| Shafts for golf clubs are primarily made of | | | | steel is from a design standpoint. As earlier |
| either steel or graphite. The steel shafts | | | | stated, graphite shafts are manufactured from |
| are made from a carbon steel alloy and | | | | multiple layers of carbon fiber. Each layer |
| protective chrome plating is applied to | | | | can be a different modulus (strength) |
| prevent it from rusting. A graphite shaft can | | | | material and can be applied at different |
| also be called a composite shaft because it | | | | angles to contribute independently to the |
| made from multiple layers of carbon fiber and | | | | stiffness or reduction in twisting along the |
| epoxy resin holding the layers together. | | | | length of the shaft. This allows graphite |
| There are even some shafts made of both steel | | | | shaft manufactures almost limitless |
| and graphite. However, you are probably | | | | possibilities in new designs. |
| wondering which is best for you? | | | | |
| | | | Because of the various materials able to be |
| Steel shafts have been used for golf clubs | | | | used in the manufacturer of the golf shaft, |
| since the 1920's, although earlier versions | | | | there is a much greater range in pricing as |
| can be dated back to the turn of the 20th | | | | well. An inexpensive graphite shaft may cost |
| century. Graphite shafts are a relatively new | | | | $10.00, while the most expensive shaft can |
| material used in golf, dating back to the | | | | cost as much as $1000.00! Although most |
| late 1960's, but didn't gain widespread | | | | graphite shafts normally found in $10 - $90 |
| acceptance until the mid 1980's. Both | | | | range. Expect a club with a graphite shaft to |
| materials are used for some of the following | | | | cost more than with a steel shaft. |
| reasons. | | | | |
| | | | This is one reason why you so the majority of |
| Steel shafts are less expensive to | | | | golfers have both steel and graphite shafted |
| manufacturer and easily able to make | | | | clubs in their bag. Greater than 90% of all |
| consistent from shaft-to-shaft. Steel shafts | | | | drivers have graphite shafts in them. This is |
| are made from a single material, so creating | | | | because the driver is designed for maximum |
| a new model is limited to geometry changes to | | | | distance and is much larger and easier-to-hit |
| the shaft such as the outside diameters along | | | | than they were just a few years ago. For |
| its' entire length, wall thickness, distance | | | | fairway woods, more than 80% are equipped |
| between each step (unless it is a stepless | | | | with graphite shafts as players tend to match |
| shaft) and usage of additional metals (such | | | | the driver with the same type of shaft. |
| as chromium, vanadium and nickel) in the | | | | Golfers, who tend to hit the ball a long way |
| alloys. Premium steel shafts cost about the | | | | and/or need more control, may find steel to |
| same as low end graphite shafts. | | | | their liking. There are a number of |
| | | | lightweight steel shafts available as an |
| Graphite shafts were originally designed to | | | | alternative to graphite. |
| make a lightweight alternative to steel | | | | |
| shafts. However, there are graphite shafts | | | | Irons and wedges are usually just the |
| that actually weigh more than some steel | | | | opposite in the shaft material choice. |
| models, but this is very rare. Steel shafts | | | | Approximately 75% of irons sold today are |
| range from approximately 90g to 130g, while | | | | sold with steel shafts. The primary reason |
| graphite shafts can be a low as 39g. The most | | | | for choosing steel may be an economic factor |
| popular weight range of graphite shafts for | | | | as the irons and wedges make up a great |
| woods is 60-70 grams and for iron shafts the | | | | percentage of the clubs in the bag. The other |
| weight is closer to 70 - 80 grams. One of the | | | | reason why golfers choose steel in their |
| biggest advantages to graphite shafts is | | | | irons and wedges is for control rather than |
| their lighter weight. | | | | increasing distance, especially among |
| | | | stronger individuals. However, there are a |
| Since the graphite shafts are generally | | | | number of quality graphite iron shafts that |
| lighter than steel shafts, there is a | | | | come in all different weights and stiffness |
| potential for greater distance because they | | | | to match nearly every golfer. |
| may be able to be swung slightly faster. Most | | | | |
| graphite shafted clubs are assembled longer | | | | The choice between steel or graphite shafts |
| in length than standard steel-shafted clubs. | | | | for you will be based on if you are looking |
| Golfers that tend to be less consistent may | | | | at greater distance or not. Greater distance |
| find the steel shafts to give them greater | | | | will come at a greater cost, not only |
| control. But for those golfers, such as | | | | economically, but for those who already don't |
| ladies and seniors, who need additional | | | | hit their ball very straight, hitting the |
| length to enjoy the game better, graphite | | | | ball further may even compound the problem. |
| shafts are a welcome alternative. | | | | Make sure to make the choice wisely based on |
| | | | your personal goals and current tendencies. |
| Another advantage of graphite shafts over | | | | |