Steel Vs Graphite Shafts For Wedges – What’s The Better Option?

When looking for a new wedge, the average player thinks about spin and turf interaction. But, very few of us factor in the impact that the shaft material has on our game.

That is why I am taking it upon myself to address the matter of steel vs graphite shafts for wedges.

In this post, we will look at the features, benefits and disadvantages of each shaft. The aim is to help you understand which shaft option will enhance your performance around the greens.

Overview Of Wedge Shafts And How They Affect Performance

When you purchase a wedge off the shelf, the chances are that the specs of the shaft don’t suit your style of play.

As a rule of thumb, the best approach is to fit your wedge with the shame shaft material as your irons.

The reason for this is to maintain consistency in your swing and setup. However, it depends on your preference and how you launch different lofted clubs.

If you use steel shafts on your irons and graphite wedges shafts, the latter construction may be too light and cause you to sky every wedge shot.

Like your irons, wedge shafts impact the launch, spin and apex of your shots around the green.

How Important Is Shaft Material In Wedges?

Shaft material matters in all your clubs and, wedges are no exception. In an interview with Golf Magazine, True Spec Golf’s Tim Briand suggested that 75% of the players that he fits have the wrong shaft.

Because players buy the stock standard design off the shelf, they are mostly too heavy for the average player’s swing.

That leads to a lower ball flight, with less spin and control, which is the opposite of what we demand from our short game shots.

The best approach to identifying the preferred shaft material for your game is to visit a professional fitter.

After a session, you will have a clearer insight into the ideal setup for your game.

Is There A Big Difference Between Steel And Graphite Shafts?

The short answer is yes. There is a big difference between steel and graphite shafts.

Aside from the flex and weight discrepancies of each shaft, it impacts the launch and result of your shot.

The less flexible and heavy steel shafts promote lower ball flight and spin.

However, the opposite is true for graphite shafts, according to Golf.com, which produce higher launch, and increased spin.

Pros Of Steel Wedge Shafts

  • Lower trajectory suits players that prefer pitch and run shots
  • Superior ball flight control
  • Provides superb control in windy conditions
  • Its heavier construction suits faster-swinging players
  • More affordable

Cons Of Steel Wedge Shafts

  • Promotes less spin than a graphite shaft
  • Reduced shot stopping power
  • You feel unwanted vibrations on mishits.

Pros Of Steel Wedge Shafts

  • Lower trajectory suits players that prefer pitch and run shots
  • Superior ball flight control
  • Provides superb control in windy conditions
  • Its heavier construction suits faster-swinging players
  • More affordable

Cons Of Steel Wedge Shafts

  • Promotes less spin than a graphite shaft
  • Reduced shot stopping power
  • You feel unwanted vibrations on mishits.

Should You Use Graphite Or Steel In Your Wedge Shafts?

I always suggest visiting a professional fitter to make an accurate decision on the clubs you should use.

However, if you prefer not to go this route, you can use the below information as a guideline.

When we follow the advice set out by Golfweek’s Michael Kozlowski, it becomes clear that the ideal shaft material depends on your swing.

Faster swinging golfers tend to suit steel shafts best. However, graphite shafts appeal to the slower swingers among us.

Best Graphite Wedge Shafts

Fujikura MCI 105 Solid Wedge

Although the Fujikura MCI 105 wedge shaft delivers the spin of a graphite shaft, carbon fibre is the predominant material. The design helps the average golfer generate optimal greenside spin for better control and short game performance.

Furthermore, its mid-degree of bend delivers a moderate degree of launch for improved control around the green. Overall, this wedge shaft is designed for players who desire a consistent mid-level launch.

Pros

  • Controlled ball flight
  • Mid-bend point
  • Optimal spin
  • The lighter weight makes it easier to launch your ball
  • It gives you the best of a steel and graphite shaft in one design

Cons

  • Expensive
  • The lighter shaft can cause faster-swinging golfers to sky their chips and pitch shots

Overall Score: 94/100

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Mitsubishi MMT 105 Scoring Wedge Shaft

The versatility of Mitsubishi’s MMT 125 Scoring Wedge shaft offers leisure golfers the best of both worlds.

Carbon fibre materials combine with a stainless steel mesh to enhance your feel, launch and spin.

Stainless steel material optimizes the feel of your wedge, while carbon fibre amplifies your launch and spin around the green.

Plus, Mitsibushi created these shafts to partner with the MMT Irons series wedges to help you improve consistency through the bag.

In summary, the MMT 105 Scoring Wedge shaft suits those looking for a balance between feel, launch and spin.

Pros

  • Improved feel
  • Designed to pair with the MMT 105 Iron Series shafts
  • Consistent launch
  • Optimal greenside spin
  • Durable

Cons

  • Expensive
  • It does not drown out unwanted vibrations on off-centre shots as well as a pure graphite shaft

Overall Score: 96/100

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Best Steel Wedge Shafts

True Temper Dynamic Gold S400

True Temper’s Dynamic Gold S400 shafts sport a lengthier construction to increase the flexibility of the tip and reduce weight. As a result, the company suggests that those with a moderate tempo are best suited to low launch and mid-spin.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • A lower launch gives you more control over your ball flight
  • Mid-level spin suits players who generate excess spin
  • Increased tip flex
  • It is nearly half the price of our top graphite shaft picks

Cons

  • Not suited to players who struggle to get their ball airborne
  • Reduced spin and shot-stopping power

Overall Score: 95/100

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Nippon N.S Pro Modus3 125 Wedge Shaft

Nippon constructed their Modus3 125 wedge shaft to enhance the short game performance of golfers with faster swing speeds.

It also appeals to superior players who demand an exceptional feel from their wedges.

Furthermore, the collaboration between the N.S. Pro’s wall thickness and multi-heat treatment technology provide optimal feel and stability, enabling a moderate launch with low spin.

Although the combination improves your shot dispersion results, it doesn’t suit those who struggle to get their ball in the air.

Pros

  • Improved shot dispersion
  • Optimal stability at impact
  • Superior feel
  • Low trajectory suits players who naturally generate excess spin
  • Affordable

Cons

  • The shafts distribute unwanted vibrations stemming from off-centre strikes
  • The low level of ball flight and spin does not suit players who struggle to launch their shots.

Overall Score: 96/100

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Final Thoughts on Steel vs Graphite Shafts For Wedges

After examining the benefits and disadvantages of steel vs graphite shafts for wedges, we know that the superior option depends on you.

In conclusion, heavy steel wedge shafts suit faster-swinging golfers, who demand optimal feel. Graphite shafts conversely suit players who struggle to get their shots in the air. And require additional spin.

Therefore, if you are a faster swinging golfer looking for a new wedge shaft, take a look at the Nippon N.S Pro Modus3 125. Slower swingers that require additional launch and spin should think about the Fujikura MCI 105 Solid wedge shaft.