DATE: 09/06/2007 11:37:36 / MOOD: like playing 36 holes
I recently purchased new clubs and this was one of the questions I had to think hard about. I previously had all Graphite and quite frankly I wasn't very happy with them, specifically my irons. So, I bought steel for my irons and graphite for all my woods.
Some key points when comparing Steel or Graphite shafts.
- Steel is cheaper but heavier than graphite
- Quality graphite shafts will last just as long as steel.
- Graphite transmits fewer vibrations up the club than steel. This may be good or bad depending on your preference.
- The difference in weight between graphite shafts and steel shafts will translate, for most golfers, into an additional 2-4 mph of swing speed with graphite. And that could mean an extra 6-12 yards of distance with a graphite shaft, compared to a steel shaft (Tom Wishon).
Now, I am a pretty big guy, 6'1" 240lbs w/ 51" shoulders and distance isn't usually my trouble, but control is. When I swing steel shafted irons I feel much more in control of the club head. Additionally, when hitting out of the rough I feel that the additional weight helps keep the club head stable. Graphite is suppose to create more club head speed and give you greater distance, but my results have been the opposite. I have seen substantial distance gains in my iron play. Again, I think it all depends on your physical structure. If you have physical constraints, or are small in stature then graphite would probably be best. Me being a bigger guy, I think the additional weight has helped me in control which translated into straighter and longer shots.
What do you prefer? A poll preformed by About.com shows that 57% of Golfers Polled use Steel (Poll Source).
By The Duffer's Blog
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DATE: 08/28/2007 07:52:38 / MOOD: i love golf
I recently purchased the Odyssey White Hot 2 Ball putter after trying it out on several different occasions. So far, I have been very pleased with the softer feel and the 2 ball alignment. For me the 2 ball alignment system is much easier for me especially on putts of 15' and over. During my purchase process I took a hard look at the White Steel putter with the steel insert. One of the reasons I chose to go with the White Hot over the White Steel was that I felt the White Hot gave me a little bit more distance control. Both are very good putters and I can't imagine using any other brand of putter than Odyssey.
So, today I went to my local Golf Etc. Retail store to just browse around. They had all of the Odyssey line of putters and the one that I was really interested in trying was the Belly putter, Odyssey White Steel Mid Length. I had never tried a belly putter before, but since it was all the rage during the British Open because of Sergio's switch I thought I would test it out. It took some getting use to, the heavier weight and of course the length, but I actually liked it on the short putts. On the long putts I was having a little harder time controlling the distance.
In the end, I am glad I made the choice that I made. I see myself using this putter for many years to come. What do you carry in your bag? Have you tried the 2 ball putters?
By The Duffer's Blog
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