Graphite vs Steelfiber - Expert Advice

[golfinbrad]

I'm looking for someone with a strong knowledge to provide a comparison.  Have been dealing with an elbow issue for 3 years.  My doctor has started an aggressive treatment of cortisone injections and steroids hoping to avoid surgery.  He told me I need to drop the steel shafts and move to graphite.  I want to know if Steelfiber shafts will provide the same level of minimum vibration or smoothness that graphite would?  I currently play TT Tour Elevate x100s.  I have hit the Steelfiber and like the feel, but I don't want to go that route if it would not be the same as graphite.  I am in my late 40s, 3 handicap (up because of the elbow limitations) with driver SS 110 - 115.  Appreciate any help.

[Pastit]

2 minutes ago, golfinbrad said:

I'm looking for someone with a strong knowledge to provide a comparison.  Have been dealing with an elbow issue for 3 years.  My doctor has started an aggressive treatment of cortisone injections and steroids hoping to avoid surgery.  He told me I need to drop the steel shafts and move to graphite.  I want to know if Steelfiber shafts will provide the same level of minimum vibration or smoothness that graphite would?  I currently play TT Tour Elevate x100s.  I have hit the Steelfiber and like the feel, but I don't want to go that route if it would not be the same as graphite.  I am in my late 40s, 3 handicap (up because of the elbow limitations) with driver SS 110 - 115.  Appreciate any help.

I’m not a super supporter of these jabs as they thin-out the muscle with continuous use. But they’re worth one go.
 

 My issue/s started at c 60YOA when I hit down a lot on links turf with steel-shafted irons. I switched to rescues with 75grm graphite, up to 6i, and sweep the ball.  By 70YOA I needed injections everywhere and the specialist would not treat me. I’d to stop golf for c 3 years but the pain seems to have burned out lately. 

[jeffrey r]

It’s your lucky day, as Steelfibers are in fact graphite shafts. You can read up a ton on them here, but they are amazing shafts. Not for everyone, but exceptional. Generally stout, so be careful what you go with. Demo them if possible. I have iron sets shafted up with i95 and i110, and love them both. Currently playing i95 R flex in a set of G410 irons, and have i110 stiff soft-stepped in my wedges.

 

Good luck. These and other graphite shafts have been game-changers for me. I had serious tendinitis in my elbows and shoulders in my 30’s with steel shafts, and am now mostly pain-free in my 40’s with graphite shafts.

Edited October 5, 2022 by jeffrey r

[golfinbrad]

1 minute ago, jeffrey r said:

It’s your lucky day, as Steelfibers are in fact graphite shafts. You can read up a ton on them here, but they are amazing shafts. Not for everyone, but exceptional. Generally stout, so be careful what you go with. Demo them if possible. I have iron sets shafted up with i95 and i110, and love them both. Currently playing i95 R flex in a set of G410 irons, and have i110 stiff soft-stepped in my wedges.

 

Good luck. These and other graphite shafts have been game-changers for me. I had serious tendinitis in my elbows and shoulders in my 30’s, and am now mostly pain-free in my 40’s.

Not sure I would say lucky day.  Had another shot this morning and picking up steroid pack after work.  Is the only difference between the 95 and 110 the weight?  Profile is the same?  Yeah I read people typically play 1 less flex with them.  Based on their chart I fall top end of stiff.

[golfinbrad]

Interesting they say the 95 is lower launch than 110

[jeffrey r]

Just now, golfinbrad said:

Not sure I would say lucky day.  Had another shot this morning and picking up steroid pack after work.  Is the only difference between the 95 and 110 the weight?  Profile is the same?  Yeah I read people typically play 1 less flex with them.  Based on their chart I fall top end of stiff.

 

No, I hear you. Hope you can address the immediate issues and pain. I avoided surgery by switching to graphite early enough.

