I disagree with the comment of "sticking with steel shafts" if you're looking to improve your game. I believe it would have been more beneficial to the viewers not to add to the stereotype that steel is better rather the point of golf equipment is to get properly fitted. I'm a 7 handicap and have played graphite for most of my life. I was fitted to graphite due to swing tempo/better trackman numbers (vs Steel) and personally I prefer the softer feel of graphite at impact. People should just get fitted and play whatever makes them feel the most confident on the course!

I am 74 and had a fitting by Mizuno and almost expected to be recommended graphite but my best shots came with steel shafts with stiff flex. Get a fitting is the answer here. It is the same as blades v cavity backed clubs, or irons v hybrids you have to try them yourself to see which you like. Nice swing Mark.

Love this ! Case and point; I'm pushing 63 and have played graphite for quite awhile. Went the Mizuno optimizer, around 5-6 times, and always came back w/steel shaft(115-120G). Around 80 mph club head speed (7iron) but my tempo is a little on the down swing. Really wanted graphite shafts, but succumbed to the fact to give away to technology. 919 HM's, w/115G reg project x rifle shafts !

Yes, video of on the course play!! Thanks guys. Leaning a lot, but most importantly I’m enjoying golf more; more good shots in my rounds.

I changed this year from Taylormade steel shafted irons to Taylormade Qi Irons with Fujikura Ventus TR Blue graphite shafts. Graphits shaft has given me more distance and more accuracy. Graphite is lighter, easier to swing and increased my clubhead speed. All around graphite has made a huge difference in my game. I'm a 72 year old with a solid 9 handicap playing across multiple course at an average of 6,100 yards.

70 years old play mizuno jpx 900 with graphite regular flex 70 gram project x Easy on the hands and joints do enjoy the steel in my 50 54 and 58 vokey 7's Is Mark really Eric Clapton😜 Keep up the good work gents cheers from NorCal

I went to graphite about 14 years ago, but not for ball speed or added distance. I was having tendinitis issues in both elbows. I did it mainly for the shock absorption qualities. This past summer, I was looking for a change, so I tested several irons (steel and graphite) and got a fitting. I wasn't thrilled with the recommendations of the clubheads, so I ended up taking my last set of steel shafted irons (forged) and getting reshafted with a premium graphite shaft. I probably saved over 50% of the cost of a new set and am hitting a forged head that I loved long ago. I'm a senior golfer at 65 now and I have become accustomed to the graphite.

Enjoying watching Mark's journey. Looks like you're right - you might need a new mid-handicapper next year but in the interim on course testing would be fun to watch. I'm 67 with an 85-88 mph driver speed and when I got back into the game after a 15 year hiatus I went straight to light flex graphite shafts. (My previous set from 15-20 years ago is/was stiff steel with forged heads). My logic was they might be a little whippy now but I'd grow into them as my physicality degenerated further. Like Mark, I immediately noticed how much heavier the club head felt but I've learned to deal with it (I think). I'll definitely get a fitting if I transition to a newer more expensive set of clubs in the future and after watching and listening to Mark, I will be more open should the fitter recommend steel shafts.

👍🏻Nice one guys!...Definitely would like to see on course play with the different shafts.

That 1st strike was ace! Appreciate the video, thank-you

My golf partner was fitted for Ping G700 with graphite shafts. It has changed his game. Longer and more accurate. Now goes one club less to avoid the overhit on par threes. I am still not sure as I felt a lack of connection between between hands and clubhead.

James...Mark, excellent test. I would have loved to see the dispersion compared. I personally play graphite in all my clubs except my sw, lw and putter. My personal comparisons showed me that I was more consistent with my dispersion, plus I loved the feel. I actually play single length pinhawk from 5 to gw. I can not wait to see Mark's fitting vids. Will he be trying all the brands like you did? Also even if he goes to single digits, don't get anyone else, mark is amazing with these vids

Thanks for the comparo! I am trying to locate a used 4i to round out my set and I can only find it in Graphite..

