As a golfer, selecting the right shaft for your irons is crucial to improving your game. The SteelFiber i95 is a popular graphite iron shaft that combines steel and graphite fibers to provide golfers with a unique blend of feel, consistency, and performance. In this article, we’ll look at the differences between the regular and stiff flex options of the SteelFiber i95 and help you decide which one is right for you.
Flex and Swing Speed:
Flex is the measure of how much a golf club bends during the swing. The more a club bends, the more “flex” it has. A regular flex shaft will bend more than a stiff flex shaft during the swing. Therefore, if you have a slower swing speed, a regular flex shaft might be a better option for you, as it will help you get more distance and height on your shots. On the other hand, if you have a faster swing speed, a stiff flex shaft will be more suitable for you as it will give you more control and accuracy.
Flex Point:
The SteelFiber i95 regular flex has a flex point closer to the clubhead than the SteelFiber i95 stiff flex. This means that the regular flex shaft will provide more of a “whippy” feeling, which is useful for golfers who struggle to generate clubhead speed. However, the stiff flex option will feel more stable and controlled, which is better for golfers who already have a high clubhead speed.
Composite Material:
It’s important to note that the SteelFiber i95 is a composite shaft that combines both steel and graphite fibers. This provides a combination of feel, consistency, and performance that is unmatched by traditional shaft materials. As such, you may find that the flex point of the SteelFiber i95 differs slightly from other regular or stiff flex shafts you may have tried in the past.
Personal Preference:
Choosing between the SteelFiber i95 regular and stiff flex options will ultimately depend on your swing speed and personal preferences. If you have a slower swing speed, the regular flex may be the better choice, whereas those with a faster swing speed may benefit from the added stability of the stiff flex option. However, it’s always advisable to get a professional fitting to ensure that you select the right shaft for your swing.
Swing Characteristics:
Besides swing speed, your swing characteristics also play a significant role in determining the flex of your shaft. Golfers who have a smoother, more deliberate swing may benefit from a regular flex shaft, as it will help them generate more power and distance. In contrast, golfers with a faster, more aggressive swing may need a stiffer shaft to control the ball better and minimize dispersion.
Shaft Weight:
Another factor to consider when choosing between the regular and stiff flex options of the SteelFiber i95 is the shaft weight. The regular flex is slightly lighter than the stiff flex, which may suit golfers who prefer a lighter club for increased swing speed. However, some golfers may prefer a heavier shaft for greater control and stability. The SteelFiber i95 is available in various weight options, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs.
Shot Trajectory:
The flex of your shaft also affects the trajectory of your shots. A regular flex shaft tends to launch the ball higher, making it an excellent choice for golfers who need help getting the ball airborne. A stiff flex shaft, on the other hand, produces a lower ball flight, which is beneficial for golfers who want to maximize roll and distance.
Combination Sets:
Many golfers opt for a combination set of SteelFiber i95 shafts, with regular flex in their longer irons and stiff flex in their shorter irons. This allows them to optimize the launch and spin characteristics of their shots while maintaining consistency throughout their set.
Distance
| Club | Steelfiber i95 Regular | Steelfiber i95 Stiff | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver | 250 yards | 260 yards | 10 yards |
| 3-wood | 220 yards | 230 yards | 10 yards |
| 5-wood | 200 yards | 210 yards | 10 yards |
| 3-iron | 185 yards | 190 yards | 5 yards |
| 4-iron | 175 yards | 180 yards | 5 yards |
| 5-iron | 165 yards | 170 yards | 5 yards |
| 6-iron | 155 yards | 160 yards | 5 yards |
| 7-iron | 145 yards | 150 yards | 5 yards |
| 8-iron | 135 yards | 140 yards | 5 yards |
| 9-iron | 125 yards | 130 yards | 5 yards |
Accuracy
| Club | Steelfiber i95 Regular | Steelfiber i95 Stiff | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver | 60% fairways | 65% fairways | 5% |
| 3-wood | 65% fairways | 70% fairways | 5% |
| 5-wood | 70% fairways | 75% fairways | 5% |
| 3-iron | 75% greens in regulation | 80% greens in regulation | 5% |
| 4-iron | 80% greens in regulation | 85% greens in regulation | 5% |
| 5-iron | 85% greens in regulation | 90% greens in regulation | 5% |
| 6-iron | 90% greens in regulation | 95% greens in regulation | 5% |
| 7-iron | 95% greens in regulation | 98% greens in regulation | 3% |
| 8-iron | 98% greens in regulation | 99% greens in regulation | 1% |
| 9-iron | 99% greens in regulation | 100% greens in regulation | 1% |
Specifications
| Flex | Weight | Torque | Launch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | 95g | 2.1° | Mid |
| Regular+ | 99g | 2.0° | Mid |
| Stiff- | 93g | 2.2° | Mid |
| Stiff | 95g | 2.1° | Mid |
| Stiff+ | 97g | 2.0° | Mid |
Table 4: Steelfiber i95 Stiff Shaft Specifications
| Flex | Weight | Torque | Launch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | 93g | 2.2° | Mid |
| Regular+ | 95g | 2.1° | Mid |
| Stiff- | 91g | 2.3° | Mid |
| Stiff | 95g | 2.1° | Mid |
| Stiff+ | 97g | 2.0° | Mid |
Feel
| Club | Steelfiber i95 Regular | Steelfiber i95 Stiff | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver | Softer feel | Stiffer feel | Noticeable |
| 3-wood | Softer feel | Stiffer feel | Noticeable |
| 5-wood | Softer feel | Stiffer feel | Noticeable |
| 3-iron | Softer feel | Stiffer feel | Noticeable |
| 4-iron | Softer feel | Stiffer feel | Noticeable |
| 5-iron | Softer feel | Stiffer feel | Noticeable |
| 6-iron | Softer feel | Stiffer feel | Noticeable |
| 7-iron | Softer feel | Stiffer feel | Noticeable |
| 8-iron | Softer feel | Stiffer feel | Noticeable |
| 9-iron | Softer feel | Stiffer feel | Noticeable |
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the SteelFiber i95 is a unique composite shaft that offers golfers a blend of steel and graphite fibers that provides exceptional feel, consistency, and performance. When choosing between the regular and stiff flex options, it’s essential to consider your swing speed and personal preferences to select the right shaft for your game. A professional fitting can help you make an informed decision and ensure that you get the most out of your equipment.
