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