Ranking The 7 Best Golf Shafts for Irons [2025 Edition]
Written by Matt Stevens

Matt Callcott-Stevens started playing golf at the age of 4 when Rory Sabattini's father put a 7-iron and putter in his hand. He has experienced all the highs and lows the game can throw at you and has now settled down as a professional golf writer. He holds a Postgraduate in Sports Marketing and has played golf for 28 years. Current Handicap: 8

Updated on January 5, 2025

When it comes to improving your game, most golfers focus on the clubhead or the face—but what if the key to better performance is hiding in plain sight? Your iron shafts play a critical role in launch, ball speed, shot consistency, and even how your swing feels. Yet, they’re often overlooked in favor of flashier components.

The truth is, choosing the right shaft can completely transform your game. Whether you’re chasing more distance, tighter shot dispersion, or a smoother swing, the right shaft makes all the difference. That’s why we’ve tested and ranked the seven best golf shafts for irons, tailoring our picks to every type of golfer—whether you have a slow, moderate, or fast swing speed, or need specialized options for women or juniors.

This guide reveals what makes these shafts stand out, helping you select the one that delivers the consistency and control you’ve been searching for. We’ll cover recommendations for all different golfers, from those with moderate swing speeds to juniors to people with low handicaps.

 

7 Best Golf Shafts for Irons

UST Mamiya Recoil 460 ESX – Best for Moderate Swing Speed

Best for Moderate Swing Speeds
UST Mamiya Recoil 460 ESX Iron Shaft Set

Designed to provide maximum distance and control for all player types. Recoil Technology provides optimal spring effect in the walls of the shaft and more energy transfer to the ball for increased velocity and distance.

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Pros

  • Promotes rapid ball speed
  • Greater spring in the walls of the shaft
  • Suits average swing speeds
  • Promotes high ball flight
  • Encourages optimal carry distance

Cons

  • Expensive
  • It doesn’t suit faster swing speeds

The UST Mamiya Recoil are ideal graphite shafts for amateur golfers with a moderate swing speed, ranging from 80 to 95 mph. Engineers constructed the 460 ESX shaft with regular flex to boost energy transfer at impact.

I found that Recoil Technology is the star feature of the shaft because it encouraged increased spring in the walls of the shaft. This boosted the energy transfer from the clubface to the golf ball at contact, prompting accelerated ball speed for maximum distance.

You’ll find that the rapid velocity and controlled spin prompts a moderate to high launch for consistent carry distance with your iron golf clubs. Finally, UST Mamiya suggests that the 460 ESX contains 4.7 degrees of torque, leading to increased flex during your swing, which can produce erratic results.

 

Fujikura Pro Series 95i – Best Graphite Iron Shafts

Best Graphite Shafts
Fujikura New PRO Series 95i Graphite Iron Shafts

Comes in a set of 5 shafts. Offered in three flex options: regular, stiff, and extra stiff Besides the flex options, these shafts are built to deliver medium spin and launch.

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Pros

  • Soft feel
  • Light construction encourages accelerated clubhead speed
  • Customizable for a hard or soft step procedure
  • Affordable per unit for graphite shafts
  • Built for moderate to fast swing speed

Cons

  • The shafts do not suit slower swing speeds
  • They are still more expensive than steel shafts

The Fujikura Pro Series 95i is my top pick for the best graphite iron shafts, thanks to the selection of flex profiles, durability, and glare-resistant finish. Fujikura offers the Pro Series 95i in three flex options, regular, stiff, and extra stiff, making them ideal for moderate to fast swing speeds.

Besides the flex options, these shafts are built to deliver medium spin and launch. As a result, they deliver controlled ball flight on approach.

Furthermore, the engineers created them to allow for a hard or soft step. For example, a hard step represents placing a 7-iron iron shaft in a 6-iron head. Conversely, a soft step requires setting a 6-iron shaft in a 7-iron clubhead.

The use of High-Density Composite Core (HDCC) enhances the shaft’s durability, and it lightens the mass to promote rapid club speed. When you combine a rampant clubhead with a medium launch, you produce a controlled shot with optimal distance and spin.

Lastly, the HDCC material works wonders for feedback, as it eliminates unwanted vibrations that run up the shaft on off-center strikes. Therefore, it protects your hands for a smooth, pleasant feel.

 

KBS TGI Tour – Best for Seniors

Best for Seniors
KBS TGI Tour 60 Graphite Iron Senior Flex Golf Shaft

Weight designates flex: 60 Gram Amateur / Senior Flex. Swing Speed: 65mph - 70mph w/ 6-iron.

