Golf Clubs - Steel Shafts Vs Graphite Shafts

One of the first questions asked by many golfers when they entertain the idea of buying a new set of clubs is whether or to purchase steel shafts or graphite ones. The old argument of steel shafts vs. graphite shafts has been going on for some time now, and can only truly be settled for each individual player.

In the early days of golf, for many recreational players, the comparison of steel shafts vs. graphite shafts was settled since it was believed that the graphite shafts would give the amateur players an easier time in their swing. Steel shafts, with their heavier weight were regulated to the professionals in the sport. Now, however, many professionals are using graphite shafts in their games as well.

The key, of course, when deciding which is right for you is to do a comparison of the different qualities and see which one fits your swing the best. There are good points and drawbacks to each of them, steel shaft and graphite shaft, and below is a brief discussion of just a few of them.

As you shop around for a new set of golf clubs, you should see one of the major differences between steel and graphite shafts. Steel, shafts, generally speaking, are lower in cost than their graphite counterparts. This is mainly due to the relative abundance of steel compared to graphite. So, if you’re on a budget, see how a few swings with a steel shaft feel to you. If it suits your needs, it might just be winner for you in the contest of steel shafts vs. graphite shafts.

In the beginning, the most durable shafts belonged to the steel side. Many of the graphite shafts were simply too brittle. In modern times, however, graphite shafts have come well into their own, producing a stronger, lighter, and more durable product than ever before. Simply put, as long as the graphite shafts are not chipped or cracked, they can last just as long as the old steel standbys.

When your club hits the ball, vibrations will travel up the shaft into your hand. It’s simply part of the game. The trick is, of course, to minimize the amount of vibrations that reach your hand before being dispersed. This is where a steel shaft can fall short. If you don’t want to feel your hands vibrate after each shot, choosing a shaft with a more open framework for the molecules inside might be a good choice. Basically the steel is more dense, allowing the vibrations to travel faster up to your hands. A graphite shaft however, is less dense, allowing the vibrations to dissipate as they travel through the shaft. This is one area where steel shafts vs. graphite shafts can have a clear winner.

For some, one of the major attractions for a graphite shaft is the fact that they are often lighter in weight than their steel counterparts. The idea of lugging around a bag full of graphite shafts does have a certain appeal to it. However, some golfers feel that the added weight of the steel shafts allow them to have greater control.

In the end, if you’re trying to decide between steel shafts vs. graphite shafts, the best course of action is to look at your budget and try a few swings with each. Decide whether or not you want the longevity and weight of the steel shaft, or the lightness and strength of the graphite one. In either case, this is one game that can be only determined by the desires of the individual player.