Converting from steel to graphite

Retrop1 · February 19, 2023

So I am finally converting from steel in my irons and wedges to graphite after years of fighting nagging arthritis and various aches and pains in hopes that it will help. I did go and get fit for everything, but my concern is getting similar flight. So to all the gurus out there, what composite shaft will give me the most similar flights to steel, all other things being equal? There are so many good choices that market steel performance in a graphite package, but which ones translate most seemlessly?

Haber · February 19, 2023

Depends what kind of steel you are trying to replace. Looking for lowest launch like PX or DG or looking to replace a lighter higher launching steel shaft?

I played DG and KBS $ taper previously and replaced it with MMT 125 and it’s been a seamless switch. Can flight it low or high with ease. No major difference from steel just so much easier on my elbows.

Drivingrangehero · February 19, 2023

I have found very little difference in flight from steel to graphite if the weight is the same.

What steel shaft were you playing?

Stuart_G · February 19, 2023

57 minutes ago, Retrop1 said:

So I am finally converting from steel in my irons and wedges to graphite after years of fighting nagging arthritis and various aches and pains in hopes that it will help. I did go and get fit for everything, but my concern is getting similar flight. So to all the gurus out there, what composite shaft will give me the most similar flights to steel, all other things being equal? There are so many good choices that market steel performance in a graphite package, but which ones translate most seemlessly?

First of all, not all steel shafts are the same. Both graphite and steel come in a wide range of weights and stiffness profiles (or launch characteristics). The shaft material really doesn't play any part in the ball flight so you have to pay attention to the specific shaft specs (weight and stiffness profile).

Second, most will find that shaft weight will tend to have much more of an influence on the swing and delivery (and therefore the ball flight) than the stiffness profile. So the most important aspect to moving from steel to graphite is to find the best shaft weight. If your current steel shafts are known to be a good fit for weight, then try to find a graphite shaft with the same (or very similar) shaft weight.

Next, it's best to pick a profile (or stiffness feel) that doesn't cause any problem with the consistency and accuracy of your swing (and results)

Finally, if further adjustment is needed to the flight, leave that to the head and loft selection (e.g. bend the lofts stronger or weaker).

Retrop1 · February 20, 2023

8 hours ago, Drivingrangehero said:

I have found very little difference in flight from steel to graphite if the weight is the same.

What steel shaft were you playing?

I am currently playing elevate tour which are 120g and got fit for Steelfiber 110 but haven’t pulled that trigger just yet

Drivingrangehero · February 20, 2023

30 minutes ago, Retrop1 said:

I am currently playing elevate tour which are 120g and got fit for Steelfiber 110 but haven’t pulled that trigger just yet

I like the Elevate Tour, I play a Steelfiber i110R at 1/2 inch over standard and love them!

Steelfiber i110’s swingweight low, so if you play standard length clubs you would most likely need to add 6-8g of weight to the head to get them to swingweight like most other shafts, which will make them very similar in weight to the Elevate Tour around 117g

If the SF i110 was on the stiff side, then the added tip weights would be like soft stepping one time

nitram · February 20, 2023

Went from playing X100 for over 30 years to MMT 125TX. Seamless transition, and I won't ever go back.

ChipNRun · February 20, 2023

13 hours ago, Retrop1 said:

...after years of fighting nagging arthritis and various aches and pains in hopes that it will help. I did go and get fit for everything, but my concern is getting similar flight. So to all the gurus out there, what composite shaft will give me the most similar flights to steel, all other things being equal?

With arthritis and other pain from swinging a club, one consideration would be to get a lighter shaft. If you go lighter, you will want to try out different shafts to see which ones work for you.

One thing I noticed: I moved to a shaft that had a static weight about 20 grams lighter than the old steel shaft. It felt lighter, but did not feel feathery. So, you might not need a 110 gram graphite to replace, say a 110-gram steel shaft.

Another thing to consider: For every 9 grams (approximately) that you go lighter, you will lose a swingweight point. To keep the old SwWt, you could have the fitter place a tip weight in your shafts. Two grams weight will roughly recapture 1 SwWt point. (You would need to dry-fit the shaft and head to get a more exact fit.)

ShowMe · February 20, 2023

If I were you, I'd determine the EI profile of the steel shafts you currently use and find a graphite shaft with a similar profile. Nowadays, the shaft's material is the least important thing to focus on.

Retrop1 · February 23, 2023

Well thanks to the feedback in this thread and from fitters, I have decided to go with the Aerotech SF 110cw shafts in a set of Rogue Pro irons with the specs as close to my PXG set up as possible other than the shaft. I will report back soon.