steel shaft vs. graphite shaft

Which is better, steel shafts or graphite shafts? Which one is better for me? When I was fitted for my clubs a few years back these were the questions that I wanted answers to. I quickly was helped to see the difference between the two and the benefits of each. I was always under the impression that beginners, high handicappers, and those with slower swing speeds should use graphite shafts, whereas low handicappers should use steel. But boy was I wrong! That was 'old school' thinking and I had to catapult my thinking into the modern age. Graphite shafts in woods have become extremely popular on the PGA Tour. Even Tiger Woods has a graphite shaft in his driver! So I decided to educate myself in regards to the steel shaft vs. graphite shaft world. Here are the differences and benefits I found that maybe you can use to make an informed decision yourself if you are thinking about purchasing or getting fitted for golf clubs.
steel shaft vs. graphite shaft

• Steel shafts are less expensive than graphite. So if you were to buy a set of clubs that offered both steel and graphite shafts, the steel shafts will cost you less.
  
• Both steel and graphite shafts are very durable. If you take care of both of them, they will last you a long time. Even if you have an extremely fast swing, graphite shafts can take the torque. So you don't have to worry that you are going to snap a graphite shaft in half.
  
• The way that graphite shafts are designed they reduce vibrations to your hands. Steel shafts are less forgiving on mis-hits. However, you can get shafts that also have dampening control. They cost a little more but they do reduce vibrations considerably.
  
• Graphite shafts are lighter, which can result in a faster swing speed. And we all know what results from a faster swing speed! You can gain distance off the tee and off the fairway. However, some feel that using steel shafts allows you to be able to control your swing better due to the added weight in your hands.

As you can see, it comes down to preference when it comes to decision of steel shaft vs. graphite shaft. If you want to gain distance and reduce vibrations, then graphite is the way to go. If you have a tight budget and you are not concerned with the feel of steel then you can pick steel shafted clubs. If you are wondering what I picked for my clubs, I have steel sensi-core shafts in my irons, and graphite shafts in my driver and fairway woods. I tried graphite shafts for my irons but I didn't like the feel. I like the feel of steel much better for irons. But that is my opinion only.

How to Increase Golf Swing Speed

How to increase golf swing speed 
Many golfers are looking to increase their distance they hit a golf ball off the tee. I know I do. One way to do that is to increase golf swing speed. To improve golf swing speed one must understand the physics of a golf swing. The faster your club head is going at the bottom of your swing, the greater the amount of kinetic energy that will be transferred from your club head to the ball, resulting in the ball going a long distance off the tee. Some try to achieve maximum club head speed by snapping their wrists at the bottom of their swing, however, the results are opposite of increased golf swing speed. You end up with slower swing speed. So what can golfers do to increase their golf swing speed? You can try club head speed exercises!
One simple golf flexibility exercise
Pick a weight that is slightly heavier than your driver. Assume your golf posture, and hold the weight where you would hold your driver. Slowly start your back swing until your left arm is parallel with the floor. (Opposite if you are left handed) Now slowly begin your down swing, smoothly reaching the bottom of your down swing, and continuing on up to your follow through, only going until your left arm is parallel to the floor. Then slowly reverse the process, going back and forth about 20 times. Repeat this another 3 times.
Do this drill 3 times a week for the first week, then increase your weight slightly for the 2nd week. Take the 3rd week off then start the process over again, starting with the weight you used during your 2nd week of training. For week 5, increase weight slightly again, then take week 6 off. Resist the urge to start with a heavier weight. You may be able to do more weight, but that's not what we are looking for. We are trying increase strength but most importantly this exercise is creating flexibility. By doing this exercise as one fluid motion, it helps to eliminate snapping of the wrists, and allows you to develop the golf specific muscles that are used in the golf swing. Try this exercise to increase your golf swing speed. You can continue to do this exercise for many weeks, but be extremely careful not to end up using really heavy weights, because this could cause injury to your muscles. Remember, flexibility coupled with strength will result in faster club head speed, thus further distance off the tee.
Another game improvement tip.