Steelfiber dominates LPGA Tour, and MMT is virtually absent?? Is dispersion that much different?

[bogey69]

As an aging male with a steadily cranky body, graphite iron shafts are my near future.  I am a believer that us competent (not elite) male golfers should look more to the LPGA tour for equipment advice than the PGA tour.  I'm a 7 hcp and hit my 7i 155 yds with Project X LZ 6.0 in Ping i230's but need to make a change.  I want tight dispersion and shock absorption in my next shaft.  

 

It is remarkable how prolific the use of Steelfibers are on the LPGA tour, and those ladies are absolutely incredible on approach shots.  The MMT hasn't caught on in the same way...are the Steelfibers that much more controllable and repeatable??  The MMT's have been out long enough to gain traction if they are as good??

[ldh692002]

I made the switch in the late fall from x100 to steel fiber 95 stiff in a new set of i525. I hit some shots indoors liked the feel of them. Had a couple rounds already under my belt so far this spring. Shot my best round of 76. The steelfiber is fantastic I can play 36 without my hands or elbows hurting. Dispersion is tight, flight is awesome (piercing mid flight). I love the feel of the shafts ( feel like they load very nicely without having the feeling of having to get after the ball). I am very happy and overall impressed with the steelfiber. If I ever switch irons I know the shaft will stay the same! I’m planning on putting the same shafts in my 54 and 58 wedges this season as well.

[JD3]

I think some guys are using MMTs on men's tours like Abraham Ancer. Could be the heavier swing weights thats keep it off LPGA

[golfinbrad]

Both are great shafts, but different feels.  Steelfibers have a closer feel to a steel shaft than a graphite shaft.  The MMT and Recoils are a more traditional graphite shaft.  I'm sure the pros tested multiple version before making a decision.  All personal preference.

[sociojeje]

Steelfiber has been out for more than 15 years. Also, it has a similar feel to steel shafts while MMT feels somewhat unique. Both are very good for sure. 

[golfinbrad]

24 minutes ago, ldh692002 said:

I made the switch in the late fall from x100 to steel fiber 95 stiff in a new set of i525. I hit some shots indoors liked the feel of them. Had a couple rounds already under my belt so far this spring. Shot my best round of 76. The steelfiber is fantastic I can play 36 without my hands or elbows hurting. Dispersion is tight, flight is awesome (piercing mid flight). I love the feel of the shafts ( feel like they load very nicely without having the feeling of having to get after the ball). I am very happy and overall impressed with the steelfiber. If I ever switch irons I know the shaft will stay the same! I’m planning on putting the same shafts in my 54 and 58 wedges this season as well.

Same here.  Went from X100 to 95 stiff.  Doctor recommend going to graphite and lighter hoping it prevents surgery on the elbow.  Can't say it has eliminated the problem, but has made it much more managable.  No regrets.

[bogey69]

From what I read, i95 but in Regular might be a better fit for me. I have a test club coming (no fitters near me)

[stevopagolf]

I've played both the I95 steel fibers and the Recoils in 95.   Both are very good.  Recoil 95 stiff is very similar to I95 Regular in my experience.  Currently playing the recoils.

[scooterhd2]

Theres alot to glean from the women on the LPGA tour. Some of the best looking swings out there. But I dont see a huge parallel with iron shafts. Might have a similar swing speed, but not the same strength, so you dont see alot of ladies playing 125 gram shafts. Alot of Nippon 105, NS Pro 950, KBS Tour 90s. Even in graphite you see lighter specs like Steelfiber 80 or 70 more than 95. So when you look at MMT, which of course has lighter options but is most known for heavier steel options, is understandable not to see a huge presence on the LPGA tour. Just like we dont expect to see alot of Dynamic Gold. 

[Trippels]

1 hour ago, golfinbrad said:

Same here.  Went from X100 to 95 stiff.  Doctor recommend going to graphite and lighter hoping it prevents surgery on the elbow.  Can't say it has eliminated the problem, but has made it much more managable.  No regrets.

Your doctor gives direct club fitting advice?

[golfinbrad]

Just now, Trippels said:

Your doctor gives direct club fitting advice?

He is an elbow specialist who also plays. He didn't say which to get.  Said go graphite and light than my 120 gram steel shaft.  Took that info to a fitter.

