Tour Pros and Graphite Iron Shafts

[Lionstar]

Does anyone have info on which Tour Pros are gaming graphite iron shafts? If so, which brand and model. Thanks.

[Frankensteins Monster]

KJ was using them. Not sure if he still does.

[UpNDown4Eagle]

Kuchar, weekley

[PingDrv00]

Kuchar, Sneds, Crane, Aerotech Steelfibers, Weekley Aldila RIP Protos, Els Recoil Protos to name a few.

[BlakeBstone]

Robert gerigus (sp?) Plays matrix

[sherwin1987]

I have a friend who caddies for Troy Matteson. Troy was using the Aldila RIP tour 115 in his TP MCs last fall. Not sure if he if he changed as he just had a new set built. I'll ask my friend but I'm pretty sure he's using the same shafts.

[Frankensteins Monster]

Are we beginning to see the switchover from graphite to steel? Of course it's going to take a while but I had no clue that many players were using them.

[PingDrv00]

I do think that we may start to see alot more of them in players bags, as the technology in them starts to surpass what is possible with steel. I know I hit the Recoils and Steelfibers, and I was impressed by the consistency and effortless distance.

[tbowles411]

[quote name='Frankensteins Monster' timestamp='1391706566' post='8609869']
Are we beginning to see the switchover from graphite to steel? Of course it's going to take a while but I had no clue that many players were using them.
[/quote]
I don't we're going to see a massive switch because most players are going to go with what they're used to. However, the lines have been blurred and a few have made the switch. They're not the same as they used to be even 3 short years ago.

[SHIVAN]

I've got the Recoil 125's and I will say that unless I am actively thinking about it, I forget that I am playing graphite iron shafts.

[Vindog]

Please summarize for the uneducated (me)... Was the "problem" with graphite shafts centered around dispersion? Flex? distance control? something else?

I honestly am not much of a shaft nerd and have a hard enough time keeping up with clubs as it is, let alone shafts.

Thanks in advance

[SHIVAN]

I think the materials and methods were not quite up to handling pro speeds in irons. Watch a super slow motion capture of a pro taking a divot on tour. Watch the vibrations, and flex that the steel would undergo. Apparently, graphite didn't used to be up to that task.

[hayzooos]

[quote name='SHIVAN' timestamp='1391714172' post='8610611']
I think the materials and methods were not quite up to handling pro speeds in irons. Watch a super slow motion capture of a pro taking a divot on tour. Watch the vibrations, and flex that the steel would undergo. Apparently, graphite didn't used to be up to that task.
[/quote]

This and in order to get them at a decent weight (over 100g, DG usually weight around 130 for reference) they had ZERO feel. No idea what was going on during the swing.

I give it another handful of years and you'll see more graphite shafts than steel shafts. It's coming. As these guys get older and start having more wear and tear, they'll look to equipment to try and help with that, like they have with exercise over the past 10 years. No question graphite is easier on the joints/body than steel, so I think this will be one main reason guys will start going graphite at an earlier age.

Until you can get them at a decent price for the average set of irons, you won't see all that many out and about. However, most premium steel shafts are $35-40/shaft so once graphite can get down into that range, you'll still see more steel at your course than graphite.

Personally, if I were going to get a new set of clubs right now, they'd be Callaway Apex Pros and I'd get the 110 Recoils. I've never played graphite in an iron shaft, but this seems like a good time to start.

[tbowles411]

[quote name='Vindog' timestamp='1391713182' post='8610541']
Please summarize for the uneducated (me)... Was the "problem" with graphite shafts centered around dispersion? Flex? distance control? something else?

I honestly am not much of a shaft nerd and have a hard enough time keeping up with clubs as it is, let alone shafts.

Thanks in advance
[/quote]
I got this Vin!

The problem was all of the above. It was inconsistent all the way around and there was virtually no way you could get the shaft to perform the way you needed if you had to flight it lower.

I too play Recoils. You forget you're playing graphite because they act like steel. Plus, there's no shock. I love that part!

