What is a Steel Golf Shaft

What is a Steel Golf Shaft?

These are shafts made using steel material. Steel is a material derived from an amalgamation of iron and carbon. It was featured in the earlier designs and was selected because of its many beneficial properties including strength and durability.

Carbon steel is mainly used for this application with varying compositions. Besides, you can also customize golf shafts to fit the user’s preference.

What is a Graphite Golf Shaft?

This refers to a golf shaft made from graphite. Graphite is a compound that naturally occurs but can be synthesized as well. It comprises carbon atoms arranged in a crystalline structure.

Graphite is strong and lightweight and was designed as a more flexible alternative to the more traditional steel shafts.

Comparing Steel Golf Shaft vs Graphite Golf Shaft

Given their strength and durability graphite and steel shafts are the most commonly preferred types of shafts among golf enthusiasts.

These materials have several beneficial properties that make them ideal for this application. Here is a comparison between these two types of golf shafts.

Comparing Advantages of Steel Gold Shaft and Graphite Golf Shaft

The properties of these golf shafts are mainly derived from the properties of the raw materials.

Steel Golf Shaft Benefits

These golf shafts are designed using carbon steel which features exceptional strength. The benefits of these shafts include;

• This golf shaft is not only strong but also highly durable given its high tolerance to stress and other damaging forces such as abrasion, wear, and breakage.
• Steel shafts are more economical as they are sold at a much lower price compared to the graphite shafts
• Due to their hardness, these shafts offer more control with a stiffer flex as they require less effort to maintain them on the desired plane.
• They have an increased kick point owing to their stiffness. A ball’s trajectory can be decreased if there is a reduced stiffness in the shaft which makes steel shafts suitable.
• Steel golf shafts are incredibly versatile and are designed with varying weights and lengths to accommodate the skills and strength levels of the different players. They can also be easily customized according to the user’s preferences.
• It is designed with a torque that is located lower on the shaft which reduces the twisting of the shaft. This feature helps create straighter shots.
• Steel shafts provide more accurate and pronounced feedback through tension and vibration felt by the golfer. This is important in the long run as it illuminates the areas that require improvement in tempo and movement.

Graphite Golf Shafts Benefits

These shafts are designed using epoxy and carbon fibers, which are known for their lightweight. The advantages of these golf shafts include;

• Graphite is naturally a lightweight material and as such these shafts have a reduced weight which in turn increases the speed of the club as well as its distance
• These shafts are great for reducing vibrations with their dampening effect. This minimized discomfit and is suitable for prolonged use thanks to the softer feeling during impact. The soft feel is owed to its ability to dissipate vibrations.
• Compared to steel, these shafts have enhanced flexibility concerning their torque and length. This influences the spin and trajectory of the ball.
• These shafts can be personalized to better suit the different user’s needs. They come in a variety of sizes and lengths to cater to the different levels of skill and strength of the various players. The different customizable parameters include flex, bending profiles, weight, and length.
• Graphite shafts are suitable for players with minimal swing speeds and are sensitive to the feedback of the club. These shafts can increase both distance and trajectory as they are lightweight and allow the golfer to launch at much higher angles which allows the ball to travel to a longer distance at increased speeds.

Disadvantages of Steel Golf Shaft vs Graphite Golf Shaft.

There are a few limitations that are likely to be encountered when using either one of these golf shafts. These limitations include;

Limitations of Steel Golf Shafts

• Steel shafts are as heavy as they are strong. This makes it more difficult to handle and swing, especially for players with a lower strength profile.
• These shafts are rigid which reduces its forgiveness in terms of swinging speed as well as distance.
• The steel shaft offers no dampening effect when it comes to vibration which is an advantage when seeking feedback but may result in fatigue and increased discomfort when playing.
• Although it can be customized steel shafts have limited options in terms of the available lengths, flex, and weights.
• Prolonged use may result in health problems such as hand complications or irritations in the shoulder and arm because of their high weight, rigidity, and vibrations.

Limitations of Graphite Golf Shaft

• These shafts cost more to purchase. They are fairly expensive, unlike their steel counterparts.
• Their lightweight and enhanced flexibility can translate to less accuracy and control for some users
• Their enhanced flexibility and their reduced weight may result in an overplayed poor swing.
• They have a reduced consistency, especially with higher speeds which affects the speed and accuracy of the swing

Conclusion

Steel and graphite golf shafts have different advantages that make them both equally suitable for this application. They are also designed with varying parameters to provide more inclusive options for the different players. Therefore, the best option to use depends on your level of skill as well as strength. Different players will have different preferences and it is therefore best to select one that caters to all requirements.