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There used to be a basic rule about iron shafts-if you are a strong and competitive player, you choose steel, if you are older, slower, female or generally not sports, you will choose graphite. . Steel shafts have always been known for their exceptional consistency, while graphite shafts are unpredictable and too light and flexible. In fact, many of these generalizations are actually accurate to some extent, because the graphite shaft has been in progress for a long time.

Today, the situation is very different because materials, design and manufacturing techniques have turned graphite shafts into inferior products. In fact, many PGA Tour professional players now use composite shafts in their irons, and some, such as Brandt Snedeker, Matt Kuchar, and Fred Couples, use composite shafts on their standard irons.

So how do you know whether you should choose steel or graphite? According to Tim Briand of True Spec Golf, about 75% of players fit his irons with the wrong shaft, most of which are too heavy and too stiff. Here are a few parameters he recommends as a guide to help you avoid this common pitfall. Of course, getting qualified professionals to exercise is another way:

You are injured or have other physical problems: Anyone with an upper body (wrist, hand, elbow, shoulder, etc.) injury is an ideal choice for graphite shafts. Steel transmits potentially destructive vibrations more easily than graphite, and is often heavier, which puts more stress on the body. If you have neck or back problems, lighter graphite can also help you a lot.

It is difficult for you to hit the ball with sufficient trajectory or lack head speed: you are a prime candidate for graphite shafts. The steel shafts available today are lighter than ever, but not as light as graphite, and there are not as many curved profiles available. Steel tends to have very low torque (rotation during swing) and a harder tip part, while graphite can provide a higher torque rate and greater tip bending. This combination will help you start and also help you swing faster with less effort.

You prefer a smoother feeling: As mentioned earlier, steel will transmit more vibrations to the body, which may cause injury. However, these vibrations are also called "feedback" and some players absolutely need it to control the distance and the head itself. The graphite shaft will eliminate many harmful vibrations, but will also transfer a softer feeling to the hands, which poses a challenge for some players when they switch for the first time. According to Briand, the most common problem for players transitioning from steel to graphite is getting the feel of the club head during the swing. But he also found that most people quickly get used to this new feeling. Once they get used to graphite, almost no one will reuse steel.

Things to consider: Most middle-aged men don't want to admit this, but according to launch monitors around the world, most of us have swing speeds that are closer to LPGA players than PGA Tour stars. Guess which type of shaft in the LPGA Tour is very popular among irons? Yes, graphite. So please get tips from the ladies and enjoy the full advantages of technology where possible-your body will thank you and your score may be lowered.

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