Recent WRX article on graphite iron shafts. Is it time?

[Colej]

[quote name='SeekonkHolen1' timestamp='1392476512' post='8673423']
Funny that you should post this - I read the article and thought the same thing. I am 42 with a 14 HC and the benefits of graphite as it relates to dampening the vibrations from impact and the reduced potential joint damage is making it a strong consideration for me.
[/quote]

That's the major reason for me as well. I have issues with both elbows.

[animalgolfs]

Thread should be retitled "Old guys with issues"

[dpb5031]

[quote name='oldflgolfer' timestamp='1392590137' post='8681643']
Thread should be retitled "Old guys with issues"
[/quote]

Hey...I resemble that remark...lol. I'll be 46 soon and have suffered from elbow tendinitis on and off for years, and more recently have some issues with arthritis in the large knuckles below my thumbs. I'm thinking about Ping S55s with recoil 110 for my next set. I currently play S56s with hard stepped CFS stiffs. I expect that it should not be too difficult a transition since the weights are similar.

[pmcuk]

I got fit and the recommendation was lite flex graphite. so I played them for a season.

Then on a whim I got a set of AP1 with the 105T shafts - my, my, was that a WHOLE lot more fun to play.

I just love the crisp feel of a steel shaft - I find graphite smooth but so bland. So as I get older and have more "issues" I'll just go down in weight. I have a set of Redline irons with 85g shafts, and that's probably going to be where I end up.

[CLIFFP]

I am confused and would appreciate your help. I switched to graphite a few years ago in my ap2s. I used to play dgs300s, but found I was hitting the graphites much further and straighter and I am approaching 50. I was always told my wrists don't hinge much on my backswing or through transition. I was at a golf store and began hitting mizuno mp54's with dg. For the first time in years I felt my wrists hinge during transition. The question is: was it the heavier shafts or the heavier head that made me feel the wrist hinge. I still was not hitting the mizunos as far as my ap2s, but the swing felt much different.
Thanks in advance.

[Ranchobob]

[quote name='oldflgolfer' timestamp='1392590137' post='8681643']
Thread should be retitled "Old guys with issues"
[/quote]

HA!

Very amused that the immediate follow up was 46 or so. That ain't old. I've played with guys in their 70s who didn't think they were old. My 86 year old MIL doesn't think she's old.

47yo here sitting on a 12 index right now and my only real physical issue is my lower back. (Do not high-side a motorcycle into a pickup. Take my advice; I didn't use it.)

I spent time with a fitter and a Trackman recently and I really wanted to like the graphite and to hit them well. Really did.

Could not hit them consistently. In the end, I'm reshafting my irons from Dynalite Gold R300 to DG S400. That was by far the tightest dispersion and no loss of distance. Arguably gained a yard or two.

I think the predictions of graphite taking over are probably right, but don't think it was anything to do with what's in the stores or how far the technology comes. It's going to happen when there's a wholesale shift on the PGA Tour. That drives sales. Win on Sunday, sell on Monday.

One or two players isn't enough. Maybe 15 of the top 20.

Now quit your beachin', ya old fogeys!

And get offa my lawn.

[dpb5031]

[quote name='Ranchobob' timestamp='1392647202' post='8685719']
[quote name='oldflgolfer' timestamp='1392590137' post='8681643']
Thread should be retitled "Old guys with issues"
[/quote]

HA!

Very amused that the immediate follow up was 46 or so. That ain't old. I've played with guys in their 70s who didn't think they were old. My 86 year old MIL doesn't think she's old.

47yo here sitting on a 12 index right now and my only real physical issue is my lower back. (Do not high-side a motorcycle into a pickup. Take my advice; I didn't use it.)

I spent time with a fitter and a Trackman recently and I really wanted to like the graphite and to hit them well. Really did.

Could not hit them consistently. In the end, I'm reshafting my irons from Dynalite Gold R300 to DG S400. That was by far the tightest dispersion and no loss of distance. Arguably gained a yard or two.

I think the predictions of graphite taking over are probably right, but don't think it was anything to do with what's in the stores or how far the technology comes. It's going to happen when there's a wholesale shift on the PGA Tour. That drives sales. Win on Sunday, sell on Monday.

One or two players isn't enough. Maybe 15 of the top 20.

Now quit your beachin', ya old fogeys!

