GSS v Carbon steel

[tb2]

Can anyone tell me the major differences in terms of feel between German stainless steel and carbon steel? 

[btyh]

26 minutes ago, tb2 said:

Can anyone tell me the major differences in terms of feel between German stainless steel and carbon steel? 

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[Hawkeye77]

May be more a "sound" thing as well, and what ball you are using, putter finish, face, etc.  At least for me. Seems to be discussed as "firmer" vs. "softer", softer feel being the carbon steel.  

[DrJACOB]

Plenty of controversy and different opinion on this forum.  most resent 

 My opinion is that not Carbon or GSS are created equal.  Even if there was a true standard of starting steel,  other factors like heat process, the finish or head shape ect. will change feel.  

 

I believe carbon steel is a softer feel and I usually prefer it over GSS for my putter.  GSS is likely softer than regular Stainless and cost more but still not a magical steel that SC might have our pocket books believe. 

 

FEEL=SOUND + VIBRATION 

Edited January 16, 2021 by DrJACOB

[BYK]

I agree that it is totally subjective

 

for me, carbon is significantly "softer" in feel than GSS

at least if it's carbon without a plated finish

With something like pro plat over the carbon, then I think the feel is pretty close between the two

Edited January 16, 2021 by BYK

[MattM97]

Feel/sound is also going to come from the head shape, where weight is or is not along with overall weight, also the face milling plays the biggest factory majority of the time.

[RobotDoctor]

Carbon steel will definitely have a softer feel than stainless steel (of any composition).

 

Edited January 16, 2021 by RobotDoctor

[swagee]

4 hours ago, tb2 said:

Can anyone tell me the major differences in terms of feel between German stainless steel and carbon steel? 

Main difference is in composition.

 

Stainless steel has a higher

percentage of chromium content, which IS NOT susceptible to rust; hence the name “stainless.”

 

Carbon steel has a higher percentage of carbon, which IS susceptible to rust. If not treated with a protective coat (like oil can finish in putters), it can rust and corrode from being exposed to oxygen.

 

However, carbon steel is stronger, more durable, and “softer” in feel than stainless steel; therefore it is often used in high quality forged irons, and also putters. 
 

Since “feel” is subjective, it’s hard to ascertain that carbon steel is indeed softer. 
 

I personally like my carbon steel irons and putter. They just need a lil extra care, that’s all.

[Skhacker]

In my humble opinion, carbon is a far superior product in regards to feel. 

[th6252]

10 hours ago, swagee said:

Main difference is in composition.

 

Stainless steel has a higher

percentage of chromium content, which IS NOT susceptible to rust; hence the name “stainless.”

 

Carbon steel has a higher percentage of carbon, which IS susceptible to rust. If not treated with a protective coat (like oil can finish in putters), it can rust and corrode from being exposed to oxygen.

 

However, carbon steel is stronger, more durable, and “softer” in feel than stainless steel; therefore it is often used in high quality forged irons, and also putters. 
 

Since “feel” is subjective, it’s hard to ascertain that carbon steel is indeed softer. 
 

I personally like my carbon steel irons and putter. They just need a lil extra care, that’s all.

I think there’s a bit too much generalization going on here re: carbon steel vs ss.  Carbon steel is the more preferred metal for forged irons due to its higher malleability leading to a softer feel, nothing at all to do with durability.  
Cast irons are pretty much all made of ss(although for the most part not the 303 grade inferred to here being used in putters), not just due to the obvious lower cost of manufacturing but also due to increased durability.  I’ve been playing forged carbon irons of one sort or another since 2000 and I still have a set of TA 845’s from the late 90’s that still look in better shape than my 7 year old Bridgestones.

Also, I have a couple Scotty and Mills carbons that look beat to all heck, and a 303SS Vons putter circa 2000 or so that barely has any nicks on it.