Areotech Steelfiber vs KBS C-taper

[Hstead]

I currently play C-taper S+ at 1/2" over. My ss with 6 iron is 96, and Mizuno Optimizer numbers are something like 7565 if I recall. I am ordering a set of SB-1s and can't decide between these two shafts. I am leaning towards Steelfibers but am lost on weight and flex. I don't know if I need 110 or 125. S or X? I don't have anywhere to try these unfortunately.

 

Does anyone have a direct comparison with the C-taper? I played X100 for 20 years and hate the soft butt feeling now that I have C-tapers. What is the butt of the Areotech like, firm or soft?

 

I am really looking for some high swing speed players and their comparisons and what weight and flex they are playing.

[BrianL99]

[quote name='Hstead' timestamp='1353962770' post='5981311']
I currently play C-taper S+ at 1/2" over. My ss with 6 iron is 96, and Mizuno Optimizer numbers are something like 7565 if I recall. I am ordering a set of SB-1s and can't decide between these two shafts. I am leaning towards Steelfibers but am lost on weight and flex. I don't know if I need 110 or 125. S or X? I don't have anywhere to try these unfortunately.

Does anyone have a direct comparison with the C-taper? I played X100 for 20 years and hate the soft butt feeling now that I have C-tapers. What is the butt of the Areotech like, firm or soft?

I am really looking for some high swing speed players and their comparisons and what weight and flex they are playing.
[/quote]

I play AeroTechs, but I'm not a high swing player. I can tell you, that no one other than Hale Irwin is plays 110's on Tour & only Irwin is playing X's.

Call Chris Hilleary at AeroTech & he'll tell you what shaft to order. They play very stiff to flex ... a 110 X is a board.

[EdGolf]

I play C-Taper stiff in my Epon and Aerotech i95 stiff in my Miura Baby Blades. Both feels the same, apart from weight but Aerotech lauch the ball a lot higher compare to C-Taper.

[ladahl]

This is the coolest site on earth.. Honestly, where else could you get this info?!

[freddyottawa]

[quote name='ladahl' timestamp='1353982386' post='5982657']
This is the coolest site on earth.. Honestly, where else could you get this info?!
[/quote]

haha, so true, hardly the most widely played shafts, but you can guarantee someone on here has played them enough to do a good comparison.

[ladahl]

My only peronsal experience...

DG s300 to KBS Pro S to Nippon 1150 S to C taper S:

The C-Taper is awesome feeling!

Love 'em! Great feel!

[Rudd]

They play very stiff to flex! Go to the website and check out the pdf of swing speed. With your swing speed of 96 for a 6i, I would say definitely no more than a stiff.
I have a set of 95 that I have played in Ping i15s, and they are regular flex due to this chart on their website. They are great shafts. I pulled them when I sold the i15s and I have not found them a new home just yet.

http://www.aerotechgolfshafts.com/pdf/products/2010-SteelFiber-Iron-Swing-Speed-Chart-091109.pdf

[Hstead]

Yeah I checked out the website. My driver SS is 118 so according to that chart I would be 110 X or 125 S I guess? My fear is playing something so light. I have noticed that most all of the tour guys are playing 95s. I always wind up with 80g flex driver shafts during fittings vs 60 or 70. For some reason, I have never gotten along with lightweight driver shafts. I thought it was interesting to that for guys north of 120 they only recommend the 110 vs the 125. Not sure why.

[ladahl]

[quote name='Hstead' timestamp='1353983686' post='5982779']
Yeah I checked out the website. My driver SS is 118 so according to that chart I would be 110 X or 125 S I guess? My fear is playing something so light. I have noticed that most all of the tour guys are playing 95s. I always wind up with 80g flex driver shafts during fittings vs 60 or 70. For some reason, I have never gotten along with lightweight driver shafts. I thought it was interesting to that for guys north of 120 they only recommend the 110 vs the 125. Not sure why.
[/quote]Very interesting... I would call them and see what they say (depending on quicker transition/ball flight, etc...

