Heavier Graphite Iron Shafts in R flex

[GT1885]

I'm wanting to change my iron shafts from steel to graphite. I've played a set of Rifles in maybe 5.5 for 20 years. I say "maybe" because there are no labels and no stenciling on the butt end under the grips. They may be 6.0's. Regardless, they came in a set of TM 300 forged that I've played since they were new and I've recently put them in a set of B'stone Dual Pocket J40's. I've loved them from the beginning but I'm now 65 and it's time for graphite. I might go to a local Club Champion to try some different ones out but I thought I'd come here and ask for suggestions for heavier R flex shafts. What I can find so far is Steelfiber in 110. That may be the top of where I'd like to spend.

Edited November 19, 2021 by GT1885

[NM01]

Recoil 110, steelfiber i95 probably a better fit than i110 because steelfiber plays stiffer. 
 

true temper graphite iron shafts

fujikura pro
 

 

[Kenny B]

I'm not sure why you think that a heavy graphite shaft would be the best fit.  If it's been 20 years and you think you might need regular flex graphite, you may find that a lighter graphite shaft gives better performance.  I liked a heavier shaft too; but when I hit 70 years old, the heavy shafts were hurting my game.  Lighter shafts do take some getting used to, but each year I'm glad I made the change.  

Graphite shafts have come a long way in the last 20 years.  Trying different shafts is a good idea.  There are a lot more options for regular flex graphite in the 80-95 grams range.  Since flex is variable between manufacturers and shaft models, you may even need a stiff flex.  Keep an open mind.

[GT1885]

15 hours ago, Kenny B said:

I'm not sure why you think that a heavy graphite shaft would be the best fit.  If it's been 20 years and you think you might need regular flex graphite, you may find that a lighter graphite shaft gives better performance.  I liked a heavier shaft too; but when I hit 70 years old, the heavy shafts were hurting my game.  Lighter shafts do take some getting used to, but each year I'm glad I made the change.  

Graphite shafts have come a long way in the last 20 years.  Trying different shafts is a good idea.  There are a lot more options for regular flex graphite in the 80-95 grams range.  Since flex is variable between manufacturers and shaft models, you may even need a stiff flex.  Keep an open mind.

Kenny, It's only because I've played with heavy steel shafts for 40 years, I guess. When I first started thinking I wanted to transition to graphite, I bought a set of irons from Callaway Preowned that had Recoil (don't remember weight) but in F3 flex. I sent them back after a week but they just didn't feel right. I guess I'll just have to experiment and then just commit to a lighter weight and then get used to it. Thanks for the suggestion.

15 hours ago, Kenny B said:

I'm not sure why you think that a heavy graphite shaft would be the best fit.  If it's been 20 years and you think you might need regular flex graphite, you may find that a lighter graphite shaft gives better performance.  I liked a heavier shaft too; but when I hit 70 years old, the heavy shafts were hurting my game.  Lighter shafts do take some getting used to, but each year I'm glad I made the change.  

Graphite shafts have come a long way in the last 20 years.  Trying different shafts is a good idea.  There are a lot more options for regular flex graphite in the 80-95 grams range.  Since flex is variable between manufacturers and shaft models, you may even need a stiff flex.  Keep an open mind.

 

[Kenny B]

53 minutes ago, GT1885 said:

Kenny, It's only because I've played with heavy steel shafts for 40 years, I guess. When I first started thinking I wanted to transition to graphite, I bought a set of irons from Callaway Preowned that had Recoil (don't remember weight) but in F3 flex. I sent them back after a week but they just didn't feel right. I guess I'll just have to experiment and then just commit to a lighter weight and then get used to it. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

I hear you!  About 10 years ago I moved from DG S300 steel in my Macgregors to a set of Ping i20 graphite regular at maybe 84g.  That was quite a change!

What was interesting at the time was that I still liked the feel of steel; but not the weight. About 5 years ago I demo'ed a set of Bridgestones with a Nippon steel shaft at 84g and I loved the feel much better than the Pings.

Earlier this year I bought a very nice used set of Mizuno MP20 HMB with F3 Recoil shafts and 64g for a really good price.  I couldn't hit them.  I kept working with them in my hitting bay all summer, and now I'm hitting them pretty well.  Love the way they feel.

However, in the meantime I had reshafted my Macgregors with the 84g Nippon steel shaft and I love them too.  With the extra weight I can feel the head a little better in transition than with the Mizunos, even though the swingweights are the same.  I guess I have two sets to play, since I don't want to get rid of either one.

[fixyurdivot]

On 11/19/2021 at 4:41 PM, Kenny B said:

I'm not sure why you think that a heavy graphite shaft would be the best fit.  If it's been 20 years and you think you might need regular flex graphite, you may find that a lighter graphite shaft gives better performance.  I liked a heavier shaft too; but when I hit 70 years old, the heavy shafts were hurting my game.  Lighter shafts do take some getting used to, but each year I'm glad I made the change.  

Graphite shafts have come a long way in the last 20 years.  Trying different shafts is a good idea.  There are a lot more options for regular flex graphite in the 80-95 grams range.  Since flex is variable between manufacturers and shaft models, you may even need a stiff flex.  Keep an open mind.

Yup, trust your fitter and try not to go in with an open mind.  I just made the change from steel and tested a bunch of composite iron shafts, ending up with MMT 80R.  I noticed some significant differences between the offerings.