What shafts should I play, Steel or Graphite

I have asked and helped to answered this question many times.  It all comes down to the players decision.  The correct type of shaft depends on the player and his/her goals,  body strength, clubhead acceleration, clubhead speed, and appearance.

First, let us talk about some misconceptions.

1. The flex of a golf shaft is not dependent upon material.  The most flexible shaft I ever hit was made of Steel.
2. Not all Graphite shafts are the same weight and not all Steel shafts are the same weight either.  When I take a player through a custom fitting, I have them swing up to seven different weight shafts.
3. Normally Graphite shafts are lighter than Steel, but a Tour weight Graphite shaft is 110 grams which is heaver in weight than a light weight Steel shaft.

There are three main differences between Steel and Graphite. 

• Weight:  The average Steel shaft is 115 grams and the average Graphite shaft is 70 grams. 
• Vibration Reduction:  Graphite allows less vibrations to reach the player's  hands and arms.  True Temper has a product called SensiCore which has a core in the steel shaft that also reduces vibrations. 

• Cost:

When fitting Woods I almost always recommend Graphite shafts, with Graphite you have less weight which enables the player to hit the ball longer (same effort, less weight, higher clubhead speed = longer ball).   Graphite is also  better for the hands, arms and shoulders.  For some stronger player I recommend Steel Wood shafts to control tempo. 

For Iron shafts it depends on the player and his/her desires and physical strength and flexibility. When I custom fit a player they swing many different shafts and determine their likes and dislikes.  We then talk about advantages and disadvantages.  In the end it is the player's decision.