Hi Marc, 

Thanks for the question. 

Deciding between graphite and steel shafts is really player dependent. Typically, graphite shafts are lighter, tend to create a higher ball flight with more spin and result in less vibration which is better for individuals who have certain injuries.  However, some individuals who seem like ideal candidates for graphite shafts end up sticking with steel because they prefer the feel and weight. 

My best suggestion is to see a local Titleist fitter and try both out. However, I hope the comments above give you some direction.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions.

Take care,

Bubba

If this would help. I'm 72 I have 714 s 5-6 ap1s 7-p ap2s fitter had me try both and felt at my age Graf. Would keep me from any pain with playing twice to three times aweek I like the higher ball  and softer feel 

As Bubba said go to a certified fitter for sure but FYI, I am 61 with the same swing speed as you and for my AP1's was fit into KuroKage 65 R-flex graphite. Man, they are one sweet set of irons.

                                                            Frank P 

This is a great topic Marc, and I hope we get more feedback, and I want to thank Bubba for his input. I'm right there with you, and have been thinking about the same thing. I'm 65yrs. and driver speed about 85mph, and handicap about 15. When I was fitted for my 712 AP1's I told my fitter that I wanted steel shafts, and I now wish I'd tried both. My thinking was the old proverb about "steel for accuracy, and graphite for distance" but with the new shafts these days I don't think that is true anymore. I do think there would be a learning curve when switching from steel to graphite, but you would probably have that anyway with any new set of irons. Just my opinion, but I think it would be best for you to try both when you get fitted, and that would be the key "Get Fitted" by a Titleist pro fitter. I would also like to know if playing a graphite shaft would give a softer feel when hitting iron shots. I like a soft feel in my irons, and am wondering if that feel only comes from the ball that I'm using, or would the shaft help give a softer feel also? Also, we may not like to think about it, but at our age, things aren't going to get better with aches, and pains, and our ability to swing a club. Thanks for the post Marc, and I hope we get more input on this topic. I will be watching this.   Norris:  

Hi Norris,

Great question and good insight. 

I couldn't agree more that it is always best to see a local fitter and try different shafts and head combinations. This is the best way to figure out what you need.

With that said, soft feel in the irons comes from the ball, shaft, head model, etc. All of these factors, and more, effect the feeling of a shot. Graphite shafts do tend to have a softer feel than steel shafts, but this is primarily due to less response, especially on mis hits. When fitting individuals, I always suggested two factors help determine the need for graphite, 1) current injuries that are aggravated by steel shafts and 2) the need for a lighter, softer shaft that will help achieve ideal launch conditions.

Please let me know if you have any further questions.

Take care,

Bubba

Marc, Norris, and all,

One more input:  As a 74 yr old 4-handicap with a 91-93 mph driver swing speed, I play AP1s with graphite.  My Titleist fitter gently said that although I could play either, as I age, graphite would probably be kinder to my hands and joints than steel shafts.  (Can't imagine what he meant by that!)  I've never regretted that choice.  And I play several times a week without a problem.  Would steel shafts give me more control or a tighter shot dispersion?  Maybe, but I doubt it. Even if they did, I would have a hard time giving up the feel (and sound) of these clubs.  On the other hand, I have playing partners who would never give up their steel shafted irons.  So it really is a personal choice.  Make the choice with the help of a fitter.

Thanks for your response Ron. I must say right off how thankful I am to have a go to place like Team Titleist, and being a member. I always get great input from other members like you, and from the Pros at TT. I'm really considering getting a fitting to see if I should be using graphite in my AP1's. I've also decided to forget about the myth that steel is more accurate than graphite, since the way my game is going now, I think I could be just as accurate using a broom handle in my irons. I haven't checked into it yet, but it seems like for the price of re shafting my AP1's with a good graphite shaft it probably wouldn't cost a lot more to buy 714 AP1's w/graphite already in them. If nothing else, it's a good excuse to buy new irons. Thanks again to you Ron, Marc, and Bubba for all your help, and insight.