Difference between Steel and Graphite Shafts (With Table)

There are various sports that most people engage in during their leisure time. The sports require you to have some knowledge of the equipment required and are able to choose the correct one.

Golf is one of the sports activities that is played all over the world and is liked by many people. In order to play the game, one needs to have a golf shaft.

A golf shaft is a long, tapered tube that connects the golfer’s hand to the clubhead. The shafts are made of different materials.

Steel and graphite are some of the materials used to make golf shafts. The type of shaft has an effect on the ball flight and accuracy of your shoots.

So, what is the main difference between steel and graphite shafts? The steel shaft is much heavier, more durable, and generally less expensive while the graphite shaft is light in weight and less durable.

For more information about the difference between steel and graphite shafts in tabular form continue reading the article. You will also get to learn of the similarities between the two.

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Comparison Table (Steel Shaft vs Graphite Shafts)

Basic Terms	Steel Shaft	Graphite Shaft
Weight	It is heavier.	It is lighter.
Durability	It is more durable	It is less durable.
Cost	It is much expensive.	It is comparatively cheaper.
What they are made of	It is made of steel alloys that are chrome-plated.	It is made of multi-layers of carbon fibers held together with epoxy resin.
Preference	It is preferred by experienced golfers who have a slow swing speed and want accuracy.	It is preferred by senior or woman golfers who want to have less shock impact on their hands to avoid joint pains.
Torque	It has low torque.	It has mild torque.
Distance	It results in a shorter distance of shots.	It results in a greater distance of shots.
Feel	It does not absorb much vibration.	It absorbs vibration better.

What is Steel Shaft?

Steel golf shafts are made of steel alloys that are chrome-plated. They are heavier and more durable as compared to graphite golf shafts.

They are geared much more towards scratch golfers and better players. Those who prefer them to have a slow swing speed and want accuracy.

They have better feel, control, and ability to work the ball. When using a steel golf shaft it results in a shorter distance of shots.

Steel shaft has low resistance to twist or torque. It gives more vibrations. It does not absorb much vibration like the graphite golf shaft.

The weight of steel shafts gives the user more support, balance, and accuracy. The swing tempo is enhanced by the weight of the shaft.

What is Graphite Shaft?

Graphite golf shafts are made of multi-layers of carbon fibers held together with epoxy resin. They are light in weight as compared to steel golf shafts.

They are mostly used by young players or beginners and also seniors who have joint problems. The lighter weight in them reduces shock impact.

They have mild resistance to twist or mild torque. It gives fewer vibrations as it has the ability to absorb shock hence recommended for everyone.

The graphite shafts’ lightweight causes more vibration to impact the wrist of the golfer which in turn affects the swing speed.

The graphite golf shafts result in greater shot distance hence the player is able to make a lot of shots with the type of shaft.

Main Difference between Steel and Graphite Shaft

The steel shaft is much heavier while the graphite shaft is light in weight.
Steel shaft has low torque while graphite shaft has mild torque.
Steel shaft results in a shorter shot distance while graphite shafts result in greater shaft distance.
The steel shaft is much expensive while the graphite shaft is less expensive.
Steel shaft does not absorb much vibration while graphite shaft absorbs much vibration.
The steel shaft is preferred by experienced golfers while graphite shafts are preferred by beginners or seniors who do not want a lot of impact on their hands to avoid joint pains.

Similarities between Steel and Graphite Shaft

They are both used to playing golf.
Both require skills on how to use them.

Conclusion

Steel golf shafts and graphite golf shafts are both used in playing golf. They give different results as they weigh differently.

The main difference between steel and graphite golf shaft is that steel golf shaft is heavier, expensive and more durable while graphite golf shaft is light in weight, less costly and less durable.

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