Light and soft iron graphite

[Wooderson]

Any players in this forum play lighter and softer graphite in their irons? Seems most of the folks on Golfwrx only know the stiff graphite iron shafts like steelfiber, rip tour, and oti. Looking to make the switch to graphite, but real curious how I might handle lighter, softer graphite. Watched some Youtube videos were good golfers have done fine hitting sub 80 gram graphite.

 

Swing 100-105 with driver and hit my 7 iron around 155. Examples and advice greatly appreciated.

[Double Gee]

I'm 85-90 with driver, carry 7 iron 125yards ish.

 

Shafts that a great for me are Recoil F2, Kuro Kage A flex or Acer Velocity regular.

 

F2 and kk I couldn't pick between thrm,. The Acer is a third of the price and is very similar in performance.

 

For you, F3, kk reg or Acer stiff would be great.

[Wooderson]

Thanks for the feedback. I see that the AP1s have the Tensei red as a graphite shaft. Think I'll give them a try on a launch monitor and see how they perform.

[Stuart_G]

Going out to demo is the only way to figure out how they'll work for you.

 

Just keep in mind, the more common "problems" associated with going too light generally tend to be things like: greater dispersion, less consistency, accuracy issues, rhythm and tempo issues, and loosing the feel of the club in the back swing. People with more aggressive transitions tend to see those problems earlier than those with smoother transitions - but again, that's just a generalization so not always true.

[p3ga]

Older guy with smoother swing & transition here: Found happiness with the low-cost Graphite Design iron shafts ($15-$20 IIRC) in R flex from Golfworks. They were .370, I had an extra set of older Srixon heads bored out to accept the shaft. After cutting the shaft were in the mid 70 gram weight. I previously had played the Nippon 1050 w/ Pro Soft inserts, tried the Recoil 95, Steelfiber, & other higher 'cred' graphite shafts.

 

As long as I don't over caffinate before playing, the Graphite Design are fine. Stuart (above) has forgotten more about this stuff than most of us will ever know & I agree - demo is the best way to go. But don't discount the lower price options, there's some good stuff out there.

[Wooderson]

Going out to demo is the only way to figure out how they'll work for you.

 

Just keep in mind, the more common "problems" associated with going too light generally tend to be things like: greater dispersion, less consistency, accuracy issues, rhythm and tempo issues, and loosing the feel of the club in the back swing. People with more aggressive transitions tend to see those problems earlier than those with smoother transitions - but again, that's just a generalization so not always true.

 

Yeah, in the past I was an aggressive swinger. Produced more speed with a quick tempo and jerky transition, but was very inconsistent. About a year or two ago I started working on my tempo and was able to keep a decent swing speed and drop my cap from 20 to 12. I enjoy my i200's with the modus 105, but again elbow pain is creeping back in, so it's time to give graphite a try again.

 

I've watched Crossfield, Robinson, The Average Golfer, and Michael Newton on Youtube all have equal results if not better with graphite in tests. Dispersion did not seem worse. Really been eye opening. Newton hit the stiff flex Ping CB Alta shaft with a 92 mph plus 7 iron speed better than he did on his last Ping fitting video with x flex steel. Most would say a 90+ 7 iron should be in a 120 gram plus x flex, but watching the videos that doesn't seem necessary.

 

In time, I think we will see 60-80 gram graphite as the standard in irons. It may be a shock initially, but I think it should be beneficial in the long run.

 

Stuart, what's your thoughts on the Alta CB?

[Stuart_G]

In time, I think we will see 60-80 gram graphite as the standard in irons. It may be a shock initially, but I think it should be beneficial in the long run.

 

Everyone has a a different point at which the shaft weight will become too light. Some will manage but many will need to keep the shaft weight up. The only benefits from going lighter are going to be a product of the lighter weight being a better fit (or not). There are no benefits that will be shared by all.

 

Stuart, what's your thoughts on the Alta CB?

 

I'm the wrong one to ask. Those are a bit too light for me. Probably too soft as well. The sweet spot for shaft weight for me is ~95-100 gm and I also prefer not to feel too much loading in the shaft. I've gone down to 90'ish in CW but any lower than that doesn't work. Tried to play the older TFC100's stiff (in i5's) a while back and they drove me crazy and frustrated for more than a year before I figured out what the problem actually was. The good news is that is what got me started learning about equipment fitting.

[Double Gee]

Graphite ain't like what it used to be!

 

Stronger and tighter.

 

Probably the best graphite golf shafts in the world are made by Yonex!

They make them themselves, and have 30% more graphite in them and far less amonus of glue...hence their performance is the very best.

[Wooderson]

Well got to get on a trackman yesterday. Be mindful i'm not a great golfer. Got to hit the Ping i210 with a regular flex alta cb shaft. The shop did not have a stiff flex. I saw zero discernible difference in performance between the regular flex alta i210 and my i200 seven iron shafted with modus 105 in stiff flex. At my skill level it all came down to my swing. Good strikes showed similar launch, spin, distance, and shot shape between the two clubs. Was very happy with most of my swing parameters. Got to finally see that I suffer from what most do. High dynamic loft. Yep, I am a flipper it seems. No stiff tip shaft is going to fix this issue. Time to get some video shot to see if i'm suffering from early extension. Definitely some efficiencies to be gained.

 

There was a drastic difference in feel. The regular graphite alta had a noticeable kick, but didn't seem loose. The Modus was more solid, but the feel of the alta shaft was addicting. My seven iron speed was down a little from where I thought it would be. I was in the 83-84mph range. Fully expected 86-87mph.

 

I should honestly wait to get new shafts until I work on my swing, but unfortunately my elbows can't wait. Think i'll schedule some more time on the trackman and give the AP1 with graphite a shot. Thanks for all y'alls feedback.

[sirparalot]

I made the switch to graphite at the end of summer last year. Best decision I have made other than switching to leather grips but thats another story. I have the Fujikura pro in 85g throughout my entire set (4h-LW). The feel and consistency of ball flight with these has been fantastic. Distance wise I have picked up about a half club but that was not my goal and I honestly find myself swinging smoother to play to my old distances which has also helped. I am a consistent player that relies on accuracy vs. distance to get around the course. The majority of my shots are push-draws and my miss is a straight push (very rarely does my ball curve right). The graphite tightened up my shot pattern and I have noticed that I do not see that wild shot that gets away every once in a while (10 yards longer all of a sudden or a huge hook....etc) since I switched. My ball flight has come down a bit but my spin went up. It has been great for the wind and softer conditions here in central Florida. The only club that really has not improved is my 5i but its always been a tough club for me to hit with enough height (it may just be mental/lack of confidence as well). I don't ever see myself going back to steel again in any club!!!