[tbowles411]

[quote name='hayzooos' timestamp='1391718389' post='8611131']

Personally, if I were going to get a new set of clubs right now, they'd be Callaway Apex Pros and I'd get the 110 Recoils. I've never played graphite in an iron shaft, but this seems like a good time to start.
[/quote]
It's an outstanding place to start. You'll never go back to steel.

[SHIVAN]

[quote name='hayzooos' timestamp='1391718389' post='8611131']
However, most premium steel shafts are $35-40/shaft so once graphite can get down into that range, you'll still see more steel at your course than graphite.[/quote]

Aldila's are $39.99
Recoil are now $44.99
Steelfibers are $48.99

[hayzooos]

[quote name='SHIVAN' timestamp='1391719964' post='8611311']
[quote name='hayzooos' timestamp='1391718389' post='8611131']
However, most premium steel shafts are $35-40/shaft so once graphite can get down into that range, you'll still see more steel at your course than graphite.[/quote]

Aldila's are $39.99
Recoil "Protos" are now $44.99
Steelfibers are $48.99
[/quote]

I know what they are, I'm saying we need to see the majority of them in this range and we'll get there. And I believe the Recoil Protos that most people here want are north of $80/shaft, no?

As you posted above, I think this is just the start. Give it a few more iterations and more and more people will start ordering graphite irons stock when they get a chance to hit them and test them out. Now, the golfer who walks into a store and buys whatever club they just saw on TV, I'm guessing they'll still go steel.

Personally, I hope we see more OEMs follow Callaway's model this year with all steel/graphite shafts being the same price. Once they can grow their stable of graphite shafts, we'll be in for a real treat.

Imagine picking out a set of irons and you have the option of any graphite shaft you want, whether it be Accra Hybrex, UST Recoil, Steelfibers (assuming they would fall under graphite), Aldila's, and Matrix Programs. That's good stuff right there!

[SHIVAN]

[quote name='hayzooos' timestamp='1391720306' post='8611349']
I know what they are, I'm saying we need to see the majority of them in this range and we'll get there. And I believe the Recoil Protos that most people here want are north of $80/shaft, no?[/quote]

[s]Did not mean it as a challenge, meant it as information for those did not know.

The Protos were $113 retail/shaft. They have now been shifted to mass production, and are retailing at Golfworks and Golfsmith for $44.99/ea. Same recipe, different build location.[/s]

Edit:

I absolutely misunderstood what I was told. The 95's, 110's and 125's available at retail are a little softer.

[hayzooos]

[quote name='SHIVAN' timestamp='1391721113' post='8611437']
[quote name='hayzooos' timestamp='1391720306' post='8611349']
I know what they are, I'm saying we need to see the majority of them in this range and we'll get there. And I believe the Recoil Protos that most people here want are north of $80/shaft, no?[/quote]

Did not mean it as a challenge, meant it as information for those did not know.

The Protos were $113 retail/shaft. They have now been shifted to mass production, and are retailing at Golfworks and Golfsmith for $44.99/ea. Same recipe, different build location.
[/quote]

Heh, didn't mean to respond as if it were a challenge. Sometimes words carry meaning we don't necessarily intend them to. And that's good to know about the Recoil protos, thanks for the heads up.

[markheardjr]

Isn't TAIII still using the RIP irons? I think RIP irons are in 3-4 bags weekly.

[10of14]

[quote name='tbowles411' timestamp='1391718779' post='8611179']
[quote name='hayzooos' timestamp='1391718389' post='8611131']
Personally, if I were going to get a new set of clubs right now, they'd be Callaway Apex Pros and I'd get the 110 Recoils. I've never played graphite in an iron shaft, but this seems like a good time to start.
[/quote]
It's an outstanding place to start. You'll never go back to steel.
[/quote]
I decided tonight after one more session, that I have to take the dive and go Apex with the Recoils. This combination is just that damn good and ball strike after strike resulting in ball speed, distance and wonderful consistency that I haven't seen before. I have been a KBS Tour guy and though the Recoils are very expensive, I can't deny the results any longer.

