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The Aerotech SteelFiber i95 has the most PGA Tour wins of any graphite iron shaft in history and is a great option to transition into a lighter-weight shaft.
Introduction
With names like Matt Kuchar and Brandt Snedeker putting the Aerotech SteelFiber i95 graphite shaft into play and having success on the PGA Tour, it’s no surprise that this shaft has begun to catch on across the golf world. Coming in at 95 grams, the SteelFiber i95 is a great introduction into lighter weight graphite shafts designed to have better feel, consistency, and more distance. Coming from steel shafts will definitely be an adjustment, but there is certainly potential to open your eyes to a new world of iron play you may have not experienced before.
Looks
The Aerotech SteelFiber i95 shafts have a plain grey appearance with minimal branding. The graphics simply do the job of telling you the brand and model of shaft in play. Of course, first appearances can be deceiving. At closer look, you notice the surface of the shaft has an appearance a of fine wire wrap. What you are seeing is over 59 miles of SteelFiber, from which these shafts get their name, wrapped around the graphite core of the shaft. Before butt trimming and gripping the shaft, you can feel the SteelFiber without the clear coat and you definitely get an appreciation for how impressive the construction of the shaft is. Interesting to note, the diameter of the SteelFiber is approximately 1/10th of a human hair.
Feel
I had previously tested the Aerotech SteelFiber i110 which had the feel characteristics of a graphite iron shaft, but the added weight still kept it from being a major departure from a heavier traditional steel iron shaft. The Aerotech SteelFiber i95 graphite iron shaft is definitely cutting the ties from anything resembling a steel shaft. Coming in at 95 grams, the shaft is light. Having the club built properly with the correct swing weight will be key for optimal feel. That said, the SteelFiber i95 is extremely responsive and smooth in the flex profile. Once I got into a groove with the i95, my shots really started to feel pure and effortless. The graphite core and SteelFiber wrap really take a lot of the vibration out of the shaft making for a much more pleasant experience on your hands.
Performance
One of the gains advertised across much of the Aerotech SteelFiber lineup is an increase in distance. Honestly, I didn’t really see it in the i110 review (it was consistent with my usual distance), but I believe there is potential for more distance in the SteelFiber i95. My distance averaged out to just about my normal distances, but in the long and mid irons, I had a handful of shots that were significantly longer. I wasn’t quite consistent with the increased distances, but I’m curious if I had more time adjusting to the i95 shaft if I would find a gain in distance across my irons. The reduction in overall weight should theoretically increase my swing speed which would result in more distance assuming I can still keep my swing under control. Additionally, the higher swing speed would result in a slightly higher ball flight. We weren’t quite in balloon territory so the shot was still plenty playable for me.
In the SteelFiber i110 review, I mentioned that I had low spin rates even though I was accurate. With the SteelFiber i95, I found I had much better spin in my irons, but my accuracy went down a bit. Of course, if I had to decide between the two models, I’d like to spend more time with the i95 to see if I could get acclimated and keep my swing consistent. If I could, I think it would be the clear winner for me.
Making the Switch
I’m adding this section about making the switch from steel iron shafts to SteelFiber iron shafts based on a conversation I had with Chris Jorgensen, Director of Club Fitting Services at Aerotech. The first thing to keep in mind is that you don’t want to make a weight change beyond 20 grams. In fact, only better players should consider a weight change of 20 grams. So for instance, if you’re playing a 120 gram steel shaft, switching to the SteelFiber i95 is going to be a struggle. What ends up happening to players when they struggle to adjust to the weight is that they end up releasing the club slightly earlier. This will hurt less in the long irons, but the short irons will be more difficult to control the trajectory.
Aerotech recommends keeping the weight reduction in the 10 to 20 gram range. The next step is to build the swing weight to the same number. Keeping these things in mind will make the transition to SteelFiber nice and smooth.