 

With Steelfibers, there are basically two lines. The i95/i110, and fc90/fc115. I95/i110 are generally stouter, while the fc 90/115 are a bit less stout and try to boost flight in the longer irons with lower flight in the shorter irons (fc = flight control). You need to try them out to really know what works for you. I110 swing weight lighter than the i95 due to counter-balancing. So, while similar profiles, the i110 are not simply heavier than the i95.

 

Beyond that, there are a number of other excellent graphite shafts out there for you to take a look at—Recoil 95/110, Project X Catalyst, KBS TGI, etc. I think you’ll generally find all of these much easier on your body than steel shafts. Good luck.

[golfinbrad]

2 minutes ago, jeffrey r said:

 

No, I hear you. Hope you can address the immediate issues and pain. I avoided surgery by switching to graphite early enough.

 

With Steelfibers, there are basically two lines. The i95/i110, and fc90/fc115. I95/i110 are generally stouter, while the fc 90/115 are a bit less stout and try to boost flight in the longer irons with lower flight in the shorter irons (fc = flight control). You need to try them out to really know what works for you. I110 swing weight lighter than the i95 due to counter-balancing. So, while similar profiles, the i110 are not simply heavier than the i95.

 

Beyond that, there are a number of other excellent graphite shafts out there for you to take a look at—Recoil 95/110, Project X Catalyst, KBS TGI, etc. I think you’ll generally find all of these much easier on your body than steel shafts. Good luck.

Thanks.  This does help a lot.  Biggest issue will be finding a place to try them.  

[jeffrey r]

3 minutes ago, golfinbrad said:

Thanks.  This does help a lot.  Biggest issue will be finding a place to try them.  

 

As to launch, it could be that the i95 launch lower than the i110. But that is negligible to me, and both launch very nicely without ballooning. I wouldn’t get hung up on that.

 

Not sure what you have near you, but pretty much any Club Champion, PGA Superstore or Golf Galaxy should have some Steelfibers to demo. Totally generalizing, but if I were to suggest one Steelfiber to try, even if you need to buy a demo iron or set, is the i95. Anecdotally, and in my experience, that seems to be just a solid start with the Steelfiber journey. They are light without being too light, stout without being too stout, and flat-out perform. Many fast swingers even go with the R flex, but try whatever you can get your hands on, R flex or S flex.

[golfinbrad]

2 minutes ago, jeffrey r said:

 

As to launch, it could be that the i95 launch lower than the i110. But that is negligible to me, and both launch very nicely without ballooning. I wouldn’t get hung up on that.

 

Not sure what you have near you, but pretty much any Club Champion, PGA Superstore or Golf Galaxy should have some Steelfibers to demo. Totally generalizing, but if I were to suggest one Steelfiber to try, even if you need to buy a demo iron or set, is the i95. Anecdotally, and in my experience, that seems to be just a solid start with the Steelfiber journey. They are light without being too light, stout without being too stout, and flat-out perform. Many fast swingers even go with the R flex, but try whatever you can get your hands on, R flex or S flex.

I didn't realize they were straight graphite.  This helps.  Good idea about a demo club.  2nd Swing is semi close.  

[darkhelmet]

16 minutes ago, golfinbrad said:

I didn't realize they were straight graphite.  This helps.  Good idea about a demo club.  2nd Swing is semi close.  

 

Not quite straight graphite, but mostly.  Steelfiber name comes from weaving super-thin strands of steel into a web around the outside of the graphite.  So from a vibration/impact standpoint, you would most likely see the same sort of benefit on your joints as from just about any other graphite shaft.

 

Try to find a reputable fitter nearby, and look into some of the other graphite options as well.  If it's possible, try to get at least 2 different demos and take them out on the course on a slow day (you may even get them to let you take a single head with 2 different shafts and a fitting wrench).  Hit on the range a bit, then drop a few balls at 7-iron distance on the par 4's and 5's on the course.  Compare your current club to the demos to get a feel for real-world performance.

