tour ad di 6x shaft specs

Graphite Design Tour AD DI Shaft Review – Specs, Flex, Weight

We usually try to reserve judgment of a shaft until later in the review.

But this time, we’re breaking character by claiming in the introduction that the Graphite Design Tour AD DI is a truly remarkable shaft.

We’ll reserve the details for later in the review but we will say that we can clearly see why some of the most prolific Tour Pros game these shafts.

If you haven’t considered the Graphite Design Tour AD DI shaft for your woods you need to read this review and then go get a fitting.

Graphite Design Tour AD DI Shaft Overview

Let’s start with looks.

It appears as though Graphite design puts all their time and effort into engineering and saves money on their design department.

The shaft, which is available in a black or orange color scheme, looks busy. The midsection is lousy with logos and lettering.

We prefer the black and white finish to the gaudy orange and white color scheme.

The Graphite Design Tour AD DI is available in a dizzying array of weights and flexes.

The weight ranges from 54g to 97g. Graphite Design seemingly wanted to appeal to as many golfers as possible and they have succeeded.

No matter what your swing speed is, you can pick up a Graphite Design Tour AD DI shaft in a weight that works for you.

The feel of this shaft is definitely active. The kick point is advertised as mid; but we would actually say that it is a bit closer to the butt than true mid.

Why is the  Graphite Design Tour AD DI So Popular?

When a shaft is used by players like Tiger Woods, it’s going to get some attention.

The Graphite Design Tour AD DI has been used by some of the biggest names in golf; but there are weights and flexes for us mortals too.

How Does the Graphite Design Tour AD DI Perform?

Depending on which weight class you choose, you’re either going to get a high or mid launch from this shaft.

The amazing thing about it though is that even the lightest version of the Graphite Design Tour AD DI can produce low spin rates.

In our test session, we never saw the spin rates exceed 2000 RPM’s. For the most part, spin was relegated to the 1800-1900 RPM range.

The stiff tip section also kept dispersion very tight. Our offline divergence never drifted into the double-digit (yards) range.

Carry distance was good too. After three swings each, we were averaging 268.8 yards. The Graphite Design Tour AD DI ticked nearly all of the boxes for us.

Graphite Design Tour AD DI Shaft Specs

What flexes are available what swing speeds do they suit.

Lite flex is suitable for 71-85 MPH swingers.

Regular flex is good for 86-95 MPH swingers. Players in the 92-98 MPH range should check out the Graphite Design Tour AD DI in stiff/regular flex.

Stiff flex may be suitable for players in the 96-105 MPH range. Extra stiff is for players in the 100-105 MPH range. Tour extra stiff should work for players swinging their driver 110+ MPH.

What Weights Are Available? What Swing Speeds Do They Suit?

The Graphite Design Tour AD DI is available in a wide variety of weights.

If you’re in the 70-85 MPH swing speed range, you’re probably going to want to stay between 54 and 64 grams.

86-95 MPH swingers will want to stay within the 75-85 gram weight class. For 96+ MPH swingers, there is the 86-97 gram weight class.

Why is it So Good?

The Graphite Design Tour AD DI is a rare combination of active profile, long carry distance, low spin rates and tight dispersion.

This is a combination that works for almost every kind of player.

The Graphite Design Tour AD DI is an amazing shaft because it will improve your drive distance while delivering a very smooth, satisfying feel.

And while it makes it easy to take your most powerful swing, it keeps the ball on-line.

Graphite Design Tour AD DI First Impressions

Our first impression of the Graphite Design Tour AD DI was that it felt very smooth.

While we wouldn’t say it is as smooth as the Mitsubishi Tensei shafts, it is still amazingly fluid for having such an active profile.

Key Features & Performance

The Graphite Design Tour AD DI utilizes aerospace-grade, high modulus 50-ton carbon fiber in order to stiffen the tip section.

While the mid and butt sections are of medium stiffness, the tip is stiff in order to promote acute club head control.

This is part of what produces such tight shot dispersion.

Graphite Design Tour AD DI Driver Review

When plugged into our driver, the Graphite Design Tour AD DI felt incredibly easy and smooth to swing.

It can stand up to a really heavy load and the release feels phenomenally fluid. The dispersion is tight enough to keep you out of the trees but there is also some workability for better players.

Graphite Design Tour AD DI Fairway Wood Review

When we plugged the Graphite Design Tour AD DI into a 3-wood, we still got tight dispersion whether we were swinging from the box or off the deck.

