Equipment
Should your next set of irons have graphite shafts?
The days of steel-shafted irons are numbered.
That’s what golfers are hearing from graphite shaft makers, who after many years of trial and error have created a new crop of products that are breaking down the perception that graphite shafts can’t possibly match the performance of steel models.
“What we’re seeing is the evolution of graphite shafts,” says Ian Fraser, the lead club fitter at Modern Golf, a custom golf club fitting facility in Toronto. “Shaft makers are getting really smart about the way they make graphite iron shafts.”
For years, golfers with slow clubhead speeds have reaped the benefits of graphite iron shafts, which can be as light as 50 grams each — half the weight of the average steel shaft. Their lightweight design can help certain golfers, particularly ladies and seniors, swing their irons faster. And the low bend points of many lightweight graphite shafts can also help boost launch and spin, a big part of the equation to help golfers with limited clubhead speeds hit their irons farther.
But graphite shaft makers have struggled to impress better golfers, who knowingly or not tend to build their iron games around the shaft they play, Fraser says. That’s because for decades, the shaft of choice for better golfers has been True Temper’s Dynamic Gold, a heavyweight steel shaft with a high bend point that produces a low, penetrating ball flight.
“Better golfers are used to seeing the Dynamic Gold ball flight,” Fraser says. “When you give them something that’s a little different, they get scared of it.”
In the past, manufacturers tried to create graphite shafts that felt and performed like popular steel models by adding additional layers of graphite in key areas of the shaft. That not only helped increase weight, but it gave the shafts a similar launch to popular steel models. The problem was that the additional graphite material made the walls of the shafts thicker, which according to Joe Kwok, owner of Joe Kwok Golf Shop in San Francisco, Calif., made them feel overly stiff to golfers.
“During a fitting, golfers are operating on feel,” Kwok says. “They say, ‘Man, these graphite iron shafts feel as stiff as a board.’ On the machine scale they’re not, but that’s how they feel.”
The biggest selling point of graphite iron shafts has always been their ability to ability to reduce vibration, which helps minimize wear and tear on a golfer’s joints. That can mean more rounds, longer practice sessions and less injuries. But now there’s a new reason to make the switch. Advancements in materials and construction have allowed manufacturers to make graphite iron shafts that feel more similar to steel, and in some cases can offer better performance.
So what’s the downside of graphite shafts? Well, like all premium equipment in golf, it’s cost. Certain models can sell for as much as $115 per shaft, while most steel shafts cost only $15-to-$40 each.
Not scared of the extra cost? Here’s four top-rated graphite iron shafts to try, and what you need to know about each of them.
Aldila RIP Tour
Aldila’s RIP Tour graphite iron shafts give golfers greater control over the twisting of the club face thanks to their extremely low torque, which at 1-to-1.4 degrees is actually lower than that of tour-quality steel shafts.
Their low torque is made possible by the company’s extremely strong “torque control fibers,” which run at a 45-degree angle to a shaft’s axis. Those fibers have a strength of 40 MSI (40 million pounds per square inch), 30 percent stronger than steel, and are balanced throughout the shaft to offer consistency that is as good if not better than steel shafts, says John Oldenburg, vice president of R&D and new product development for Aldila.
Aldila’s RIP Tour shafts were used to win twice on the PGA Tour in 2013, by Boo Weekley at the Crowne Plaza Invitational and by Ken Duke at the Travelers Championship. They’re offered in three different stiffnesses that are indicated by the color of the words “RIP TOUR” on the shaft. Gold is the stiffest, while silver is less stiff and copper are the softest.
Cost: About $50 each
Weights available: 115 grams and 90 grams
AeroTech SteelFiber
AeroTech Steelfiber shafts are made with a high-strength graphite core, which is wrapped with thread-like “steel fibers” that are eight microns in diameter, about one-tenth the diameter of a human hair. The idea is to give the shafts the vibration absorption of graphite, but add to the stability that golfers have grown accustomed to from steel.
“The hoop orientation of the SteelFiber material keeps the shaft from deforming at impact,” says Chris Hilleary, President of Aerotech and designer of the SteelFiber shaft. “It also surface weights the shaft, which improves MOI to keep the shaft from wanting to twist at impact.”
