Graphite shafts have a short lifespan. After 10,000 hits, a graphite shaft will fail. The resulting loss of performance will be instantaneous. However, dents in the face may lead to physical weakness. In other words, your driver may look and feel like it’s beginning to wear out.
Metal fatigue weakens a golf driver
A golf driver’s elasticity decreases with age due to metal fatigue. This problem is common with high impact-plates such as irons, wedges, and putters. While irons will last for several years, you may be lucky to get seven to ten years out of your driver. Putters, however, can be used for decades, even up to 50 years.
Metal fatigue is caused by repeated stresses on a piece of metal. These repeated stresses reduce a part’s strength to below a normal threshold. This can cause micro-fractures to form. The result is a reduced yield strength. Although the titanium face of a driver is unlikely to experience this problem, the metal on the club’s face may become fatigued after many swings.
Metal fatigue affects graphite shafts
One of the most common questions that golfers ask when purchasing a new driver is: “How does metal fatigue affect graphite shafts?” While the answer isn’t entirely straightforward, graphite shafts have several advantages over steel. First, graphite is significantly lighter than steel, which enables faster swing speeds and less fatigue. Graphite also absorbs vibrations at impact, which some golfers find helpful.
Metal fatigue doesn’t affect graphite shafts as much as it does steel, but it can affect a driver’s performance. In other words, a steel shaft won’t be worn out after several uses, unless you continue to push it beyond its yield point. Then, it might feel like the shaft is getting brittle, which will affect your swing.
Another problem is that steel shafts are prone to oxidation, which can lead to rust and stiffness. This is a serious problem and can affect the performance of a driver. Graphite shafts, on the other hand, are relatively resistant to oxidation and corrosion.
Graphite shafts offer better performance, but they are not for everyone. In addition, steel shafts are heavier than graphite, which is a disadvantage for weaker players. The latter type of shaft will also impede the performance of weaker players, and will reduce distance.
If metal fatigue affects graphite shafts in your golf driver, you’re probably wondering how to reduce it. Graphite golf drivers can be a good option for those who want to maximize distance. Its advantage over steel comes from increased feel, control, and forgiveness.