I like a heavier shaft too... I would have guess I would fit into a 110 S (87 SS 6 iron/ 110 driver SS)... confusing stuff, for sure

There are always C-Taper pulls on BST/Ebay.. try those first?

Maybe C Taper S+ would be perfect?

[Hstead]

I have C-taper S+ in my Titleist 690MBs now. I like the C-taper but I am not getting along with the 690s. I just don't like the feel that well. One thought I am having is to go ahead and order the SBs with Steelfibers and if I do not like them I can throw the C-tapers in them myself. That is probably where I am leaning but I am not sure on what to order, 110 or 125. I tried calling Chris today but he is out until Weds they said.

I was hoping some folks with experience hitting each would chime in. My main question is what do the Steelfibers feel like? Are they butt stiff like PX and C-taper, or are they butt soft like DG? I hate the soft butt shafts now that I have played the CT's. I am also curious to see if the Steelfibers launch higher or lower than the CT?

[nova6868]

I'm quite sure they will launch higher than C-tapers, but that's just what I know from reading about them.

I've thought about ordering them before, but always change my mind because, like you... I can't find anywhere to try them.

My driver SS is 112-114 range, and I was considering 110x in 4-GW, and 125s in SW and LW.

[Another80]

I have more mortal SS#s, but I have played both. The Steelfibers launch higher than the c-tapers, and do spin the ball a bit more. My I95s in Stiff feel much firmer and much more stable than the dg s300s that they replaced. Feel is pretty subjective, but I felt like the c-taper is firmer in the butt (weird to type that) than the Steelfibers. I'm fighting elbow tendinitis, so the Steelfibers are permanently in my bag, but loved demoing the c-tapers.

[EdGolf]

OK.... maybe a better comparison. I've play the below shafts:

- Modus 3
- C-Taper
- KBS Tour
- TT Monaco
- TT S300
- NSPro 950
- NSPro 1050
- Aerotech i95
- Aerotech Player series

In terms of softest feel:
1. Modus 3
2. NSPro 950
3. Aerotech i95 / Aerotech Player series
4. TT Monaco
5. C-Taper
6. NSPro 1050 / KBS Tour
7. TT S300

In terms of highest launching:
1. NSPro 950
2. KBS Tour
3. TT S300
4. Modus 3
5. Aerotech i95 / Aerotech Player series
6. TT Monaco
7. C-Taper / NSPro 1050

[Hstead]

[quote name='EdGolf' timestamp='1353989151' post='5983195']
OK.... maybe a better comparison. I've play the below shafts:

- Modus 3
- C-Taper
- KBS Tour
- TT Monaco
- TT S300
- NSPro 950
- NSPro 1050
- Aerotech i95
- Aerotech Player series

In terms of softest feel:
1. Modus 3
2. NSPro 950
3. Aerotech i95 / Aerotech Player series
4. TT Monaco
5. C-Taper
6. NSPro 1050 / KBS Tour
7. TT S300

In terms of highest launching:
1. NSPro 950
2. KBS Tour
3. TT S300
4. Modus 3
5. Aerotech i95 / Aerotech Player series
6. TT Monaco
7. C-Taper / NSPro 1050
[/quote]

Great info, thanks for your insight. Do you think the 110 would launch lower than the 95? What is in your bag now?

[EdGolf]

I'm gaming the Player series in my Srixon Pro100 and a mix of i110 for my Miura baby blades (#7-P) and i95 for #3-6. Both i110 and i95 seem to launch high - but not balloning high like KBS Tour or Nippon 950 and below. I like the flight and seems to spin a little more.