While the shafts are more than a decade old, they have spiked in popularity in recent years due to usage by Matt Kuchar, who began playing the shafts in his iron in 2008. After trying Kuchar’s shafts, Brandt Snedeker put the same shafts in his irons, and several other PGA Tour players have followed suit.
Interested golfers should know that the higher balance point of the shafts will decrease an iron’s swing weight by about three points, which won’t be much of a problem if you’re buy a new set of irons from an established club builder. But if you’re planning to use your current set of iron heads, be prepared to deal with lighter-feeling heads or break out a roll of lead tape. Also, SteelFiber shaft also tend to play stiffer than the indicated flex, which is why Kuchar and Snedeker each play stiff-flex 95-gram models.
Cost: About $55 each
Weights available: 74 to 125 grams
nVentix Nunchuk xi
Nuncuck’s xi graphite iron shafts have a two-pronged design: very stiff tip and butt sections and a softer mid section to help control the amount of a shaft’s twisting. That design helps the shafts maximize the stability of the club face, the company says, leading to more consistent contact regardless of a golfer’s swing speed.
Since the shafts come in one flex and one weight, 104 grams, the weight of the shafts will decrease as they are cut shorter. That means weight will have to be added to the club heads on the short end of the set to achieve consistent swing weights.
Cost: About $55 per shaft
Weights available: 104 grams
UST Mamiya Recoil
UST Mayima’s “Recoil” shafts are constructed with denser graphite materials, which allows engineers to increase the weight of the shafts without making the walls overly thick. That change lets the shafts “oval” more during the downswing, creating a better energy transfer and a trajectory that’s similar to leading steel models.
Recoil shafts have gotten high marks for feel from better players, some of which have seen slightly increased ball speed over a period of shots when compared to steel. They’re available in several different models, but it’s the heavier, stiffer Recoil Prototype shafts that have caught the attention of long-time steel shaft users, including Jason Day and Ernie Els, who have experimented with the shafts on the PGA Tour.
The company also makes a “standard” Recoil shaft model, which is available in the same weights as the Recoil Prototype — 95, 110 and 115 grams — but have more torque and a softer overall profile.
Models, weights, flexes:
- Recoil Prototype: Taper tip, 95, 110 and 125 grams, available through UST Mamiya TourSPX dealers only
- Recoil (standard): Taper tip, 95, 110 and 125 grams
- Recoil 800 Series: Parallel tipped, 50-to-94 grams depending on flex, available through UST Mamiya TourSPX dealers only
- Recoil 600 Series: Parallel tipped, 67-to-84 grams depending on flex
Cost: From $40 to $115 Recoil per shaft, depending on model.
In a golf world where players are looking to eke out every yard possible, usually by lengthening their drivers to add clubhead speed, there’s one player at the PGA Championship who’s going in the opposite direction. In fact, for Rickie Fowler, his goal off the tee is not about gaining extra distance or yards north to south, but rather about shrinking the misses from east to west.
Ahead of the PGA Championship and the week prior at the Truist Championship. Fowler mentioned to Cobra Tour Rep Ben Schomin that the driver didn’t quite swing feel the same as everything in the bag. As a result, and with Schomin’s suggestion to try and sync everything up with the big stick, Fowler decided to test out a shorter length shaft.
“He’s been at 45 (inches), and he’d been at 45 for a few weeks, 44 1/8 (inches) is really is where he is been living really for the most part, for the last couple of years, and is where he is been comfortable,” Schomin told GolfWRX. “It just felt like it was a little long and loose on him.”
Interestingly, Fowler ranks 40th in Driving Accuracy this year on the PGA Tour. It’s his most accurate season with the driver since the start of the decade. But sometimes for players, feel is more important than statistics.
“It was really more of a trying to get the swing to feel the fluidness from club to club to club to try to get it to feel the same,” Schomin added. “And so we took it down to 43 and a quarter, and it was a touch of a ball speed loss, just based on that overall club head speed. But honestly, he squared it up probably a little better. The right miss wasn’t nearly as far. So really, overall down-range dispersion tightened up a fair amount, and he felt confident in swinging it.”
The change in length had Fowler’s caddie, Ricky Romano, beaming at how well he had driven during Tuesday’s practice round at Aronimink. So much so, he was asking Schomin not to suggest changes anymore.