[Stuart_G]

1 hour ago, golfinbrad said:

I'm looking for someone with a strong knowledge to provide a comparison.  Have been dealing with an elbow issue for 3 years.  My doctor has started an aggressive treatment of cortisone injections and steroids hoping to avoid surgery.  He told me I need to drop the steel shafts and move to graphite.  I want to know if Steelfiber shafts will provide the same level of minimum vibration or smoothness that graphite would?  I currently play TT Tour Elevate x100s.  I have hit the Steelfiber and like the feel, but I don't want to go that route if it would not be the same as graphite.  I am in my late 40s, 3 handicap (up because of the elbow limitations) with driver SS 110 - 115.  Appreciate any help.

 

More of what you've already gotten for answers but:

 

Yes steelfibers have the same shock absorption properties as any other graphite.  The steel mesh is all about weight distribution in the shaft and not a structural part (any more than the graphite fibers) so doesn't really effect the dampening of the shaft.

 

However, elbow pain can be about more than just the shock of impact.   Everyone is different but shaft weight and stiffness can also be potential sources for aggravation of an injury or inflammation since both those can have an indirect influence on the effort you put into the swing and therefore the stress on the tendons.    No way to know how much that might be an issue for you or what weights or stiffness feels might aggravate the injury - the most or least - until you try out different options - so just be a bit careful in picking the right graphite shaft and not just any graphite shaft.

[golfinbrad]

1 minute ago, Stuart_G said:

 

More of what you've already gotten for answers but:

 

Yes steelfibers have the same shock absorption properties as any other graphite.  The steel mesh is all about weight distribution in the shaft and not a structural part (any more than the graphite fibers) so doesn't really effect the dampening of the shaft.

 

However, elbow pain can be about more than just the shock of impact.   Everyone is different but shaft weight and stiffness can also be potential sources for aggravation of an injury or inflammation since both those can have an indirect influence on the effort you put into the swing and therefore the stress on the tendons.    No way to know how much that might be an issue for you or what weights or stiffness feels might aggravate the injury - the most or least - until you try out different options - so just be a bit careful in picking the right graphite shaft and not just any graphite shaft.

Totally agree and it might get a firm answer until further down the road.  I'm want to go graphite and a little lighter.  I have hit the Steelfiber 95 and 110, but not with a serious look to performance.  Just a hey, can I hit that deal.  Steelfibers are a nice add on, but some companies offer Recoils and MMTs as part of the stock option.  As mentioned above, I've been dealing with this a while.  Not giving up golf, so need to make an equipment change.  I know the current combo is not elbow friendly for sure.

[NRJyzr]

Steelfiber i95 has a profile that's quite close to Dynamic Gold.  IMHO this is where the stout descriptions originate.  If you're a DG user, this will get 'er done.  Small disclaimer, the i95R is a little less close to DGR, but it's still a reasonable proxy.

 

As you go up in weight from i95 to i110 and i125, the shafts are still largely a DG profile, but the bottom half of the shaft gets stiffer.  Also, a fun aspect of the i110 is that it has a higher balance point than i95, and it swingweights a few points lighter than i95.  Not sure how the i125 compares, in spite of having a couple wedges with that shaft.

 

[SheriffBooth]

Having played both Recoils and Steelfibers in the last few years, I can attest that they are both equally joint friendly.  I think the Steelfiber ballflight is pretty close to Dynamic Gold, so if you're coming from Elevate Tours you may find they launch a little lower than what you're used to.  Definitely worth it to try to compare the different current graphite offerings, as they all bring different things to the table.

[golfinbrad]

15 minutes ago, SheriffBooth said:

Having played both Recoils and Steelfibers in the last few years, I can attest that they are both equally joint friendly.  I think the Steelfiber ballflight is pretty close to Dynamic Gold, so if you're coming from Elevate Tours you may find they launch a little lower than what you're used to.  Definitely worth it to try to compare the different current graphite offerings, as they all bring different things to the table.

So the Recoils are a little higher launch, higher spin?

