Best Graphite Shafts for Irons 2024: Top 8 Picks

Golf irons make up the majority of clubs in your golf bag. But, if you’re looking for something that will give your shots a great distance and accuracy, then you should consider buying a set of irons with graphite shafts. 

Graphite shafts are lighter than steel shafts, and they can help you swing the club faster and achieve more distance. They’re also more flexible, which can help you stay on target and avoid slicing the ball. However, choosing the right graphite shaft can be a challenging task. To help you make the right choice we have compiled a list of the best graphite iron shafts in the market.

 

 

 

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Top 8 Graphite Shafts for Irons

Using the same club with different shafts will provide unique results. Even when labeled with the same flex, the individual characteristics of shafts are different. This means swapping shafts affects launch angle, ball speed, swing speed, flight path, and as a result, consistency and total distance.

Choosing the right shaft is more than measuring swing speed and basing your decision off that. It’s about knowing how the ball comes off your club and finding the best golf iron shafts for your own game. When shopping online, you can determine the best graphite iron shafts, or best steel shafts for irons by considering a few things.

• The first is to identify the shafts you already have and read about the benefits they provide.
• Next, you’ll identify what you want to see more of from your game. Is it higher ball flight? Less dispersion? A smoother feel?
• Finally, now that you’ve identified what benefits you need to improve your game, you’ll read through the options we provided. The best choice for you should be obvious.

To make things easy, we provide a professional review, highlight some pros and cons, and summarize what other golfers have had to say about using the options you’re considering.

Best Steel Iron Shaft: Project X Rifle 6.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROS

• Excellent energy transfer between shaft and ball
• Best golf shafts for technology
• Incredible distance for the stronger player
• High-quality golf shafts that will last for a very long time

 

CONS

• Not the best golf shafts for the slower speed golfers that need distance

If you want to have complete control on your shots, the steel iron golf shaft is built just for you. Typically, golf shafts made of steel are best for those with higher swing speeds and a bit more power in their swings. 

The Project X Rifle 6.0 set has steel golf shafts that will work with the 3-PW. When a set is sold like this, you will skip the fitting and trimming and install them with complete confidence in the swing weight. 

Project X Rifle shafts help flatten out the ball flight and send the ball on a sharper angle. This helps you finally get the distances you need in your swing.

What Customers Say About The Project X Rifle 6.0

Golfers see Project X as a reputable brand and one they can trust. These feelings have developed over time with the company providing a variety of options for every different skill level. While many shafts are dedicated to golfers of a certain skill level, the 6.0s are not. Instead, golfers at any level can throw these on their wedges for a low, penetrating ball flight and mid-level spin rates. These help with distance and control when paired with a smooth swing.

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Best Graphite Iron Shaft: UST Mamiya Recoil 660 .370 Graphite Iron Shaft

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROS

• Mid-weight and mid-launch 
• It comes as a full set cut to standard length 
• Recoil technology for extra yardage

 

CONS

• Graphite shafts always cost more.

In most cases, graphite iron shafts are only for players with the slowest swing speeds. Not the UST Mamiya Recoil 660 .370 graphite shafts though. Their innovative carbon fiber iron shafts benefit those with mid-speed swings too. Through the materials used, there is an efficient transfer of energy and the “spring effect” of the shafts increases distance. It’s a newer technology but won’t be for long. Look for other brands to start replicating this.

The UST Mamiya Recoil 660 .370 is a great option to consider if you don’t want to make any compromises with your golfing gear’s quality. If you are looking for mid-trajectory this is the right product for you. 

With the UST Mamiya, you get a mid-weight shaft that is going to work for a wide range of players, thanks to the amount of control and distance it provides. This shaft is an excellent choice if you need a mix of distance, a soft feel, and forgiveness from your iron shots. 

One of the most notable benefits of a UST Recoil shaft is the spring-like recoil technology. You will feel like you can get the golf ball to bounce off these golf shafts. If you like distance, this is the exact feel to look for in the best golf shafts on the market. 

With a mid-launch profile, even if you have a slightly faster swing speed, you will find that the UST provides the right trajectory.

What Customers Say About The UST Mamiya Recoil 660 .370 Graphite Iron Shaft

The best part about iron graphite shafts is how easy they are on your body. Golfers who struggle with vibrations up and down their arms rave about the Recoil 660s. Because of high dampening rates, you’ll have better feel on shots, without having to “feel” it. With less pain on bad shots—or any shots in cold weather, you’ll feel the same on hole 1 as you do hole 18.