Fowler’s shaft-shortening is one of a few driver adjustments he’s made this season, and to Schomin’s credit, it’s thanks to the fact that he and the rest of the Cobra team had Fowler fit very well into three of the four heads in the Cobra OPTM lineup.
“He had three distinct drivers and the biggest decision was trying to decide which worked best at that time,” Schomin told GolfWRX previously. “He’s played the majority of the season with OPTM X, but has also played a couple of tournaments with OPTM LS. His overall driving stats have been good.”
At the RBC Heritage earlier this spring, Fowler switched drivers, changing from his Cobra OPTM X and into the Tour, low-loft Max K model that Gary Woodland used to win just a few weeks prior.
Now for the PGA Championship, Fowler’s back in the X head, but still using the UST Mamiya LIN-Q PowerCore White 6TX shaft, just a little bit shorter.
“Will he stay there? I’m not sure,” Schomin added. “Could we end up say at like 43 and 7.5 (of an inch). If it’s giving him the same feel of consistency through the bag, then I think we might end up just a touch longer. But if he likes where he is at, he’s confident where he is at, that’s really all that matters.”
If there’s more testing, though, just don’t tell his caddie.
What you need to know: As is customary for the Fairhaven-based company, Titleist officially announced today that its GTS drivers are headed to retail, following a successful tour release. The GTS2, GTS3, and GTS4 drivers will be available in golf shops June 11.
Since debuting at the Texas Children’s Houston Open, the new GTS lineup has quickly gained traction on the PGA Tour, with more than 50 players already making the switch to a GTS2, GTS3, or GTS4 driver. Among them are Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth.
Justin Thomas’ Titleist GTS2 driver (Greg Moore, GolfWRX)
According to Titleist, the GTS series builds upon the performance foundation established by the GT Series, while introducing several major technological advancements, including a new Split Mass Frame construction, refined aerodynamics, and an updated Speed Sync face design.
2026 Titleist GTS drivers: What’s new, key technology
Split Mass Frame and thermoform body
At the center of the new GTS lineup is a redesigned internal structure: the Split Mass Frame. This technology works with a full-thermoform body made from Titleist’s Proprietary Matrix Polymer (PMP), a lightweight composite that enables engineers to reposition mass more efficiently throughout the head. Compared to the previous GT generation, GTS drivers feature nearly double the PMP material, increasing from 13 grams to 26 grams, while maintaining the sound and feel preferred by better players.
The weight savings from the thermoform construction allowed Titleist engineers to strategically separate mass placement inside the head. Specifically, more weight is pushed rearward to improve stability and forgiveness, while additional mass is positioned low and forward to optimize speed, launch, and spin.
In short, golfers are able to maintain ball speed and consistency across both centered and off-center strikes.
Faster aerodynamics
Titleist also refined the aerodynamic shaping of the GTS heads to help players generate more clubhead speed.
The tails of the new GTS2 and GTS3 heads have been raised compared to previous models, helping airflow stay attached to the crown and sole longer during the swing. According to Titleist, the improved airflow reduces drag and increases speed without affecting launch conditions or center of gravity placement.
Typically, aerodynamic gains can compromise forgiveness or launch characteristics, but the weight savings from the Split Mass Frame allowed engineers to preserve preferred CG locations.
New Speed Sync face
The new Speed Sync Face design is engineered to improve ball speed retention across a larger portion of the face. A reinforced perimeter structure helps maximize face deflection and COR on centered strikes, while the upper portion of the support ring is opened up to increase speed on high-face impacts, a common strike location for many golfers. The face also features a variable thickness design to preserve speed and performance across a wider impact area.
Expanded adjustability
Each GTS model includes a dual-weighting system to fine-tune launch, spin, and shot shape more precisely than previous generations. GTS2 uses interchangeable forward and aft weights, while GTS3 and GTS4 combine a rear weight with an adjustable forward track weight system.
Tour-inspired face graphics
The new lineup features redesigned high-contrast face graphics to improve alignment and framing at address, according to Titleist. Sharp visual lines are designed to make it easier to center the golf ball and to perceive loft more easily at setup.
Additional model details
GTS2
- The GTS2 is the most forgiving model, designed for golfers seeking maximum stability and consistent speed across the face.
