Utility Iron Shaft-Steel or Graphite?

[10of14]

I'm shopping Utility Irons now and it will be my first go at this style of club.  I'm trying to determine if I should use the same set-up I have in my irons (stiff steel KBS $ Taper Lite) or go more toward a hybrid type, graphite shaft.  I plan to use it mainly as a long iron/hybrid replacement off the deck, with an option to hit it on long par 3's or some par 4's. Any insight would be appreciated.  Thank you.

Edited February 11, 2021 by 10of14

[Millhill88]

I swap in and out a TE Exotics CBX Ironwood.  Played with a HZRDUZ Black 85 shaft.   I would recommend the graphite unless you are a hard swinging, long hitting player.   I'm now pushing 60.  Over the years, I have found that a lighter shaft near the top end allows me to swing easier to get the results I want.  When I played steel in my Ut's, I was less consistent when I tired later in the round.

[FatThinShank]

Would definitely recommend a graphite shaft especially if you are planning on hitting it off the deck or into greens. Steel shaft in a utility can result in some pretty low launch which can be ok if you are only using off the tee in the dry fairways but harder to elevate and hold a green. Even the harder swinging pros are using lighter graphite in those clubs. 

Edited February 11, 2021 by FatThinShank

[Pepperturbo]

Long story short, end of last year I switched from PX steel to Mitsubishi graphite - HIGH bend - Tensei AV White AM2-S in my 620 MB & CB irons.  I was so happy with the results, in 1/2021 I put that shafts 90g "S" shaft in my 2i.  I now hit 2i longer, at times over 230yds.

 

 

[bear87]

I tried my iron shaft in my driving iron, a SteelFiber.  Then I tried a hybrid shaft in my driving iron, a Diamana Thump.  Both shafts have similar static weights.  For me, the hybrid shaft is better in every way--easier to hit/launch/work.  Just my $0.02, your mileage may vary.

[Springsteennut]

I was fitted for one last year. Hybrid shaft was much better for me.

[J_Tizzle]

I've always played graphite, but I also know players that use DI irons with steel shafts that match their clubs.  Treating it more like a forgiving iron that a pure "driving iron".

[polarbear87]

First driving iron was a Mizuno Fli-Hi.  Had a Dynamic Gold x100 in that worm burner.  Next was a Callaway Apex UT with a SteelFiber i110cw X.  Now gaming a GAPR Mid that is probably the least good looking of the crowd, but I hit it the best, by far.  Diamana Thump X.  

Edited February 11, 2021 by polarbear87

[setter02]

Have tried steel that matched my irons when I had the Rapture DI and a UDI.  Both were ok, but prefer Graphite now.  Just better feel, dispersion the same and better distance.  Just tipped up a RIP B 80S to try out in my Gapr 2, so looking forward to seeing how that does in a couple of months.

[DMartini]

I agree with what others have said about finding out what you want out of that particular iron, and plan your build/purchase from there. 

Used most of the DG range in S300 and while I enjoyed them on well struck shots was just quite demanding in the club, and would do what DG is designed to do (low launch and low spin). 

Switched out to graphite now, don't think I will be going back to steel in my UT any time soon. 

[pt73]

I acquired a Ping G410 crossover head from a friend and shafted it with a Modus3 105 shaft (my i210 irons have PX LZ shafts) and the results were OK but not great, so I considered selling it.

 

Last week I installed an AD DI 85g hybrid shaft and in the first range session the results were amazing so it's in the bag.

[achappy]

I’ve tried multiple driving irons and most were always with a steel shaft or an “iron” type graphite (Steelfiber i95/110, Recoil).   Never found them to be much better than my Ping Eye2+ 2I.  But then I hit a friends SIM UDI with the Thump 90 hybrid shaft and I couldn’t believe how good it felt and the distance.

 

I was going to maybe pick up one for Christmas but then I found a Srixon u65 with a Recoil Prototype Hybrid 100 and this combo so far has been incredible.  Great feel and launch like the SIM but balance feels a little better because it’s slightly heavier. This has been over multiple range sessions.  Impressive so far.

Edited February 12, 2021 by achappy

[sheezymaneezy]

Tough one.

I have a 4 utility (PRGR) with steel shaft (S300) and a 2 utility (Srixon ZX) with graphite (UST Recoil)  

I personally think the graphite is easier get higher ball speed so I don't have to go after it as much as with my steel shaft.