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Graphite vs Steel Shafts for Irons


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I was told to give graphic iron shafts a try.

My 6 iron carries 180 yards.

I use PX6.0 (120g)

The graphite shafts are between 80-95g... isn't that too light for irons or am I missing something?

 

Graphite iron shafts are available in weights from the 60 gm range all the way up to 125-130 gm range.

 

But yes, shaft weight can be very important, if the PX6.0's are a good fit for you, then going too light could potentially cause problems (but you'll never at what point it will be "too light" until you try some of the various options).

 

Who told you that you should play graphite and why? Most in your swing speed range who switch do so because of some chronic pain issues they want help dealing with - although a few have switched because they tried and just happened to really like one of the heavier options available (Steelfiber, Recoil, etc..).

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OP, don’t know your age so don’t know if this is pertinent or not. But last year I really noticed that it was taking a lot of effort to get results from my 6.0’s, it felt like they weren’t working for me, but the other way around. I switched pretty dramatically, to Project X LZ’s. It’s made a world of difference.

 

Not graphite, but the weight was definitely a game changer for me. Obviously, YMMV


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Unless they are looking for lighter weight shafts, most people seem to switch to graphite in their irons with specific goal of obtaining pain relief and reduced risk of exacerbating injuries due to the fact that graphite tends to reduce shock/vibration better than steel. Given that graphite shafts now come in heavier weights and stiffer, more reliable profiles, you can switch to graphite without necessarily losing any performance versus steel.

 

However, if you don't have any particular injury issues and don't want to try a lighter weight shaft, I don't know if there is a reason for you to consider switching to graphite, other than just being something interesting and new to try. Although, given that there are a couple of PGA pros and players on other tours using Steelfibers, there are some very good players who believe graphite shafts have some nice benefits.

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I had graphite shafts recommended to reduce wear and tear on my hands and arms. I almost bought Mizuno Hot Metals with a Recoil 95 stiff last week, but they did not out perform my Ping G30s with stiff steel, and they didn't feel as good. To me, the feel with steel is a heavier hit, and the graphite feel is just not as solid. I have Pro Soft inserts in my shafts, and while they might not absorb as much shock as graphite, they feel good.

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I was told to give graphic iron shafts a try.

My 6 iron carries 180 yards.

I use PX6.0 (120g)

The graphite shafts are between 80-95g... isn't that too light for irons or am I missing something?

 

Graphite could be too light, but it all depends upon how you swing - how you load the shaft.

 

Matt Kuchar is playing 95 gram Steelfibers, as are a few other pros.

 

I have tried Steelfibers and I couldn't find the sweet spot with any consistency, so I am back to playing Nippon at about 108 grams. They work, a lot of other shafts that I have tried don't.

 

You will have to figure this one out for yourself. Buy a 6-iron with a good graphite shaft and see if it works out.

Unseen, in the background, Fate was quietly slipping the lead into the boxing-glove.  P.G. Wodehouse
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Take a look at the Fujikura Pro iron shafts. There is a user trial going on this board that should give you some good feedback from a heavier graphite shaft perspective.

 

The one thing I really love about the Fujikura’s is the design makes it easy to get swing weights set to what you are used to seeing in steel shafts. I REALLY like them and as I’m getting older am switching over to them.

 

I compared them to KBS TGI, SteelFibers and Accra I-series. The thing I noticed the most was the reproducibility of distances and dispersion.

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I went from steel to graphite and used them for a couple of years. I eventually moved to Steelefiber 95’s and they are a great match.

Ping G400 Max Tour AD DI

Ping G425 Tensi Orange 3W

Ping G30 5W Tensi Orange 5W

Ping G425 Hybrid Tensi Orange 4H

Ping G425 5-S Recoil 780 ES Smacwrap F4

Ping Glide LW

Bettinardi Studio 28cs

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I’d look at either the Fujikura Pro TS 95 or 115 shafts. They are super stable and play like steel. I’d also look into KBS TGI shafts. Mike Shey swears by them.

Driver: TaylorMade SIM MAX (10.5 degrees - set to 9.75 and 1.5 degrees open)

Shaft: Aldila Rogue 130 White 70 TX (at 45" and tipped 1")

3-wood: TaylorMade SIM (15 degrees)

Shaft: Aldila Rogue 130 Black 70 TX (at 43" and tipped 1")

UDI: *** Under Construction ***

Irons: TaylorMade P-7MC 4-PW (1 degree upright)

Shaft: Nippon Pro Modus3 Tour 120 X

Wedges: Cleveland RTX Zipcore Tour Rack (Raw) 52.10, 56.12 & 60.12

Shaft: Nippon Pro Modus3 Wedge 125

Putter: Scotty Cameron Newport 2 Mid-Slant (at 34")

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As a longtime graphite iron shaft player on paper I would think that’s too light coming from a stout PX 6.0. I probabaly wouldn’t go below 110gr’s and even then be aware of overall weight. BB

Irons: 19' Cobra CB's
Drivers: Titleist TS3 & Cobra F9
Fairway: Titleist 917F2
Hybrid: A-Grind
2 iron: Ping Rapture
Wedges: Ping Gorge 2.0 Stealth's
Putter: Evnroll 9.1
Balls: ProV1

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I had graphite shafts recommended to reduce wear and tear on my hands and arms. I almost bought Mizuno Hot Metals with a Recoil 95 stiff last week, but they did not out perform my Ping G30s with stiff steel, and they didn't feel as good. To me, the feel with steel is a heavier hit, and the graphite feel is just not as solid. I have Pro Soft inserts in my shafts, and while they might not absorb as much shock as graphite, they feel good.

