Graphite shafts in irons

Ditty_72 · July 22, 2006

Why not?

I notice that graphite generally isn't recommended for players, but I don't know why. There are plenty of premium graphite iron shafts, like the Aldila NV iron, NVS iron, Grafalloy Prolaunch iron, Grafalloy Blue iron, and many more. Why don't more people use them? I have only seen 1 set of iron with premium graphite shafts, and those were a set of Ping i3+ blades with Grafalloy Blue shafts. What's wrong with using them?

taylormadefan · July 22, 2006

Nothing at all wrong with them.

However, steel is SO common, and has been the standard for so many years, it's tough to get guys who have been using it for 10+ years to switch. I think you'll agree that graphite defiantely "feels" much different than steel.

Also, $$$. Premium graphite demands premium money. Multiply that 7 or 8 times and it adds up.

Johnny · July 22, 2006

been through a couple sets of premium iron shafts... and yes they are not cheap. Right now I play fujikura FN-Pro 3-9iron and use steel in wedges. Probably the best performing shafts I have ever hit for my swing. Gives me a very similar trajectory in the long irons as steel which is what I always had a hard time finding in graphite.

Mine are 110g... but they dont feel light at all. I know grafalloy has some as heavy as steel at 125, but I never got around to trying those. I think I'm sticking with my Fuji's

OrangeCrush · July 23, 2006

I bought one NV Tour 130gr 9 iron shaft to try and I love it! That one iron cost me $59.00 though! A whole set is 400.00 and I do not have the $$ to do the whole set yet.

Gxgolfer · July 23, 2006

Seems to be much harder to find taper tip graphite shafts and I wonder if its harder for clubmakers to dial in length, swingweight, and feel with graphite shafts.

nearfall152 · July 23, 2006

I have GD GST 105LB's in my backup set and they are wonderful (albeit overpriced).

GD makes a 95 that is also very good...the 115's were as stout as any steel I've ever played.

Taper tip too! :drinks:

Tomba29 · July 23, 2006

I hired a set of Titleist 762s with GD GAT 95s while on holiday on Orlando a few years ago and shot one of my best rounds ever with them. Just too expensive I guess.

Ducky · July 23, 2006

Before we answer "why not?", how about we answer "why?"

The main advantage of using graphite over steel is the reduced weight. Obviously, in the driver and fairway woods this becomes quite significant as it allows a player to swing faster and use a longer length shaft (i.e. 45-46" as opposed to 43-44").

However, the irons (unless you're an old lady) do not require a reduced weight shaft, as they should be used for accuracy as opposed to distance. Most players feel that a heavier shaft is more controllable.

Edit: Before you mention it, I realise that there is now light weight steel and heavy graphite. But as mentioned above, why pay considerable amounts more for the same result?

Johnny · July 23, 2006

Before we answer "why not?", how about we answer "why?"

The main advantage of using graphite over steel is the reduced weight. Obviously, in the driver and fairway woods this becomes quite significant as it allows a player to swing faster and use a longer length shaft (i.e. 45-46" as opposed to 43-44").

However, the irons (unless you're an old lady) do not require a reduced weight shaft, as they should be used for accuracy as opposed to distance. Most players feel that a heavier shaft is more controllable.

Edit: Before you mention it, I realise that there is now light weight steel and heavy graphite. But as mentioned above, why pay considerable amounts more for the same result?

WHY....

Ducky you are extremely narrow in your point of view. Graphite has come a VERY LONG WAY and now can be fit to far more many profiles then steel could ever imagine. They also can be made as accurate as well. What you forgot to mention besides weight is the vibration dampening abilities. Sensicore when it's 40-50*F is...well it is still steel. ;) This little old lady :drinks: plays graphite because well I have an injury that does not hurt as much if I play graphite, that little vibration thing I mentioned earlier. My shafts are 110g and I could care less about the weight savings, for me it's prolonging the game I love to play.