Thanks for the comments guys.
ilang >> Unfortunately due to word count considerations, I couldn't go into the subject of graphite additions such as boron, kevlar or titanium matrices in the shaft. These matierials are used to alter the characteristics of the shaft weight and flex. Some expensive shafts do use these, but just because a shaft is pure graphite does not make it a cheap knockoff.
jamesh>> Yep, getting the right shaft makes a bit difference! One of the possible reasons is that the stock shafts in some
clubs can be a little variable in quality (I once saw an OEM Stiff shaft that had a load profile of a Ladies shaft!). A stiffer shaft will always offer more accuracy but at the risk of losing distance if you cannot load it properly. That's why you need to get the right balance of the two.
The main difference between them is that graphite will always be able to offer lighter shafts than steel. Decreased weight makes for a faster swing but also for a less consistant one. So in general for distance, you want graphite (as in woods) and for accuracy (like
irons) you want steel. Also, in your
irons where the shafts must match to have the same feel throughout the set, steel is easier to produce in matching sets.
Graphite shafts have come a very long way since the time you mentioned, with some top players happy to use them in their
irons. You would have a very hard time breaking something like an Aldila VS Proto compared to your old warbird shaft!
Steel shafts have certainly kept up with the technological advances seen in graphite shafts. Have a look at some of the products from Rifle and True Temper, such as Project X and Black Gold and you will see that with Frequency Calibration Matching, stepless taper and internal rifling, the technology story behind them is just as intricate as with graphite shafts.