Steel Shaft Clubs - weigh more, last longer, and may also give more control for fast swings.
Graphite Shaft Clubs – lighter, more costly, used for long distance shots or for slower swingers. Graphite shafts reduce the shock at impact so are kinder to joints and also allow for longer shafts for good distance [not so good for control].

Graphite shafts weigh from 50 grams to 85 grams, while steel shafts generally start at 120 grams. Most golf clubs are available with both steel and graphite shafts.

Video

New Scandium shaft technology provides shock protection.

Shaft Flexibilty

The flexibility of a shaft is referred to as flex, or bend.

Low flex shafts – give more control for powerful swingers
Higher flex shafts – used by beginners and those with less powerful swings.

The average swing speed is from 65 miles per hour for the beginner up to over 100 miles per hour for powerful swingers.

Common shaft flexes are Men's Regular, Stiff, Extra Stiff, Senior, and Ladies. Graphite shaft flex is termed Firm and Extra Firm instead of Stiff.

Correct flex is important for your Woods and longer Irons. Short irons, wedges and putters is not so important.

Flex measurements also include a "kick-point" , especially with graphite shafts. Lower kick-point shafts help get the ball up in the air, an advantage for less skilled golfers.

Comparing Steel and Graphite Shafts

Find out which Shaft Flex is right for you Graphite vs Steel? Presented by The Golf Institute of America. [4:04]

Shaft Length

Shaft length also affects the flight of the ball. It also allows for people of different heights.

Length of the golf club is as measured from the butt end of the grip down the back side of the club down to where the club meets the ground.

A longer golf club will hit further given the same swing speed — so length can be a good thing. However, since the swing arc is longer, it often is also harder to keep under control — so length can be a bad thing.

The standard length of a steel shafted Driver for a man is 43 inches.

Graphite shafted drivers are 1 inch longer than steel shafted clubs because graphite shafts weigh less than steel shafts allowing us to produce a longer club with the same swing weight.

The Vibration of Golf Club Shafts Explained

Golf Club Grips

Grips should be correct in size to fit the hand, and absorbent. Grips tend to oxidize, harden, get slick, and LOSE THEIR GRIP over time. The best grip are usually the grips that lose their grip the fastest.

Coefficient of Restitution

When buying golf clubs make sure they are endorsed by the USGA. Some hollowed out titanium clubs, have a higher coefficient of restitution than permitted by the USGA. These clubs are designed to impart a greater force on the golf ball. The maximum permitted USGA coefficient of restitution greater is 0.83.

For latest updates on golf equipment technology