 

I've got Prosofts inside my Recoil 95's and LOVE them. I'm getting older and have lots of aches and pains.

Ping G400 Max driver w/Aldila Rogue 125 Silver
Ping G425 5 wood & hybrid
Ping G30 irons w/Recoil 95

Ping G425 irons w/Accra ICWT 2.0 95
Ping Glide wedges w/Recoil 110
Ping Redwood Anser - the "real deal!"

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I recently made the switch from steel to graphite. Specifically Matrix Program 130’s. I really like the shafts. No mre elbow pains ( why I switched ). I ve gained a club of distance also as a bonus but that wasent why I did it. I settled on the Programs because i liked the high launch and increased spin which is what I needed. They are smooth and I can easily flight the ball down ( I hit a low ball anyway so low for me is really low for others). I do still play KBS 610 shafts in wedges as I havent found a graphite wedge shaft that I like in the wedges yet that allows me to fliht the ball down like the 610’s. The 610’s are stuffed with round foam insulation ( just like prosoft) i got a hardwaee store. I dont regret getting them at all. Be aware though that the Programs are extremely difficult to swing weight die to the high balance point. I just used lead tape on the heads which i like. They come out to C 4-5 which I like. I would get one or two different shafts and build up a club or two and test them. Dont be afraid to look at some less expensive options as well. I tried a few “ off brands” and had success but nothing surpassed the programs for me. There are some very good graphite shafts on market that dont cost arm and a leg. Check out Xcallibur and Diamond tour golf site. Good hunting

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I'm getting older and have lots of aches and pains.

 

Graphite, ProSerts & pills{in my case}

 

I know that routine....and no more heading to the 1st tee without warm up--big negative

 

9 Clubs Sunday Bag

 

 

UST Mamiya - Lamkin - RXS 

 

https://forums.golfwrx.com/topic/1840618-witb-731-full-bag/

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I have played graphite iron shafts for several years and here is my take on switching.

 

If you want to switch to graphite to add distance, don't do it! Your 6i distance is a bit longer than mine and you WILL NOT be happy with a lighter graphite shaft in your irons and that is what all fitters will recommend in an attempt to add distance.

 

If you are suffering from hand, elbow and/or shoulder pain, switch immediately to a graphite shaft in the same weight as your steel shafts. You WILL NOT be sorry! I recommend Recoil Proto 125, SteelFiber i125, Fujikura Pro 115 or Accra iSeries 125.

 

The key to finding a graphite irons shaft that feels comparable to your steel shafts is making sure the torque is similar. Steel iron shaft torque is usually 1.5* - 2* max. Graphite can be up in the 3*+ range which will make the shaft "feel" softer. This doesn't go well with most strong players. The Shafts I mention above have torque measurements more similar to steel. However, the feel of graphite will never be exactly like steel because of the vibration dampening, but they can be very close when properly matched. My 6i distance is 175 and I play Recoil Proto 125 F4 (S) straight in my MP25s.

 

BT

 

Dr#1 Cobra Speedzone 10.5 – HZRDUS Yellow HC 65 TX @ 46”
Dr#2 Mizuno STZ 220 9.5 (10.5) - HZRDUS Smoke IM10 65 Low TX @ 46"

Mizuno ST190 15 - HZRDUS Smoke Yellow 70 TS @ 43"
Mizuno STZ 220 18- HZRDUS Smoke Yellow 70 TS @ 42"
Mizuno MP15 4-PW - Aldila RIP Tour 115 R
Cobra MIM Wedges 52, 56 & 60 – stock KBS Hi-Rev @ 35.5”

Odyssey V-Line Stroke Lab 33.5"
Grips - Grip Master Classic Wrap Midsize

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Love my Recoil 110s, play pretty much same as my KBS TourV though a bit less harsh on off center strikes, which is why I went to them. Been playing them for about 3 years now, was originally for winter (cold weather) use but became my year round.

2021 Bag Update:

 

Epic Max LS - MMT 60S

Epic Flash 5 Wood

Epic 3/4 Hybrids

Apex '21 Irons 5-7  MMT95 TT

Apex Pro '21 Irons 8-A  MMT95 TT

PM Grind Slate Wedges 58/64

Odyssey Exo Mini 7s

B330 XS Yellow

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After years of playing Steelfibers every single time I stray to steel I’m disappointed. There’s simply no comparison, graphite is now superior.

Irons: 19' Cobra CB's
Drivers: Titleist TS3 & Cobra F9
Fairway: Titleist 917F2
Hybrid: A-Grind
2 iron: Ping Rapture
Wedges: Ping Gorge 2.0 Stealth's
Putter: Evnroll 9.1
Balls: ProV1

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