Conclusion
To echo my sentiments from the SteelFiber i110 review, it’s extremely important to get properly fit with these shafts, especially if you’re coming from a set of steel shafts. The Aerotech SteelFiber i95 was a significant departure for me, but when everything clicked, it resulted in some great golf shots with an exceptional feel that I wouldn’t mind having on a regular basis. Often times equipment used on Tour doesn’t necessarily translate to good options for the amateur golfer, but Kuchar and Snedeker’s tool of the trade, the Aerotech SteelFiber i95, is definitely one that any golfer should consider.
Bill Bush
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I tried the Steelfiber shafts in my Mizuno irons and found that while being a good feeling shaft, they play a little stiffer to flex than comparable graphite shafts. I changed to Project X shafts and am looking for a set of Veylix iron shafts. Any reviews on Veylix?
You know, I’ve heard people say the same thing. To me, it wasn’t that it felt stiffer to flex, it just felt so different. Of course, if the time was taken, it would be easy enough to have a club fitter with the tools measure and compare actual flex between the SteelFiber and something else.
We don’t currently have anything on the books for Veylix. If you’d like to see some reviews of their equipment, we highly recommend contacting them through email as well as their social media outlets to let them know you enjoy our reviews and would like to hear our input on their gear.
Best,
Bill
I am playing with Rifle shaft (1/2″ longer) at Titleist 755 irons. Since I am aging to 60 years old man, I am looking for new irons with steelfiber i-95. I guess the weight differences between Rifle and Steelfiber probably more than 20 grams. What will be your recommendation between Steelfiber i95 and True temper XP95, and which flex? I am considering for PING I200 irons to put in my bag.
You’re going to have to test both shafts head to head. There’s no way for me to accurately make a suggestion without seeing swing data and having you feel each shaft.
My coach tested the frequency of the 110i today and they are slightly stiffer than average. Great shafts.
How would you compare the UST Recoil 95 F4 to the SteelFiber i95s? Which do you personally prefer?
Alex,
Unfortuately Bill does not write for PIG anymore, so he can’t answer this question, and I don’t have experience with SteelFiber.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt,
I too am interested in the UST Recoil 95 f4’s. I have not seen a review on this shaft in the archives. Can you please review this shaft (I realize that it is not the most current offering by UST). My local CC did not have these shafts in stock to try. I am 66 with 3 hdcp and looking to move away from the DG s300’s in my Titleist CB’s, but am a little concerned about the torque level in the Recoil 95’s. The next move up would be their 110 model. Thank you!
Hi
Mike here. Where would I go to be fitted for steel fiber shafts? Would it be better to just switch my irons to these shafts or to buy a complete set of irons with these shafts? I live in Omaha, Ne.
Mike,
The nearest Club Champion to you is in Kansas City, though given their rate of expansion, I have to think they’ll be in Omaha soon.
To your second question, that depends on your confidence in yourself as a club builder. If you’re using a professional builder, it doesn’t matter which way you go, it comes down to whether or not you want to change iron heads.
Best,
Matt
I am trying to decide on changing from a heavier project x shaft to either the accre ictw shaft or to the steel fiber. I can use a lighter shaft but not sure what is better
Philip,
There’s no universal better, it’s just a question of which is a better fit for you. Before you drop several hundred dollars on shafts, I would suggest working with a club fitter to find the best option.
Best,
Matt
I have a set of Ping G2’s with stiff steel shafts. They are too stiff for me. I am 70 years old, but in good shape. Would the i95 shafts be a good choice?
Ron,
It might be, but the only way to know for sure is to test them with the help of a fitter.
Best,
Matt
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Hi Matthew
I was wondering your thoughts on the accra 95i CWT and aerotech. Which one felt the est.
Robbie
I haven’t hit the Steelfiber shafts Robbie, so I can’t respond.
– Meeks
I am playing Taylormade M6 driver, woods and irons with stiff shafts. Which one of the Areotech shafts would be the best if i wanted to go to like a more regular shatf?
Betty,
Unfortunately the person who wrote this review no longer writes for Plugged In Golf and cannot answer your question.
