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

[Stuart_G]

14 hours ago, bogey69 said:

are the Steelfibers that much more controllable and repeatable?? 

 

Dispersion, control-ability, repeatability are NOT inherent characteristics of the shaft.    They are purely a factor of how well the shaft fits the individuals - and that is not something that will translate from one person to another.

 

Don't waste time worrying or even wondering what other people are playing.  Go in with an open mind and make the effort to find out what works best for you.

 

 

[JD3]

9 hours ago, grinder1320 said:

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

no need, weight is just a static measure, it's not a matter of flex. less than 120 grams doesn't react properly during transition for me. Im not complaining, love the PX LZ shaft. But I agree in general once someone goes under 115 grams, they should probably be considering graphite first. never met a lightweight steel shaft i liked

[animalgolfs]

TGI and Steelfiber 70-80g are the prevalent shaft choices out there on the LPGA IMO

 

 

[pjc]

2 hours ago, animalgolfs said:

TGI and Steelfiber 70-80g are the prevalent shaft choices out there on the LPGA IMO

 

 

For whatever reason or reasons, this is the most accurate post in this thread regarding the play on the LPGA tour.

[kekoa]

I have always been a steel guy using Nippon Modus 130-S in my past irons.  I had tested 95 gram MMT's in some Miuras and did not get along with them.  I think they were just too light and the feel didn't appeal to me for a graphite shaft.  Since then I have moved on the SF's.  One set- P7TW's have the 110 CW in regular flex.  This feel really good and not stout at all.  I also built a Kyoei set with the 110 CW's in Stiff.   Both shafts are very playable.  FWIW, I hit 7 iron 160 so not a long ball hitter at all.   Going forward, all of my sets will have SF's in them.  If I had one complaint, I've developed a tendancy to thin shots lately.  I'm not sure if that is due to me getting quick with a lighter shaft or ball position.  

[Pepperturbo]

21 hours ago, bogey69 said:

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??

IMO - Before TT bought Aerotech they used to get press on the LPGA tour because they had lightweight shafts and a few tour women using them.  They got a head start over MCA/Mitsubishi's much higher priced shafts.  Who was each company catering to?  Aerotech was seeking a tour foothold.  MCA/Mitsubishi has higher priced shafts for well healed consumers and have a much lower profile marketing approach.

 

I first switched from PX 6.0 to composite five years ago.  My first composite after testing i95cw and i110cw, was i110cw stiff in 2i-PW and i125cw stiff in Gap and LW, lasted about 2yrs.  I then moved to MCA/Mitsubishi/Tensei AV White AM2 stiff (92g-98g) shafts in 2i-5i and MMT 125s in 5-PW, and MMT 125TX in Gap & LW, lasted over 2yrs, till late last year when I had MMT 105s put in my 620 MBs.  MMT is a smoother kick shaft and performed better, like PX 6.0.

 

Five years ago there was little talk about Mitsubishi shafts; and the company hasn't done much to gain a tour imagine, or retail recognition; which is normal for the Japanese.  From what I am seeing, MMT 125TX is catching on in bags on the KF tour, some on the PGA Tour and other tours.  Success of either shaft depends on what a user wants from the shaft.  Freddy Couples has i110 X SS in his bag and a few others on the Champions tour have SF as well, only they are not talked about.  The shaft that's making inroads on the LPGA is i95 R, and lighter which makes sense; women are not using heavier shafts like MMT 1O5S or TX or MMT 125TX.  Lightweight shafts are not big on young man tours.

Edited April 18, 2023 by Pepperturbo

[gripandrip]

About 7 years ago I switched to SF95S from DG300S. I find that the feel of these two shafts are very familiar, but the SF are less harsh on mishits and thin shots. I've enjoyed the SF95S, but had the opportunity to try out a set of MMT 105S shafts. I like the little heavier club, but the weight distribution of this shaft felt quite different. I seemed to have a greater feel of the head, and they were just plain smooth. Dispersion was comparable (I didn't hit them enough for a detailed analysis), but I felt like I had a little more control with the head with MMT's. Shot shaping seemed very easy. Just for reference, I have a relatively smooth transition which I imagine would be a factor with graphite.

 

Tough to decide if I want to make a change, as I was looking at other things as well when trying out these shafts, but they are now definitely on my radar. Maybe time for a complete fitting, I haven't done that in quite some time.

[Ri_Redneck]

The MMT shafts have higher torque than the i95 SF, which gives them the "smooth" feel. Not sure the profiles will be the same as I seem to remember some saying they get a bit higher launch from the MMTs. Lots of folks like them though.

