Graphite vs. Steel

Alot of it has to do with weight. As you know, a steel shaft can weigh twice as much as graphite in the same flex. For instance, Tiger played an Xstiff steel shaft in his driver until 05. When he switched to the Ignite 460, he had to get a longer shaft. So he went from 44 in. in steel, to 45 1/2 in. in steel. He said it was WAY to heavy. So he switched to a graphite shaft. But it's the opposite in irons for pros. The graphite can make it feel to light, and the heavier steel lets their lightning fast swing stay in tempo.

Graphite is better for women and senior players, or people with physical problems (bad back, etc.), because the lighter weight can increase clubhead speed some.

I'm sure there is someone on here that will confirm/disagree with me, but I believe another thing has to do with control as well. I think with the distances pros hit their clubs it'd be insane if they used graphite in their irons. Someone correct me if I'm wrong though.

some pros do. montgomery does. and if they do play graphite, it's at LEAST 100 grams...same pros play the Aldila NV105...it's also because most graphite is high launch and very whippy...but some pros will use a low launch low torque graphite. the cg2 comes with a nice graphite, and the nv105 is a good shaft too.

I've always wondered why the pros don't play graphite in the irons. Since they can play any shaft/head combination they want to for free, why don't more use graphite? Since cost is not an issue, it must be something else. What am I missing? Thanks in advance for the answer.

there are a few pros that do use graphite, monty and scott verplank are a couple i can think of off hand. also lefty and kj choi used graphite in the past. i'm sure there are a few others too. its just personal preferences. also, more of the steel shafts are available in lighter weights.

For instance, Tiger played an Xstiff steel shaft in his driver until 05. When he switched to the Ignite 460, he had to get a longer shaft. So he went from 44 in. in steel, to 45 1/2 in. in steel. He said it was WAY to heavy. So he switched to a graphite shaft.

tiger actually switched to graphite when he went to the ignite 410, as well to play a lighter shaft and longer shaft. he played the 410 breifly with steel but didn't feel he had gained as much as he could.

I am about to switch to graphie iron shafts and I am going with the Aldila NV Tour 130. These are 130gr shafts, I needed the best dampening effect in a shaft I could find due to a bad elbow injury in 2004. I have already tested 1 iron with this shaft and it's solid!

yes I do think it has to do with launch angle and torque values... the only graphite shaft I've hit that can compete with steel is the FN-PRO from fuji and still that is not quite there... my prototype 05x are only 95g and are somewhat soft tipped. I think I need to pull them and go back to steel. I really like the looks and feel, but it hurts my long iron game that is already not great (hit em too high with spin).. in about 15 years in age..they will be prefect for me :birthday:

I made the switch a year ago from steel to graphite in my irons. I tried several different shafts, UST Tour Weight, Harmon CW95 and a couple others before I came across the Graphite Design GAT Series. I can honestly say (IMO) that it is the best graphite iron shaft on the market. I reshafted a set of 690.MBs with the GAT115's and was immediately impressed. I previously played DGS300's & the 115's were more than I anticipated. The dynamics are good, control is awesome (1.7 degree torque). Ball flight is pretty much the same as the DGs. Overall weight is 111 grams, which meant that I could maintain the same lengths that I was used to (+1/2"). I have since reshafted my MP-33s with the 115's and couldn't be happier. My % of GIR has improved and my handicap index is at an all-time low. The only drawback is the price (msrp $82/ea), however I picked up two sets of 115s on ebay for $200/set.

I'm not sure if any PGA Tour players are using them, but I know that they are in use on the Champions Tour by Quigley, Irwin, McNulty, Morgan, Summerhayes & Fleisher.

More info on their website: http://www.gdintl.com

:birthday: :birthday:

GAT are amazing iron shafts...95, 105, 115...a weight for everyone.

Agreed on the price though, ouch :birthday:

GAT are amazing iron shafts...95, 105, 115...a weight for everyone.

 

Agreed on the price though, ouch :birthday:

try fuji iron shaft prices... double ouch