[Pepperturbo]

I played PX 6.0 for fifteen plus years until switching to composite shafts.  Though I cope with painful osteoarthritis in hands and knees, I didn't switch for that as much as to limit damage to my body as I get older. 

 

When I switched to composite, I first bought a set of SF i95cw stiff soon after bought and played i110cw stiff in 2-PW and i125cw stiff in wedges for quite some time before testing MMT 105s, and soon after switching to slightly lighter MCA-Tensei AV White AM2 Iron S in 2i-4i and heavier MMT 125s in 5-LW.   Be advised, Steelfiber costs more than most medium level graphite, and MMT and Tensei cost considerably more.  IMO that's partially why we don't hear as much about the more costly composite shafts.  I still swing relatively hard at the ball and still playing to low-index, so want the best quality to maintain my game.

 

In my hands, MMT is smoother at impact, yet still talks to my hands to know what the ball is does at impact, Steelfiber i110cw not as much.  Currently testing some lighter Recoil composite.

Edited October 5, 2022 by Pepperturbo

[golfinbrad]

1 minute ago, Pepperturbo said:

I played PX 6.0 for fifteen plus years until switching to composite shafts.  Though I cope with painful osteoarthritis in hands and knees, I didn't switch for that as much as to limit damage to my body as I get older. 

 

When I switched to composite, I first bought a set of SF i95cw stiff soon after bought and played i110cw stiff in 2-PW and i125cw stiff in wedges for quite some time before testing MMT 105s, and soon after switching to slightly lighter MCA-Tensei AV White AM2 Iron S in 2i-4i and heavier MMT 125s in 5-LW. 

 

In my hands, MMT is smoother at impact, yet still talks to my hands to know what the ball is does at impact, Steelfiber i110cw not as much.  Currently testing some lighter Recoil composite.

Stupid question.  Was is the difference between i110cs and i110?  Is this like KBS for PX flighted?

[Pepperturbo]

9 minutes ago, golfinbrad said:

Stupid question.  Was is the difference between i110cs and i110?  Is this like KBS for PX flighted?

The "cw" next to the shaft stands for "constant weight" throughout the set, PW shaft weights the same as my 2i shaft, in other words different from standard i110 shafts.

 

No.  The founder Kim Braly and designer of KBS shafts, worked at PX as the designer of PX and flighted shafts, before PX was purchased by Truetemper.  Kim also designed KBS C-Taper which IMO is similar to PX 6.0, in profile.  I still have 5.5, and 6.0 and flighted sets of PX, and four different sets of KBS shafts, in storage.

Edited October 5, 2022 by Pepperturbo

[golfinbrad]

1 minute ago, Pepperturbo said:

The "cw" next to the shaft stands for "constant weight" throughout the set, PW shaft weights the same as my 2i shaft, in other words different from standard i110 shafts.

 

No.  The founder Kim Braly and designer of KBS shafts, worked at PX as the designer of PX and flighted shafts, before PX was purchased by Truetemper.  Kim also designed KBS C-Taper which IMO is similar to PX in profile.  I still have each set of PX and four different sets of KBS shafts. 

Good info.  Had PX and C Tapers before.  Not the best fight.  Still think the elbow issues started with the c tapers 

[Pepperturbo]

9 minutes ago, golfinbrad said:

Good info.  Had PX and C Tapers before.  Not the best fight.  Still think the elbow issues started with the c tapers 

Many of the friends (surprising how many) have encountered elbow issues.  Thing is, they don't work out.   I don't believe shafts actually cause elbow problems.  All they may do is exacerbate a condition that quietly existed for who knows how long.

 

As I said, I played PX 6.0 for a long time, and standard C-Taper stiff for a year, before those 6.5 and X100.  I've never encountered problems because I have been working out since my football days.

[27x10.5]

Not even close to what you asked but reducing whole body inflammation would probably work better than switching to graphite but I did both and about 10 years behind you. Problems just melt away when you fix diet

[golfinbrad]

1 minute ago, Pepperturbo said:

Many of the friends (surprising how many) have encountered elbow issues.  Thing is, they don't work out.   I don't believe shafts actually cause elbow problems.  All they may do is exacerbate a condition that quietly existed for who knows how long.