 

BT

[Pepperturbo]

8 minutes ago, Ri_Redneck said:

The MMT shafts have higher torque than the i95 SF, which gives them the "smooth" feel. Not sure the profiles will be the same as I seem to remember some saying they get a bit higher launch from the MMTs. Lots of folks like them though.

 

BT

True, MMT shafts are smoother. 

 

SF i95cw have variable TQ = 2.4-2.0, i110cw has 1.9; while MMT 105S, 2.8 and 95S 2.9 TQ.  Even MMT 125TX has 2.8 TQ while SF 125cw S has 1.8-1.4 TQ.  I get the same launch from MMT as with SF throughout weights and stiff.

 

I am told Steelfiber's Private Reserve shaft spec tolerances are on par with TT Tour Issue; maybe why they are showing up more on various Tours.

 

As I said earlier, Aerotech bought their way on to the LPGA tour, while MCA doesn't do that.

[Spinozist]

SF make a lot of different models. The FC line has a bunch of different weights, and feels completely different from the i line. The hls line also goes up to I believe 100g, and feels different from both the FC line and the i line. However, I think both the FC and hls lines have higher torque than the i line equivalents.

Edited September 29, 2023 by Spinozist
added point about torque

[pjc]

Any LPGA player these days using graphite composite iron shafts are using KBS or Aerotech, almost totally from what I see from watching a lot of tourneys.

 

The KBS graphite really caught fire these last couple of seasons big time!  

Edited September 29, 2023 by pjc

[Ri_Redneck]

1 hour ago, Pepperturbo said:

True, MMT shafts are smoother. 

 

SF i95cw have variable TQ = 2.4-2.0, i110cw has 1.9; while MMT 105S, 2.8 and 95S 2.9 TQ.  Even MMT 125TX has 2.8 TQ while SF 125cw S has 1.8-1.4 TQ.  I get the same launch from MMT as with SF throughout weights and stiff.

 

I am told Steelfiber's Private Reserve shaft spec tolerances are on par with TT Tour Issue; maybe why they are showing up more on various Tours.

 

As I said earlier, Aerotech bought their way on to the LPGA tour, while MCA doesn't do that.

Pretty sure that happened when TT bought Aerotech.

 

BT

[Pnwpingi210]

MMT is going to swingwieght as heavy if not heavier than a steel shaft that would be seen on the lpga.  Steelfiber is going to swing weight much lighter, and lighter than most equivalent steel shafts.  This would be my guess as to why it’s more popular.

[bladehunter]

1 hour ago, Pnwpingi210 said:

MMT is going to swingwieght as heavy if not heavier than a steel shaft that would be seen on the lpga.  Steelfiber is going to swing weight much lighter, and lighter than most equivalent steel shafts.  This would be my guess as to why it’s more popular.

This is why.  Women aren’t going to use mmt over around 80g.  And at that weight those shafts  are very loose ( high torque ) . At the 125g weight though they are very capable and much better feeling than steel fiber.  Which is why you see men trying them.  Side note.  Mmt wedge shafts are the best graphite wedge shaft on earth.  At least for me. They cut spin.  Which I need/prefer for control because I’m a high spin player.  Probably another reason they lpga players don’t use them.  They need MORE spin. Kbs definitely spins more.  

Edited September 29, 2023 by bladehunter

[Pepperturbo]

For reference, just had MMT 85S put in T100 3i, 4i 5i, at stock Titleist length, standard MCC Plus4 Align +2; each swing weighted at D2, and MMT 105S in 6i-PW, D2, no help.  They feel great, I might add.

Edited February 29, 2024 by Pepperturbo
updated

[johnnyb123]

On 4/17/2023 at 9:42 PM, grochol17 said:

 

That's only if you get your elbow pured.

Aerotech i125 regular

[gvogel]

On 4/17/2023 at 6:13 PM, ThinkingPlus said:

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.

The FC Steelfibers are a whole different animal than the original ones.  I tried a set of i95 (R) in AP1's, and I couldn't make consistent contact.  They were too light and tip stiff.

I have tried an FC 80 in a 7-iron, and it is much different; I believe I could play it.  I am playing 950 NEO's in my irons at the moment, and may go mostly the hybrid route with graphite shafts, so reshafting irons may be a moot issue.

[ThinkingPlus]

2 hours ago, gvogel said:

The FC Steelfibers are a whole different animal than the original ones.  I tried a set of i95 (R) in AP1's, and I couldn't make consistent contact.  They were too light and tip stiff.