Graphite Design Tour AD DI Pros & Cons

• Wide variety of weights
• Good for fast or slow swingers
• Tight dispersion
• Mid/high launch
• It’s very expensive

Overall Score: 98/100

Check out more reviews here:.

Who Should Buy it?

Firstly, you’ll need deep pockets to score the Graphite Design Tour AD DI.

We’ve not seen it retail for any less than $200 (new). But in this case, you get what you pay for. The Graphite Design Tour AD DI is a phenomenal shaft that can work for all swing speeds and tempos.

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Graphite Design Tour AD DI Shaft Review

Introduction.

The 2024 Graphite Design Tour AD DI shaft is a high-performance golf shaft that is designed to help golfers hit the ball longer and straighter. It is made from high-quality materials, including Torayca T1100G carbon fiber and nanoalloy. These materials make the shaft strong, lightweight, and durable.

Table of Contents

The Tour AD DI shaft is available in a variety of weights and flexes to suit all types of golfers. It is also available in a variety of colors, including black, orange, and blue.

The Tour AD DI shaft is a popular choice among professional golfers and tour players. It is also a good choice for amateur golfers who are looking for a high-performance shaft that will help them to improve their driving distance and accuracy.

Which Type of Golfer Does It Cater To?

The Graphite Design Tour AD DI shaft is a versatile shaft that can be used by golfers of all skill levels. However, it is especially well-suited for players with faster swing speeds and/or those who are looking for a high launch and low spin. The DI shaft is also a good choice for players who are looking for a smooth and stable feel.

Model Breakdown

The Graphite Design Tour AD DI shaft is available in a variety of models, each with its own unique characteristics. The most popular models include:

The standard model, which is designed to provide a high launch and low spin, with a smooth and stable feel.

Tour AD DI-6

A stiffer version of the standard model, designed for players with faster swing speeds.

Tour AD DI-6X

The stiffest version of the DI shaft, designed for players with the fastest swing speeds.

The Graphite Design Tour AD DI shaft features a number of technologies that make it one of the most popular shafts on the market. These technologies include:

• Torayca T1100G carbon fiber: This ultra-high modulus carbon fiber provides exceptional strength and stability.
• Fast Taper Technology (FTT): This technology reduces the taper of the shaft in the midsection, which results in a smoother and more powerful release.
• Nanoalloy: This material is added to the shaft to improve its durability and reduce vibration.

The Graphite Design Tour AD DI shaft is available in a variety of weights and flexes to suit all types of golfers. The following table shows the available specs:

Pros & Cons

The Graphite Design Tour AD DI shaft has a number of pros and cons, which are summarized below:

• High launch and low spin
• Smooth and stable feel
• Durable and vibration-resistant
• Available in a variety of weights and flexes
• Can be expensive
• Not suitable for all golfers, especially those with slower swing speeds

Player/User Comments

Here are some positive player/user comments about the Graphite Design Tour AD DI shaft:

“I love the Tour AD DI shaft! It gives me the high launch and low spin that I need to hit long, straight drives.” “The Tour AD DI shaft is the best shaft that I have ever used. It feels great and it helps me to hit my driver more consistently.” “I have been using the Tour AD DI shaft for a few months now and I am very impressed. It has helped me to improve my driving distance and accuracy.” “The Tour AD DI shaft is a bit expensive, but it is worth the investment. It is a high-quality shaft that will last for many years.” “I am a high handicapper, but I still find the Tour AD DI shaft to be very playable. It helps me to hit my driver more consistently and it has also helped me to improve my distance.”

The 2024 Graphite Design Tour AD DI shaft is one of the most popular shafts on the market for a reason. It is a versatile shaft that can be used by golfers of all skill levels and it offers a number of benefits, including a high launch, low spin, smooth feel, and durability. If you are looking for a new shaft for your driver, the Tour AD DI is definitely worth considering.

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Graphite Design Tour AD DI Wood Shaft

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• Performance wood shaft made in Japan
• Launch trajectory range: Low-mid to Mid-high
• Spin range: Low-mid
• Stiff mid section with firm tip
• Speed recommendation: 71-105+ mph
• Available in Orange or Black/White

SPECIFICATIONS

SHAFT COMPARISON

• Download:  Tour AD wood shaft bend profile comparison

TECHNOLOGY & FEATURES

• DI TECHNOLOGY- Consisting of the advanced, 3rd generation of Toray Composites Nano-Alloy Material Technology for increased stability in the mid to tip region and unsurpassed feel.
• 50 ton premium, aerospace quality carbon fiber materials.
• Graphite Design Proprietary Material Stiffness Integration (MSI) design philosophy.