Distance wise I get half shaft longer as compare to Modus 3 in Yururi flatback raw. Can't really compare to C-Taper as those are shaft in my Epon 502 which has a stronger loft lol

[Swoosh-Thud]

I just put 110s in my Miura TBs. I tested one in a spare TB 7i I use for shaft testing before I got the set shafted (also had 1150, KBS Tour, C Taper and Monaco in it). They replaced a set of Monacos......hold on...the ONLY reason is because my Miuras are my range clubs and I like to pound balls and now I have another spare set of Monacos.

The Monacos are still the best shaft out there IMHO. But YES the 110s are very easy on the joints.

The one thing I can say about the 110s is that they are a very straight shaft, with little to no sidespin and a great boring trajectory. Balls go straight and drop 5' left or right. If you wanna play a sweeping Rory draw these are not the shaft for that (why I love the Monacos, low launch great feel 4 window shafts as are the Modus 3). If you like to move the ball definitely not for you. For a range shaft they're perfect. I have tried the C Tapers and did not like them. Feel sucked, very inconsistent/poor distance control, low launching just a terrible shaft and that says a lot as I am not at all shaft sensitive (I'll take Apex 4s, S 300, zz65, 1150s PX 6.0 over them).

FWIW my Monacos S play like X 100s (flight feel distance) and my 110s are S (based off a 2.5" trim 7i).

Flight wise and feel they are more 1150 (higher butt firmer) than Modus (which are very very close to the Monacos in performance <- second best shaft out there).

[Johnny]

for the op ...I'd personally hardstep a aerotech stiff in 110 or 125.

[andyville99]

Because of aching fingers recently in my right hand, I decided to give graphite iron shafts a try. I reshafted a set of Guyson finished PING ISI's with Aldila VS Proto 100S shafts - great match. But relevant for this thread, I reshafted my Yonex Ezone MB's, which previously had Proj X 5.5's (CPM'd at 6.2) with Aerotech Players Spec Ami 99 shafts. I decided to go with these after calling and talking to one of the tech guys at Aerotech who was unbelievably helpful. I was originally planning to go with the 110's, but he explained the virtues of the Players Spec shafts, which are their premium product. Their design is that the shafts increase in weight from the 3 to the PW in 2g increments - 96g up to 110g. This creates more of a MOI-matched set of irons. As he explained, the swingweights will increase about 2.0 to 2.5 points gradually from the 3 to the PW. With the PX 5.5's these weighted out at D 4.5 at +1/2" (38.25" 5 iron). I built them to a 38.5" 5 iron with the Players Spec. Adding no tip weights, the swingweights came out incredibly consistent D 4.5 for the 3 iron up to D 7.0 for the PW - a 2.5 point spread just like he said. I played with them twice this weekend and was thrilled - no impact pains but still a very crisp responsive feel. Ball flight was mid-high. Dispersion was visibly tighter than with steel - especially with the long irons. I hit 4 3-iron shots that I just stood in amazement of - absolute string-straight ropes - so much fun!

Now the important thing is flex. He was very clear that their shafts (all of them) play stiff to flex. I have always played either DG S300 or PX 5.5's and he said I should absolutely use their R flex, and he was right. It feels plenty stout, but no boardiness at all. I am a 1.6 hdcp, with a driver SS of about 100; 7 iron carry is 157. He said they have considered changing their flex designations because too many people buy stiff because of their ego, and then wonder why it's too stout. In my opinion so far, their R certainly plays like a normal S - they play stiffer than the VS Proto 100S's by comparison. If you check their website they have a pretty clear swingspeed fitting chart - use it!!

Hope this helps!
Andy

[Hstead]

Thanks for all of the replies. I have spent the last couple of hours reading about Modus, SP Blues, and Monacos. From what I am reading, it looks like I am still between the C-taper and Steelfibers. The Modus looks like a butt soft flex which I hated in the DG X100 and the original White Board. I like the feel of a stiff butt section. The Monacos sound like they are similar and I read a lot of people saying they weren't crazy about them. C-tapers seem to be the choice for stronger guys, which I am a big guy, played fullback in college. The soft butt shafts just feel awful to me when I start down. Sure they feel "soft" or "smooth" but it is because I have no idea where the clubhead is. With the C-tapers and PX, which a lot of people refer to as "harsh" or "no feel", I feel exactly where the clubface is because the shaft doesn't feel like it is way behind me when I start my downswing and pull the handle. I think it has a lot to do with physical strength from what I am reading, hitters vs swingers, although my Mizuno numbers say i do not have a hard transition etc. I think I was around 5 or 6 on most numbers.