[Phabs]

2 hours ago, Trippels said:

Your doctor gives direct club fitting advice?

I thought the same thing 🤣.  Hopefully he doesn’t price the product the same as club champion, elbow surgery would run 2.3 mill

Edited April 18, 2023 by Phabs

[ThinkingPlus]

Steelfibers are the best iron shafts I have ever played.  Used to play i80s, but eventually couldn't elevate them enough in the longer irons.  Wandered around in iron shaft wilderness for awhile then heard Lydia was using FC70s.  Did some research and realized that profile in a Steelfiber would be perfect for me.  Re-shafted my TS1s with FC80s (GolfWRX > World #1 ... LOL!) and Apex Pro hybrids with the FC70s.  Perfect for my game.  Finished by re-shafting my SW and LW with i80s. Love the flight and dispersion I am getting across the board.

[LukeDonaldsTiger]

I recently changed to i95‘s from DG 120 X100, and they’re great. 
Build two test irons with MMT 90 S and i95 S, Steelfibers felt natural, closer to steel, so I went with them.

Have no regrets, and can confirm what was said already: no more joint pain, great ballflight (considerably higher but still penetrating), great feel and they load just right. 

 

So my guess is, the Steelfiber are just great shafts and the MMT, while being good, won't dethrone them. Their reputation is justified. 
 

Edited April 17, 2023 by LukeDonaldsTiger

[BostonWRX]

I played c taper stiff for about 5 years straight. I randomly purchased a set of mizuno mp15s pn here a while ago and they had steelfiber i110cw stiff in them immediately went out and shot 2 of my lowest scores. Ever since then I’ve stuck with them. I’ve tried to leave them wrx style but always comeback. Also I find steel to feel very harsh now since I’ve been playing steelfiber for so long. Steelfiber make ever iron head feel nice. 

[bogey69]

40 minutes ago, LukeDonaldsTiger said:

I recently changed to i95‘s from DG 120 X100, and they’re great. 
Build two test irons with MMT 90 S and i95 S, Steelfibers felt natural, closer to steel, so I went with them.

Have no regrets, and can confirm what was said already: no more joint pain, great ballflight (considerably higher but still penetrating), great feel and they load just right. 

 

So my guess is, the Steelfiber are just great shafts and the MMT, while being good, won't dethrone them. Their reputation is justified. 
 

Did you go stiff or regular?

[ranesy]

I recently switched from Nippon Modus 120x soft stepped once to MMT 105S flex in my Mizuno MP64s.

My dispersion has tightened significantly vs the Modus. I have mostly eliminated my normal miss over draw) since going to the MMTs.

I miss the softer feel in the hands with the Modus as the MMTs feel stouter in the hands. My ballflight has become straight to very small fade or draws with the MMTs. Trajectory is a bit lower vs the Modus 120s.
I am a feel player & am still getting used to the stiffer feel of the MMTs.

 

However, I cannot really argue with their consistency so will continue with them. They have completely eliminated any vibrations from thin shots and also feel much better in cold weather. 
Good luck with whatever choice you make.

 

p.s. I also tried the Recoil 95F4 flex and they are superb in how smooth they feel, the ball ballooned a bit so I chose the MMTs instead.

 

[KGrinols]

I'm not sure anyone can honestly believe that steel is superior to graphite in any way at this point.  The only reason it's not dominant everywhere is stubbornness, stigma, and because pros are so in tune with their equipment, they aren't willing to change from what they've played all their lives.  In my opinion.

 

I'm curious to see how well the Fuji Axioms will be received, or compare, in regards to graphite iron shafts.

 

We all know that steel is harsher on the joints.  Why are so many people waiting until the pain is unbearable or doctor dictated to switch, rather than switch as early as possible, to try and prevent or prolong any damages from ever occuring in the first place.

 

I don't get it.

 

I'm rather young, and let a fitter talk me into steel shafts.  I've regretted it ever since, and can't wait to switch back this season.  Why would anyone volunteer to feel that harshness.  Pride perhaps?  Really excited to hear about the new Axioms and how they compare to MMT.