BEND PROFILE

PERFORMANCE

• Designed to promote Mid/High to High launch angles with Low to Low/Mid ball spin rates.

Added to your cart:

Graphite Design Tour Ad Di 6 vs. 7: Which Shaft to Choose?

When searching for one of the most popular and selling shafts, Graphite Design Tour will come up in the top position. Two of their popular shafts are Di 6 and 7. So, what is the difference between graphite design tour ad di 6 vs 7?

The first and one of the most key differences between these two shafts is the launch angle; Graphite Design Tour Ad di 6 have a high launch angle compared to the mid-high of the Di 7. 

This is just one of the differences between these shafts, and there are a few more we need to talk about. So, keep on reading to learn about all the differences between them.

Overview Of graphite design tour ad di 6 shafts

More strength and stability are provided by the Tour AD DI 6 shaft. The shaft’s tip part was created by incorporating the latest nanomaterial tech from Toray . 

Every player will be able to have an enormous influence on ball speed while still exhibiting excellent feel and control thanks to this innovation.

Read Also: Who Makes Kirkland Golf Clubs? Know The Hidden Truth!

Overview Of graphite design tour ad di 7 shafts

The Graphite Design Tour AD DI 7 shafts have a similar design lineup as other tour AD DI shafts.

But, the Tour AD DI 7’s mid bend shape enables optimum shaft loading while maintaining a stiff solid tip portion during impact. 

This will produce the best possible low spin and mid to high launch characteristics. Additionally, the Graphite Design Tour AD DI will therefore take players’ shaft performance to a whole new level.

Graphite design tour ad di 6 vs 7: Comparison Table

In our comparison table below, you can see all the primary differences between the AD DI 6 and 7 shafts. Keep on reading to know more.

Read Also: Project X Hzrdus Smoke Green Vs Black: Which Golf Shaft Is Better?

What Are The Differences Between Graphite Design Tour AD DI 6 and 7

You have already seen the basic differences between these two shafts. Now, we will break down these differences in full detail. This complete comparison will help you make the final decision more quickly.

Flex Option

The first difference between the AD DI 6 and 7 shafts is the choice of flex. AD DI 6 offers three different types of flex; Regular, Stiff, and X-Stiff and AD DI 7 has two flex options: Stiff and X-Stiff.

The quicker your swing, the stronger the flex you require, as golf shafts bend according to how quick your club speed is. So, you should select the shaft based on the sort of swing you have.

AD DI 6 is required if you desire regular flex, which means you have a slower swing speed. However, you can pick either of the shafts if you need stiff or X-stiff.

Another common difference between these two shafts is the different weight options they offer.

The AD DI 6 shaft has lower weight options; of 64, 65, 67, and 68.5 grams, and the AD DI 7 shaft has comparatively higher weight options of 74, 75, and 77 grams.

Your swing path is improved with a heavier shaft and you use more muscle when you play with a heavier shaft.

The route of the shaft on the downswing should originate from within the aiming reticle for every 10 grams of weight.

However, using a heavier shaft might be challenging for beginners. Therefore, you should determine the shaft weight based on whether you are a beginner or a professional player.

Read Also: Dynamic Gold 105 Vs Modus 105: Which Is Better For Distance?

Even though the difference in the launch is not that significant between these two shafts. It is still important as even the slightest difference in launch can play a huge role in overall ball flight and distance. 

There are Mid High launch angle choices for both AD DI 6 and AD DI 7. The Mid choice will keep the ball somewhat lower off the tee, while the Mid-High option will help gain a bit extra height underneath the ball.

However, the AD DI 6 also has a High option. While the AD DI 7 has a Mid option. Conversely, a high launch driver enables golfers with slower swings to produce soaring shots for maximal carry distance. 

Therefore, you may choose the shaft that is best for you based on where you want the impact to be.

Spin is another important consideration while selecting the shaft. Different shafts offer different types of spin, and the same goes between AD DI 6 and AD DI 7. 

The AD DI 6 shaft offers two different spin options; Low Mid and Low, and the AD DI 7 shaft offers low spin only. The low mid spin has a slightly higher spin than the low spin. 