Good video pal .. as someone whose a mid handicap like mark, I would play the shafts that give the most consistency and for me the steel shafts just feel more stable at impact

Always interesting to see tests like this using a single subject...often more helpful than a big data set since the golfer can offer their subjective thoughts. Related to your purpose here, lightweight shafts (graphite or steel) don't always produce more speed over heavier options in my experience. Graphite shafts are sometimes preferred because of feel and the different torque offerings compared to steel. But ultimately your video supports the importance of getting fit!

I was recently fitted into irons with a stiff tip graphite shaft, as I hit down on the ball it was much better for launch than the steel shafts I tried out

Lydia Ko was playing the KBS TGI 80 graphite shaft and played tremendously well with them. KBS graphite shaft has performed excellent for me as an 8 handicap with pretty good clubhead speed. Graphite in irons technology has improved greatly in the last few years.

I have used both graphite and steel over the years. As I am an older man I have a bit of arthritis here and there and I don’t like the hard feel from some steel shafts. However I have settled on the lightweight Nippon steel shaft. They do not seem to cause as much stress on my joints as the heavier steel shafts. Personally I have come to the conclusion it is more of the weight of the steel shafts that cause me issues then the material

I think you both are becoming a good double act on KZfaq I enjoy watching the channel when Mark is on. I have used graphite shafts for a long time now as I have Tennis elbow and they make it easier for me than steel.

Mid handicapper here and I had a bad shoulder injury and playing graphite feel so much better on my body. I’d only recommend the change for reasons like mine. And bonus fact I play blades in my graphites and I love them!

Hi wood love to see more graphite see iron.

I'd love to see Mark take the graphite shafts to the course to see how he fairs. I switched to graphite this year and I'm still undecided if I'm better off or not. But then, I haven't been able to play very much this past year either.

This test shows that no matter what club/shaft you use, that ability to hit the ball in the center of the face is what matters.Look at the smash factor and it shows more of the story than what shaft combo you are using.

I recently went to regular graphite from stiff steel blades. The stiff steel forces you to sharpen up your ball position and release. The regular graphite forces you to smooth out your tempo and keep your hands in syc with your body or else you'll spray all over the place and toe it a lot. The best advantage of steel is less toe droop.

I use to use grafite in my irons, and honestly thinking about going back to them

Near the end of the video, you mentioned about using graphite in a blade. Some years back, I re-shafted a set of Nicklaus Murifield Blades with graphite, in the same flex that I was playing at the time. They played beautifully, as accurate as the stock steel shafts; they were about 40gm lighter - of course I was 8 - 10yds longer. Loved those irons, so soft to hit & pretty to look at, not slighting how they performed...

I use graphite 3i to 5i. 6i to PW I kept steel shaft. I feel (personal use) that I get a slight bit more control with the steel shaft.

"I can't feel the gap between hand and the club head".. I'm agree with mark.. That's my problem when i switch from steel to graphite..

I bought a set of graphite shafted irons with a 3 wood and driver about 25 years ago, I got down to 5 for a while, but too much commitment to keep it there. After a 15 year break, have re-started golf, I can still hit them reasonably well getting about 200 metres with my 3 wood - fairly straight too. If you have a set of clubs that work well, then use them until your HC is as low as it will go then consider a change.

I got graphite shafts for shock absorption after an injury, and they were lighter. But I ended up getting the steel weight heads, as that was what made the shaft load up for me. Not a common option, I suspect...

I found the saem problem as Mark when I decided to get graphite shafts in a set of irons: They felt like sledgehammers, massively heavy. When I had "tour weight" heavier graphite iron shafts installed, they felt much better. Something to consider about PING irons and steel/graphite shafts. I was told years ago that when PING produces iron heads, the weight of the heads themselves are different if they are meant to be used with steel or graphite shafts. I had a set of PING i3 irons with steel shafts, and wanted to have them changed to graphite, and I was told it couldn't be done because the heads were specifically meant to be used with steel. I wonder if the same is still true, and that's why Mark could not feel the graphite shaft at all.