[J13]

Another issue with graphite is I know someone who had the Recoil's and they broke a 7 iron around the tip from a shot out of the rough. This player is a good stick not a hack either. Personally that's a concern as replacing a shaft is not cheap.

[SHIVAN]

[quote name='J13' timestamp='1391740307' post='8613419']
Another issue with graphite is I know someone who had the Recoil's and they broke a 7 iron around the tip from a shot out of the rough. This player is a good stick not a hack either. Personally that's a concern as replacing a shaft is not cheap.
[/quote]

Should be covered if bought through official channels.

[Puppetmaster]

[quote name='BlakeBstone' timestamp='1391705379' post='8609753']
Robert gerigus (sp?) Plays matrix
[/quote]

Pretty sure Garrigus has KBS Tours in the white finish, not graphite.

[BMC]

Phil Michelson played graphite in his Yonex irons 15 years ago! Lots of LPGA players use them.

[Hawkeye77]

[quote name='SHIVAN' timestamp='1391721113' post='8611437']
[quote name='hayzooos' timestamp='1391720306' post='8611349']
I know what they are, I'm saying we need to see the majority of them in this range and we'll get there. And I believe the Recoil Protos that most people here want are north of $80/shaft, no?[/quote]

Did not mean it as a challenge, meant it as information for those did not know.

The Protos were $113 retail/shaft. They have now been shifted to mass production, and are retailing at Golfworks and Golfsmith for $44.99/ea. Same recipe, different build location.
[/quote]

I don't believe standard recoils at Golfsmith are protos and are certainly not advertised as such.

I think you might want to be careful about suggesting they are the same shaft.

[Frankie Lob Wedge]

Are they really longer than steel? How much longer (roughly)?

[PingDrv00]

[quote name='Hawkeye77' timestamp='1391748635' post='8614251']
[quote name='SHIVAN' timestamp='1391721113' post='8611437']
[quote name='hayzooos' timestamp='1391720306' post='8611349']
I know what they are, I'm saying we need to see the majority of them in this range and we'll get there. And I believe the Recoil Protos that most people here want are north of $80/shaft, no?[/quote]

Did not mean it as a challenge, meant it as information for those did not know.

The Protos were $113 retail/shaft. They have now been shifted to mass production, and are retailing at Golfworks and Golfsmith for $44.99/ea. Same recipe, different build location.
[/quote]

I don't believe standard recoils at Golfsmith are protos and are certainly not advertised as such.

I think you might want to be careful about suggesting they are the same shaft.
[/quote]

That is correct the Recoils in the Apex's are a different shaft than the Protos with higher torque ratings. That does not mean they are bad by any means, but they are not the Protos.

[Lionstar]

If you contact Bobby Ennis who is on this site frequently, the cost for reshafting WITH A 90 DAY GURANTEE is $60 per club,,and that is the real deal Recoil Protos. Yes, a bit more than steel, but once you hit them you will never go back to steel. In my experience, the Recoil Proto is easier launching, with substantially better dispersion than any steel shaft I've hit,,and I've hit a lot of different steel shafts. As another poster said earlier, if you didn't consciously remind yourself they were graphite, you wouldn't know the difference from steel.

[tbowles411]

[quote name='SHIVAN' timestamp='1391721113' post='8611437']
[quote name='hayzooos' timestamp='1391720306' post='8611349']
I know what they are, I'm saying we need to see the majority of them in this range and we'll get there. And I believe the Recoil Protos that most people here want are north of $80/shaft, no?[/quote]

Did not mean it as a challenge, meant it as information for those did not know.

The Protos were $113 retail/shaft. They have now been shifted to mass production, and are retailing at Golfworks and Golfsmith for $44.99/ea. Same recipe, different build location.
[/quote]
No. Retail and TourSpx versions have different price points. If you've never used the TourSpx version, you'll LOVE the retail. If you have, you'll still love them, but not as much as the TourSpx.