Iron Shaft Weight: What’s Best For Your Game?

Getting your iron shaft weight correct is overlooked by many golfers.

With small adjustments in the weight, swing speed and accuracy can be improved drastically.

This article will explain the attributes of certain shafts and describe how to choose your iron shaft weight.

Below, you will find out the best iron shaft weight for your swing.

We also outline the signs to watch for if you are using the wrong shaft and differences between graphite and steel shafts.

How does iron shaft weight affect your swing?

The weight of an iron shaft can lead golfers into swinging too slowly or too fast. This can cause golfers to lose distance off the tee or gain distance, as well as affect their tempo. 

If a golf shaft is too light, it makes the entire weight of the club (head, shaft, grip) lighter too.

Certain players, such as seniors or low-handicappers with slower swing speeds should use a lightweight shaft to increase their swing speed.

This can lead to longer hits as well as better contact during impact.

For golfers with faster swing speeds and low handicaps, (such as over 105 miles per hour) a heavier and stiffer shaft can help with accuracy and lower scores. 

Distinction Between Shaft Weight and Total Weight

When club fitters or anyone in the golfing community says “shaft weight”, they are alluding to how much the shaft itself weighs.

They are not talking about the other parts of the club attached to the shaft. 

The total weight defines both the shaft and every other part of the club that is attached to the shaft. For example, the total weight includes the head of the club, grip, shaft, screws, tape, and epoxy (coating inside the hosel). 

The two types of weights are critical for club fitters when fitting their customers.

Many golfers ask: Does iron shaft weight matter?

It does matter and is extremely important. Both weights need to be correct for the golfer to maximize their swing style and potential.

Fitters look at a player’s strength, transition force, preference, and tempo when selecting a shaft for the golfer. 

What Are Signs You Might Have The Wrong Iron Golf Shaft Weight In Your Club?

Iron shaft is too light

If the iron shaft is too light, the golf club will feel like dead weight and seem as if you aren’t really swinging anything at all.

You might feel as if you’re swinging just the shaft itself with a grip on it as you would at the store when testing out different shafts.

Another sign is if you’re creating way too much loft on your shots and losing distance.

If you’re hooking the ball a lot, that is another reason your shaft may be too light. It’s easy to twist the face of a lighter club at impact which results in a hook.

These signs tell players that they need a stiffer or heavier shaft. This can lead them to lower trajectory shots and more distance. 

The iron shaft is too heavy

Signs that point to your iron shaft being too heavy include losing distance because you feel like you’re having trouble swinging through the ball.

Another sign is if your arms are sore often after rounds because you were trying to swing harder since you felt the shaft was difficult to swing fast. Pushing shots right or left of the pin are also indicators that the shaft is too heavy.

If you see these signals, it’s wise to head to your golf shop and talk with a club fitter.

Fitters can help you try out different shafts and pick the correct one to fit your style of play. 

What iron shaft weight should you use? (Ways To Determine Correct Iron Shaft Weight)

Club fitting

It’s very important to go to a club fitter to have them set you up with a recommended golf shaft. The fitter will explain the different benefits and have you test out different weighted shafts.

Different weighted shafts

There are different kinds of weighted shafts and flexes to choose from. Shafts vary from stiff, regular to senior flex.

The stiffer the shaft, the heavier it will be. Personal preference and comfort do come into play when selecting the right shaft.

Swing Speed

A golfer’s swing speed will play a huge role in choosing the proper shaft for their swing.

High swing speeds should use heavier stiff-flex shafts while slower swing speeds should use regular (around 80-100 miles per hour) or senior flex shafts (65-80 mph). 

Iron shaft weight chart for a typical 7-iron swing speed 

The following chart showcases the typical iron shaft weight compared to a person’s swing speed.

What Is The Typical Iron Shaft Weight Difference Between Men and Women?

The iron shaft weight difference between men’s shafts and women’s shafts is about 15 grams difference per iron.

The women’s are lighter and the men’s are heavier. For example, a men’s shaft might be 75 grams compared to a women’s (60 grams) for the same club. 

Key Differences Between Choosing Iron Shaft Weight and Driver Shaft Weight

The driver shaft should definitely be heavier than every iron shaft. This is due to the huge sweet spot and the purpose of the club (to hit it farther than an iron). 

It’s up to the player to select which one they’re comfortable hitting.

Key differences between graphite vs steel iron shaft weight

Steel shafts usually have a lower amount of torque compared to graphite shafts.

Shaft torque is the rotation during the swing.

Steel shafts also promote a lower ball flight compared to graphites.

With graphite shafts providing more torque, it’s easier to swing faster without putting in so much effort. 

We cover these differences in more detail in our steel vs graphite shaft article.

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