Golf Tips-Nicks Golf Palace

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.