And get offa my lawn.
[/quote]

Hahaha....true, 46 isn't really old, but it's all relative isn't it? I'm a low single digit and get down to scratch if I'm practicing short game regularly. Certainly better now than 10 years ago or even 5 years ago. My body is prett banged up from years of sports though, and joint inflammation issues run in my family. I just wonder if the benefits of graphite iron shafts are real or placebo...probably worth a try either way.

[Ranchobob]

[quote name='dpb5031' timestamp='1392647638' post='8685771']
Hahaha....true, 46 isn't really old, but it's all relative isn't it? I'm a low single digit and get down to scratch if I'm practicing short game regularly. Certainly better now than 10 years ago or even 5 years ago. My body is prett banged up from years of sports though, and joint inflammation issues run in my family. I just wonder if the benefits of graphite iron shafts are real or placebo...probably worth a try either way.
[/quote]

Well, I've got a buddy who sits around scratch and just had a set made so he could hit more balls at the range without having to deal with joint pain.

Maybe have a couple clubs made and see how you hit them? Or see a fitter with a Trackman to really see how you hit them?

[myspinonit]

Lots of steelfibre threads. I made the switch 2 years ago when I turned 61 and the pain from arthritis mostly in my thumbs was making me think I would have to give up golf very soon.

I bit the bullet on the shafts and the Miuras after trying others for performance and dampening. Very expensive but I'll never go back and hope my current irons meet my goal to be my last, even if I have to replace an individual head or more. I have them on my wedges too. I've had to replace a couple of wedges but swap over the shafts and have my club maker add any weight to head for set flow if needed.

ps Don't forget the grips you have as a vibration dampening issue whether or not you bite the bullet for softer shafts.

[animalgolfs]

[quote name='Ranchobob' timestamp='1392647202' post='8685719']
[quote name='oldflgolfer' timestamp='1392590137' post='8681643']
Thread should be retitled "Old guys with issues"
[/quote]

HA!

Very amused that the immediate follow up was 46 or so. That ain't old. I've played with guys in their 70s who didn't think they were old. My 86 year old MIL doesn't think she's old.

47yo here sitting on a 12 index right now and my only real physical issue is my lower back. (Do not high-side a motorcycle into a pickup. Take my advice; I didn't use it.)

I spent time with a fitter and a Trackman recently and I really wanted to like the graphite and to hit them well. Really did.

Could not hit them consistently. In the end, I'm reshafting my irons from Dynalite Gold R300 to DG S400. That was by far the tightest dispersion and no loss of distance. Arguably gained a yard or two.

I think the predictions of graphite taking over are probably right, but don't think it was anything to do with what's in the stores or how far the technology comes. It's going to happen when there's a wholesale shift on the PGA Tour. That drives sales. Win on Sunday, sell on Monday.

One or two players isn't enough. Maybe 15 of the top 20.

Now quit your beachin', ya old fogeys!

And get offa my lawn.
[/quote]


I switched to graphite already....46 with psoriatic arthritis. It does help greatly! So, I'm an old guy with issues

[shaffe]

[quote name='BigHook25' timestamp='1392581011' post='8680579']
[quote name='Falang_Golfer' timestamp='1392559900' post='8678793']
I think we will see the switch start to occur once OEMs start offering their normal "graphite" option with something like the RIP tour or steelfiber. Those would probably be an upcharge similar to the stock graphite shaft but at something the better golfer would look at. Currently all you have in stock is the OEM graphite which is lightweight and usually not comparable to the steel. I think this just adds to the impression that graphite is "not for me".

I do think price will be a major factor for many years. Sets starting at $1000+ are hard to swallow for most.
[/quote]

Yup, going to be difficult for most to pay the extra money for minimal to no difference in performance. Eventually graphite shaft prices might come down, or maybe steel makes better and better feeling irons shafts that are more like graphite in terms of vibration.
[/quote]

How long have graphite shafts been out ... 30+ years? ... And we're all still waiting in the price to come down.

[Lionstar]

[quote name='Fade to Black' timestamp='1392487554' post='8674291']
[quote name='SeekonkHolen1' timestamp='1392487138' post='8674247']
[quote name='Fade to Black' timestamp='1392484624' post='8674029']
I don't think you'll see a mass exodus until the prices of graphite shafts come down measurably.