Like many of the videos like this, wish there were more for Average Golfers. But, they all have something to offer. I'm 70, (not strong) have had/tried many different sets. Irons are my favorite part of the game. First, I think lie angle is one of the most important aspects, I ordered original set of 790's, had them fit by Taylor Made rep who was at store that day. When I used them they just did not work well for me. Talked to guy at golf store about what they were doing and he said sounds like lie angle is off. Sure enough, even though I was fitted they did not come with correct lie angle. I have two sets I use now, mixed P-7 Srixon P-785 with Modus 120S and 5-6 are P-585 Modus 105S, they are very accurate for me, other set is Callaway CF-19 with Recoil 760 F3 (which are considered regular flex), and I am almost as accurate with these as well, big surprise. (Graphite for irons has come a long way just in the last 2-3 years) But, this is the first set with graphite that I am accurate. (Both of these sets were barely used, both about 1/2 price of new, rarely buy new) So steel or graphite can work fine.

Hi James and Mark, nice test, was wondering if Mark would consider the graphite if he continues to hit them longer, then surely going up a club 7 to 8 would allow him to improve his accuracy and his score could drop further by reducing his dispersion ( or am i barking up the wrong fairway) cheers and merry christmas to you both

Very informative update Regarding shaft technology development last 10-15 years, i lern that steel vs grapite difference is not lenger same as it was. I am a senior and I have played My custom fit callaway grapite shafts the last 12 years, but no I consider light waight steel. Thanks.

I’m telling you right now the way they make graphite shafts now days , More people will be switching to them for longevity and stability. It’s just easier on your body to use them.

I love Marks comment about not looking for distance.. It's no good nailing an iron 20 yards longer than your normal distance unless you can do it consistently. What us amateurs need to practice is distance control. What I do when I practice is vary my club selection for a certain distance so I can practice distance control. Say your average distance with a 7 is 160. I'll also try to hit the 6 iron at 160. you would be amazed at how much you can control your distance if your not trying to hit your maximum distance on every shot... love your vids James look forward to more with Mark

Congrats to Mark, your swing is lovely! One thing I noticed in the video: When one sees the club in close-up lying on the ground (e.g. at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="179">2:59</a>), it appears to me it is angled upwards quite a bit? Is that a correct fit? I would have thought it should lie more flatly on the mat? Anyways, thanks for the good video, James!

Dispersion if more important than distance in my opinion. Graphite shafts have lots of benefits but, for me, just aren't as consistent. Great video though pal👍

Yes! Please test on the golf course....

As a single digit handicap Senior (age 73), my observations are: 1. Spin rates are over rated for those who have slower swing speed. 2. Older golfers usually have hand and/or joint issues. 3. Senior flex steel shaft weigh at least 100 g. versus 50, 60, or 70 g. for graphite. With these three things in mind, graphite shafts are almost always better for seniors.

Maybe try a 95-105 gram graphite shaft? Like recoil etc

James, can you comment on the benefits of graphite for those with elbow or wrist tendon issues - v. steel??

Guys, you have to compare similar weighted shafts. I currently use Accra Tour i110. I had a Titleist fitting recently and the fitter couldn't beat my gamers in any parameter with all of the steel shafts in his demo truck. Played graphite from day one.

I tried these clubs. Did not like the feel. Tried the new i210 right after. The later one felt like butter and had much better ball flight.

James, this was a great vid! a much older but a mid-handicapper like Mark, I have always wondered the diff between hitting a steel vs graphite shafts and recently retired, I'm looking to get fitted for some new irons. How about having Mark in more vids testing (mid/high handicap) irons..!? What's your opinion on spending the $ on getting fitted for irons..!? Thanks again for the vids!

Been having issues with my right elbow arthritis or tendinitis and find the graphite shafts feedback on misshits don't vibrate up through my hands to arms.