- It produces high launch with mid spin and features a larger, confidence-inspiring profile behind the ball.
- Standard weighting includes an 11-gram forward weight and a 5-gram rear weight, with additional fitting configurations available.
GTS3
- The GTS3 is aimed at players who want more control over launch, spin, and shot shaping.
- Compared to GTS2, the GTS3 offers lower launch and spin while featuring a more compact profile and deeper face design preferred by many stronger players.
- The head features an adjustable forward-track weight system to further fine-tune center of gravity placement.
GTS4
- The lowest-spinning option in the lineup, GTS4 is built for golfers looking to reduce excessive spin and maximize total distance.
- Unlike previous “4” models from Titleist, the new GTS4 features a full 460cc profile that improves forgiveness and stability while retaining its low-spin DNA.
- Like GTS3, it includes a forward track weighting system for precise fitting adjustments.
What Titleist says
“When we talk about driver design, it’s never about the one feature or benefit — it’s about all of them,” said Stephanie Luttrell, Titleist’s Senior Director of Metalwood R&D. “Ball speed, forgiveness, spin stability, adjustability, exceptional sound and feel… these are all attributes that golfers care about. It’s our job to design a lineup that elevates performance across the board without sacrificing in key areas, and we feel we’ve done that with GTS.”
“We know that forward CGs drive speed with great launch and spin characteristics, but you need to be able to do that with an inertial stability that still preserves ball speed, launch and spin consistency on off-center hits,” Luttrell said. “We’ve never before been able to hit these CG positions and inertia properties at the same time, and we’re achieving that because of GTS’ construction.”
Club Junkie’s take
I feel like every time there is a new Titleist wood release, I figure they can’t outdo their previous driver. And every year, I am wrong and impressed with the performance. The GTS fits right into that narrative again, as I didn’t know where Titleist could go from GT, but they pushed the limits again, and my fitting proved the smart people there found ways to improve.
My past four Titleist drivers have been a 2 series as my swing typically requires a little height, spin, and forgiveness so I figured I would just get a new GTS2 and be on my way. During the fitting, I was impressed by the new GTS construction, its added PMP material, and the advanced adjustability on each model. My fitter, Joey, got to work putting together a GTS2 and we started there. The launch and spin were great, and the consistency on misses was very tight. My average ball speed with the GTS went up a little bit as the new Speed Sync face creates more speed away from the center.
Joey then built up a GTS3 in 11 degrees, but I figured this wouldn’t have the stability I needed for tight dispersion on my miss hits. That thought was quickly erased after a few shots, and I really liked the more center start line and reduced draw on the misses I was seeing. We tried a few different settings and shafts to dial in the details in order to get the best fit. Having a forward and rear weight in the head allowed Joey to set up the GTS3 with a heavier rear weight to keep the launch and spin up, while the Sure Fit hosel set flat created a more center start line for me. My misses were not nearly as far left, and I was really impressed with the consistency on the spin and launch when I didn’t hit it in the center.
Titleist again created a wood line in GTS that delivers improvements over previous drivers while keeping the traditional look and feel you expect. More adjustability, better off-center speed, and 3 drivers that are playable over a wider range of players should make these extremely successful in fittings.
Pricing, specs, availability
GTS2 lofts: 8, 9, 10, 11 degrees (RH/LH)
GTS3 lofts: 8, 9, 10, 11 degrees (RH/LH)
GTS4 lofts: 8, 9, 10 (RH/LH)
Featured shafts
- Project X Titan Black
- Mitsubishi Tensei 1K White
- Mitsubishi Tensei 1K Blue
- Mitsubishi Tensei 1K Red
Premium shafts
- Graphite Design Tour AD DI
- Graphite Design Tour AD VF
- Graphite Design Tour AD FI
Available for fittings and pre-sale now.
In golf shops worldwide beginning June 11.
Price: $699 (standard), $899 (premium)
Titleist has today introduced its new GTS2 and GTS3 fairways.
Lower and deeper center of gravity (CG) positions, new adjustable heel-toe weights and advanced clubface innovations drive total performance in the two tour-proven models.
- Tour-inspired polished clubfaces: To help players see more of the clubface at address.
GTS2 Fairway
The new GTS2 fairway is designed with a shallower face and a larger profile than GTS3, ideal for players with more sweeping deliveries with their fairway metals.
