First golf clubs graphite or steel?

Question

Getting my first set of irons and dont really understand the differance between steel and graphite shafts, some sites suggest graphite are good for high handicappers as there lighter etc however others sugest the complete opposite as steel will be heavier giving you more control. Anyone have any suggestions or recomendations.

Answer 1

get yourself checked out at a local american golf or directgolf

they will tell you whats best for you and more importantly why?

I personally prefer steel because it goes longer.

steel goes longer, is cheaper and for average players.

graphite is for older people who need forgiveness or something.

Answer 2

Assuming you are female (Jenny), you should visit a local golf shop and get sized for clubs. They can recommend what would be best for you and your swing, etc..

I recently purchased graphite clubs made for seniors. The ladies clubs are too lightweight and short and the men's clubs are too tall and heavy. The senior clubs fit just perfect and are the perfect weight. I love em.

Have fun!  

Answer 3

You will find graphite has 10 % more distance per club

As well as more solid feel at impact.

Steel is better overall though with 20 % more accuracy  

Answer 4

Try both and see which you prefer.

Answer 5

Maybe try different clubs that have graphite and steel shafts and see which one you hit better. I would go with steel, I've had them for 13 years of playing golf since i was a kid.

Have a good one...

Answer 6

For me I like the steel. I think you get a little more distance. However, I may have to change to graphite because I am having problems with my hands and I think the graphite is not as hard on them. But sample clubs and see what is best for you. I know alot of companies out there that will let you do that. I know for sure Cobra, Ping and Taylor made will.  

Answer 7

graphite until you break 95. then move to steel. The graphite will hit the ball higher, and softer, the steel will hurt your hands more.  

Answer 8

In the end it all comes down to you. But I would probably recommend graphite and later on when you get good enough, move to steel.

Answer 9

It really all comes down to swing speed in determining whether you would be better suited to steel or graphite shafts.  Steel shafts are better for faster swing speeds because they are heavier and stiffer.  Graphite shafts are for slower swing speeds.  Because they are lighter it allows you to get a little more swing speed and hence more distance.  Most ladies use graphite shafts because they are lighter, making them easier to swing, and more flexible (suited to a lower swing speed).  If your swing speed is not high enough for steel shafts you will lose distance and, in general, hit the ball low and to the right.

5 iron swing speeds:

90 mph + : stiff flex steel

80 - 90 mph : regular flex steel / stiff flex graphite

70 - 80 mph : regular flex graphite

65 - 70 mph : seniors flex graphite

< 65 mph : ladies flex graphite

As a beginner lady, graphite shafts would be the best option - much easier to use.

Answer 10

For most ladies, graphite are the better choice, because they will benefit more from the extra club-head speed (and therefore greater distance) than they lose in control. In any case, the alleged "loss of control" with good quality graphite shafts is not significant for anyone with a handicap in double digits - your clubs will be better than you are!

Answer 11

Mine first is graphite.

Graphite is lighter and easier to shot.

You won't be too tired to hold club.

Answer 12

i work at a golf course and if you are new to the sport i would go wiht iron just because htey are cheaper and you may not know how much u really like the sport and are willing to spend. It is true that graphite is better and stiffer to give more control and it helps make good ball contact, most of the diffrences between the expensive stuff and regular stuff dosen't even matter unless u are pretty good, so iron or graphite won't make a huge difrence till u get better, if u plan to keep the clubs for another 2 years get graphite, btu if u plan on buying better clubs as u egt better than i recommend iron

Answer 13

I suggest you take a lesson or talk to your local golf pro and get their advise.  They see new golfers all the time and can give great advise as to the club choice.

Answer 14

Definitely go with steel in at least your irons, otherwise they will be too light for you.  It sounds like your fairly new to the game so keep it simple.  Graphite in your driver and other metal woods should be ok.

Answer 15

I would go for graphite for this reason. As a beginner in golf, you need all the encouragement you can get from good ball flight and distance. Any help from your equipment will be an encouragement.

So whether you are a fast swing speed or a slow one, a graphite shaft will get your ball further than the steel one. Also a graphite shaft is more easy than the steel ones reducing the chances of a mis-hit.

Once you feel comfortable with the game, you may then decide whether the steel or graphite is more suitable for you. A steel shaft may not encourage you to stay in the game as much as a graphite shaft.

Answer 16

Graphite that was what I had for my first set.  I travel all over the world playing golf and I've been playing for 5 years.  Graphite is lighter and is also more flexible.  Good for beginners.  

Answer 17

graphite shafts are for old men. Graphite shafts weigh less than steel. Get steel shafts they are better anyway. What helps with high handicappers is the style of golf club. There are forged irons for very good players but they have a smaller sweet spot, but for a bigger sweet spot you need i believe it is called a cavity back. If you go to any golf store they can help you out. Its best if you hit on the screens they have there. Good luck, take your time finding clubs