 

 

 

 

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Best Iron Shaft For Distance: Fujikura PRO Series 95i Graphite Iron Shaft

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROS

• Great feel 
• Comes as a set with all the necessary pieces to install at the right lengths 
• Premium materials used in the composition 
• Slightly heavier weights for higher MO

 

CONS

• Pricing of Fujikura shafts is on the higher end.

Some golfers seek accuracy in their golf shafts, and others seek distance. If you’re a player that wants to hit your irons a long way, then the Fujikura Pro Series 95i Graphite could be an excellent choice for you. 

It’s one of the best shafts on the market regarding lightweight speed and performance. However, the Fujikura Pro Series is slightly heavier than a typical graphite shaft which can require some extra effort in your swings. However, this extra weight can help increase your shot’s distance without changing the shaft flex. Overall the materials used and the shaft’s ability to flex and torque make this a perfect choice for distance.

What Customers Say About The Fujikura PRO Series 95i Graphite Iron Shaft

When people talk about how going with a heavier shaft helped them add distance, this is what they’re using. Golfers like this shaft because the increased weight helps them to add a few mph to their swing speed and the higher bend point lowers ball flight. Coupled together, these two technical components lead to more consistent contact that fights through any wind.

 

 

 

 

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Best Iron Shaft For Seniors: KBS MAX Graphite Iron 55 Senior Flex Golf Shaft

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROS

• Best shafts for slower swing speeds of a senior golfer 
• Higher launching 
• Plenty of distance 
• Easy to control

 

CONS

• Shafts tend to be a little less accurate than steel options.

Senior golfers tend to slow down a bit when it comes to swing speed, and they were always my favorite of all the players I taught. Seniors can use small tips and tricks to help get the speed back, and choosing the right iron golf shaft is a big one. 

The KBS Max Graphite Iron 55 Senior is lightweight, easy to launch, and helps golfers to control spin. If you think your game has been slipping and better equipment could do the trick, these KBS Max golf shafts are the way to go. Older golfers don’t always need to try harder to get the distance they want; they need to be smarter about it.

What Customers Say About The KBS MAX Graphite Iron 55 Senior Flex Golf Shaft

What happens when your swing speed is too low? You can’t hit the ball as high as you’d like and carry distance is not where it needs to be. But what does a shaft change do? Golfers who switch to the KBS 55g shafts do so because it helps hit higher shots and maximizes distance. A secondary benefit is that with better ball shape and higher spin rates, individuals are able to attack more greens with front bunkers as they can loft the ball over them without running through the putting surface.

 

 

 

 

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Best Value-for-Money: UST Mamiya Recoil 440/450/460 ESX Graphite Iron Shaft

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROS

• Fair price for the technology offered 
• High-quality materials 
• Spring effect in the walls of the shaft

 

CONS

• Golf club shafts are built chiefly for slower-swing-speed players.

Although the UST Mamiya Recoil is not the cheapest option on the market, it is one of the best value-for-money graphite shafts we’ve seen. If you have an average speed and want more distance and higher MOI, the recoil technology of this shaft  can help you level up your game. 

These graphite iron shafts are designed for maximum distance and optimal spring effect.  You can get the UST Mamiya Recoil in various flexes and a few different weights, although the average shaft weight will be around 67grams.  They are very efficient at transferring energy from the shaft to the golf ball which makes playing golf very effortless.

What Customers Say About The UST Mamiya Recoil 440/450/460 ESX Graphite Iron Shaft

This may be a club that provides extreme bang for your buck, but that’s not why it’s listed among the best golf iron shafts. Instead, it’s because it helps transform the shot shapes of golfers with low to mid swing speeds. This group of golfers considers high launch angles and higher ball speed the top characteristics. The price is just a secondary benefit—though a strong one.

 

 

 

 

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Best for Mid-Swing Speed: Fujikura New Vista PRO Iron 50i Graphite Shaft

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROS

• Proprietary shaft construction 
• Longer hang time than an average graphite shaft 
• Best graphite shafts for those seeking extra launch

 

CONS

• It comes in one length; you will need to trim it for your iron sets.

The Vista Pro Iron 50i graphite shaft is perfect for you if you have  a mid-swing speed and are looking for more loft and longer hang time on the golf ball. The best part is that these golf shafts are lightweight, weighing only between 57.5 to 59 grams, depending on the shaft flex you choose, that helps your shots to fly longer and higher without having to put in a lot of effort. 