GTS2’s new face height, inspired by tour feedback, was designed shallower than the prior generation GT2 model and more in line with the GT1 fairway. Each loft in GTS2 leverages a shallower profile except for the 13.5-degree, which maintains a slightly taller face.
With its new dual-weighting system, the ‘2’ model now has heel-toe CG adjustability.
Lofts: 13.5, 15.0, 16.5, 18.0, 21.0
Dual-weight system: 11-gram weight in heel, 5-gram weight in toe (standard)
GTS3 Fairway
The new GTS3 fairway is designed with a deeper face and a more compact profile, ideal for players who hit down on the golf ball more with their fairway metals.
New to the GTS3 family is a 21-degree offering, giving players two distinct profiles in Titleist’s 7-wood loft.
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Pingback: Q&A with Josh Ep. 11: Help! It’s Time for New Irons | Josh Boggs PGA Golf Lessons
Kath Loosley
Aug 26, 2014 at 9:18 pm
Steel has more feel. I’m 62 yo. I just got Nippon Zelos 7 lightweight steel shafts in my irons. A flex 70g. I put 1.5″ of wooden dowel in the tip. No vibrations, feels great. I bought some Prosoft foam inserts just in case but no need to install them so far. I’ve tried 3 other sets of graphites including Recoils. Same distance as the steel. Steel beats graphite for accuracy and feel hands down. Go lightweight if you’re getting on in years.
Curt
May 1, 2014 at 11:24 pm
Thinking twice now. Glad I read this before I bought Steelfiber 110 Stiff,…not that fast of swing speed.
ian
Dec 28, 2014 at 1:32 am
I’ve played 110 and 95 stiffs. I’m a plus handicap senior. and semi high speed player 105mph driver.I much prefer the 95s soft stepped one.. I do play the 110s in my Gap wedge but found the 95 to have better feel, tighter dispersion and better ball flight
cole
Apr 14, 2014 at 9:22 pm
I’ve always thought about trying some, but feel too young to do it… If that makes sense. HAHA
MartyMouse
Mar 17, 2014 at 6:58 pm
Did not like the Aldila RIP Tour shafts. I hit is straight, but felt boardy to me and I couldn’t feel the shaft load properly. In all fairness, I should have tested a little weaker on the flex. Stiff felt a 1/2 flex too stiff. Will try the recoils on my next test. For now, DG S400 Tours.
Abe
Feb 27, 2014 at 8:17 am
Just got fitted for APEX irons with Aerotech i110 regular flex. They play stiff. I am a young player with a 10 HDCP. They feel the same from my True Temper shafts on my old clubs. Club head speeds dramatically reduced and club head speed increased dramatically.
paul
Feb 21, 2014 at 9:56 pm
I just ordered the I110s for my titleist CBs. Love em.
Bill OKeefe
Feb 17, 2014 at 6:29 pm
I just got a set of Titleist 714 with steelfiber shafts. I am a 1 handicapp and have been around a zero for 30 years. I was playing Srixon with Nippon 95s steel. The 714’s were specked out for me by the Titleist van guy with the all the machines. They were close in specs to my Srixons. I did not play in January even though I live in Florida. So it was a great time to break in new irons. I played 5 rounds and can not hit them, I thought my comeback was the problem. Today I played the front with the 914’s and hit one good iron. After 9 I went back to my Srixons and hit 80% of them on the button. Not sure what it is but I can not hit those clubs and they were expensive.
chris kelly
Feb 17, 2014 at 7:14 pm
i’d be interested in buying them from you 🙂
Bill O'Keefe
Feb 17, 2014 at 10:51 pm
I have 5 through PW, 1/2 over, 1 degree strong, 1 degree flat.
stiff steelfiber shaft.
jason
Feb 20, 2014 at 10:39 pm
let me guess stiff right if the aerotechs are i95 stiff they are way stiffer than Nippon 95s
ian
Dec 28, 2014 at 1:34 am
Srixon makes great gear!
joro
Feb 17, 2014 at 6:20 pm
I see the ego is running wild as usual. The problem is most want to play what the pros play so they stick with the old, many pros do also. Having been a PGA player and teacher for many moons I have been playing Graphite irons for years, and years. There are many good shafts on the market now that aren’t an arm and a leg. Cost wise steel TT Golf now runs close to 20 bucks each and others are up to 40 bucks, for a heavy steel shaft!