Please Please Please test out at the course and use some good spin balls like Prov1 or Srixon Zstar or Callaway Chromesoft...enjoyed the review. I hit still fiber shafts it would be interesting to see if mark would like a shaft that that?

made the switch today ! hopefully graphite is what my game needs lol wish me luck

thank you. very interesting. love to see the course video with mark and graphite. I have always used graphite. 1. first set department store brand with graphite. used until I started losing club heads. 2. 2nd set bought new taylormade arrow burner with graphite. currently in my bag. love the clubs. I don't get crazy 170yard shots. I find my distance reasonable. I tried steel when I bought the arrow set but found it heavy. I am just use to graphite I guess. my favorite club is 4 iron. nice ball flight goes about 170+ yards.

Interesting James and Mark, if not too enlightening. Lighter club equals more clubhead speed. One thing, Mark is obviously a big lad with a decent swing. I wonder how much better a graphited shafted club would work for smaller people like me at 5'6"? I play off 6 handicap but always find distance with my irons a challenge, especially the shorter (heavier) irons.

Been using graphite on my ping I 10’s for over 10 yrs. love them, easier on the shoulders and elbows I think.

I don't know maybe i need to go and do a fitting to buy clubs but i got my p790s fit and they added 10 yards to my max but added almost 10 yards to my deviation..... which is worse and after 600 in new shafts.... any suggestions on the fitting brands

These videos are excellent

Interesting vid, but I am not sure that I followed your conclusion at the end of the vid. If Mark's handicap and ball striking is improving I don't see why this would automatically preclude him from using graphite shafts. Because of the manufacturing tech used in making graphite shafts, designers are able to produce a wide range of weights, stiffness (the stiffness can be varied through the length of the shaft) and bend profiles. Rather than just giving Mark a stiff graphite shaft I would like to see him get fitted into the correct shaft (weight, flex, flex profile, bend profile and torque profile) by an expect club fitter. I am sure that he would be amazed at the improvement in consistency that he could make with the correct shaft.

i use a combination of both, steels very nice for chipping and pitching, but i do like the whippy feeling of a graphite shaft when i want to knock them further.

Would love to see the graphite shaft be closer in weight to the steel. These two are over 20g apart in shaft weight.

I'm watching this cause i have the opportunity to grab some taylormade burner (bubble shafts) irons.... Problem is i like steel... I'm used to it and if i want to improve myself in the game... Stick it out with steel. (My old school wooden woods are steel shaft, i love the feel when you connect.. makes me feel like i did the shot not the titanium club)

What are your thoughts if the graphite would shatter? Looking to get a graphite shaft in a driving iron? I am a better player lower handicap just worried it would shatter over repeated strikes? Thats why I have always played steel! Thanks

Definitely worth a test in the 'real' course world.

Found some old titleist Graphite DCI’s $40. Can I use them to re-shaft some aeroburners? Would it be worth it? Not sure it it would be an upgrade or not

Mark's ability to adapt in just a few shots proves he's not a mid handicap golfer any longer ( well done mark ). I believe graphite shafts can actually help many golfers of differing age and abilities, However a thorough fitting is essential . Really good honest review, thanks for your efforts.

Just been fitted for a new set of irons, by a proper club fitter. We tried out graphite shafts last. Only as I found with the steel shafts, I lost the perception of where the clubhead was. Mainly as the new cobra forged tec irons have a hollow foam infilled head. The difference was immediate, distance and accuracy. I would have never thought to use graphite in my irons, as a mid handicapper still in my 20's, and was shocked by the results. I think there is a stigma around even asking to try them, but clearly the numbers don't lie. Another plus is the graphite ages mutch better than the chrome finish on most shafts and offers you the opportunity to match them with hybrids/ fairway woods. Definitely worth a try I think!!

I'm confused! I had Callaways with steel shafts then switched to Wilson D300's with graphite shafts, it's been almost 2 years but I'm not convinced I made the right choice.....and they were fitted!

