Do Graphite shafts help elbow and wrist pain?

[ottawap]

Semi retired this summer and usually got a solid 3-4 games plus practice in most weeks. As a result I’m experiencing a little joint and tendon issues.  Would switching to properly fitted graphite shafts all around help? 

[cnosil]

most people that switch to graphite for that reason seem to believe it helps

 

[chisag]

12 minutes ago, cnosil said:

most people that switch to graphite for that reason seem to believe it helps

 

... In my case there was no "seem to believe it helps" but graphite eliminated the very painful elbow tendonitis that had me take a 3 month lay off giving my elbow time to heal. When I started playing again I had graphite in my irons and the tendonitis never returned. I did make the mistake of playing my MIM Tours with Nippon 950GH steel irons because that was a stock option and how they wanted them reviewed. All good for a little over a month and maybe 20 rounds before my elbow starting hurting again. Tendonitis can be a funny thing as it doesn't seem to start slowly giving you some warning but goes from 0 to 5 overnight. I re-shafted with Steelfibers and the pain disappeared. I am far from alone. 

[ottawap]

Thanks, I guess that's good news. The idea of giving up my nippons is equally painful though. 

[cnosil]

3 hours ago, chisag said:

 

... In my case there was no "seem to believe it helps" but graphite eliminated the very painful elbow tendonitis that had me take a 3 month lay off giving my elbow time to heal. When I started playing again I had graphite in my irons and the tendonitis never returned. I did make the mistake of playing my MIM Tours with Nippon 950GH steel irons because that was a stock option and how they wanted them reviewed. All good for a little over a month and maybe 20 rounds before my elbow starting hurting again. Tendonitis can be a funny thing as it doesn't seem to start slowly giving you some warning but goes from 0 to 5 overnight. I re-shafted with Steelfibers and the pain disappeared. I am far from alone. 

Trying to hedge my bets.  Don't want someone coming on and blasting me that graphite didn't do that for them.   Pretty much everything that goes to graphite thinks they are better.   I don't think I will go back to steel. 

[chisag]

1 hour ago, cnosil said:

Trying to hedge my bets.  Don't want someone coming on and blasting me that graphite didn't do that for them.   Pretty much everything that goes to graphite thinks they are better.   I don't think I will go back to steel. 

 

... I hear ya and I have had that happen on another forum. 

[Parshooter36]

I switched to graphite in my irons and wedges last fall and will never go back.  I had been fighting tendonitis in my left arm for 3 months at that point and within 2 weeks of switching I was basically pain-free. I couldn't believe it made that much of a difference in such a short time, but I am a believer.

[MIgregb]

I've left questions for Tony after his Q&As that happen to involve graphite shafts, but I guess it wasn't of sufficient relevance to be included in other Q&As. I asked whether there was still a (supposed) joint benefit of going graphite as the shafts become more stable as indicated by the fact that so many are now more accurate providing less dispersion than their steel counterparts. In my addled mind, if graphite is more accurate because they've become more stable, could they also still be less jarring on your joints? I literally don't know and would love to see some sort of test to demonstrate either way.

[DaddyDV]

All makes sense, I had a really tough time switching to graphite as I swing pretty hard and always tell people steel is just better. 
I switched to LA Golf graphite and could not be happier.  Not only has it helped with my golf elbow; but I really enjoy swinging them in my long irons as those tend to be tough to hit when you’re not all warmed up. I even tried to switch back to steel twice to blame the graphite. But after a few head to head sessions with my club and steel a few times I realized it was just my swing  Only thing is I had to go back to steel with my wedges. The new Fuji graphite are pretty awesome as well btw.

[chisag]

4 minutes ago, DaddyDV said:

But after a few head to head sessions with my club and steel a few times I realized it was just my swing

 

 

[Haro]

Graphite in my irons. Just easier on my joints and I’m not afraid to swing fast and hard because there no vibrations from a mishit    I still like steel in my wedges and putter for feedback   Most times I don’t go all out with those clubs 

Edited August 25 by Haro

[Dweed]

On 8/24/2023 at 5:26 PM, ottawap said:

Thanks, I guess that's good news. The idea of giving up my nippons is equally painful though. 

Welcome to the forum. This is "da" place to ask those questions. Most of the time you'll receive sincere info based on experience. You did get some of the "best of the best" responses thus far.

[ottawap]

Thanks boys. Not exactly thrilled about the idea of switching but gotta stay positive about these things and look for game improvements wherever possible.