Irons shafts: $20-30/each. Set of 8: $160-240
Recoils or Steelfibres: $40-50/each. Set of 8: $320-400
[/quote]

I can see your point here, but most of us don't really think too hard about spending $300 on a single shaft for a driver, so when you can buy a set of 8 for the irons it doesn't seem quite so bad.
[/quote]

Never spent more than $120 on a shaft and probably never will.

That aside, if you step up to the heavier Recoils (ie. prototypes), you're now in $125/shaft territory which most certainly is a deal breaker for most.
[/quote]
$125 per shaft for Recoil Prototypes????????? NO WAY! I have an entire set of Recoil Prototypes 110s in F4 flex for just $60 per INSTALLED. For those of you who think you're saving money with steel, wait until you see the medical bills, prescription costs and missed time on the course due to joint issues with steel shafts. I don't care how old you are,,keep playing steel and you will eventually do substantial if not permanent damage to your golfing body. What's THAT worth to you? And as I've stated in other posts, I wouldn't play ANY other shaft in ALL my irons except the Recoil Protos. Admittedly, I've tried the other Recoils ,[non-prototypes] and they weren't for me. So pay now, or painfully pay later.

[Fade to Black]

Be curious to know where you got proto's for $60 installed.

[dave s 316]

me too, thats below MAP

[foxycats]

anyone play rombax 115i graphite shafts? how do they compare to recoils, or steelfibers?

[avguy]

I played less golf from 1999-2007 with a set of Titleist DGI 981s in their Select Lite Graphite shafts S than I have from 2007 onward. Now in steel, my lead elbow (left) first went to horrid throb pain in 2010, about three years into the steel age for me.

I did drop the tour wt. shaft DGs R300 (127G) in one of the sets in favor of lighter steel in sets I play now. PX 5.0 flighted (115g), DG DL XP R300 (114g). Also needed over 2 mos. PT and over 3mos. out of golf.

Wt. reduction in shaft does help you on wear n tear. But, I am too getting older and more broken down, despite a vigerous workout regime outside of golf. I wasn't planning on reshafting one or two iron sets, but will change my range routine now in order to lessen the creeping in pain again.

Since I go with hybrids (graphite shaft!) in the 3 & 4 iron slots, those will be my shortest clubs I will use at the range. That's my bandaid until I can pony up the $ for new graphite shafts.

[Frankensteins Monster]

For those that have tested both, which shaft feels stiffer, Recoils or Steelfibers and which shaft has the better dampening effect?

[jabrch]

[quote name='lumberman2462' timestamp='1392552664' post='8678443']
UST's prediction of 8-10 years is probably true....but the timing is really dependent upon prices coming down.

I haven't really looked into graphite shaft prices and am going off of numbers in this thread (and a few others)[b] and it looks like $500 to more than $1000.00 to have your irons reshafted with graphite.[/b]

When the top-of-the-line graphit shafts get to the sub $500 range for a set then there will be a big move....until then I suppose we'll all just keep banged away with steel.

I play with pretty wide variety of good players. Some with deep pockets and some without. 2 guys using Steelfibers is all I can recall and apparently that shaft isn't at the top end price wise.
[/quote]

Having your current sticks reshafted - I guess...but if you order them, most OEMs have a graphite offering that is $100 - $200 more than their steel. Callaway Xhots were $100 different for the full set to go graphite.

[Lionstar]

[quote name='Frankensteins Monster' timestamp='1392812223' post='8700509']
For those that have tested both, which shaft feels stiffer, Recoils or Steelfibers and which shaft has the better dampening effect?
[/quote]
Having never tried the Steelfiber I cannot compare. But when you have found perfection there is no reason to try anything else. The Recoil Prototype is perfection in an iron golf shaft,,IMHO.

[pingfool]

Recoils?
Steelfibers
Aldila RIP
Rombax 115
Matrix Program 130

all said to be alternative to steel for better or higher swingspeed profile

anyone tried them all?

been a long-time use of GAT 95 - also have wedges GAT 105&115

new high-end graphite iron shafts are worth the upfront cost - if you need help w/ vibration dampening
but are not readily available to compare

price makes experimenting prohibitive - and it might be too early to gauge re-sale

[BillyZ2]

I went from steel stiff to regular graphite with the Callaway X Hot irons. I took them on a trip to florida and could not hit them. The light weight shafts threw my tempo out of wack, and no matter how hard I tried to keep the tempo/timing correct, I just couldn't do it. I traded them in for the regular shafted X Hots. I am wondering, though, if that was a good decision based on some elbow and shoulder pain I have? Are there any stats on how much dampening effect graphite has over steel?

