow issues. Graphic or stop playing.

[@annefilippobertozzi7601]

Who’s the tour pro exception?

[@EFGMC]

Bryson

[@ecliqxse9591]

I still playing with my steel fiber shaft.. which is ok

[@Golf4LifeGrandview]

I switched to graphite on T100s irons due to pain. Frankly, it hasn’t been much different. Our course is so hard, that I believe the only way to go is shallow my attack angle and I’m really not that steep. Anyone else have this issue?

[@EFGMC]

Titleist irons have a sharper feel to them vs some other brands. The other thing to change would be larger softer grips.

[@Golf4LifeGrandview]

@@EFGMC Thanks, I play the Golf Pride CP2 Pro now but will look into something even softer

[@jwilder2251]

Once you go graphite, you never go back

[@GreggGiblin-sy5og]

This is unrelated, but I'm asking on your latest video to up the odds of getting an answer. I'm thinking of ordering wedges from an interesting wedge company, but unfortunately, they do zero customization. I'll have to bend, extend, and regrip. I want to keep their grip they send, but I'll need to build a standard grip to at a minimum, midsized. Is that too much of an ask of a little ol' standard grip?

[@EFGMC]

Have you watched my previous videos about building up grips? I would start there before finalizing that decision.

[@GreggGiblin-sy5og]

@@EFGMC Probably, but I'll look for it again.

[@GreggGiblin-sy5og]

@EFGMC Thanks! I watched it. I'm considering getting Lucky wedges, and they have a unique, green four leaf clover grip that matches their four leaf clover heads. I get the standard grip regardless, and it is a bit of a shame I can't make it work, but I just need to take my medicine. Honestly, even midsize feels a bit small. I prefer jumbo.

[@niteninja0133]

I love a light shaft so i can feel the head alot easier. I tend to put lead tape on the heads

[@michaelocean4788]

You don't talk about stability. From the reviews and testing I see, the Axioms 105S are more stable than the DG 105S. Steel is soft, heavy, and it bends. Graphite/composite shafts allows to get weight down and maintain/increase stiffness, making a more stable shaft.

[@Gabe00723]

Graphite on all my clubs.

[@galemurphy4914]

What about dispersion differences? Thanks!

[@EFGMC]

I would say the dispersion difference should be no different than the difference between different steel shafts or graphite to graphite, assuming the specs are similar.

[@drumcatnau]

Once you nuke your elbow, you realise that steel is completely overrated.

[@bobpegram8042]

There is another factor for some golfers. i will use myself and my clubs as an example. The irons I use are 1-1/2 inches over length. When clubs are longer they tend to flex more at the same flex than if they were standard length. In addition, the swingweight and, to a lesser extent, overall weight go up with added length unless weight can be reduced in some way. I lose distance with full weight steel shafts. I went to X-flex graphite shafts at about 95 grams. Steel shafts aren't available in X-flex at that weight. The X-flex reduces the extra shaft flex from the longer length and the lower weight keeps swingweight and especially overall weight of the clubs usable. They swing as easily as standard length clubs, but they fit me and I don't lose distace..

[@davidtay2356]

First

[@AbdulRahim-cu7y]

Hey Adam! Do you edit videos by yourself, or have you hired someone? Let me know if you’re interested, I offer high-quality edits.

[@redpillpharmacy6877]

Short version: graphite iron shafts are for women and weak, crumbling men.

[@anneveniot9002]

Thanks for the info.🍻

[@johnhoie-hj7cg]

I resemble that description.

[@BigDawgCAM]

I can’t wait to kick some ass with my 125X Axioms

[@andyfrizzell4352]

I see a lot of stock options where the light steel options are 95 to 105gm. But the graphite options are all around 55 to 65gm, maybe 75 at the max. Does that make sense? I see you're comparing like for like weight wise, while most don't seem to sell them like that. If, as seems to be the norm, the graphite shafts are longer, do you have to adjust the lie accordingly?

[@justinstephenson9360]

so in your short version that would be women and your average male golfer!