Steel Shafted Driver?

Question

I'm very consistent with my irons, but I suffered with accuracy on my 3 wood and Driver... I have Mizuno MP-33's with Dynamic Gold s-300 shafts...I'm a long hitter, up there with the PGA tour pros (300+ with the driver) My driver and 3 wood were at today's standard length, I believe an inch and a half longer than the standards that were set with steel shafts...I bought a Mizuno f50 with an x100 steel shaft and absolutely nut it...So I decided to do the same thing with the Driver...Holy c**p what a difference..I actually hit it further and straighter with steel shafts..The big misses have gone bye bye, and the shorter shafts make me feel more comfortable at address..Does anyone have any ideas on why this is...Is it simple physics or are club companies just trying to sell distance to golfers...

Answer 1

Tony,

When you went to a shorter shaft you gained control. The longer the shaft the less control you have. Whether it be steel or graphite.

Also, your swing speed with the longer shaft is probably faster then that with the shorter shaft thus increasing stability or better control with the shorter shaft. Unless you have a very low torque shaft. That is what you gained by going to a shorter steel shaft. You lowered the torque and increased the control of the shaft torque therefore increasing shot stability and control.

I know of many players that hit 46" graphite drivers, and hit them very straight and 300, 350, and a couple at 400 yrds+. The secret to using this type of shaft at this length is making sure you have a very low torque shaft, with a flex that matches your swing speed, as well as a consistent swing, and swing speed.

Hope this helped,

J

Answer 2

Well, did you happen to notice that Tiger used a steel shaft in his driver last Sunday? The reason steel shafts keep hanging around is because for control (and at a decent price), there's just no comparison with any graphite shaft most of us want to afford. As long as you have the club head speed (sounds like you do) distance isn't the major issue, is it?

Answer 3

you have shorter shafts with the steel . less torque . shorter club , shorter backswing , longer shafts will get stuck easily , not as accurate . that is why you have picked distance , accuracy well done . nobody can hit a 46 inch driver . just a waste of money . 44 inches graphite max

Answer 4

I'm guessing your big misses were mostly to the right? The shorter shafts may just reduce the angle of impact on the ball so you hit the ball with less slice spin.  Long hitters typically impart very little spin on their tee shot.