For the last few years Stix Golf really only had one option for you, the clubs now known as the “Perform” series.
Simply put, they continue to be the very best packaged club set you can buy for under $1,000.
Despite having access to far more expensive clubs, I continue to use my Stix clubs regularly. And the 60-degree Stix Wedge has been a mainstay in my bag.
But this past Summer, Stix started to evolve their product line.
It started with one of the most requested features: the option for chrome irons.
Stix is known for its blacked-out motif, but some wanted an option to have them in chrome which tend to wear better over time.
After that though, they made an even bigger update:
They added the ability to get Stix Clubs with steel shafts.
Previously all of their clubs have been graphite only, so adding a steel option continues to help these clubs appeal to better golfers that love the style, simplicity, and price of what Stix is offering.
While all this has been happening, Stix officially changed the name of their clubs to the “Perform” series.
This is in large part due to the announcement of their brand new beginner’s set the Stix Play golf clubs.
Today, however, I’m doing a review of the new Perform Series Steel shaft clubs. It won’t be quite as in-depth as my original Stix review, as a lot of it will be the same.
So if you’re still on the fence about Stix or you’re looking for additional info, make sure you also read my original Stix golf review.
Also worth noting, there isn’t a separate “buy” page for the Steel and Graphite shafts. In order to get the clubs I’m talking about today, you’ll just select the “Steel” option when you’re on the “Perform” series check out page.
If video is more your thing, here is my initial review of the graphite Perform Series Stix Clubs:
First Impressions of the Steel Shaft Stix Perform Golf Clubs
Taking the Stix Perform Steel Shaft clubs out of the box, my first reaction was: these feel familiar.
Until you start looking closely the latest steel Stix clubs look very similar to the graphite clubs that I’ve had for about a year and a half.
But upon closer inspection, you’ll notice some slight differences.
The major aesthetic difference between the steel and graphite options is their finish.
The graphite Stix clubs are matte black, whereas the new steel clubs have a glossier finish.
On the top of the shaft, it will also say whether the club is “Graphite” or “Steel”. Now that I have a set of each, I’ve found this useful – as they still look very similar aesthetically.
As I mentioned you can also now get Stix with chrome irons, but both of my sets are in their signature black.
One complaint I had with my initial Stix clubs was that the headcovers were basically useless. I’m happy to report that they’ve been improved these with their latest offerings. But…they still aren’t great.
They’re certainly more serviceable, but I’d probably plan to find something a little more convenient and stylish.
Otherwise from a looks perspective the Steel Perform clubs are basically identical to their graphite counterpart.
Stix has what we believe is the best complete set of clubs for under $1k. If you're a new golfer up to a mid-handicap - you should absolutely consider Stix for you next set of clubs.
Stix Golf Perform Steel Clubs: Do They Live Up to their “Perform” Name?
One important thing to know about the Stix steel shaft clubs is the fact that not all the clubs come with steel shafts.
It’s only the irons and the wedges that have steel shafts.
The driver, 3 and 5 woods, and 4 hybrid, are all still graphite shafts – and are the exact same ones that come with the graphite Perform set.
Considering longer clubs are typically graphite, this shouldn’t be an issue for most people, but just worth noting so that you’re not surprised by what shows up at your door.
I’m happy to report that the steel shaft Stix clubs perform exactly as I’d hoped they would: great.
As someone who prefers a stiffer steel shaft to a graphite shaft, these newer clubs I actually prefer to the original Stix, which is saying something considering how positive my initial review of them was.
The major difference you’ll find between them is essentially the same as what you’d find with any club going from a graphite to a steel shaft.
Graphite is going to be more forgiving. It’s going to be easier on the body. It’s better for slower swing speeds. It’s likely the better option for most newer golfers.
Steel shafts are going to be more consistent. There will be less flex, especially with faster swings, allowing for better feel. When you hit a perfect shot, the Stix steel clubs feel better.
One Big Difference I Noticed Between Stix Graphite and Steel
Aside from the expected differences I just mentioned, there’s one big difference I noticed between the graphite and steel Stix clubs.
The graphite Stix irons have a tremendous draw bias—more than any other club I’ve tested.
The majority of mid to high-handicap golfers have a slice, and considering this is exactly who Stix target market is, to have clubs that significantly curtail a slice is fantastic.
In my 20 or so rounds playing with them, I have to adjust a little bit because my significant fade often turns into a significant draw – which always catches me off guard.
However, this effect is minimized on the steel shafts. They certainly have more of a draw bias than typical irons, but it feels less pronounced than with the graphite models.
I assume a lot of this has to do with the flex of the graphite, which can tend to have more of a whipping effect that exaggerates trajectory.
From a distance perspective, the clubs are similar. I found my distances to be more or less in line with the standard distances from my Mizuno irons I typically play.
As expected, the Stix Perform Steel irons felt more similar to my Mizunos – and this is a good thing. While they’re a little bit less forgiving than the graphite irons, the steel irons have more control and inspire more confidence when playing well.
Stix Steel Wedges: They’re Great.
The included 52, 56, and 60-degree wedges continue to be great. Considering swing speeds are much lower, I’ve noticed less of a difference between the steel and graphite wedges as I do with the irons (especially longer irons).
Both the graphite and steel wedges come with a stiff shaft, regardless of whether you opt for “Stiff,” Regular,” or “Active,” Flex on the rest of your clubs.
So while the steel wedges do inspire a bit more confidence than the graphite, I’d already raved about the performance of those, and these have continue to feel just as good.
How Does the Stix Black Coating Hold Up?
One of the biggest concerns I hear about Stix is “how does the matte black finish hold up?”
Better than I expected.
As I mentioned, I’ve kept the 60-degree Stix wedge in my bag for the past year, and is what I primarily hit out of bunkers. The black on the sole has worn significantly, but it’s done so in a natural way that enhances the look of it.
It looks well-worn and played in, but not in an ugly way.
Finishing on the other clubs has held up even better. But I admittedly haven’t used them as much, and am not hitting them out of sand.
Final Thoughts on the Stix Golf Perform Steel Clubs
Overall, I’m incredibly pleased with the Stix Golf Perform Steel Clubs.
If you have been interested in picking up a set of Stix, but have been put off by the fact they didn’t have a steel option, then these will be exactly what you’re looking for.
They’re still approachable and beginner-friendly, while now being even better for the mid handicap golfer.
I’d recommend these clubs for golfers in the low 20 handicap range up to the high single digits.
Once you hit a single-digit handicap, you’ll likely start to grow out of these and want something a bit more customizable, and getting properly fit is going to pay dividends.
But if you’re a newer golfer and you’re looking to get your first “real” set of golf clubs that you can grow into? At $999 for a full 14 set of clubs, there’s not a better set out there when it comes to price/performance ratio.
And don’t forget, you can use the Stix Golf coupon code “BE50” to save $50 off a full set of clubs.
Other Golf Club Reviews
Still trying to figure out what the best golf clubs are for your needs? Here are a few resources that should be helpful:
- Stix Perform Graphite Shaft Review – The original Stix golf clubs.
- Best Golf Drivers – Maybe you like the Stix irons but want to upgrade your driver?
- Best Golf Fairway Woods – Some of the best fairway woods currently available.
Stix has what we believe is the best complete set of clubs for under $1k. If you're a new golfer up to a mid-handicap - you should absolutely consider Stix for you next set of clubs.
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