Steel or Graphite

The term Graphite is used generically here and is meant to include carbon composites, reinforced graphite and the like. To many golfers, the main question confronting the issue of shaft is Steel or Graphite? There is a myth or misconception in arriving at a decision. In an over-generalisation, long hitters should use steel shaft while the slow swingers should use graphite shaft. There is only some truth in this but it is over simplified.

'Feel' is the intangible quality golfers search for when they choose a club. Professional club-fitters will tell you that shaft and shaft related attributes have the most significant impact on 'Feel'. The word intangible was used because 'Feel' is difficult to describe and will vary from person to person. It's just like trying to define 'wet' or 'heavy' - you'll know it when you experience it.

Graphite shafts are usually chosen over steel shafts for their lightness in weight. Shaft weight has a dramatic effect on a golfer's game because it is the dominant factor in controlling the total weight of the finished club. The lighter the shaft weight, the lighter the total weight of the golf clubs, which then permits greater swing speed and the potential for greater distance.

The General Preference for Graphites? - 5 factors

• 1. WEIGHT - the average graphite shaft is 25-50% lighter than steel. In theory, this means that the golfer can swing the club faster so as to produce additional distance. Graphite shafts are available from 50-125grams while steel shafts range from 90-130grams.

• 2. HEALTH -graphite shaft has the ability to dampen shock. Tests have shown that the aramid fibres in the graphite can disperse vibrations more effectively than steel shafts. This means that golfers can practise longer with less fear of hand/wrist injuries.

• 3. VARIETY - graphite shafts come in thousands of flavours. It seems that there are many possible combinations of colour, flex, torque, flex-point, balance-point, weight and so on. And this can be made possible by just varying the graphite shaft's characteristics or design, which is much easier than with steel shafts.

• 4. PERCEPTION - If a person believes that he will play better with the latest and greatest in high-tech equipment, then he very well may.

• 5. DURABILITY - Graphite shaft is non-metal therefore it will not rust as compared to steel shaft which is made of low carbon-steel.

Considering between steel and graphite shaft is usually one of a financial consideration - cost - with the latter costing more. The differential in cost essentially represents the higher cost in material used and the manufacturing process, quality control, consistency in weight, balance, frequency, etc. involved in the making of graphite shafts.

What is the right type of shaft for me then?

Play the lightest shaft you can control. But this could be difficult as most of us do not have the opportunity of trying out the various shaft weights on a fitted club, and even if we did, it would take a club with at least 28gm lighter or heavier from your existing club before an experienced golfer would have the discerning sense to feel the difference.

FAST FACT

Neither extreme for the golfer is acceptable. However a light weight shaft would be better than heavy as long as the swingweight is kept at standard to high levels (recommended by Golfsmith) to allow the golfer to feel the club during the swing and gain a sense of timing and rhythm.