The Vista Pro is available in four different weights and a few different flexes. If you are considering upgrading shafts but feel stuck with some of the weights offered by other companies, it’s a great option to consider.

Fujikura is undoubtedly one of the best graphite golf shafts for the average golfer. We love that they have made one of their premium shafts available as an option for both men and lady golfers.

What Customers Say About The Fujikura New Vista PRO Iron 50i Graphite Shaft

When the weight goes low, the shots go high. Or at least that’s what golfers using the Vista Pro 50g shafts say. Funny enough, that’s what the Fujikura team says too. These low weight graphite iron shafts help golfers with mid-speed swings generate a high arcing ball flight without requiring them to swing at 110%. You know, the speed which control is diminished and shot dispersion maximizes. The stuff you avoid using these graphite iron shafts.

 

 

 

 

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Best for Slow Swing Speed: Aerotech New SteelFiber I80 Iron Graphite Shaft

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROS

• An excellent option for golfers switching from steel golf shafts 
• Works for a variety of swing speeds 
• An excellent choice for slower swing speed golfers that still want control of their shots

 

CONS

• Higher ball flight than some higher swing speeds may need

Steel and regular graphite golf shafts have some interesting features. The Aerotech golf shaft company has combined the features of a steel shaft such as its stability into a graphite shaft and created the Aerotech New SteelFiber I80 Iron Graphite Shaft.
This is an excellent option if you are a golfer switching from steel to graphite iron shafts. When the Steel Fiber shaft first came to market, there was nothing like it. If you are worried about what the change to graphite could do for you, then go with these best graphite shafts from Aerotech.

What Customers Say About The Aerotech New SteelFiber I80 Iron Graphite Shaft

The challenge for many players with slow swing speeds is thinking that increasing it is the only way to improve. Issue is, that’s not always true. The Aerotech I80 shafts are proof of that. When you pick an iron shaft designed specifically for golfers with your swing profile, you benefit. Who would have thought? Many golfers with slow swing speeds prefer this steel shaft over graphite ones because a combination of added weight and a lower kick point increases their swing speed and distance in tandem.

 

 

 

 

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Best for Players on a Budget: INTEGRA SUPERLITE Graphite 50 Gram Distance Iron Shaft

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROS

• Lighter weight shaft
• Offered at a very low price
• Easy to launch

 

CONS

• Not the highest quality shaft

If you are looking for a premium quality graphite shaft set for your golf gear but don’t want to spend a fortune on it, the INTEGRA SUPERLITE might just be what you’re looking for. For a graphite design tour shaft, you could spend more than you would for a brand-new set of golf clubs from some manufacturers. 

If you are still determining whether the graphite shafts are the best for your game, choose the Integra Superlite 50 Gram. These shafts are cheap, and you can get quite a bit more club head speed with something this lightweight.

What Customers Say About The INTEGRA SUPERLITE Graphite 50 Gram Distance Iron Shaft

Finding a hidden gem is the best way to describe how golfers feel about discovering Integra as a brand and Superlite 50g shafts. Much like finding out you perform just as well with a “bargain” brand driver or $100 putter when compared to TaylorMade irons or a Scotty Cameron putter, these shafts work. Don’t pay attention to the price. Pay attention to your increased ball speed, controlled flight, and stopping power when hitting into the green.

 

 

 

 

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Factors to Consider When Buying Graphite Shafts: Buyers Guide 

 

 

 

Golfer Skill Level 

Much of skill level and shaft selection can be determined by the “best for” title given to each of the shafts above, as well as a fair assessment of your own game. Much like not trying to hit a punch shot through a three-foot gap after missing a fairway by thirty yards, you should not be forcing yourself into a certain shaft based on looks or its added benefits.

A slow swinging golfer should use a shaft designed for low swing speeds, not one designed for 100+ mph swing speeds. The distance those players add from that club will not be the same for you. It will actually harm your game.

The fun thing about golf though, you can always upgrade equipment as you change your skill level. When you make the jump from 60 mph swing speed to 80 mph, you can replace the shafts of your irons. But you do so after you’ve made your improvements. This isn’t like when you were a kid and bough shoes a half size too big knowing you’d grow into them. Your best choice is what fits your game right now.

Weight & Length Preferences

Changing the weight of your golf shafts can be a tricky thing. The benefit to a heavier shaft is that you can increase your swing speed. Essentially, the added weight helps to “activate” more power and rotation. However, a swing that is not controlled will get more inconsistent with a heavier shaft. Only consider a shaft on the higher end of the weight spectrum if you are already smooth and consistent.