I am leaning towards the Steelfibers as it sounds like they have both a stiff butt and tip section which is what I like. I am worried a little about them launching high as some have reported. I have no trouble hitting the ball high, and sure do not want anymore help hitting it high. I like to hit it high and hard with no ballooning, but I do not want moon balls. I do like the sounds of low spin and playing a more straight shot, which i have changed with the C-taper as it is hard to hit sweeping hooks etc. I have just had to learn to play a straighter shot which is doable for sure.

Keep them coming, I appreciate all of the feedback and I am sure there are more in my shoes reading as well.

[LOA]

[quote name='Hstead' timestamp='1353997149' post='5983559']
Thanks for all of the replies. I have spent the last couple of hours reading about Modus, SP Blues, and Monacos. From what I am reading, it looks like I am still between the C-taper and Steelfibers. The Modus looks like a butt soft flex which I hated in the DG X100 and the original White Board. I like the feel of a stiff butt section. The Monacos sound like they are similar and I read a lot of people saying they weren't crazy about them. C-tapers seem to be the choice for stronger guys, which I am a big guy, played fullback in college. The soft butt shafts just feel awful to me when I start down. Sure they feel "soft" or "smooth" but it is because I have no idea where the clubhead is. With the C-tapers and PX, which a lot of people refer to as "harsh" or "no feel", I feel exactly where the clubface is because the shaft doesn't feel like it is way behind me when I start my downswing and pull the handle. I think it has a lot to do with physical strength from what I am reading, hitters vs swingers, although my Mizuno numbers say i do not have a hard transition etc. I think I was around 5 or 6 on most numbers.

I am leaning towards the Steelfibers as it sounds like they have both a stiff butt and tip section which is what I like. I am worried a little about them launching high as some have reported. I have no trouble hitting the ball high, and sure do not want anymore help hitting it high. I like to hit it high and hard with no ballooning, but I do not want moon balls. I do like the sounds of low spin and playing a more straight shot, which i have changed with the C-taper as it is hard to hit sweeping hooks etc. I have just had to learn to play a straighter shot which is doable for sure.

Keep them coming, I appreciate all of the feedback and I am sure there are more in my shoes reading as well.
[/quote]


I have a swing speed of 105 with driver and my 150 yd club is an 8 iron. I am playing the steel fibers 110 S in my Mizuno MP 64. I played S300 for years but recently had elbow surgery and had to go lighter. My concern was getting a whippy shaft.

The 110's are very stable and these are excellent shafts. They are a bit softer feel than the S300's as far as kick is concerned but NOT whippy or wild. At your swing speed I would say X flex for sure.

Heres the thing. I originally went with 125gram because that is the weight range I was used to, but the elbow did not cooperate. To my surprise the bend profile is about the same with the 110gram as the 125. Literally they are really similar. It all comes down to what your preference is for feel weight wise. But you won't sacrifice performance going lighter.