[Stuart_G]

[quote name='Tom Gski' timestamp='1393517955' post='8757860']
I went from steel stiff to regular graphite with the Callaway X Hot irons. I took them on a trip to florida and could not hit them. The light weight shafts threw my tempo out of wack, and no matter how hard I tried to keep the tempo/timing correct, I just couldn't do it. I traded them in for the regular shafted X Hots. I am wondering, though, if that was a good decision based on some elbow and shoulder pain I have? Are there any stats on how much dampening effect graphite has over steel?
[/quote]

Finding the right weight is critical regardless of whether you go steel or graphite. Steel is no longer always going to be heavy and graphite is not always light. Those particular stock graphite shafts are very light - even compared to most other graphite shafts. There are lots of heavier options available in graphite than those particular stock shafts if that is a better fit for you.

No actual data based evidence that I'm aware of but the basic theory based on material properties is sound and more importantly, literally tons of actual experiences posted here and other places about the positive benefits with respect to pain reduction with graphite over steel. The final results will obviously depend on the nature of the injury.

[Lionstar]

[quote name='Tom Gski' timestamp='1393517955' post='8757860']
I went from steel stiff to regular graphite with the Callaway X Hot irons. I took them on a trip to florida and could not hit them. The light weight shafts threw my tempo out of wack, and no matter how hard I tried to keep the tempo/timing correct, I just couldn't do it. I traded them in for the regular shafted X Hots. I am wondering, though, if that was a good decision based on some elbow and shoulder pain I have? Are there any stats on how much dampening effect graphite has over steel?
[/quote]
You need to get the right graphite for you, meaning right weight,flex and swing weight. The Recoil graphite shafts can be had in weights from 66 grams to over 120 grams which is the weight of most standard steel shafts. There is no doubt that graphite would be a much healthier product for your physical well being. Much, much less stress,vibration and damage to your joints and surrounding connective tissue. So much less that it will add to your long term enjoyment of the game of golf as well as your non golfing activities. I suggest you see a knowledgeable fitter or even an experienced,competent retail golf sales professional. I hope this humble opinion helps,,but don't worry. The right graphite shaft is out there.

[BillyZ2]

[quote name='Stuart G.' timestamp='1393518800' post='8757978']
[quote name='Tom Gski' timestamp='1393517955' post='8757860']
I went from steel stiff to regular graphite with the Callaway X Hot irons. I took them on a trip to florida and could not hit them. The light weight shafts threw my tempo out of wack, and no matter how hard I tried to keep the tempo/timing correct, I just couldn't do it. I traded them in for the regular shafted X Hots. I am wondering, though, if that was a good decision based on some elbow and shoulder pain I have? Are there any stats on how much dampening effect graphite has over steel?
[/quote]

Finding the right weight is critical regardless of whether you go steel or graphite. Steel is no longer always going to be heavy and graphite is not always light. Those particular stock graphite shafts are very light - even compared to most other graphite shafts. There are lots of heavier options available in graphite than those particular stock shafts if that is a better fit for you.

No actual data based evidence that I'm aware of but the basic theory based on material properties is sound and more importantly, literally tons of actual experiences posted here and other places about the positive benefits with respect to pain reduction with graphite over steel. The final results will obviously depend on the nature of the injury.
[/quote]
[quote name='Lionstar' timestamp='1393529689' post='8759340']
[quote name='Tom Gski' timestamp='1393517955' post='8757860']
I went from steel stiff to regular graphite with the Callaway X Hot irons. I took them on a trip to florida and could not hit them. The light weight shafts threw my tempo out of wack, and no matter how hard I tried to keep the tempo/timing correct, I just couldn't do it. I traded them in for the regular shafted X Hots. I am wondering, though, if that was a good decision based on some elbow and shoulder pain I have? Are there any stats on how much dampening effect graphite has over steel?
[/quote]
You need to get the right graphite for you, meaning right weight,flex and swing weight. The Recoil graphite shafts can be had in weights from 66 grams to over 120 grams which is the weight of most standard steel shafts. There is no doubt that graphite would be a much healthier product for your physical well being. Much, much less stress,vibration and damage to your joints and surrounding connective tissue. So much less that it will add to your long term enjoyment of the game of golf as well as your non golfing activities. I suggest you see a knowledgeable fitter or even an experienced,competent retail golf sales professional. I hope this humble opinion helps,,but don't worry. The right graphite shaft is out there.
[/quote]I just got back from lunch with a friend and a trip to Golfsmith. I talked over this issue with the club builder there and he suggested the UST Recoil shafts. One that I really liked the specs on was the one highlighted in bue in the attached photo. It seems to have a little more weight to it.