I have tried an FC 80 in a 7-iron, and it is much different; I believe I could play it.  I am playing 950 NEO's in my irons at the moment, and may go mostly the hybrid route with graphite shafts, so reshafting irons may be a moot issue.

Their hybrid shafts are pretty good, but they are not super high launch or soft tip. Sort of mid-launch, but not as demanding as the i-series iron shafts. I could have used a bit more elevation, but like the greater control. Rope hooking my hybrids is much less likely these days.

[ob1soccer]

which model KBS is graphite for irons?

[BigWhoop]

Hello from France,

I currently play DG 105 Regular steel shafts and I want to switch to graphite or steel fiber / MMT but I like shafts that are flexible but not too light. However, it turns out that I tried steel fiber i80cw and I found it "stiff" compared to a regular steel shaft of 95-105g. In fact I find the steel "soft" at impact and pleasant to swing but the only problem is the joint pain... Are there Graphite shafts, heavy (100-110g) which are as flexible as a 90-100g Regular steel?

[gvogel]

1 hour ago, BigWhoop said:

Hello from France,

I currently play DG 105 Regular steel shafts and I want to switch to graphite or steel fiber / MMT but I like shafts that are flexible but not too light. However, it turns out that I tried steel fiber i80cw and I found it "stiff" compared to a regular steel shaft of 95-105g. In fact I find the steel "soft" at impact and pleasant to swing but the only problem is the joint pain... Are there Graphite shafts, heavy (100-110g) which are as flexible as a 90-100g Regular steel?

See if you can find a Steelfiber FC (Flight Control) to try.  They are softer at impact and launch the ball higher.

[BigWhoop]

Ok thanks i will test.

[Spinozist]

I actually like all of the FC offerings, both the "normal" and the hybrid shafts. As has been said, a very different animal from the "i" series.

[BigWhoop]

Thanks, but i don't find a FC70 that fit in the 0.355" hosel... only 0.370 ?

Only 95 FC 0.355 model...

Edited October 16, 2024 by BigWhoop

[Stuart_G]

15 hours ago, BigWhoop said:

Thanks, but i don't find a FC70 that fit in the 0.355" hosel... only 0.370 ?

Only 95 FC 0.355 model...

 

It's pretty trivial for a builder to add the taper after tip trimming.    Another alternative is to bore out the heads to .370" - also very easy IF you have the right tool.

 

[flognut]

On 4/17/2023 at 5:29 PM, golfinbrad said:

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.

i need an Elbow doctor like that, anyone know of one on Long Island,NY who plays they get recomend?

[jomatty]

I found myself thinking about this recently.  I’m constantly wanting to try new graphite options.  I recently got a set of Proto Concepts with Axioms because I just had to try the Axioms.  I can see why people like them but they are not great for me.  Now I’m thinking about trying KBS TGI’s or Accra tours.  
I’ve had so many different shafts.  The first ones were recoil 95’s and then recoil Protos.  They were both fine, but I would not go back in that direction.  Next was Steelfibers.  I played my best gold with steelfiber 110S and then 95S.  I want to try the KBS and Accras but really think the best bet might be to just get a set of Steelfiber 110’s and call it a day…The only thing I’ve liked as much were the LA Golf shafts but I don’t necessarily like them better so I wouldn’t spend the extra money.

[cardoustie]

A few comments from Uncle Cardy

 

if you grew up playing s300, s400 or x100 dynamic golds you will like the feel of SF

 

SF 110’s are great from a swing weight perspective if you play overlength like I do

(the zx4’s I just redid came in at d7 running +1”)

 

the SF 125’s are so sooooo good in wedges, don’t overlook them

 

generally don’t be afraid to play R flex, it’s about the same as S in many steel models

 

 

[is1ander]

I think this suggests SteelFiber was far beyond its time. MMT is a little smoother, KBS lower launching and spinning, Recoil DART an excellent no-upcharge option. SteelFiber is still top tier. I didn’t like SteelFiber i95r stock D3 swing weight but i80s +2” E2 swing weight has been a revelation. If they feel light or stiff, maybe try a bit of length and a bit of swing weight.

[TeeTee]

On 4/17/2023 at 3:52 PM, bogey69 said:

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??

 

8 players are using MMT on the PGA tour

 

2 players on LIV... including Phil

 

The key is to get fit for the flex... Steelfiber play stiff to flex and MMT are close to true