Graphite Shafts

[gatorguy146]

Im about to buy a set of Nike Slingshot irons and can't decide whether to go with graphite or steel shafts. i know what flex I would want with the Steel shafts but with graphite there are two choices, reg flex low-kick, and reg flex mid-kick. I have no idea what those two mean so if anyone could help me out id appreciate it. I may just end up going with the steel shafts with reg flex but please help lol because I'm going to be buying them with in the next few days.

[dannyra]

Re: Graphite Shafts

I'd personally go with the steel shafts.

FYI: Low kickpoint means the flex of the shaft is closer to the head of the club, which will give you a higher ball flight. mid-kick the flex is a little higher on the shaft and will give a lower ball flight than the low-kick.

[gatorguy146]

Re: Graphite Shafts

Yeah my clubs are steel shaft now and I do well with them but they are ratty clubs and I want to get a really nice set. Thanks for the help.

[ogallalabob]

Re: Graphite Shafts

My understanding on the issue of graphite v. steel, is that graphite is lighter which should increase your swing speed and get you more distance. Most senior clubs are made with graphite. On the other hand Graphite also will twist bend slightly and is not as solid as the steel shafts therefore less acurate, I am guessing that only the pro's and scratch golfers can tell a diference on the accuracey( though graphite has been getting better and better and the very top of the line shafts there may not be too much diference and even some Pro's have gone to Graphite shafted Irons not a lot though.)

It should boil down to feel.

[LowPost42]

Re: Graphite Shafts

Graphite vs Steel:

Graphite: Lighter, absorbs more shock

Steel: Has zero torque (doesn't twist)

Now, in order to keep swingweights proper, graphite shafted clubs are built one inch longer than their steel shafted brethren. IMO, this is useless, as the extra length may be totally wrong for the golfer.

The difference in kickpoints has already been identified, but is only useful for a mid-to-late release golfer. If you unhinge your wrists any earlier than hands-at-hip-high in your swing, then kickpoint is a moot point - the shaft has fully recovered before impact.

So it's a preference thing. If you'd like lighter clubs that are easier on the joints, go graphite. Just know that they'll be longer than if you go steel. If you prefer heavier clubs, go steel.

[Liam Hancock]

Re: Graphite Shafts

hi there,
I've got graphite shafts and they work great for me, One they are lighter and two i think they are more accurate. low kick means you have less kick and mid kick means you have a moderate amount of kick. Graphite shafts are great for mid to high handicappers like me.
Liam,

[LowPost42]

Re: Graphite Shafts

hi there,
I've got graphite shafts and they work great for me, One they are lighter

Great to hear! Lighter clubs can always be swung faster. And more speed coupled with on center hits leads to more distance.

and two i think they are more accurate.

More accurate than what? Let's not get too crazy. I'm with Tom Wishon - let's keep myths myths and truth truth, and dispel one with the other. That said...

low kick means you have less kick and mid kick means you have a moderate amount of kick.

I'm not sure where you picked that up, Liam, but my understanding (and I could be wrong) is that it's a 'user friendly' moniker for bend point in a shaft. However, like any good golf phrase, it's completely misleading as to what it does. Shaft kick (in reference to the bend or kick point) is where in the shaft it gets a bit more flexible. Ball flight is the inverse of the kick; in other words, low kick means the ball goes high, and high kick means the ball goes low.

And again, kickpoint only changes trajectory for those with a mid-to-late release.

Again, this is how I understand it. If I'm wrong, I'll happily apologise.

Graphite shafts are great for mid to high handicappers like me.
Liam,

And great for those that are physically weaker or like lighter clubs.