Generally, a low-spin driver can lower your spin rates resulting in a more piercing launching if your swing speed is quick and your ball rises in the air.

Read Also: Kirkland Putter vs Scotty Cameron: Here Is The Better One to Choose

A machine that measures shaft torque tracks how much a shaft will twist in response to a specific quantity of force and does so in degrees. 

Depending on what type of flex you choose, these two shafts also have a difference in torque. 

Graphite Design Tour AD DI 7 has torque in the range of 3.1-3.2 degrees compared to the 3.3-3.4 degrees of the AD DI 6 shaft. So, when playing shot, the AD DI 7 will have less twisting than the AD DI 6. 

Graphite design tour ad di 6 or 7: Which Golf shaft To choose?

The Graphite Design Tour AD DI 6 and 7 are both excellent golf shafts and among the highest sold shafts worldwide.

Thus, selecting a clear winner between them isn’t an easy task. It all depends on what your requirements are.

If you are looking for a shaft with a heavier weight for more carry and low spin only, then the AD DI 7 is the one to go for.

However, if you want a shaft with more flex options, low mid and low spin, then the AD DI 6 shaft is the one to go for.

Read Also:   Wedge Swing vs Iron Swing: Here Is The Difference You Need

Down below, we will discuss all the faqs related to our today’s discussion comparing AD DI 6 and 7 shafts.

Does AD DI 6 have a higher torque than AD DI 7?

The Graphite Design Tour AD DI 6 has a higher torque than the AD DI 7. So, it means that the AD DI 6 shaft will have more twisting than the DI 7 shaft under pressure. Generally, the lower the torque, the less amount of twisting will be faced by the shaft. 

AD DI 6 Vs AD Di 7 which has a higher weight?

Both of these shafts come with different weight options; the AD DI 6 offers four different options, and AD DI 7 offers three different weight options. But in comparison, the AD DI 7 shaft has a higher weight range than the other option.

Are AD DI 6 and AD DI 7 both beginner friendly shafts

Both of these shafts are beginner friendly shafts as they are made from premium materials. They are very durable and less prone to breaking. However, as the AD DI 7 has a higher weight, it can be a bit difficult for beginners to control compared to the AD DI 6.

Meet Jalal, a passionate golf writer and the driving force behind Golfertroop.com, your go-to destination for all things golfing! Whether you’re a seasoned golfing veteran or a beginner taking your first swing, Jalal is here to assist you in making the most out of your golfing experience.

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Graphite Design Tour AD DI Wood Shaft

Configure below: Custom shafts are built to your desired length and installed with your choice of grip and OEM hosel adapter.

We only use authentic OEM adapter sleeves.

View our Returns & Cancellations Policy .

I understand build time for this product is 7-10 Business Days

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Submit fitting specs.

Recently been fit by a club fitting specialist? Simply send us your spec sheet and we'll send you a quote for up to 20% less than the original pricing you received from your club fitter!

Get Fit By Phone

Unsure what to play? Our experts can guide you through a free over the phone fitting!

We'll walk through a series of questions designed to assess your swing and your equipment needs. Determine which clubhead and shaft combinations are best suited for your game, all from the comfort of your own home!

Call (480) 297-0952

The Graphite Design Tour AD DI utilizes premium, aerospace quality 50t carbon-fiber materials to provide the best performing shaft available. The Tour AD DI is the first shaft design that was integrated with Toray Company's original NANOALLOY material technology in the tip section of the shaft. This unique material technology promotes additional shaft stability without the loss of feel and allows the player to create greater club head speed and thus greater ball speed while still providing exceptional feel and control. You can purchase the Graphite Design Tour AD DI in the following models: DI-5, DI-6, DI-7, DI-8. You can buy the Graphite Design Tour AD DI with the adaptor sleeve of choice built to your required specifications.

JOCKEY TIP: The Graphite Tour AD DI is ideal for the player that prefers a softer mid-section, while maintaining a firm enough tip section through impact, promoting a high launch and low spin ball flight condition.

Specifications

The fairway jockey difference.

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Graphite Design Tour AD DI Wood Shaft

£ 294.00

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• Description

Additional information

All Tour AD Premium Shafts are manufactured by GRAPHITE DESIGN INC. (Chichibu Saitama, Japan)

The Tour AD DI – DEEP IMPACT shaft is designed and manufactured using Nanomaterial Technology in the tip section of the shaft that provides power and stability. The MID bend profile of the shaft provides players with great feel and exceptional performance producing optimal spin and launch conditions. Available in 50, 60, 70 and 80 gram weights.

