The Pros and Cons of Steel and Graphite Golf Club Shafts

The executive vice president of Related California, Gino Canori leverages over two decades of experience in multifamily real estate development to oversee affordable, mixed-use, mixed-income and market-rate real estate projects in San Francisco, Orange County, and Los Angeles. In his free time, Gino Canori enjoys playing golf.

Choosing between steel and graphite golf club shafts depends entirely on the player. Both types of shafts have a low, mid, and high kick-point that affects ball flight. They also have varying levels of torque that suit your skill level and swing speed. That being said, they both have their own advantages and disadvantages that must be considered.

Steel shafts are great when you want more control over your golf game. They communicate vibrations more accurately, so you get good feedback on each stroke. They are also generally heavier than graphite shafts, which supports high-speed swings. In addition, steel shafts have better durability than graphite shafts, despite being more affordable.

Meanwhile, graphite shafts share similar consistency with steel shafts in terms of hit quality, but they are lighter weight and muffle vibrations better. This makes them ideal if you have shoulder, hand, or arm issues, because hitting the ball is less jarring. The lighter weight also improves your swing speed and distance if you have a slow swing tempo.

Graphite shafts are less rigid and more flexible, but depending on your playing experience, this can exaggerate poor swinging habits. Steel shafts help you with accuracy, but the feedback leaves behind a stinging sensation in your hands after mishits.