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Pros

  • Mid to high launch
  • Encourages increased club head speed
  • Produces consistent distance
  • Specifically constructed for seniors
  • Moderately priced

Cons

  • Expensive
  • It’s too flexible for moderate swing speeds

The KBS TGI Tour shafts with a senior flex profile are graphite constructions designed to give older players greater control on the golf course. The engineers worked to reduce spin and launch for greater distance in your mid and long irons.

I noticed that the 60-gram construction was light enough to boost club head speed, and the mid to low kick point delivered ample height on my shots. In addition, the similarity in play to a steel iron shaft provides superior control compared to other graphite designs.

Furthermore, you’ll find that the KBS TGI Tour features a mid to low kick point, which prompts ample height for improved distance consistency. Lastly, only golfers with a 6-iron swing speed should think about these shafts.

 

True Temper Dynamic Gold AMT S300 – Best for Fast Swing Speeds

Best for Fast Swing Speeds
True Temper Dynamic Gold AMT Iron Shaft Set S300

Steel shafts that offer limited flex and high kick point for a low launch. Comes in a set for 3-PW irons.

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Pros

  • Promotes a low trajectory
  • Lowers spin
  • Boosts ball speed
  • Suits faster swingers with a moderate tempo
  • Affordable

Cons

  • The stiff flex may cause some players to produce low trajectory
  • The increased mass may slow your swing speed down

Amateurs who swing a 6-iron between 84 and 91 mph are considered faster swingers and are best fitted to stiff shafts. The True Temper New Dynamic Gold S300 are steel shafts that offer limited flex and high kick point for a low launch.

The reduced flex of the shaft enhances the stability of the clubhead into impact, ensuring low spin to send your ball along a piercing trajectory. You’ll find that this encourages optimal roll once your golf ball touches down.

Finally, True Temper suggests that the Dynamic Gold AMT S300 works for experienced players with a moderate tempo.

 

True Temper Project X Rifle 6.0 .355 – Best For Low Handicappers and Professionals

Best for Low Handicappers
True Temper Project X Flighted Steel Tapered

Shaft weight: 120 grams. Dedicated length for individual iron or wedge.

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Pros

  • Moderately affordable
  • Penetrating ball flight
  • Limited flex at impact
  • Increased roll
  • Low spin

Cons

  • The low launch can lead to inconsistent results for slower swingers
  • The heavier design causes you to lose clubhead speed

Low handicappers and professionals with faster swing speed will appreciate the extra stiff construction of the True Temper Project X Rifle 6.0 .355 shaft. True Temper built these for the players who generate over 92 mph of clubhead speed with a 6-iron.

The Stepless Design Technology (SDT) was my highlight because it ensured optimal energy transfer at contact. I found this produced rampant velocity and optimal length. In addition, I found that the technology prompted a solid feel when the clubface struck the golf ball.

Furthermore, you’ll see that shots with these high kick point iron shafts encourage a flat, penetrating ball flight for improved control and increased roll. Lastly, these shafts control spin for optimal flight, length, and roll.

 

Mitsubishi MMT 50 – Best Golf Shaft For Ladies

Best Ladies Shafts
Mitsubishi MMT 50 Iron Golf Shaft

The technology in these shafts elevates the density and stability despite the shaft possessing 5.9-degrees of torque, which leads to increased twisting during your swing.

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Pros

  • Lightweight and easy to swing
  • Prompts a mid to high launch
  • Offers an improved feel
  • Amplifies acoustics
  • Optimal spring into impact for accelerated ball speed

Cons

  • Expensive compared to steel shafts
  • The lighter design can cause some players to balloon shots

The Mitsubishi MMT 50 is our top ladies shaft flex which offers a lightweight construction that encourages rapid swing speed and consistent results. You’ll find that Mitsubishi developed this shaft for those players who swing a 6-iron below 65 mph.

I noticed that the MMT 50 was crafted using metal mesh material. In addition, the engineers took it a step further to include Metal Mesh Technology. The technology elevates the density and stability despite the shaft possessing 5.9-degrees of torque, which leads to increased twisting during your swing.

Furthermore, I enjoyed a mid-to-high launch, brought about by the mid-to-low kick point. This made it easy to launch my shots and ensure ample carry distance. Overall, it is a suitable iron shaft for slower swing speeds.

 

KBS 560 – Best for Juniors

Best Junior Shafts
KBS 560 Junior Steel Iron Golf Shaft

These shafts are specially constructed for youngsters in the development phase of their golf careers.