Again I would recommend X flex for you. I have a set of 5 iron-PW 125 gram stiff flex pulls sitting in my garage if you want to check them out a couple of shafts to install for super cheap to give your self an idea of what they are like. I sent you a PM

[chiromikey]

obviously this is very subjective but...dg's feel like crap to me. i have c-tapers in 2 sets of irons and they're the best shaft i've played to date. i have nippon sp blues, monacos, and steelfibers in other sets and the steelfibers are the next best shaft imho. the steelfibers are i125's in stiff and they do play stiffer than flex when cut to standard 38" 5 iron length. at 1/2" over they only felt slightly stiffer than stated flex. i'm a high ball/high spin player and nothing is as low trajectory/low spin as the ct's but the steelfibers aren't that high either. i'd say they're more mid trajectory/spin. they have a similar butt stiff feel that i love from the ct's which is probably why they've become my next favorite shaft.

for typical stiff flex players at standard 38" 5 iron length, i'd probably soft step the stiff i110's/i125's. for x flex players at standard length, straight in would be pretty darn good and i doubt they'd complain at 1/2" over because the performance will still be there.

[Hstead]

LOA and chiromikey, great info I appreciate it. This confirms that I have it down to at least the correct two shafts for me. Grip soft just isn't something I want and it sounds like the Steelfibers are as butt stiff as the CTs.

[nova6868]

Thanks for all these informative posts. I may have to just bite the bullet on these one day...

Now where are you guys buying these? Who has the best prices?

[OrangeCrush]

[quote name='Hstead' timestamp='1354025231' post='5984165']
LOA and chiromikey, great info I appreciate it. This confirms that I have it down to at least the correct two shafts for me. Grip soft just isn't something I want and it sounds like the Steelfibers are as butt stiff as the CTs.
[/quote]

I have a demo 6i with a S flex i125 I hit all the time. My 6i s/s is 88 when my head is up my *** and 92-93 when I am dialed in. As you have stated you have a preference for a heavier shaft, like myself. For ME and sounds like you as well. A heavier shaft feels easier to control and not get too fast.

If the C Taper S+ weight is perfect for you then try the i125. I have had 2 pros hit my demo iron, both with s/s higher then yours. Neither had an issue with the flex. I would build 2 irons, straight in and hardstepped but unless you are a real aggressive swinger which neither of the Pros were (but super smooth/effortless power) then S flex should be ok.

[freddyottawa]

[quote name='nova6868' timestamp='1354026297' post='5984219']
Thanks for all these informative posts. I may have to just bite the bullet on these one day...

Now where are you guys buying these? Who has the best prices?
[/quote]

Golfworks should be able to get these for you. I ordered mine through GolfTown. Both were essentially the same price at $50. Bare in mind my location, it may be cheaper south of the border.

I'm looking forward to getting these installed into a set of MP-53's and some yet to be bought wedges.

[BrianL99]

[quote name='nova6868' timestamp='1354026297' post='5984219']
Thanks for all these informative posts. I may have to just bite the bullet on these one day...

Now where are you guys buying these? Who has the best prices?
[/quote]

Doug Mael @ d.mael@verizon.net. Surely less than Golfsmith & probably under $50. Golfsmith & Golfworks only sell some Aerotechs.

[Hstead]

Well, I have made my mind up that instead of investing as much as I am, even thought I am just buying the retail heads so not as much as TD Customs, I am going to go ahead and travel down to see Patrick and get fit. That way, I now for sure if I need a DD or DS grind, which shafts I like the best and I can hit them all, Steelfiber, Modus, Nippon SP Blue, PX, C-taper, etc. The other thing I want to know for sure is if I want all SBs, all ARs, or a split set. I will feel a lot better with all of the information if I am going to spend over $1K for a set as I hope I will not be buying another for a while. I will post a review of the fitting process and what works best for me when I get back. Going down Friday.

[MrBearX1]

Bumping this thread to see how the fitting turned out and how they worked out this past season?

Thanks.

[matchavez]

Another bump...

[johnnythunders]

Lower swing speed guy and I made up a set of Wishon 760mc with the I95 in regular and while they were straight, they were very dead feeling. I builtd a 760mc with a speedstep 95 in regular and hit it much better was going to switch them out but just sold them over the winter. They were great for my aching elbow though.

Tried the new recoil in the apex and now this had some feel and pop, Trying to decide between the stock 660 and the 95.