Top 8 Best Graphite Shafts For Irons In 2023 [Honest Review]

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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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.

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Best Graphite Iron Shaft: UST Mzamiya Recoil 80 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.

The UST Mamiya Recoil 80 Graphite 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.

 

 

 

 

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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.

 

 

 

 

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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.

 

 

 

 

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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.

 

 

 

 

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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.

 

 

 

 

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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.

 

 

 

 

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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.

 

 

 

 

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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.