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Pros

  • They help juniors transition to adult clubs
  • Delivers a controlled launch
  • Prompts accelerated ball velocity
  • Encourages maximum distance
  • They work with adult clubheads

Cons

  • The stiffness of the shaft may prove excessive for some juniors to launch
  • The low launch may lead slower swinging juniors to lose carry distance

We have covered every type of golfer except for the little guys and girls. The KBS 500 is ideal for your youngster to produce consistent distance and accuracy with the irons. These shafts are specially constructed for youngsters in the development phase of their golf careers.

The engineers developed the KBS 560 with two flex options, including regular-stiff and regular, to cater to all junior swing types. You’ll notice that these shafts are moderately heavier than standard junior shafts, as they are built to operate with adult clubheads.

In addition, the increased mass trains youngsters to swing an adult club. Plus, the KBS 560 golf shaft encourages controlled flight to prevent ballooning shots and losing yards. Finally, these models promote rapid ball speed for optimal yardage.

 

What to Look for in an Iron Shaft

Material

Modern golf shafts are constructed from two predominant materials: steel and graphite composite. Steel shafts typically contain extra weight compared to graphite, and you’ll notice that they are more affordable.

Graphite is the go-to material for hybrids, fairway woods, and driver shafts because they prevent additional unnecessary mass. The lighter construction of graphite shafts promotes accelerated swing speed for a powerful strike.

You’ll find that slower swing speed golfers and I enjoy graphite irons shafts because they make it easy to frequently launch your golf ball.

Flex

The flex of your iron shafts impacts their spring leading into impact. A ladies’ flex is the least stiff option and provides maximum whip into the ball at contact. You’ll notice this provides consistent ball speed and a high launch. These shafts work for golfers who swing a 6-iron below 65 mph.

You’ll see that the next flexible option is a seniors flex, built for older golfers and slow-swinging high handicappers. However, most amateurs will fit into the moderate speed bracket and perform best with a regular flex shaft.

Finally, lower handicappers and tour professionals typically register fast and super fast speeds, setting them up for success with a stiff or extra stiff shaft. I have provided a table below highlighting which shaft flex is right for your swing.

Finally, lower handicappers and tour professionals typically register fast and super fast speeds, setting them up for success with a stiff or extra stiff shaft. I have provided a table below to highlight which shaft flex is right for your swing.

Shaft Flex vs Swing Speed

Tour Professional Low Handicapper Mid Handicappers Senior/ High Handicappers Ladies
Swing Speed
(6-iron)
>92 mph 84 – 91 mph 75 – 83 mph 65 – 75 mph <65 mph
Shaft Flex X Stiff Stiff Regular Senior Ladies

Weight

The more grams your shaft contains, the harder it becomes to optimize your clubhead speed on the downswing. However, additional mass can prompt some players to activate the necessary muscles to boost power as you transition from the top of your swing to impact.

Powerful golfers with faster swing speeds find that heavy golf shafts enhance stability to deliver a controlled launch. Conversely, slower golf swingers may struggle to transfer sufficient energy to the ball at impact, generating weak launch with minimal distance.

You’ll find that most heavy shafts carry stiff or extra stiff flex, making it ideal for higher swing speeds. On the contrary, lightweight shafts generally offer increased flex to aid slow-swinging players.

Torque

The degree of torque your shafts carry influences the rate of twist during your swing. Therefore, it has the greatest bearing on your shot dispersion. Shafts with a lower torque degree twist less and help golfers to keep their clubface square at contact. Contrarily, a high degree of torque prompts the clubface open at impact, which can produce a slice.

In tests conducted by the TPT Golf, they found that shots with higher torque shafts finished right of the target on most occasions for right-handers. Conversely, lower torque iron shafts delivered a dispersion to the left of the target.

As a result, you should think about a lower torque shaft if your ball finishes right of your target more often than not.

Kick Point

The final factor to consider is the kick point of a shaft which impacts the elevation of your launch. A shaft offers one of three kick points to promote the optimal launch, flight, and carry distance.

The type of kick point your shaft possesses depends on the area that contorts the heaviest during your swing. A high kick point is present near the grip and produces a low launching shot, welcomed by higher swing speeds.

A mid-kick point appears in the middle of the shaft and is built to propel a neutral launch which suits average swing speeds. Lastly, a low kick point features near the club head and bends hard into impact, generating a towering launch for slower swing speeds.

If you are concerned that you are launching the ball too low, try shafts with a lower kick point. Conversely, players afraid of ballooning shots should consider a high to mid-design.

 

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Matt Stevens

Matt Callcott-Stevens started playing golf at the age of 4 when Rory Sabattini's father put a 7-iron and putter in his hand. He has experienced all the highs and lows the game can throw at you and has now settled down as a professional golf writer. He holds a Postgraduate in Sports Marketing and has played golf for 28 years. Current Handicap: 8