When it comes to iron shafts, there are mainly just two choices, graphite or steel. Typically, the irons in your golf set will be either of these two shaft options.
Golfers have been customizing clubs for a long time now and upgrading shafts are usually for more advanced players looking to change certain aspects of their swings.
This does not mean that beginners cannot take advantage of the higher swing speeds with stability and consistency in swings that graphite shafts have to offer.
There are too many options in the market for graphite shafts these days and it can be an overwhelming challenge to shop for them.
The 4 Best Graphite Shafts for Irons
This is why we have listed our selection of the best graphite shafts for irons available in the market today. Here are the winners.
1. UST Mamiya Recoil 440/450/460 ESX
The Recoil line of ESX graphite shafts from UST are designed to bring stability to your swings. They provide maximum control and distance through UST’s latest material and design.
The Recoil Technology gives optimal spring effect in the shaft walls and efficient energy transfer to the ball for increased velocity and greater distance.
The stiffer mid and butt sections allow better control and the softer tip section gives improved feel and trajectory.
These are available in flex options from F0 to F4 for all swing speeds between 60 to 105 miles per hour. The shafts come in .370 parallel tip and 41 inch length and need to be cut down to fit your irons.
The Ion Plating finish makes for a stunning and premium look compared to traditional shafts.
This is a great upgrade for all players looking for a stylish shaft that also gives improved stability to your swings.
2. Matrix Ozik Program F15 95
Available in Regular, Stiff and X-Stiff flex options, the Ozik Program F15 95 is an excellent graphite shaft for all levels of golfers.
Matrix is a popular shaft manufacturer that pride themselves on pushing the envelope when it comes to graphite shafts.
Program F15 provides for a mid-launching and spinning profile with unmatched feel at impact.
The 95 grams, heavier weight of these shafts, is a purposeful design element to optimize control and provide great feel found in steel shafts of similar weight. This is the closest to a steel shaft feel that any graphite shaft can provide.
With a stock tip size of .370 parallel and 40.5 inches of raw length, these shafts need to be cut down to the length required for your irons.
The various flex options also allow for higher swing speeds. This is the best option for you if you want to upgrade to a graphite shaft without compromising on feel.
3. Graphite Design Tour AD-95 Iron Shafts
Heavier than the average graphite shaft, the Tour AD-95 graphite shafts are made for pro level golfers who want the feel of steel with the benefits of graphite.
Available in 2 flexes of Stiff and X-Stiff, these are premium shafts that charge a premium price. The relatively heavier shafts show little difference in weight than steel shafts.
With pre-cut lengths between 35.5 to 39 inches, the .355 taper tip is the only option of tip available. They have a mid/low kick point designed for higher ball flight.
This is a versatile shaft that provides excellent performance for a wide variety of shots that give the improved feel of a steel shaft.
If you do not mind the high price, then these are an excellent premium quality choice for your irons.
4. KBS TGI Tour 90 Graphite Iron Golf Shaft
KBS make some of the best premium steel and graphite shafts that offer golfers the right mix of weight and flex.
Their TGI Tour 90 is perfect for any player looking for more consistent performance from their irons. With 90 grams stiff flex and precut lengths from 36 to 39 inches, the only tip option available is .355 taper tip.
When changing shafts from steel to graphite, the sudden change in weight can throw many golfers off. These shafts, however, offer the feeling of steel with the benefits of graphite.
The weight gives a similar feel to traditional steel shafts with higher consistency in swings. The steel-like shot control and performance is something not all graphite shafts are capable of providing.
If you want to maintain swing speeds but gain consistency in your performance then this is the graphite shaft for your irons.
Our Final Thoughts
The shafts listed here are all good for golfers looking for a graphite shaft upgrade. At the end of the day, it all comes down to personal preference. What shaft may suit one golfer may not suit another. Graphite shafts offer changes in your swings that have to be accounted for before you decide to upgrade.
This is why it is important for you to understand the differences between steel and graphite shafts.
Steel vs Graphite Shafts
Typically made from stainless steel, steel shafts are much heavier, more durable and less expensive than graphite shafts. Graphite shafts are lighter and therefore offer higher flex or higher swing speeds than steel shafts.
Steel shafts, however, usually have better feel due to the higher feedback they provide compared to graphite shafts. They also offer more control because they have lesser torque or lateral twisting than graphite shafts. Steel shafts also tend to be more durable than their graphite counterparts.
You may think that this gives steel shafts the upper hand, but advanced technologies and improvements in development of graphite shafts have made it possible for graphite shafts to achieve better stability, similar feel and durability with the added advantage of higher swing speeds.
The ultimate goal for graphite shafts has been to allow for greater swing speeds with similar feel, control and durability as those of steel shafts. These goals have long been achieved and as a general rule of thumb, graphite shafts are better if you know what you want from your swings.
Buyers Guide for Graphite Iron Shafts
If you are looking to upgrade your irons to graphite shafts then here are a few key things to look for when buying graphite shafts:
- Cut
Does the shaft come pre-cut or will you have to cut it down for fitting? Custom fittings cost extra money. - Tip
The shaft tips must fit the hosel of your irons. Always double check the tip size before deciding to buy. - Weight
Higher weight offers more control and stability whereas lighter weight offers more swing speed and distance.
Upgrading to graphite shafts for your irons will always bring improvement to your performance. You just need to know what it is you are looking for in your swing. Once you know then buying graphite shafts no longer seems difficult.
We hope our selection of the best graphite shafts for irons was helpful.