Extending your irons length is similar to adding weight. A longer iron shaft can be swung harder. But, the bigger the swing, the more room for inconsistency. Think about a wedge vs a long iron. While loft plays a role, much of the trouble that comes with hitting longer-distance clubs are from flaws accentuated by the bigger swing.

Across the board, adding weight or length to iron shafts should be exclusive to more skilled players. If you’re an improving golfer, you may want to consider lighter clubs or shorter shafts as a way to slow your swing down and improve your mechanics.

Budget

The best graphite shafts for irons and the best steel shafts for irons will come at a similar price. No matter your material choice, it’s going to cost you a few hundred dollars to replace the shafts in your current clubs or place a custom order for irons with particular shafts. As with most things in the beautiful game of golf, the more you spend, the higher quality materials and better technology that you will end up with. 

The difficult part of having finally found the best golf iron shafts is that they’re at their best when paired with the clubs they were purchased for. What works best with your current set may not be the best option if your upgrade your heads. If you’re considering buying new clubs or have already had your current ones for a while, it may be best to hold off on buying shafts.

Graphite Shaft Buying Guide

Hopefully, you now have a better idea of the best graphite iron shafts on the market. We highly recommend each option on our list and know they will help golfers of all abilities. Here are a few things to consider before purchasing your new golf shafts.

Should I Have Steel Or Graphite Shafts In My Irons?

Steel shafts are known for control, and graphite shafts are known for distance. This is how players often decide which shaft is better for them. However, these lines are starting to blur as these shafts get lighter and more reactive and graphite shafts get more stable and easier to control. This is going to come down to the feeling that you are going to want in the club. The steel shaft will typically give you a heavier club, but this is good for a higher swing-speed player. Try to base your iron golf shaft decision on your speed and the types of iron shots you like to hit.

What Flex Graphite Shaft Should I Use?

The flex of the iron golf shaft set should be directly related to your clubhead speed. If the shaft is the right fit for your game, you will notice increased clubhead speed, and the shaft will naturally promote higher penetrating ball flight. Higher swing speeds need a stiffer shaft. Lower swing speeds need something with more flex. Measuring your speed before deciding on the best shaft for your golf game is a good idea.

Are Graphite Iron Shafts Better For Distance?

Graphite shafts tend to be easier to swing faster. Since the graphite material is a bit lighter, you will have an easier time getting lots of distance, but the tight shot dispersion may be a bit harder. However, the graphite shafts will be the best for your game if you struggle with distance. This comes down to a simple scientific factor of just being able to swing a lighter golf club faster. Graphite shafts are a smart choice if you are looking for a golf club that will gain you more distance. I prefer steel shafts because of the ability to feel and get feedback from the shaft. However, the newer graphite shafts that can offer more stability and feedback are truly changing the game. 

How Does Shaft Weight Impact Performance?

There are more parameters to choosing a shaft than just the material and the flex. It is also essential to consider the weight of the shaft. A heavy shaft is going to keep the ball flight down. The heavy shaft is an intelligent choice for golfers who have trouble controlling the ball’s flight, while players struggling with swing speed and launch should consider lighter golf shafts. 

How Do I Choose An Iron Shaft? 

You will likely want to go for a club fitting to choose an iron shaft. A club fitting will help you decide which of the shaft is best suited for your game. When a launch monitor can tell you exactly how far the shots are going and their spin and performance, it is easier to settle on the perfect shaft. Iron shaft decisions will often come down to the weight and flex of the shaft. Ensure that you know how far you hit the ball and your swing speed to ensure you get the right shaft in your irons. Since the irons take up such a large portion of your bag, you want to make the right choice.

Should I Replace All The Golf Shafts In My Irons? 

Golf is an unpredictable and challenging game. If you are not playing with golf shafts that are consistent from one club to the next, you may start to struggle. It is best to replace all of your shafts to match. Chances are your irons and wedges will be the same shaft, and your drivers and woods will also be the same shaft. The weighting may change, but you will want the same material and flex to have consistency in your game. Golfers with one shaft brand in their seven iron and another in their eight iron are only making the game more challenging. If you break a golf shaft in one of your irons, ensure you replace it with the same thing whenever possible.

Conclusion

The best graphite shafts for irons are the Project X Catalyst. More and more players are finding that the Catalyst is a good choice for players that want more distance and lots of stability.

Graphite shafts are starting to be produced with just as much stability as steel shafts, making them easy to control and work. If you are new to the world of graphite shafts in your irons, this is a perfect place to start.