Why Use Graphite Golf Irons?

There are many choices which will determine the outcome of ones golf game. Not only does the choice of a ball make a difference in ones score, but so do the club options. Picking the right iron which will respond to the player will give the best results. Much of this is determined by personal feel, but the player's ability also plays a large part in their choice of golf iron.

Options abound for the many types of clubs, but one of the biggest decisions to make is the material from which the shaft is crafted. While many prefer the strength and rigidity of steel, both experienced and new golfers are discovering the benefits of graphite golf irons. These irons are lighter in weight than their steel counterparts. The result is a club which is easier to swing, especially for those who do not have as much upper body strength. Beginners, women, youth, and senior golfers appreciate the ease of a swing with a graphite golf iron. Some say that the only downside to graphite golf irons is their increased price, but this is due to the care and technology injected into each model. In many cases, irons can be customized with the golfer's choice of either a steel or graphite shaft, but irons which have been pre-made with graphite shafts are best for those who need less weight in their irons to be able to swing the club at higher speeds.

After making the choice for a graphite iron, there are still other options which will help the player to pick the best iron for their ability level. One of these is the process used in making the club head. There are two major manufacturing processes which produce each individual club head. Forged and cast irons refer to the process used to form the club head.

Forged irons are those which have been carved from a solid piece of metal, usually steel. In most cases, forged irons have heavier heads and result in blade irons, but there are also forged cavity backed irons. Forged cavity backed irons have a hollow in the back of the club head which redistributes the weight to the outer edges of the club head, increasing the center of gravity and the size of the "sweet spot". Cavity backed forged irons with graphite shafts are especially popular choices for beginners. While they are slightly heavier than cast irons, forged cavity backed graphite irons are more forgiving for those who do not hit the ball perfectly. Unlike solid blade irons, cavity backed irons, provide greater ease to hit a ball well. By choosing a graphite shaft with these, even a beginner can achieve the high swing speed required for some shots. Lighter weight graphite golf irons with forged cavity backed heads include: TaylorMade R7 Graphite Irons and Mizuno MX-25 Graphite Irons.

Forged blade irons have the weight evenly distributed throughout the club head. As a result, these clubs have a smaller area at their center of gravity, where the "sweet spot" is located. Despite the increased difficulty with hitting a ball well with forged blade graphite irons, those who can have more control over the ball. A graphite shaft with a forged iron will help to offset the additional weight in the club head, and this combination is preferred by many experienced golfers, especially seniors and ladies who need less shaft weight for a faster swing. Those with low handicaps opt for blade irons because they have the ability to hit the ball well off of these and they favor the additional control. Some examples of forged irons with blade club heads and graphite shafts are Nickent 4DX CB Graphite Irons, Callaway X-14 Graphite Irons, and Cleveland CG Gold Graphite Irons.

Cast irons have been made by having molten metal poured into a model, resulting in a lighter weight, lower cost club. Combining this process with a graphite shaft makes these irons very easy to swing and are best for youth and those with higher handicaps. In most cases, the cast process results in a cavity backed club head, but blade irons which have been cast are also available. These clubs are often lower in cost and a good choice for those who are recreational players who do not want to invest in forged irons. Some examples of cast cavity backed irons include: Nike Ignite Graphite Irons, Nickent 4DX CB Graphite Irons, and the Cleveland CG4 Tour Graphite Irons. Blade irons which have been cast and have graphite shafts include the Ping i3 Graphite Irons.

Choosing the best iron for ones ability will ensure that the ball will be more easily controlled. By improving the control the golfer has over the ball in his short game, his entire round is bettered. It is important that beginners do not opt for irons which are not designed for them. Beginners should choose graphite shaft cavity backed irons for best results. This selection will allow those with higher handicaps to swing their club faster and be more forgiving for those who cannot hit directly on the "sweet spot". Those who have lower handicaps should choose a forged blade with a graphite shaft for increase control and greater ease in swinging. Careful consideration of all of the attributes of an iron should be taken into account before a player makes his selections to add to his bag.