Years ago, graphite was criticized for manufacturing inconsistencies. What’s the verdict today between the manufacturing process of graphite vs steel?
Britt Lindsey Answered question June 12, 2024
Years ago, graphite was criticized for manufacturing inconsistencies. What’s the verdict today between the manufacturing process of graphite vs steel?
Graphite or composite is much better than it used to be. We have seen some steel with questionable quality over the years as well. Processes and manufacturing have improved and the end products are more consistent today in graphite and steel manufacturing. That being said, neither steel or graphite shafts produced today are perfectly straight or round. They never have been, but again, are better today. Of course it can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Also, processes like Pureing allow us to evaluate shafts and mark them for installation so that the shaft will perform to it’s most consistent level. Not saying all shafts should be Pured, but it does eliminate the inherent inconsistencies that can exist in shafts that are caused by straightness and roundness issues. Pureing identifies the Principle Plane of Oscillation (the plane that allows the shaft to flex the most consistently) and marks the shaft for installation. Once installed in this manner, the shaft will perform as if it were perfectly straight and perfectly round. Most manufacturers of quality steel and graphite shafts do now have processes in manufacturing that do improve the straightness and roundness of the product coming off the line compared to years past, but they still are not perfect.
Britt Lindsey