I used steel shaft on my G400 irons -more control, tighter dispersion

With the clubs available now it's easy to find any combination of lie, forgiveness, and desired distance with steel shafts and graphite is certainly the right answer for we who suffer from arthritis. Feel and control it seems is where the concern is when talking about graphite. Will adding graphite to a game improvement iron mean a considerable loss of feed back & control and consequently slow a golfers progress on the downward handicap trail? How about a test to see if you can work the ball with graphite shafted clubs?

An interesting comparison, is there a heavier graphite shaft you could try such as a Mitsubishi-Rayon Kuro Kage TiNi 105?

What flightscope simulator screen are you using?

Great video

I shoot low 40s to very high 30s and I must say I love graphite shafts. I get a lot more spin and the weight is more in the head unlike steel I feel as though they do great!

Strange after gaining 5 more yards with the graphite shaft - Mark can say that he's not looking for distance?! The I500 is a distance iron! Myself I play a 33 degree Callaway 2014 forged Apex Pro 7 iron with the UST Recoil 110 F4 that carries 155 -160 yards which I find very playable and good feel too.

Hey James, why does Mark not appear in your videos anymore?

I found steel shafts made the joints in my hands ache. So I bought Taylormade regular graphite but accuracy was rubbish. I then bought Mizuno with stiff shafts (I do not have a fast swing) and happy days! Steel accuracy with graphite feel.

I am 58 years old. I was fitted this year for new clubs. The pro suggested we compare steel to graphite because of my age. And, the fact I have had 6 back surgeries and 3 low back fusions with a left shoulder replacement in Jan. 2019. He thought I might do better with graphite. Now, I am so very lucky just to be able to swing a club let alone play. So you know, the surgical techniques and precision for these surgeries have been advanced from even 5 years ago. Anyway, after testing, I chose the steel shaft, specifically the KBS tour 90. I exhibited better control and distance. I am still quite strong in my swing and have replaced hip and pelvic rotation with upper body strength. The point is, get fit by a pro. Everyone is different. Don't rule anything out until you try it. In fact, I purchased the Titleist AP1 in 4,5,6, Titleist AP3 in 7,8, and blades for my 9 iron and PW. I am playing extremely well at a 5 handicap. Prior to my car accident, I was a scratch golfer. Life changes, except the changes and move forward.

Interesting, loads saying graphite protects the wrists/elbows. Has anyone tried Sensicore Inserts?

My guess is that those last two shots would become the norm once Mark was used to the "feel" of graphite and was confident enough to swing freely.

When I swapped to Mizuno graphite shafts the new normal was longer and lower but still stopped.

What weight is stiff steel shaft mate

Hi James, I think an on course test has t follow 👍

Curious as to what overall club lengths were; Steel vs. Graphite Mark has improved, how is he doing with his new Ping set ??

I’m thinking a players iron head with heavier graphite shafts. Would be interested in seeing that comparison.

Mark, unless you want to stay a mid-handicapped player, you might want to think about adding some distance. This video clearly shows me that the graphite shafts work much better than the steel. I t seemed you were hitting them longer and straighter. If the seven iron is to much, hit the eight? I'm 62 with elbow problems. I've just went to project x catalyst graphite shafts with cobra forged tec heads, I might not be able to hit them but they will place in a beauty contest!

I wouldn't be surprised to find out that steel shafted irons far and away outsell graphite, but should I ask the question: if you are a steel shaft aficionado, why don't you use a steel shafted driver? What's not to like?

