There is little doubt that the Graphite Design Tour AD line of shafts are known for performance and quality. With their vast lineup of offerings, we get a lot of questions asking about the differences between models. It is time for another TESTED! where we put the gear to the test and show the swings and data and then break it down for you.
We took out the variables of grip, length and club head and hit them all against each other and break down the data to show you what the differences are between the different lines. Six different Graphite Design Tour AD shafts as well as two more from the MAD lineup made this a fun one to tackle.
Tour AD DI
Tour AD IZ
Tour AD MJ
Tour AD VR
Tour AD HD
Tour ADXC
MAD
MAD Pro
Each shaft was put to the test with the brand new Callaway Epic Speed driver head. We rotated the head around the different shafts rather than use different heads. Each shaft was gripped with a Golf Pride Tour Velvet, as well as cut to play at exactly 45 inches in length.
Lots of swings were taken and every data point recorded on the Foresight GCQuad in the THP Tech Studio. The video below features a break down of the different shafts as well as all of the data averages taken from the swings.
Do you play Graphite Design Tour AD shafts now? If so which one? If not, which model do you think will best suit you based on the information above? If you like the content above, do not forget to subscribe to THP TV so you never miss a new episode of TESTED! or any of our other videos that come out.
For more information on their entire lineup of shafts, check out their at www.proschoicegolfshafts.com
That and the MAD pro really clicked with me
great video guys and the info was top notch
Still think their naming of shafts is unnecessarily abstract and easily confused.
Absolutely. Not necessarily when in hand but could tell the difference when swinging. Some of the profiles worked instantly and some just didn’t feel right at all for my swing.
Would love to see more of this with different, including dispersion, and talk about which shaft would be the choice, and why. Across all clubs too, Driver, irons, etc. But a great video, thanks guys!
It was fun to see, I remember first swings with both of those drew a silent (because we were recording) wow from me. The fit was undeniable.
The nice thing is, they put all the info out there to differentiate the profiles for everyone to digest. Also, it’s nice knowing they never add to the line for the sake of it, a new shaft will always be filling what they feel to be a void in their matrix.
What I love doing this is also that it shows the spin differences in shafts aren’t what the internet thinks it is. 422 RPM is a number, yes, but it’s not as drastic as those thinking a shaft can make 1,000’s of RPM’s difference, it’s much more nuanced than that.
It is more nuanced, which as a numbers guy I love looking at. It’s interesting to see how launch, ball speed, and spin all factor in to create distance. And at what point on the dispersion scale does your requirement for distance cross your threshold for straight drives.
It’s got a super stiff tip, and that softer profile in the rest of the shaft makes for a really interesting fit. It’s ultra popular, but it’s also very unique to this day imo.
I adore that we get to tell the story here about profile and how it’s more than just high or low launch, spin, or torque even. Profile matters. It’s critical in fit for sure.
Thanks! It was very interesting to see the subtle differences for sure. Also very interesting that the spin really didn’t change all that much but the difference in profile was noticeable for my swing.
@jdtox, Without looking at the numbers was there 1 or 2 shafts that just felt right to you? With the number so close I think it would just come down to what felt the best and what you could load most efficiently. Thoughts?
Yes the AD-HD and MAD-Pro really clicked for me. They also produced the best ball speed of the bunch.
Dispersion was similar across the board, which had just about every shaft around 5-7 yards either side of the center line.
@jdtox – will either of those shafts make it as your new gamer?
Were you impressed enough that one of these GD shafts kicks out your current gamer?
Im not the one that tested in the video, that would be @jdtox but I have done the same test post this video in the THP Tech Studio with similar results. I have also tested the AD HD for long periods of time since it’s release.
My gamer tends to change by the week
I was impressed enough to consider putting a AD-HD or mad pro in my driver and see what happens thats for sure. Both those profiles seemed to click instantly with my swing.
MAD Pro has always been the one graphite design shaft thats intrigued me the most… ive played a couple shafts and they’re all great but this, on paper, should work the best for me
I had been playing the Epic Flash (and Epic before that) with fitted Aerotech shaft. I just got the B21 head after hearing from the group and Jman and have played a few times with the Aerotech shaft in it (RCH shaft wasnt for me). Plays pretty good but I think there is more in the B21 that I havent tapped into fully. I can’t get shaft fitting appointment for another couple weeks because they are so booked up. With the following Trackman numbers from my Epic fitting, can you narrow down a few of the Graphite Design shafts I should try with the B21 head?
I totally get it’s very personal to swing, but I am not sure I will have time (or energy) to hit every one. I am very sure the fitter will dial me in, but really value the expertise here on THP. Any input is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.
422 between shafts though is a giant number. Talk about a good fit right there. Goodness.
That is hard to say, and maybe @Jman or @jdtox has more info, but I think ADHD should be included in that lineup.
Yeah, I was about to say AD-HD would be one if look hard at. IMO, it’s the best shaft they’ve dropped maybe ever for stability without sacrificing feel, and as I mentioned in the video the mor firm profile across the board on this one will make it appeal to many I think.
I def think it’s a solid spread and man it was cool to see how it all shook out! But, we both know that the 1,000 rpm thing some believe can happen…really doesn’t.
Man, I think it would really surprise you. I liked parts of the IZ and parts of the TP, but the HD sees a lot of things together for sure.
Yup, 100%. If you’re getting about a degree swing or +-500 RPM change from a shaft, that is huge.
I’m a huge Graphite Design guy.
Currently play the DI-7x in my driver, IZ-7x in my 3 wood, and DI-95s in my hybrids. I have a few others laying around the house too. I enjoy the way they feel, I love the way their lineup is constructed, and I trust that when I buy Graphite Design I’m buying a quality product.
As mentioned earlier, they were all with in 5-7 yards either side of the line.
For most dispersion will come down to fit, and how a shaft allows the player to deliver the club.
The AD HD is going to be quite popular this year.
One hell of a driver shaft. I enjoyed writing the review for the homepage on that one big time ?