[Stuart_G]

[quote name='Tom Gski' timestamp='1393532335' post='8759748']
I just got back from lunch with a friend and a trip to Golfsmith. I talked over this issue with the club builder there and he suggested the UST Recoil shafts. One that I really liked the specs on was the one highlighted in bue in the attached photo. It seems to have a little more weight to it.
[/quote]

Low 80's still could be light for you (sorry don't remember what shafts you're coming from) so make sure to test them out before deciding. If so, there is also a 95 and 110 version of the recoil available to the public now. It's a fairly new release from UST so not sure if golfsmith carries them yet but golfwork.com does.

[BillyZ2]

[quote name='Stuart G.' timestamp='1393535293' post='8760210']
[quote name='Tom Gski' timestamp='1393532335' post='8759748']
I just got back from lunch with a friend and a trip to Golfsmith. I talked over this issue with the club builder there and he suggested the UST Recoil shafts. One that I really liked the specs on was the one highlighted in bue in the attached photo. It seems to have a little more weight to it.
[/quote]

Low 80's still could be light for you (sorry don't remember what shafts you're coming from) so make sure to test them out before deciding. If so, there is also a 95 and 110 version of the recoil available to the public now. It's a fairly new release from UST so not sure if golfsmith carries them yet but golfwork.com does.
[/quote]Actually, the UST Recoil was also one the tech was recommending for me, based on the weight issues I told him about. I might try either one I have mentioned on just one club and see how it does. I'm hedging towards the 95 right now.

[Pinchaser]

I'm another "old" 45 yo that is ready to make the move. I've had tendonitis in my shoulder and elbow on and off for the last 2-3 years, mostly caused by my work but golf doesn't help. If it wasn't for the tendonitis I probably wouldn't consider switching to graphite in my irons.

To my mind, if graphite is to replace steel then it has to have the same performance at a cheaper price or better performance at the same price. Otherwise what is the point of changing? Three hundred dollars for a driver shaft that promises an extra 20 yards..... maybe. $250 for a putter that will cut 5 shots off every round.....definately. $1,000 for a set of Recoil Protos that will basically give the same results as steel.... no chance.

[cdnrockies]

Interesting thread. I've been looking for a set of used AP2's for a back up set to my Mizuno's recently. Found a cheap set with graphite shafts. Comes with stiff AD 65i's in the P-7 and Aldila VS Proto-T in the 5/6. I'm very interested to see how they perform. If they are good, I may pull them and throw them into my MP's.

Anybody familiar with these shafts?

[Stuart_G]

[quote name='cdnrockies' timestamp='1393630793' post='8767794']
Interesting thread. I've been looking for a set of used AP2's for a back up set to my Mizuno's recently. Found a cheap set with graphite shafts. Comes with stiff AD 65i's in the P-7 and Aldila VS Proto-T in the 5/6. I'm very interested to see how they perform. If they are good, I may pull them and throw them into my MP's.

Anybody familiar with these shafts?
[/quote]

Which weight? I think there are a couple of different weights offered. The real Vs-proto iron shafts are very solid offering but not sure how the Titleist "T" versions differ from them.

[cdnrockies]

[quote name='Stuart G.' timestamp='1393631552' post='8767884']
[quote name='cdnrockies' timestamp='1393630793' post='8767794']
Interesting thread. I've been looking for a set of used AP2's for a back up set to my Mizuno's recently. Found a cheap set with graphite shafts. Comes with stiff AD 65i's in the P-7 and Aldila VS Proto-T in the 5/6. I'm very interested to see how they perform. If they are good, I may pull them and throw them into my MP's.

Anybody familiar with these shafts?
[/quote]

Which weight? I think there are a couple of different weights offered. The real Vs-proto iron shafts are very solid offering but not sure how the Titleist "T" versions differ from them.
[/quote]

75 g in the Proto-T's. Thanks!