Steel vs. Graphite Iron Shafts: A Guide

In the modern era, pretty much all wood, hybrid, and driver shafts for sale are made from composites in the form of graphite, which is made from carbon fiber.

The precision that can be exerted over manufacturing, and the customizability that arises from the use of graphite just cannot be rivalled by steel.

This being the case, in the world of golf shafts for irons, there are still many steel and graphite shafts available. Let’s take a closer look at each of these and explore the relative advantages of each.

Why Steel Iron Shafts?  

For the longest time, steel has been the preferred material for golf shafts for irons. It is low-cost, easy to manufacture (relatively) and extremely durable.  

First, let’s talk about a basic distinction. Regardless of the other relevant factors, steel iron shafts are either made with a high-carbon alloy, or with a stainless alloy.  

High-carbon steel iron shafts are not resistant to corrosion and you will have to pay closer attention to them to make sure they don’t rust. In all other respects, stainless steel shafts are the same, except they will prove more effective at resisting rust and corrosion.  

Steel is stiffer and stronger in general than graphite. As a result, some golfers, especially those with stronger, faster swings and more aggressive tempos, prefer to play with steel shafts.  

This stiffness also yields better feedback through the shaft, as well as greater precision and control over the swing - or so golfers say. This is at least the case for some golfers, likely those with faster swing speeds. 

There’s also no delicate way to say this: steel iron shafts are tough, far tougher than even the best graphite iron shafts. If you swing hard and hit big divots, then steel shafts might be better for you. One too many extra-fat shots and a graphite shaft might crack or snap outright. That won’t happen with a steel shaft.

Another thing about steel iron shafts is that they are usually a bit heavier than comparable graphite shafts, which makes them harder for players with slower swing speeds to use effectively.

As for consistency, stiffness and low-torque steel shafts are usually better. Lastly, there are some affordable steel iron shafts which is a selling point for some golfers.

Why Graphite Iron Shafts? 

Now let’s put graphite iron shafts under the microscope. Basically, these are made the same way as graphite driver shafts for sale. They are made from carbon fibers that are woven and bound with epoxy resin, and engineered to deliver a specific subset of performance attributes.

First things first, graphite iron shafts are lighter than steel shafts, and can be considerably so. This light swing weighting is one of the things that makes them attractive to players with slightly slower swing speeds.

However, it is also important to note that while some graphite iron shafts can be engineered to deliver launch and spin characteristics that are preferable to players with slower swing speeds, there are modern graphite shafts that are also suitable for players with higher swing speeds. To understand this let’s take a closer look at graphite shafts.  

For one, graphite shafts do not have inherent stiffness or torque ratings. They can be engineered to be either very stiff or very flexible, with either high or low torque. They can also be engineered to have either a high or low kick point, and the relatively flex ratings and activity of each section of the shaft, from the butt through the tip, can be customized.

This means that there are very flexible, high-launching, high-spin graphite iron shafts for players with slower swing speeds, but there are also fairly stiff, low-torque, low-launch and spin shafts that are suitable for players with faster swing speeds, too.  

The fact that graphite shafts can be either high or low stiffness or torque makes them very customizable. One might produce a high launch and low spin, or vice versa, which traits can impact not just carry distance but also shot dispersion. This makes these shafts very popular among golfers who are looking for a unique mix of attributes that steel might not be able to offer.

Another thing that makes graphite golf shafts for irons popular is that they have certain shock absorbent properties that are a little better than steel. Though this can reduce their sensitivity and feedback, it can reduce wrist-shock and discomfort associated with hitting the turf with a stiff steel shaft.

Now, with all of this being said, it’s important to note that graphite iron shafts are not flat-out better than steel shafts across the board. For one thing, they tend to be more expensive, and notwithstanding the fact that they don’t rust, they are more fragile and can easily be damaged through improper handling, misuse, and abuse.

Which Golf Shafts for Irons Are Best for You?

To make this all as simple as possible, steel iron shafts:

• Are stiffer
• Heavier
• Generally more affordable
• Require less maintenance
• Are physically more durable
• Can rust if not properly cared for
• And are usually better for players with faster swing speeds

On the flipside, graphite iron shafts:

• Are lighter in weight
• Can be either stiff or flexible
• Generally cost more
• Are more fragile than steel
• Can be suitable for players with either fast or slow swing speeds
• And can be performance-customized according to the desired attributes

This being the case, in order to determine whether you should continue playing with steel iron shafts or should re-outfit your favorite irons with graphite shafts, the best course of action is to work with a professional golf fitter.

Get in touch with our fitters here and we will talk to you about your goals and personal skill set, before giving you insight, even personalized recommendations into what shafts you should be swinging.

Whatever the best iron shafts for you are, we’ll help you find them. Get in touch with us at 800-955-9550 to get the ball rolling.