 

As I said, I played PX 6.0 for a long time, and standard C-Taper stiff for a year, before those 6.5 and X100.  I've never encountered problems because I have been working out since my football days.

Oh I agree with that.  Body makeup and age are all contributing factors.  Doctor even said have very well started from a non-golf activity.  They issue with tendons in your elbow could come from your hands, wrist, forearms, etc.  The issue is trying to minimize what you can.  I disagree with the working not kept you from having issues.  I played college baseball almost 30 years ago and continue to keep myself in good shape.  That said, I have have ruptured my Achilles, torn a meniscus, dislocated my kneecap countless time.  Stuff happens. 

[golfinbrad]

1 minute ago, 27x10.5 said:

Not even close to what you asked but reducing whole body inflammation would probably work better than switching to graphite but I did both and about 10 years behind you. Problems just melt away when you fix diet

I never said whole body inflammation.  It is isolated.

[Pepperturbo]

7 minutes ago, golfinbrad said:

Oh I agree with that.  Body makeup and age are all contributing factors.  Doctor even said have very well started from a non-golf activity.  They issue with tendons in your elbow could come from your hands, wrist, forearms, etc.  The issue is trying to minimize what you can.  I disagree with the working not kept you from having issues.  I played college baseball almost 30 years ago and continue to keep myself in good shape.  That said, I have have ruptured my Achilles, torn a meniscus, dislocated my kneecap countless time.  Stuff happens. 

Yes, sh** happens.  I won't go into martial arts, or all the extreme activity training I used to do (in my 20s/30s) such as climbing and winter jumping off mtn tops with a 70lb ruck and 15lb rifle on my back.  Back in the 70s and 80s we had balanced workout regimes purposely designed to protect our body knowing we would experience extreme pressure from...  What's remarkable is none of the team guys I used to train with have encountered body failure as we age.  That's not to say other issues haven't happened, it's to say, we attribute our long-term workout regimes as body protection.  I am 70 and still work out like I did when 30.  However, my flying kick is NOT what it used to be... LOL

[golfinbrad]

1 minute ago, Pepperturbo said:

Yes, sh** happens.  I won't go into martial arts, or all the extreme activity training I used to do (in my 20s/30s) such as climbing and winter jumping off mtn tops with a 70lb ruck and 15lb rifle on my back.  Back in the 70s and 80s we had balanced workout regimes purposely designed to protect our body knowing we would experience extreme pressure from...  What's remarkable is none of the team guys I used to train with have encountered body failure as we age.  That's not to say other issues haven't happened, it's to say, we attribute our long-term workout regimes as body protection.  I am 70 and still work out like I did when 30.  However, my flying kick is NOT what it used to be... LOL

HAHAHAHA.  I hear ya.  Rupturing the Achilles really made me rethink trying to do certain things, like a full on jump.  3 - 4 months on the couch changed my approach for sure.  Funny how some try to stay in shape and seem to have more physical (non-heart relate) issues than others that don't.  All we can do is what we think is best for us.  Thanks for the info and best wishes.

[tyorke1]

I have tensai white and steelfibers  in my irons. I also have these inserted with vibration dampening. Yes all my clubs have these also. Game changee makes a huge difference. Then search  fit for golf on instagrams exercise program. March 12 but cant remember if it was 2021 or 2022. I insert all my woods as well. Good luck 

[ShowMe]

I went from PX 6.0 125g steel shafts to Steelfiber i80CW stiff shafts several years ago after experiencing elbow pain and inflammation for about a year.  The elbow pain and inflammation totally disappeared within a week or two.  Plus, I hit the ball a half club to a club further with no significant difference in left-right dispersion.

