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Shafts: Steel or Graphite?

June 10th, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed

Golfers often ask about the performance difference between steel and graphite shafts, and how to choose between them. This issue of Golf Pro Tips is dedicated to answering those questions.

GRAPHITE SHAFTS: The main advantage graphite shafts have over steel, is their lower “static weight”. A lower static weight helps increase swing speed and produces more distance without additional swing effort. If you are able to swing within yourself and maintain good balance, a graphite shaft can provide the benefit of extra distance. Graphite is also very good compared to steel if you wish to reduce impact vibration.

High quality frequency and flex matched graphite shafts will have the same amount of flex strength as a steel shaft. So for golfers who can maintain an even tempo, these types of graphite shafts will offer the same excellent distance control found in steel shafts.

STEEL SHAFTS: Steel is a good choice for golfers who don’t need the extra distance graphite shafts can provide. These golfers prefer steel shafts because their heavier static weight assists with tempo control and also gives a feeling of more control over the club head during the swing. If a player is able to analyze and benefit from the added feedback (more vibrations traveling up the shaft), steel offers a benefit in this regard as well.

Another notable benefit, a steel club (built to have the same “swing weight” as a graphite club) will be shorter. A shorter club can make it much easier for a golfer to consistently hit the sweet spot of the clubface. In this sense, many golfers who tend to be less consistent may find the shorter steel shafts give them greater swing control.

*terms:
• Static Weight = weight of the club when resting on a scale.
• Swing Weight = weight perceived by the golfer while making a swing.

This article came from www.thomasgolf.com