How Much Does it Cost to Reshaft Irons?

Are your iron shafts wearing down? Do you have a broken shaft from a moment of anger? Are you ready to shift gears and try a stiff flex option?

Whatever your situation, there’s a club repair shop that’s willing to do the work, as long as you’re willing to pay the price.

So how much does it cost to reshaft irons?

Generally speaking, the labor cost to reshaft irons will fall somewhere in the $15-$25 range. This assumes you have already purchased the replacement golf club shaft and you don’t want to tackle this project yourself.

So that’s the simple answer for what you can expect by way of club repair services.

However, if you still need to purchase the new golf shaft, you’ll need to factor in that cost. Then you’ll need to add in the cost of new grip as well.

If you’re like me, you can probably hear the cash register sound “ringing” in your ears…

Shafting (pun intended) this replacement project is easy to do if you’re a penny pincher.

This is why a budget-minded amateur golfer keeps using the same old shaft, year after year, even if it’s not the right shaft for their game.

A golfer looking to improve his or her on-course performance may need to budget some money for a club fitting and some additional club repair services.

Last week, I tackled the question: How much does it cost to regrip golf clubs?

The costs associated with that project weren’t terrible, but they varied based on the types of grips being purchased (Golf Pride vs Super Stroke, etc.).

A golf club regrip won’t break the bank, but a reshaft iron project can be a more costly and more technical process.

You may be wondering whether it’s really worth it to shell out the cash for this golf club repair, so let’s discuss a few key factors to help you decide.

The Cost of Reshafting Irons

There are several factors that contribute to the cost of reshafting irons.

Whenever someone asks “how much does it cost to reshaft irons?” I reply with a simple “that depends.”

Before you can really determine the cost of this project, you’ll need to answer a few important questions.

Question 1: Do you want a graphite shaft or a steel shaft?

There is a significant price difference in price depending on the material of the replacement shaft.

As you are probably aware, there are currently two materials used for golf club shafts — steel and graphite. If you aren’t familiar with the pros and cons of each shaft, you should read our write-up on steel vs graphite shafts. We give you the full deep dive as well as some info on which shafts PGA Tour pros prefer.

Graphite is the more expensive of the two shaft options, partly because it costs more to produce.

Steel has a solid feel and a stiffer shaft tip section. It tends to be more affordable.

Graphite is lighter, which often results in a faster swing speed, more power and more distance. For this reason, many pros prefer a graphite shaft for their driver shaft and woods.

So back to the costs…

Generally speaking, graphite shaft replacement options range from $30-$80.

Steel shaft replacement options range from $8-$30.

If you just need work done on one golf iron, the costs may not be a big deal. But if you’re replacing 10 graphite shafts, be ready to spend some real cash.

Question 2: What are the costs to reshaft irons in your area?

Custom repair shops charge different prices than big box retailers.

A certified fitter in Alaska is going to charge a different price than their counterpart in Florida, where club fitters abound.

Shop around and make some phone calls to see what you should expect to pay. Usually you’ll be looking at $15-$25 per club to reshaft irons (labor cost only).

Some shops offer a discount for bulk replacements vs single clubs.

Question 3: What replacement grips will you be using?

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the cost of the shafting alone isn’t the only expense you’ll have to cover when you show your irons some love.

You’ll also need to factor in the cost of a regrip. New shafts don’t come with grips preinstalled, and most shops are going to charge you a fee for regripping.

For a full overview of the costs of regripping, check out our article on regripping golf clubs.

Can’t I just use my old grips?

Not really. It’s almost impossible to salvage the grip from your old shaft for reapplication on your shiny new one.

Even if it could be done, your grip would suffer some sort of degradation or deformation in the process, so it’s really not worth attempting.

I do have some good news though…you can definitely replace your grips on your own. It’s a slightly messy process, but almost anyone can do it.

Can Shafts Be Repaired? (And Is it Cheaper Than Reshafting?)

Unfortunately, once a shaft has been damaged, it’s time for a replacement. A broken or damaged shaft is compromised and will no longer produce the results that you’re looking for.

However, that doesn’t mean reshafting is your only option. It may actually make more sense to buy new irons.

To figure out whether it’s worth your while to reshaft or replace, you’ll need to get a quote from your fitter of choice, then compare the quote with the cost of a new set of irons minus the sum you could earn by trading your old irons in.

For example, if the cost of reshafting your current set of irons may come to $400, but you can trade-in your current irons for $380, a whole new set may be the wiser option.

Can I Reshaft My Irons Myself?

Technically, yes. You can reshaft your irons yourself.

Practically, no. Reshafting your irons is fairly complicated process, especially for beginners.

Besides, once you’ve bought the necessary tools (which include a rubber vise clamp, a golf club brush, ferrules, golf club epoxy and a heat gun) you’ll be just as out of pocket as you’d be if you’d chosen to book with a professional.

Then, of course, there’s the learning curve you’ll have to master in order to get the job done well.

I’m not trying to discourage you from going this route, but don’t blame me if it goes wrong.

As my mom would say, “I tried to warn you.”

How to Choose a New Shaft for Your Irons

Choosing the right shaft can be difficult if this is your first rodeo. The only real piece of advice I can give you is to see a professional club fitter. They will help you try some different options while assessing their performance and feel.

They may also give you some insights on your ball flight, loft, etc.

If you don’t want to go this route, you can also just have one of your irons reshafted.

A trial run will give you a chance to experiment without making a full financial commitment.

Final Thoughts – Should You Reshaft Your Irons?

Since each club set includes a number of irons, the cost of reshafting those irons can be significant.

If your current shafts are damaged or you’re sure reshafting will improve your game, it’s worth it in the long run to make a move.

However, if you’re thinking new shafts are the solution to all your golf problems, you may want to consider some cheaper strategy moves first.

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