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Graphite Design Tour AD GT: Editor Review

Pros: Extremely smooth, and stable. The mix of blue, white and silver looks awesome.

Cons: Costs as much as most new drivers — $380.

Bottom Line: The Tour AD-GT shaft is a great extension of the Tour AD line, providing all of the smoothness Graphite Design is known for in a profile that’s slightly softer than the company’s low-launch, low-spin Tour AD BB shaft . That makes it great for players who need more spin, or as a fairway wood shaft for players who enjoy the BB in their driver.

With the addition of the GT, Graphite Design’s premium line of Tour AD Shafts now comes in four different profiles.

The company’s best-known shaft, the Tour AD DI, is the orange-and-white model that has been used for several years by Tiger Woods. The company’s next most-popular shaft, the Tour AD BB, is the company’s lowest-launching, lowest-spinning shaft.

Graphite Design’s Tour AD DJ is a slightly spinnier version of the DI. That means it’s a good fairway wood shaft for golfer’s who like the feel of the DI in their driver, and also works for golfers who don’t spin the ball enough with the DI.

[youtube id=”44pPUFLwZYo” width=”620″ height=”360″]

The GT has the same relationship to the BB. But while it’s slightly softer than the BB, it’s slightly stiffer than the DJ, providing a lower trajectory with less spin.

According to Graphite Design, the GT has a mid-trajectory, while maintaining an optimal amount of spin.

The GT is available in five different flexes, from R2 to X, and four different weights, from 50 to 80 grams. Like the rest of the Tour AD line, the GT sells for around $380.

I’ve been a fan of Graphite Design shafts for a very long time. Years ago, I loved the company’s “Tour AD Quattro Tech” shaft so much that no matter the driver head I was playing, that pretty green shaft would be in it.

Through the years, I’ve experimented with pretty much every high-end shaft made, from prototypes to retail, and have always come back to a Graphite Design shaft in my driver. There’s something about the feel that has always worked well for me.

Recently I’ve been playing the Graphite Design Tour AD DI. I’ve loved everything about it and have actually had it in play for the last three years.

Although I did a little experimenting with the Tour AD DJ and BB, I always went back to the DI. It wasn’t so much the ball flight changes or spin differences between the shafts, as I found them minimal for myself. My confidence in the DI had grown so much and I had come to build so much trust in it, it was hard for me to make a complete change. Yet when the Tour AD GT came out, like the DJ and BB, I had to give it a try.

Performance

I was really pleased with the smoothness of the shaft through the impact area. It was slightly more tip stiff than the DI, but in no way had a boardy feeling. My clubmaker built it exactly to the same CPM’s that I had in my other Miura SIT 460 driver with the DI, so I was comparing apples to apple. And the differences were genuinely noticeable

I found the trajectory to be a tad lower with the GT —  about 1 degree on a launch monitor — but I was still able to get quite a bit of carry with it. What I particularly enjoyed about the GT was that no matter how hard I swung, the shaft never felt overpowered. I’ve never been one to believe the torque numbers that shaft companies specify, but according to the Graphite Design website, the GT 6X that I tested has 3.1 degrees of torque in a 46 inch shaft (I tested it at 45.5 inches).

The past months of testing have also proven to me the workability of the GT. Although I have a Tour AD DI set up identically in a Miura SIT 460, I’ve found the ability to control my trajectory a bit more simpler in the GT over the DI.

Spin numbers have also been great with the GT — about 200 to 300 rpms lower and very consistent — and the extra yards I’ve been getting out of my driver have been extremely pleasing.

Looks and Feel

The GT has the familiar AD paint job in a lustrous blue color with white rings, and the blue fades to a silver blue towards the butt. I can’t lie, as ridiculous as it may sound, one of the features that immediately grabbed me wanting to try it was the color. I love the looks of the shaft!

The Takeaway

Graphite Design has produced another super shaft with the Tour AD GT. Its feel, workability and playability have been astounding. Even the looks of it, which initially grabbed my attention, are sweet!

Anyone who’s played and liked Graphite Design shafts in the past will immediately find a familiar smoothness in the GT, however, it’s bumped up a few notches. The GT is a true tribute to the Graphite Design ideals of never letting a shaft hit the market that doesn’t excel in feel.

