What Are Graphite Golf Irons?

Graphite irons typically refer to the shaft of the club. There are two basic types of shaft usually used in the production of golf clubs: graphite and steel. While there are several variations of these types the biggest differences between them are the flexibility involved. Steel shafts are very rigid and best used by low handicap players. Graphite shafts have various degrees of flex and players can choose how much or how little give they want in their clubs to help them enhance their games.

Graphite shafts produce two distinct advantages from the flex they provide. The first advantage is in the swing itself. As the club is swung on its pendulum the shaft flexes from the force of the swing. For players with weaker swings this results in a whipping motion upon contact that adds power to their shot. Added power means the ball will get up in the air faster and travel further. The second point of advantage with a graphite shaft is that the softness and flexibility of the shaft reduces vibrations when a ball is mishit. This makes playing much more comfortable for mid to high handicap players who may not have the control to get a perfect contact with the clubhead's sweet spot and have repeated mishits during each outing.

The ability of graphite irons to both aid in game improvement and make playing more pleasant makes them very popular and even low handicap players have begun using graphite shafts when they chose clubs.

The major manufacturers of golf equipment such as Callaway, Nike, TaylorMade, Ping, and Titleist are constantly working on new developments to give even more control and response to their graphite irons. They use feedback from professional golfers on their Tour teams to get ideas for better performance. These companies are often on the leading edge of new developments but even small independent companies work hard to give their game improving clubs superior performance and companies like Wilson, Nickent, and Cleveland often come up with some very surprising and unique developments to eclipse the big companies.

The degrees of flex often range from extra stiff to regular. There are also flex clubs made specifically for ladies and seniors. The best way to judge which flex is best for you is to find out what your swing speed is. If your swing is over 105 mph then an extra stiff flex is best. It still gives you the vibration control and some added power but won't over power your shot if you already have a strong swing. If your speed is between 90 and 105 mph a stiff flex is a good choice. It gives just a little bit more swish and impact. Players with a swing of 80-95 mpg do best with a regular flex iron. This type of graphite iron gives the maximum normal amount of flex and produces a strong shot if your swing is weak. Older players who have lost a lot of upper body strength often find their swing coming in under 80 mph and as low as 70. A senior flex graphite iron will greatly improve their games. Ladies with swing speeds of less than 70 mph can make great use of a ladies flex graphite iron to help give their games added power.

When you begin to look for graphite irons the many different varieties and brands can be confusing. Check out our reviews of the individual graphite irons available can help you make educated decisions on which ones to try. After you have done your research ask your pro shop to let you try the ones you think might work best for you to get the perfect set of clubs.