Steel versus graphite shafts in irons?

Question

Please respond only if you have used both steel and graphite shafts in irons, AND you are a decent golfer (5 handicap or less).

I am a scratch golfer, but I feel like distance control and accuracy with my irons could be better. I currently have Nike Forged Pro Combo irons with GRAPHITE shafts. My home course plays 7500 yards in Colorado and I usually hit 50% of the greens. I chose to get graphite shafts because my home course is so long, but how much accuracy do you think I am sacrificing? Would the trade-off of distance for accuracy be worth getting fitted for new irons with steel shafts? If so, what are some models you think I should try out?

Other info:

I like to shape my shots.

I am not a very long hitter, so distance is fairly important to me. I hit my driver around 310 yards (probably 290 at sea level) and my 5-iron distance is 215 (200 at sea level).

All par 3's at my home course are over 200 yards, and there are a few holes that require long carries from approach shots.

Answer 1

if you like to shape your shots and do it well..  then your only option is steel shafts.  you arent sacrifince much accuracy in my opinion..and those yardages are tour level yardages so u arent that short.   most ppl hit their 5 iron about 165-175.  with steel u are looking at heavier clubs on the whole.

Answer 2

If you are a scratch golfer, you have to be crazy to play with graphite in your irons.  I believe you are sacrificing shots to get distance from your irons.  True Temper Dynamic Gold is the standard for most touring pros.  If you are looking to increase (or keep) your distances, maybe you should try a less stiff shaft if you have a slower swing speed.

Or maybe keep the graphite in your long irons/hybrids, and go with steel in your 5 iron trhough wedges.

There is just way too much twist in graphite shafts.

Answer 3

steel all the way.  lateon if you decide to buy a good set of clubs (calloway, titleist, nike, taylormade, etc) you can't get them in graphite.  

If you want some real good help guides I have a website with links to the guides I used and found to be very helpfull.

http://www.golfguide.synthasite.com

Take a look. these guides helped they me greatly.

Answer 4

Although today's Technology has removed a lot of the earlier problems of clubhead twist in Graphite shafts......I think this boils down more accurately to a swing....or swingspeed question.  While it is true to a limited extent that a steel shaft might provide you with a tad more accuracy......It will also probably change your club distances.  Best bet would be to try both....see what works better for you.  You just have to hit them yourself to see what you can do with them.

Answer 5

I know the answer to your question, but since I am not a five handicapper or below I am not allowed to answer.

Answer 6

I am a scratch professional, before I switched to graphite in my irons, I played Rifle Project X 6.5. I did not have any change in distance - my 5 iron still goes 195 - the changes I did notice were that I can hit different trajectories with graphite much easier. The project x gave me a consistent medium traj. flat penetrating ball flight, my Penley 85 graphite shafts allow me to hit it very high if I have to, but I can still hit medium flat shots if I want. I actually can curve shots more easily now - due to slightly higher torque (went from 1.8 to 2.9) swing tempo is an important factor - mine is about 1.6 seconds - I am a very smooth swinger with high clubhead speed(112 mph with driver) The only other benefit I have received is a little more shock absorption with graphite. The technology now with graphite is so good, you can play either material and be assured of consistency, it basically all boils down to personal preference.