X18 - Graphite or Steel shafts?

highlander777 · May 14, 2006

I am looking to get the X18s but I am not sure what shaft to get. I have a swing speed on my irons of around 80-90 MPH.

So I guess I need stiff but what is the best shaft?

Thanks

rge · May 15, 2006

That is a pretty difficult question to answer specifically because it would all depend on what feels good to you. If you've tested both types on the range, you will, in all likelihood, be the best judge of what feels better and what works better for you. We can only speculate. I have about the same swingspeed as you do and I currently use a graphite shaft in stiff flex for my MX-23's. I like them alot. I built an identical set in what were supposed to be a regular flex Project X shafts and they were stiffer than leadpipes, at least to me. People recommended the PX's to me and I have no reason to think that they are a bad product. Many swear by their quality but it doesn't work for me. If you've been using graphite shafts for a long time, going with a graphite shaft is the safer option. I say safer but not necessarily better. You may benefit from steel shafts. The trick is finding which one. My only suggestion is go for slightly softer shaft specs when using steel because they are usually stiffer than graphites and heavier too. If you opt to go with steel shafts after having played with graphites for an extended period, you may be better served by trying out the lighter varieties of steel shafts. NSPRO 950GH, for example.

Evil R1 · May 15, 2006

I just went through the same thing as you. My driver swing speed is around 95 avg unless I really go after it. What I liked about the graphite shafts is the heavy head / light shaft feeling and I also pick up a little extra distance so when I sent to go get fitted, I pretty much had already made up my mind. But since I was getting fitted, I tried the X-18's with TT Dynamic Gold and DG's with Sensicore in a R300, the default Uniflex, and the System 75 Regular Flex just for ha ha's.

I didn't like the heavier shaft of the TT DG's but I was pleasantly surprised by uniflex shafts. They were lighter than the TT DG's and still gave me close to the same feeling as the Graphite. I really wasn't as long as the graphite but was more accurate.

I ended up with the Uniflex b/c it seemed to be the best of both worlds for $200 less.

Just my 2 cents, thanks.