Graphite is lighter, easier on the body, and I think better in most cases. Most players aren’t good enough to worry about it anyway, go with the easiest. I am playing the Fiber Steel now, great shaft, but have used much cheaper shafts with good results also. The think is, learn about it, get some knowledge, hit them and find one that fits your game.
DRAGO
Feb 17, 2014 at 3:05 pm
Screw the shafts and grips!! I just hold onto the Hosel with 2 fingers and swing my arm back and through!! Best way to gauge your feel hands down (pun intended) HAHAHA
Jack Nash
Feb 17, 2014 at 12:13 pm
“For years, golfers with slow clubhead speeds have reaped the benefits of graphite iron shafts, which can be as light as 50 grams each — half the weight of the average steel shaft. Their lightweight design can help certain golfers, particularly ladies and seniors, swing their irons faster.”
Kind of a misleading statement. Just because you can swing the club faster doesnt mean you’re going to hit it farther. There are more factors other than speed. Before getting fit with the set I have now I tried graphite. It’s not for me. I don’t like the feel at the 90 grams I have in steel now feel great. I like to feel the weight of the club head and find I can’t get that with graphite. I’m all for golfers improving their games but remember, to each his own.
MFB
Feb 16, 2014 at 9:57 am
Never graphite in the irons for me.
For one how far do I really need to hit an 8 iron, 200 yards ? No.
Do I need to pay $200 to $500 extra for a set of irons so I can have graphite shafts in them ? No
Will the top players in the world ever use them in their irons ? No.
So if the best are not going to use them in their irons it suggest to me that steel will work just fine.
Xreb
Feb 16, 2014 at 8:20 pm
Some of the best ARE using them !
MFB
Feb 18, 2014 at 10:23 am
What percentage 1 or 2 ?
If it they were really that much better the majority of the guys would be playing them.
The fact is are are not nor will they anytime soon.
Xreb
Feb 18, 2014 at 10:09 pm
Tour players are as egotistical as the average person…. Graphite still has that stigma associated with it and some wouldn’t even look at it for that reason. The same argument could be applied to cavity backs 20 years ago and now that percentage of muscle back players have gone down as well. Another reason is feel, which a lot of pros are used to in steel that they grew up with…why mess with something that isn’t broken. All the players that have changed were probably looking for that little extra effortless distance with the switch to graphite. None of them seem to be doing too bad, otherwise they would have gone back to steel ! This should indicate to the rational person this perceived superiority of steel is just that – an illusion.
mikey tee
Mar 2, 2014 at 12:38 am
All the best are using graphite in their woods and hybrids ! Wasn’t that long ago that people wouldn’t use graphite ’cause it was to “flimsy” ! Times are a CHANGING ! Won’t be to long before they get SMART and go with new technology !!!
dunn2500
Sep 6, 2014 at 11:28 pm
Within 5-10 yrs steel shafts will be gone….I am not a fan of graphite but cannot ignore technology….they can do alot more with graphite than steel…..soon as price point comes down and tour guys switch over ( and they will ecentually) everybody will be using em….said same thing bout graphite in woods too and now look….it rules the woods market…….
Like it or not graphite is coming and steel will be obsolete in near future….lots of guys on tour already using em…..
Justin
Dec 27, 2014 at 11:53 am
Gotta increase the profit margins somehow, I suppose. By eliminating a more cost-efficient option and forcing customers into spending an extra $200+ for those “it” graphite models, they have no choice but to make money. Unless, of course, we start the debate we had with drivers all over again:
-Is it a “made for” version, or the real thing?
-Why does my set of I got with my new irons feel more “whippy”?
-Are OEMs putting more flexible shafts in their off-the-rack clubs?
The OEMs will be laughing all the way to the bank…
Michael
Feb 16, 2014 at 5:20 am
I haven’t had a steel shafted iron in the last five years and not planning to go back to steel any time soon.
