Graphite vs Steel Golf Shafts: Features, Alternatives, and Personal Experience
Golf shafts come in countless varieties—different brands, models, and materials. But most fall into two primary categories: Graphite (Carbon) shafts and Steel shafts.
Let’s explore their characteristics and the emerging third option: hybrid composite shafts.
1. Graphite Shafts: Lightweight, Distance-Oriented, and Forgiving
Graphite shafts are lighter, more flexible, and great for maximizing distance. Their natural elasticity helps reduce shock to your hands and arms on mishits like duffs or topped shots. This is one of the main reasons many golfers switch to graphite.
They're widely used in drivers, woods, hybrids, and increasingly, irons. Weights range from around 30g to 120g, depending on the model (lighter options often for women or seniors).
2. Steel Shafts: Consistent, Affordable, but Less Forgiving
Steel shafts are traditionally heavier and stiffer, providing excellent consistency, control, and shot dispersion. They're more affordable but transmit more vibration during mishits, which can strain your elbows or shoulders over time. Commonly used in irons, they range from 70g to 130g.
3. Hybrid Shafts: The Best of Both Worlds?
Thanks to material advancements, we're seeing the rise of composite shafts—carbon-based shafts with steel reinforcement or a steel core. These are designed to combine the lightweight feel of graphite with the control of steel.
- Steelfiber by Aerotech: Woven carbon with steel fiber strands
- MMT by Mitsubishi: Graphite shaft with a metal mesh core
These shafts are ideal for players transitioning from steel due to injury or fatigue but who still want a consistent feel.
🧪 My Personal Testing: Lightweight Alternatives to Steel Shafts
I’m 178cm tall, 75kg, and began golf with NS Pro 950R steel shafts. Over time, I moved through 950S, Dynamic Gold 105S, and Modus3 105S. Due to elbow and shoulder pain, I transitioned to graphite/composite shafts, and here’s my honest review of several I’ve tried:
🔹 MMT 80S
- Light, stable, easy to swing with great consistency
- Sleek black design
- However, it lacked a "forgiving" impact feel for me
Note: MMT 70R felt very similar to NS Pro 950R in flex and trajectory.
🔹 Steelfiber i70R
- My first graphite switch — ultra-light
- Too soft for me, led to left pulls
- Shaft eventually broke; felt underpowered for anyone used to 100g+ steel
🔹 Fujikura MCI 80S
- Steel-infused tip improves consistency
- Smooth feel, but timing-sensitive
- Occasional mishits when rhythm was off
- Planning to try the MCI 60 later for aging-friendly performance
🔹 UST Recoil 75 Dart F4
- Heavier graphite feel, stable
- Weight felt more solid than similar steel hybrids
- Paired with muscle-back irons, it wasn’t the best fit—but I’d try it again!
🔹 Mitsubishi OTi 85S
- Chose it for weight, surprised by stiffness
- Good elasticity and feel—great with Epon iron heads
- Might be too firm for 90g-range steel users
🔹 Steelfiber H-Tour 75S
- Lightweight but firm with great elasticity
- Excellent trajectory and distance
- Pricey, but the shaft I’ve used the longest
- Ideal for golfers transitioning from NS Pro 950S or 100g-class light steel
📈 More Composite Options on the Rise
Other trending alternatives include:
- Steelfiber I, H, J series
- KBS TGI / PGI series
- Fujikura TRAVIL – a carbon/steel/rubber blend shaft that reduces vibration while maintaining control
It used to be a joke: “Graphite for men? You kidding? That’s for gramps!” (especially here in Jeju dialect 😆)
But after swinging the stiff Modus3 105S, my body told me otherwise. No more injuries, please!
Note: Modus3 105S was originally designed for pro Tony Finau—lightweight but surprisingly firm, even more so than heavier Modus models.
🏌️♀️ Want Proof? Look at LPGA and KLPGA
Many top female pros play graphite or hybrid iron shafts:
- Ko Jin-young & Park Hyun-kyung: Steelfiber H-Tour 90R
- Park Ji-young: Steelfiber I-series
- Jeon In-ji: KBS PGI 90 (formerly TGI)
- Lydia Ko: Steelfiber I-series (formerly KBS TGI)
- Nelly Korda & Minjee Lee: Steelfiber I80S
Even some PGA pros are making the switch to Steelfiber 100g+ shafts!
🧭 Switching from Steel to Graphite: Quick Guide
- Drop about 10–20g from your current steel shaft weight
- Consider:
- Torque (feel)
- Kick Point (launch height)
- Your swing style (hitter vs swinger)
⛳ Final Thoughts
If you’re struggling with injuries or fatigue, or simply want to future-proof your golf life, consider switching to graphite or hybrid iron shafts. A well-fitted shaft can keep you playing stronger, longer—and pain-free.
Here’s to healthy, lifelong golf! 🏌️♂️💚
