steel vs graphite shaft driver

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tongzilla

tongzilla

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How much distance would you lose if you put a 45" X100 on say a Titleist D2, vs some other 45" X/XX graphite shaft?

I would like to hear the golfer answer and the Mandrin answer. :p :)
 
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Dustin

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I think it would greatly depend on the weight of the shafts etc, but playing an x100 at 45" would be VERY heavy and would probably come in very high on the SW scale, thus reducing Swing Speed > Ball Speed > and ultimately distance. Even without knowing the graphite shaft used and the spin/launch factors I'd say 30 yds.

FWIW, to keep your Swing Weight resonable, I'd think you'd need to play the Steel shaft around 43 - 43.5".

I used to play steel throughout my bag until a few years ago when I found graphite to be much longer and just as consistent. Also, when I played steel in the driver, I used a lite version of DG, which helps some w/ the static weight.
 
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vjsinger

vjsinger

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tongzilla said:
How much distance would you lose if you put a 45" X100 on say a Titleist D2, vs some other 45" X/XX graphite shaft?

I would like to hear the golfer answer and the Mandrin answer. :p :)
Click to expand...

From what I have read......most people shouldn't use a driver that long, the tour guys don't. I think they use something between 43 1\2 and 44 on average. I think steel has different bend characteristics and is quite a bit heavier. So, if you're a big strong guy,have a quick transition, and like the feel of steel and you consistently hit it in the middle of the face...go for it. It is just probably unlikely that the length be 45"...and I would think even more unlikely that it be in steel. As for the Titleist D2..I have no clue, don't know why it matters. Basically its all about what YOU can control and hit CONSISTENTLY well..I think.:eek:
 
vjsinger

vjsinger

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I'm just not sure there is an easy answer without someone who is qualified to fit you in person..sorry. They need to see the flight and get some data. If you're trying to go cheap that might not be the best thing. You could be searching for the right combo for a long time and spend more money than if you were to go somewhere and get fit by someone that knows what they are doing. Just my opinion..
 
curtisj76

curtisj76

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Not to plug another site but it's actually where BManz was "born". Whenever I'm looking for club building questions I go to "free golf info". TONS of builders and they love talking about this kind of stuff. I just went there a few days ago on advice to take my putter grip off and then put it back on as I needed to cut it down a bit. Received great advice and my putter now fits me better.
 
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matt kluck

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Dustin said:
I think it would greatly depend on the weight of the shafts etc, but playing an x100 at 45" would be VERY heavy and would probably come in very high on the SW scale, thus reducing Swing Speed > Ball Speed > and ultimately distance. Even without knowing the graphite shaft used and the spin/launch factors I'd say 30 yds.

FWIW, to keep your Swing Weight resonable, I'd think you'd need to play the Steel shaft around 43 - 43.5".

I used to play steel throughout my bag until a few years ago when I found graphite to be much longer and just as consistent. Also, when I played steel in the driver, I used a lite version of DG, which helps some w/ the static weight.
Click to expand...

Good point Dustin. I did alot of research on shafts a few years ago and we determined that 441/4 inch was the longest you could go with a lightweight steel shaft and 431/2 in a Rifle before it got too burdensome.
Hope this helps.
MK
 
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Jim Kobylinski

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You can't assume the same weight because an X100 won't be the same weight as any graphite shaft. They do make some "lightweight" steel shafts for driver purposes but i think they are around 90g or so. Also i wouldn't play it at 45" because it will swing weight way too high.

Last as far as lost distance, it will only be relative to the amount of swing speed you lose and if your smash factor gets any worse. You won't know until you shaft it up and find out.
 
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DOCW3

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matt kluck said:
Good point Dustin. I did alot of research on shafts a few years ago and we determined that 441/4 inch was the longest you could go with a lightweight steel shaft and 431/2 in a Rifle before it got too burdensome.
Hope this helps.
MK
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Hogan produced a 44" Apex steel with a laminated head and also a "Legend" model. The latter was claimed to produce distances equivalent to graphite at that time. I am not a clubmaker but remember the unsatisfactory attempt to extend the steel shaft and lighten the head_it had two filled weight ports under the sole plate.

I would think Tiger's reluctance to leave steel considering the resources available to him would be an indicator that there is less distance potential with it.
 
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