Anybody tried mixing and matching graphite and steel to 'gap' certain distances, and limit the amount of clubs you carry? My beginner set of golf clubs came with all steel shafts, except for the 7 iron which they mistakenly threw in a graphite shaft. I use the 7-graphite if I need to ensure I clear a hazard, or if Im going for a longer iron shot. I rarely use my 6 iron and honestly can probably go without it because of this. If I have danger far I either hit a smooth or full 8 iron and I'm good. Thx 7-graphite, you made my 6 iron irrelevant :)

I’m not sure that this was a very fair test really as Mark is a well established steel shaft user, so the graphite shafts felt unusual to him. It was clear that as he took more shots, his distance did improve quite a bit with them. For me though it is more about how the club feels when played and steel shafts just give me an unpleasant hard knock feeling at ball strike , which graphite cushions totally. I imagine it would be quite a big deal for anyone well used to one kind of shaft to change to the other, so agree for Mark changing shafts was not right, as the advantage may not be that great, and he is not unhappy with the feel of his existing clubs. Equally I like my graphite shafts and would not want to change.

When should a player change the flex of the club???? Age??? Swing speed???? Distance????

So … where does Mark lose strokes with that swing? Like you said, his short game must be horrid. 😉

Did the shafts weight the same? Just as important or more than flex as there is no flex standard.

Is Mark's real name Eric Clapton? good video

James why do you think a single figure handicap shouldn’t use graphite shift got fitted few weeks back and these gave me good numbers but still unsure would be interested in your opinion

I love your comparison tests, but would you do one with irons aimed at the senior golfer? I have a 10 handicap with an iron swing speed of 65-70 MPH driver & woods 80-90 MPH. I'm having my knee replacement redone in Jan 2020 and looking for new irons around March- April. Thanks again for your vids.

Been using graphite shafts in my irons for 25 years now. It’s easier on my body now that I’m in my 60s. Lighter for you guys who lug around your clubs, I use a golf cart because of my knees. I just want to hit the ball in play so I’m not worried about precision distance control. Graphite shafts are pretty good now.

Not sure that this was really a very fair test as Mark is clearly a player very used to steel and not at all used to Graphite. I thought it was interesting that his last couple of graphite shots were nonetheless really long and it would have been interesting to see if he had continued, whether that length would have been maintained , as he became more used to Graphite. For the record I have two sets of clubs, one of each shaft type, and I have yet to decide which I prefer. I only started lessons and playing this year

which shaft is best steel or graphite

i know it is old video but i looked up the specs of the i500 and the 7 iron is lofted at 30.5*. that is 1.5* stronger than my 5 iron when i started playing golf back in '85. so not quite sure if it is accurate to say that those are massive 7 iron shots (170 yrds) when your 7 iron is lofted stronger than the old 5 irons 1960s/70s era. we could probably say that they are massive shots for a 30.5* lofted club and not necessarily a 7 iron. today's 7 irons are lofted at 29* or 30* so those should go farther than that 7 iron all other things equal? i enjoy your videos.

PLEASE DO MY TEST!!!!!! Cobra F9 irons versus Cobra F max irons. They both are made for people like me and mark. Let’s do it and let’s do it soon!! You have all the toys for testing. I can’t buy both sets. Please help me.

Mark must have a great coach with a swing like that 😂😂, yep definitely want to see an on course video

I don't want to be negative good idea but why didn't you use the Ping i210s to be a little more consistent. One could ask is it the iron head or the shaft that make for the wide dispersion front to back? As to the weight there are a number of graphite shafts that get pretty close to steel I went from Nippon Modus 105s to Project X LZ graphite and didn't give up too much weight. I have yet to see any graphite to steel tests where the testers try to get shafts that are at least similar in weight. I just wish it had been more apples to apples comparison Still a thumbs up for trying Love your content..

I like it when an amateur is used to evaluate equipment as a pro has the ability to manipulate any equipment to do what he wants, to a certain degree.

Had a fitting for Mizuno irons. In that fitting it was recommended that I should definitely NOT use graphite shafts. I don't have a problem with this but am curious as to why?

Hey really interesting video for me specifically. I have steel KBS 90 shafts in my Wilson C200 irons but when playing with my dad a last winter he left my 9 iron somewhere on a local course and I have thus been playing without one. Which is totally annoying. I have been following a used club on eBay for ages but it's graphite so I have never brought it. Sounds like there is a big difference but neither are better but having just one will be a bad plan