50 Words or Less
The Aerotech SteelFiber i125 graphite iron shafts are designed for players looking for the same overall weights of their steel shafts but an increased stability and vibration dampening common in graphite shafts.
Introduction
Most players looking to go the Aerotech SteelFiber route are ready to make a giant change in feel and performance with their irons, so they will likely use the SteelFiber i95 or i110 iron shafts, but others aren’t looking for as drastic of a change from their familiar steel shafts. Whether it’s simply overcoming a mental block or being concerned about the feel related to graphite iron shafts, the change can be intimidating even if it’s in your best interests to do so. Aerotech has created the SteelFiber i125 shaft which is a heavier weight that will be consistent with many common steel shafts, but you will get the smooth feel and stability provided by graphite.
Looks
The Aerotech SteelFiber i125‘s look is consistent with the looks of all the other SteelFiber iron shafts with its dark grey base color from the 59 miles of steel fiber wrapped around the graphite core and the white label area in the middle of the shaft. The look has certainly become quickly recognizable and more common on Tour as well as many local golf courses. From firsthand experience, I’ve noticed the Aerotech SteelFiber label on a lot more iron shafts in the wild with more and more players being fitted into SteelFibers recently.
Feel
My gamer irons aren’t exceptionally heavy, but when I first held an iron shafted with the Aerotech SteelFiber i125 my reaction was,”Man, these feel heavy.” That said, it’s not obnoxiously heavy, it’s just noticeable that there is a little bit of weight to it, especially compared to the other lighter SteelFibers. If you’re transitioning from a heavier steel shaft like an S300 or C-Taper, then the SteelFiber i125 will likely not feel all that different to you weight-wise.
During the backswing the feel of the shaft isn’t all that different from a high grade steel shaft, but when you transition into the downswing you feel a smoother load. At impact, the i125 feels tight and unloads nicely. While the SteelFiber i125’s are plenty responsive, mishits tend to leave you feeling like you hit the ball a lot better than you did. Of course, this is because of the graphite vibration dampening and once you get used to it, you get over that “shock” of the shot not looking like what you were expecting to see based on the feel. Another interesting difference when compared to steel shafts came on the horrible shots off the toe or heel. It would feel like the club would flex under the shot a bit more, but that usual stinging punishment was almost non-existent. Hopefully this doesn’t happen often throughout your round, but at least there won’t be insult to injury if and when it does. Overall, the i125 feels much more solid and “robust” compared to the rest of the SteelFiber lineup, but feels much more pleasant in the hands and rewarding on pure shots than most steel shafts.
Note: A shank still feels like a shank and it sucks. #hoselrocket
Performance
I really found the Aerotech SteelFiber i125 to be a very interesting shaft. The shot for me was a low piercing flight similar to a C-Taper which Matt S. and I say you could hit down a long hallway, but it didn’t have the same firm and rigid feel. Now, don’t get me wrong, the C-Taper is a fine shaft, but the i125’s graphite feel was that good for me. The advantage I had with the SteelFiber i125 was that I felt like I could change my trajectory a bit easier than I could with a shaft like the C-Taper. The natural shot was that lower trajectory/lower spin shot, but I could easily get the ball higher in the air to get over trees or to ride the wind. I still didn’t have a ton of spin on the high shots, but the softer landings helped make up for that.
Conclusion
As much as both the SteelFiber i95 and the i110 intrigued me, I just couldn’t see how they would work for me. With the Aerotech SteelFiber i125, that experience was a bit different. While they felt totally different from my steel gamers, the extra weight, stability, and generous feel made the potential to crossover to graphite more plausible. As always, I stress the importance of testing and fitting for yourself before diving in, but if you’re just looking to get your toes wet and see what graphite iron shafts are like, then Aerotech SteelFiber i125 is a great first step.
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Bill plays Scott Readman Concepts putters and accessories.
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Hi,
I am currently playing the Project X LZ 6.5 shaft, however, I need graphite since I have injured my left wrist. I have no problem hitting the ball LOW, I need more hight. What Steelfiber would you recommend me? Also, the reviews says that plays more stiffer than steel. Is it true or is only the feel? PLEASE HELP ME!!!!
Jose,
My best advice is to get fit. No one can credibly fit you for a shaft over the internet.
Best,
Matt