If you get a chance to try a friend’s driver with a GT or if your clubmaker stocks them, do yourself a favor and give it a swing. I highly recommend it as one of the best new shafts of the year.

Build Specs for Graphite Design Tour AD GT 6X

Club head: Miura SIT Driver (9 degrees, D3 swing weight)

Cut weight: 67.5 grams

Length: 45.5 inches (Installed untipped)

Installed at Aloha Golf Center, Graphite Design specialist in the State of Hawaii.

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Reid's been an avid golfer for more than 40 years. During that time, he's amassed quite a putter collection and has become one of GolfWRX's leading equipment nuts. Reid tries all the latest equipment in hopes of finding the latest and greatest of them all to add to his bag. He was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii where the courses are green and the golf is great!

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Insider photos from tiger woods’ launch event for his new “sun day red” apparel line.

On Monday evening, inside the swanky, second-story “Coach House” event center in the Palisades Village, just minutes down the road from the 2024 Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club, Tiger Woods and TaylorMade officially announced their new apparel/footwear/accessory line, called “Sun Day Red.”

The Sun Day Red website officially launched on Monday night during the event, and the products are set to go on sale starting May 1.

The “Sun Day Red,” or “SDR” name will be self-explanatory for most golf fans, since he’s been wearing a victory-red shirt on Sunday’s for his entire professional career, but Woods explained the meaning of Sun Day Red at the launch event:

“It started with mom. Mom thought – being a Capricorn – that my power color was red, so I wore red as a junior golfer and I won some tournaments. Lo and behold, I go to a university that is red; Stanford is red. We wore red on the final day of every single tournament, and then every single tournament I’ve played as a professional I’ve worn red. It’s just become synonymous with me.”

The Sunday Red outfit has worked to perfection for his 82 PGA Tour victories, including 15 majors, so why not make an entire apparel line based on the career-long superstition?

As I learned at Monday’s launch event, the new Sun Day Red line includes much more than just clothing. To go along with a slew of different golf shirt designs and colorways, there were also windbreakers, hoodies, shoes, hats, headcovers, ball markers and gloves on display.

The upscale event was hosted by sports media personality Erin Andrews, with special guests David Abeles (CEO of TaylorMade) and Tiger Woods himself.

As explained by Abeles, the Sun Day Red brand is an independently-run business under the TaylorMade umbrella, and is based in San Clemente, California (rather than Carlsbad, where TaylorMade headquarters is located), and it’s run by a newly-formed, independent group. Brad Blackinship, formerly of Quiksilver and RVCA, is the appointed president of the new brand.

As for the logo itself, obviously, it’s made to look like a Tiger (the animal), and is comprised of 15 tiger stripes, which correspond with Woods’ 15 major championships. While the logo may need a 16th stripe if Woods adds a major trophy to his collection, it makes perfect sense for the time being.

The golf/lifestyle line is meant to combine premium precision and athletic comfort, while still having plenty of wearability and style off the course. Like Woods said on stage at the event, he wants to be able to go right from the course to dinner wearing Sun Day Red, and that was exactly the aesthetic on display at the event on Monday.

Following the official announcement from Woods and Abeles, they revealed multiple pieces of clothing, accessories and footwear for the event-goers to ogle (and photograph). Check out a selection of product/event photos below, or head over to our @GolfWRX Instagram page for video coverage…OR, head into our GolfWRX Forums for even more photos and member discussion.

Enjoy this exclusive look at Tiger Woods’ new Sun Day Red apparel lineup below.

See more photos from the Sun Day Red launch event here

Titleist launches new Vokey WedgeWorks 60 “A” grind wedge

The menu of grind options just got more expansive for Titleist Vokey WedgeWorks consumers, with the addition of a “60A” wedge to the lineup.

Previously, Vokey offered seven main grind options for players with various needs :

• T Grind: The narrowest sole option, which is widely used by PGA Tour players, and has low bounce
• L Grind: The lowest bounce option, with heel, toe and trailing edge relief for maximum versatility
• F Grind: An all-purpose grind that’s best for full wedge shots played with a square face
• S Grind: A neutral grind, best for full shots played with a square face
• M Grind: A versatile grind that’s for players who want to open and close the face for various shots
• D Grind: A higher-bounce wedge that’s for players with a steep swing angle, but want to play shots from various club orientations
• K Grind: The highest-bounce wedge option, with heel, toe and trailing edge relief for versatility

Titleist has now added the “A” grind, which has actually already been played on the PGA Tour by golfers such as Tom Kim, who used an A-grind to win three times on the PGA Tour, Wyndham Clark, who won the U.S. Open using an A-grind, and Max Homa, who used an A-grind at the 2023 Open Championship.