Best,
Matt
I’ve been playing to I 80 constant weight stiff Aerotech For about six years in my 714 Titliest i really like them I could Probably play the I 95’s but I’d like to hit the ball high . Angelo Morgan golf coach an player 2 Handicap
Great write up. Can you cut an inch off the top of these shafts without changing the dynamics of the shaft itself. I have the black label i95 regular but they came standard plus one inch, and I have always played regular. Thank you in advance.
Brian,
Butt trimming may make a small difference to the way a shaft feels, but it’s not going to be a wholesale change. If you’re trimming to the length you’ve always played, you should be fine.
Best,
Matt
Have you seen these in wedges? How do you feel they performed vs steel shafts?
Danilo,
I’m sure some people have them in wedges, but I have not tried them in that application.
-Matt
I am right now using I95 steel fiber in my titleist t300 irons. I truly love how the clubs feel when I hit them solid. My problem is the distance. I was fit with these shafts at the pga superstore. I was told these fit my swing speed. I recently hit my friends set of t400 irons with fubuki 55 gram mv shafts. I hit the ball at least 15 yards further. I have to admit the shafts did feel a little whippy but the distance was a whole lot better and accuracy was still good. Should I look into going with a lighter steel fiber shaft. Just asking. Thank you for your help
Rick,
If you want more distance, I would suggest doing a fitting with someone who has more options and shaft weights so you can find that extra yardage. My recommendation would be Club Champion.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt,
Can you pls tell us pls the differences in performance between the SteelFiber i95cw
” constant weight” and the i95 shafts ?
Regards
Hicham,
I’m not a SteelFiber expert, but from looking at the spec sheet, the CW shafts vary in length but all weight the same, whereas the standard version will need to be cut down (it’s only offered in one length) and thus the weight will decrease in the shorter clubs. How that affects the performance will depend on the individual.
-Matt
Just bought a set of Ping I 525 with the steelfiber i95. Was fitted at my PGA Super Store. Have a set of Ping I 15 with stiff AWT shafts witch I love very consistent.Just wanted to treat myself to a new set of clubs thinking that I would go with those same shafts.But was fitted in 3 different shafts.AWT, Steelfiber, Module. Anyway number’s don’t lie and the Steelfiber was the most consistent, Fittings are only with 7 iron felt really nice. Been going to the driving range for 2 weeks always hit my irons straight,with the Steelfiber I was hitting the ball left straight.did see more distance out of them,but I would rather be more consistent down the middle. I still have decent club head speed with the AWT shafts I can swing 90 to 100 percent and consistent down the middle.with Steelfiber same swing straight left off line 20 yards.not sure if I should put in AWT or my question was not sure difference if reading about Steelfiber I 95 cw if they would make a difference.Just like to be able to make a full swing and and be consistent down the middle.
Marc,
I don’t play golf… but when I do, I use steelfibers.
coolestmaningolf – I don’t reply to others…. but when I do I reply to you
Old post but anyways…. Good solid shafts…. Personally the ACCRA I Series tour and the ICWT m4/m5 feel more stable and performs more like steel. Have the steel fiber in PXG STs and the accras in my Miura MC 501’s and the ICWT in the km-700s. Trust me, try the accras before buying the tt steel fiber. I play at scratch and I’ve been playing graphite for 5 years now.
Just purchased a set of combo Srixon zx7 and zx5 irons with the i95 stiff Steel fiber shafts. Initial golf monitor #’s look real good with these shafts having the highest ball speed over other top name steel shafts. When I first hit with the i95 shaft I immediately notice how smooth they felt. I was very excited thinking I had found a new, cutting edge technology to gain an advantage then found out these have been out for nearly 10 years! Nonetheless, looking forward to playing with them outside once the snow melts. Hopefully the real world results match the virtual reality world on the golf sims! Cheers.
Same! I just got fit into i95 S on ZX7 and will do a combo 4-5 zx5 and then zx7. My previous iron set is P790 and my height dropped from 90 (790) to 75 ft (zx7). Descent angle also dropped from 47 to 43/44 but I think it’s acceptable. My AoA is on the higher side (6-8 down) that I’m working on.
Curious what was your 7i carry with the fitting, driver swing speed and carry? Congrats and cheers to some good golf with our setup!