[dj6627]

Sounds like I need to swap my Steelfiber 95 Reg for Recoil 95/110 F4s…

[gvogel]

4 hours ago, bogey69 said:

From what I read, i95 but in Regular might be a better fit for me. I have a test club coming (no fitters near me)

I found the i95 regulars played pretty darn stiff.  I think that is because the tip section is pretty darn stiff.

[Pack7483]

I think Ricky Fowler is playing MMT now. 

[ranesy]

1 hour ago, dj6627 said:

Sounds like I need to swap my Steelfiber 95 Reg for Recoil 95/110 F4s…

 Do it, the Recoils feel amazing....they have been the smoothest graphite shafts I have tried. I am sure the new Fujikura Axioms will be terrific but they cost a lot.

[DNice26]

44 minutes ago, Pack7483 said:

I think Ricky Fowler is playing MMT now. 

Nope, back to Ctapers

[JD3]

1 hour ago, Pack7483 said:

I think Ricky Fowler is playing MMT now. 

I think he tried the 125TX. I can't even imagine how stiff those play. 

[JD3]

2 hours ago, KGrinols said:

I'm not sure anyone can honestly believe that steel is superior to graphite in any way at this point.  The only reason it's not dominant everywhere is stubbornness, stigma, and because pros are so in tune with their equipment, they aren't willing to change from what they've played all their lives.  In my opinion.

 

I'm curious to see how well the Fuji Axioms will be received, or compare, in regards to graphite iron shafts.

 

We all know that steel is harsher on the joints.  Why are so many people waiting until the pain is unbearable or doctor dictated to switch, rather than switch as early as possible, to try and prevent or prolong any damages from ever occuring in the first place.

 

I don't get it.

 

I'm rather young, and let a fitter talk me into steel shafts.  I've regretted it ever since, and can't wait to switch back this season.  Why would anyone volunteer to feel that harshness.  Pride perhaps?  Really excited to hear about the new Axioms and how they compare to MMT.

Weight. I need an iron shaft of at least 120 grams. Graphite at that weight with the stronger than steel materials are stiff as a board.

[grochol17]

3 hours ago, Phabs said:

I thought the same thing 🤣.  Hopefully he doesn’t price the product the same as club champion, elbow surgery would run 2.3 mill

 

That's only if you get your elbow pured.

[jomatty]

I’ve tried a lot of the graphite and like MMT’s and Steelfiber the best.  I like the profile of the MMT’s a little better and the Steelfibers don’t feel quite as lively as I like.  That said, I find the strike to feel much more responsive in the Steelfibers which I like (ymmv).  Both work well for me.  I’d like to try the axioms or the LA Golf shafts but need to test them before shelling out that kind of $$.

[grinder1320]

1 hour ago, JD3 said:

Weight. I need an iron shaft of at least 120 grams. Graphite at that weight with the stronger than steel materials are stiff as a board.

SteeFliber i110. Go down a flex. You will be happy.

[phizzy30]

Steelfiber lack feel for me whereas the MMT is smooth and gives me optimal numbers.  Tour pros look at numbers but feel is extremely important to them as well which factors into their decision about what shafts to put in the bag. 

[Aaronwilson_95]

4 hours ago, KGrinols said:

I'm not sure anyone can honestly believe that steel is superior to graphite in any way at this point.  The only reason it's not dominant everywhere is stubbornness, stigma, and because pros are so in tune with their equipment, they aren't willing to change from what they've played all their lives.  In my opinion.

 

I'm curious to see how well the Fuji Axioms will be received, or compare, in regards to graphite iron shafts.

 

We all know that steel is harsher on the joints.  Why are so many people waiting until the pain is unbearable or doctor dictated to switch, rather than switch as early as possible, to try and prevent or prolong any damages from ever occuring in the first place.

 

I don't get it.

 

I'm rather young, and let a fitter talk me into steel shafts.  I've regretted it ever since, and can't wait to switch back this season.  Why would anyone volunteer to feel that harshness.  Pride perhaps?  Really excited to hear about the new Axioms and how they compare to MMT.

I’ll jump in. I played a season and a half with KBS Tgi 110 . Loved loved loved them. Except I was constantly having to reshaft as they kept breaking at the hosel. It got to the point where I had to change shafts simply because I could no longer trust that they would consistently hold up to impact