The main argument against graphite is cost. Did you check the prices for “modern” steel shafts recently? XP 95 and 105 cost around 45 US, KBS Tour V is announced at 50 US. Steelfibers run at 55 and RIPs at 50 a piece. Lighter Recoils are standard shafts in Apex irons. You can definitely spend more when opting for my personal favorite Recoil TourSPX 125, but you don’t have to. The biggest plus when comparing high end graphite to steel in my books is consistency. That’s where the graphite wins hands down. Scrap your steel shaft 🙂
Cheers,
Michael
MGA
Feb 16, 2014 at 1:40 pm
XP 95 and 105 cost $24 each not $50.
Brett
Feb 17, 2014 at 3:34 pm
The biggest problem for me is distance control, I am a junior golfer single digit handicap but i don’t hit the ball very long (average 7 iron 145-150) so for me to continue improving and lowering tournament scores I feel the consistent distances I get from a steel shaft is more important then hitting the ball longer and not knowing how far the ball will fly on a consistent basis that we see happen with graphite shafts
Josh
Feb 18, 2014 at 10:30 am
That’s absolutely correct Brett. Consistency is way more important in golf and hitting the long ball. I hit the ball farther than you, but I’m wildly inconsistent on the course. This is what makes you a much better golfer than I. It’s something I plan on working a lot on this year!
dunn2500
Sep 6, 2014 at 11:34 pm
Really?….PGA tour players have already won tourneys with them, but their not consistent enough for junior golf….now that is some funny s$!#
Shafted
Feb 16, 2014 at 12:04 am
How long will it take for graphite shafts for irons to be around $15 a pop? In these days of the industry struggling to bring new golfers onto the golf courses, why are we charging them so much for equipment they can barely use or afford? Stupid and ridiculous.
petie3_2
Jan 1, 2015 at 10:00 pm
IMHO the best irons were 2005-2010 vintage; older are primitive, newer are gimmicky but not better. They also have the advantage of being cheaper and you can try out various sets without breaking the budget. I had a nagging elbow strain from stiff steel shafts, and switching to stock stiff graphite (same Cobra S2s) have the same performance without the elbow issues. Also switched to graphite in UFIs for bad weather.
markb
Feb 15, 2014 at 8:10 pm
They only factors that have hindered the intrusion of graphite into the iron shaft market in the past have been high torque and cost. Now both those obstacles are rapidly disappearing. Never before was it possible to find any graphite shaft with torque numbers in the 1’s. Now you can find some graphite shafts with lower torque than steel and they are getting so inexpensive that some club makers can offer them pretty much standard or for just a few dollars more. So if cost isn’t a factor, and dispersion is tamed, who wouldn’t want the 5+ yards more in distance that graphite gives?
Which also brings up the discussion that if you’re not upgrading your driver shafts to modern low-torque light-weight models, you’re missing the boat. There’s no longer any need to suffer the “spray” associated with older lightweight driver shafts that had an advertised torque of 4.5 degrees and an actual measured torque of 7 or 8. Now you can get one with the same weight and torque in the 2’s or 3’s.
Justin
Dec 27, 2014 at 11:55 am
That’s the problem, though. A company may say their torque is 1-2*, but what is it really? If they’re listing driver shafts a 4*, but they’re more like 6*… what’s stopping them from doing it with their iron offerings?
Matt
Feb 15, 2014 at 3:44 pm
Funny how only the top costing shafts are listed, where are the shafts made by Xcaliber? This line of shafts are phenomenal and are less than half the cost of the big payers for advertising listed. You can call the owner of the company and talk to him directly for his recommendations on what shaft will work for you as a starting point. Look the company up read the company motto and realize there is no need to over pay for the same technology all these people are using.
Justin
Dec 27, 2014 at 11:56 am
No ad $$$?
Jon Gould
Feb 15, 2014 at 2:47 pm
I have 2 sets of PING s57’s. One set has True Temper GS 95 and the other GS 85 steel shafts (both reg flex). Lightweight and very responsive. Maybe lighter steel shafts are a good alternative too. The shafts these sets came with were too heavy and stiff for me…so I experimented. I’m very pleased with both sets.
christian
Feb 16, 2014 at 4:44 am
Exactly! Steel is getting ALOT lighter and softer feeling, graphite like if you want. Minus the brittleness and high cost
Justin
Dec 27, 2014 at 11:57 am
Throw some “sensicore” or “prosoft” inserts in there for more vibration-dampening, if you like.