 

For me, the pain and inflammation was all about the shock of impact.  I had been lifting heavy weights twice a week for 25 years at that point, so the muscles supporting the elbow joint were very strong.  However, I was deep digger back then with my golf swing, playing very firm courses, and I think the damage from the violent vibrations just built up over time until it reached a point where it was chronic, because I never gave it enough time to heal (playing 2-3 times a week).  Anyway, switching to graphite essentially cured it.  Haven't had an elbow problem since.

 

I've tried several other graphite iron shafts over the years - PX Catalyst, Aldila NV, Recoil, MMT, KBS TGI , etc. - and always come back to the Steelfibers.  They have been a godsend for my iron game.  

Edited October 5, 2022 by ShowMe

[golfinbrad]

31 minutes ago, ShowMe said:

I went from PX 6.0 125g steel shafts to Steelfiber i80CW stiff shafts several years ago after experiencing elbow pain and inflammation for about a year.  The elbow pain and inflammation totally disappeared within a week or two.  Plus, I hit the ball a half club to a club further with no significant difference in left-right dispersion.

 

For me, the pain and inflammation was all about the shock of impact.  I had been lifting heavy weights twice a week for 25 years at that point, so the muscles supporting the elbow joint were very strong.  However, I was deep digger back then with my golf swing, playing very firm courses, and I think the damage from the violent vibrations just built up over time until it reached a point where it was chronic, because I never gave it enough time to heal (playing 2-3 times a week).  Anyway, switching to graphite essentially cured it.  Haven't had an elbow problem since.

 

I've tried several other graphite iron shafts over the years - PX Catalyst, Aldila NV, Recoil, MMT, KBS TGI , etc. - and always come back to the Steelfibers.  They have been a godsend for my iron game.  

Lot of love for Steelfibers.  Recoils are cheaper but not sure that is better.  Sound like the Recoil Proto would be the option if I go that route.  Not many carry those.  Appreciate the input.  Glad it fixed your elbow pain.  Hope to have the same results. 

[27x10.5]

On 10/5/2022 at 2:48 PM, golfinbrad said:

I never said whole body inflammation.  It is isolated.

I know…I won’t get in to what I believe because this isn’t a thread for that but you attack the body as a whole and the targeted areas sometimes work themselves out or at least improve.

 

As for shafts I think the softest and most dampening you’ll get that play close to steel are Recoils. I played 125 F5 Protos and if you go lighter they are effortless. I found the short irons to fly a little high and they weren’t as good in the wind as some steel.

 

Now play MMT 125TX and I get all the benefits of steel, play fine into the wind, don’t feel quite as dampening as Recoils but I don’t see a reason to go back to steel and I keep saying we have to be 5-8 years out of everyone ditching steel except maybe wedges. I made the switch just because I like jumping into new waves of equipment before it catches on, not really for anything injury related but I like the idea of it because I hear so many stories of wrist and elbow issues from years of playing so why not do what I can. Good luck with it there are so many good options now

[golfinbrad]

4 minutes ago, 27x10.5 said:

I know…I won’t get in to what I believe because this isn’t a thread for that but you attack the body as a whole and the targeted areas sometimes work themselves out or at least improve.

 

As for shafts I think the softest and most dampening you’ll get that play close to steel are Recoils. I played 125 F5 Protos and if you go lighter they are effortless. I found the short irons to fly a little high and they weren’t as good in the wind as some steel.

 

Now play MMT 125TX and I get all the benefits of steel, play fine into the wind, don’t feel quite as dampening as Recoils but I don’t see a reason to go back to steel and I keep saying we have to be 5-8 years out of everyone ditching steel except maybe wedges. I made the switch just because I like jumping into new waves of equipment before it catches on, not really for anything injury related but I like the idea of it because I hear so many stories of wrist and elbow issues from years of playing so why not do what I can. Good luck with it there are so many good options now

Thanks.  What steel shafts were you playing before switching over?  Noticed you didn't mention Steelfibers.  Did you try them?  Really like the description of the Protos.  Plan on trying some of these on Monday.  Should be interesting.  Thanks again