ST
Feb 15, 2014 at 10:05 am
Recently I switched to steelfiber 95s from DGx100. I love them. My iron heads are callaway prototype raw finish. The combination is magic. It feels so soft and much easier on my body. Hoped to gain little distance, but did not. May be 5 yards. But due to lighter weight, I swing much easy = better swing and ball contact = more consistent and control. Previously I tried few other graphite shaft, but it was consistent interms of distance, but not with steelfiber. Yes it is true about swing weight. My PW is about D4 and 5i is D2.5 with out weight adjustment. I added extra weight on longer iron to match with pw. Would I recommend? Yes, if you don’t mind paying $$, like soft feeling and having issues with you elbow. Oh..yes, I choose stiff as they are like x in steel shaft. If you are playing stiff steel, recommend regular flex.
Dpavs
Feb 15, 2014 at 8:57 am
So what would be the point of buying a graphite shaft that weighs as much as a steel shaft and has the same characteristics but costs more? Even if they costs the same… I don’t see where this article indicates why you would buy graphite or steel all things being equal. Shock reduction I guess might be a reason if in fact this new breed of graphite shafts for irons do reduce shock for folks with golfers elbow.
Jack
Feb 15, 2014 at 3:31 am
More marketing BS. I’ll keep my cheap steel shafts thank you!
Marko
Feb 15, 2014 at 2:17 am
Looks like all you steel shaftoids will be lagging way behind. Graphite is the future of shafts.
I have been trying different graphite shafts for years. Experience is knowledge.
I will nev use a steel shaft again.
Jack
Feb 15, 2014 at 3:57 am
I’ve never seen a good player using lightweight graphite shafts in his irons. I guess for a a worn out old 20 handicapper they may seem like a good idea, and certainly for the manufacturers they will…
Andy
Feb 15, 2014 at 8:34 am
I suppose you consider Kuchar, Snedeker and Couples (to name a few) NOT good players or perhaps worn out 20 cappers. Or maybe you mean that 95 gram shafts are not lightweight? However – you can play what you want but you should refrain from stupid comments since they are just that.
reality
Feb 14, 2014 at 9:50 pm
Yeah, it’s going to be great leaving your clubs in a hot trunk for the summer. Nothing like heat to break down the performance of your driver shaft, right? Should do the same for these. that’s ok just pony up another $900 at the end of the season. And after all isn’t it a better use of petroleum and dangerous chemicals to supply the golf market of hackers instead of relying on the consistent durability & recycle-abilty of steel. Just make sure you don’t scuff a branch or twig or tree trunk with those graphite shafts or it’s back to the shop.
Yea! Marketing Progress !
Taylor
Feb 14, 2014 at 8:59 pm
I just moved to lighter shafts and love them..I didn’t go to graphite, but I could see the trend increasing.
nik
Feb 14, 2014 at 7:11 pm
ill stick with my hickory shafts!
MikeG
Feb 14, 2014 at 5:17 pm
Do you have any info on the Graman G-Series iron shafts?
paul
Feb 14, 2014 at 5:00 pm
I put the aerotech shaft in a 4 iron that I like to use off the tee, it was awesome. I am putting them in my new titleist irons. Well struck balls don’t even feel like they exist and poorly struck balls don’t hurt. Distance was about 5 yards better then with my TTs.
RG
Feb 14, 2014 at 4:18 pm
So why should I pay $50-$75 more per shaft just to replicate my TT’s? Until graphite far exceeds steel in an iron you can count me out.
Martin
Feb 14, 2014 at 5:35 pm
As a soon to be 51 year old who’s hands and wrists sometimes get sore from playing golf, these are attractive to me if they only replicate the performance of my steel shafts in my irons.
I expect as I get older I will hurt more and if these help I will enjoy the game more.
greg
Feb 17, 2014 at 3:35 pm
Health would be only reason I would consider graphite. Otherwise, I can find better things to do with my money. Particularly, when I can just up-club if I need an extra 10 yards.
Jon
Feb 14, 2014 at 5:44 pm
Steel shafts? I’ll play my persimmon shafts til the day I die
Jeffrey Trigger
Feb 14, 2014 at 6:53 pm
Persimmon? Beachwood for me!
John
Feb 15, 2014 at 2:13 pm
It’s Hickory or go home…