According to Titleist, the Vokey WedgeWorks 60A wedge is a low-bounce option that’s for golfers with a shallow angle of attack, and who play in firmer conditions. It has a “smoothed-out” sole for a faster feel through the turf, helping some golfers slide under the ball easier at impact.

“The most important club for me, probably in my bag, is this A grind,” Clark said, according to a Titleist press release. “I use the SM9 60-degree A grind, which is a low bounce 60 that is very versatile. I’m able to – on tight lies, rough, wet lies, firm lies, whatever it is – hit the shot I want, and with the amount of spin I want, trajectory and everything.”  

Apparently, Geoff Ogilvy played a large part in the A-grind coming to life.

“I spoke with Geoff (Ogilvy), and we got on the topic of Australian golf courses and how they compared to courses in America, and around the world,” said Vokey Tour Rep Aaron Dill, in a press release. “I asked him some specific questions, which resulted in an idea to design another lob wedge grind option that complemented the firm links-style conditions that players face – not just in Australia and Europe – but globally. Geoff has always been a low bounce player in his 60-degree, so I took his 60.04L wedge and removed the ribbon, resulting in a grind that moves through the turf quickly with very little resistance.” 

The new Vokey A-grind will be available on Nov. 7, selling for $225 each. Custom options include up to six toe engravings, 10-15 character stamping options, the Flight Line alignment feature option, and custom shafts/grips/ferrules are available.

Click here to read more about why the bounce/grind of your wedge actually matters

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GolfWRXers put the Full Swing KIT’s accuracy to the test

Last month, four GolfWRX forum members traveled to The Grand Golf Club at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar in San Diego, California, to test the Full Swing KIT launch monitor and to see how it stacks up against other launch monitors. If you’re not familiar with the Full Swing KIT , development began when Tiger Woods requested a launch monitor he could trust on the range as much as he trusted his Full Swing simulator in his own home. Later, the KIT earned Tiger’s seal of approval and has been seen with him at every tournament he’s played in since its release.

GolfWRX members on the KIT’s accuracy

zap311: “The Full Swing team seems obsessed with accuracy when it comes to the KIT – The team talked about how this product officially shipped about 18 months ago and they are already on firmware release #20. They said they are regularly releasing updates (overnight via WiFi) to continuously improve accuracy and performance. That is pretty awesome and it’s nice to hear that they are not a company that “ships it” and moves to the next thing. I think they are on the right track since I saw virtually no differences in the data when testing vs. GCQuad and Trackman today.”

double or triple?: “In some cases the difference was less than half a degree on launch and less than 50 rpms on spin.”

hatrick11: “The differences were statistically nonexistent. I think it’s hard to believe for a lot of people when you think about the huge price disparity, but I can’t state enough how close the Full Swing was to trackman every single time, for each of us.”

“Outside, the data is just really really accurate. I know my numbers and know this particular range very well and the KIT was spot on all day. I also had some very variable quality golf balls in the bucket I hit and there was really only one spin rate in the whole session that had me raising my eyebrows at all.”

SwingBlues: “The GolfWRX Full Swing/WRX Experience showed Full Swing KIT produce numbers the same as the GC Quad (GC4) and the Trackman4. Dollar wise, both LMs are easily north of KIT, so this is HUGE to stand up there with the bigger boys on the Podium. For me, it seems more “apples to apples” to compare KIT to GC3. My own testing validates what we saw at the Experience. It shows critical data points like spin, carry, ball speeds are dead on or almost dead on for 40 yards and up on both GC3 and KIT.”

More on the Full Swing KIT

zap311: “The versatility of viewing data is impressive – Depending on usage, everyone has different preferences for viewing data. You have on-device, phone, tablet, monitor, smartwatch, or audio/headphones. I’m pleased to say that Full Swing covers all of these. You can use the app on iOS devices (they said Android is planned for the future). This includes viewing your last shot on the Apple Watch with a few options and turning on audio playback of your preferred metrics following each shot. I’ll post screenshots of this later. You can also choose between 4 data points or 1 data point on the device itself. It was easy to use the app to customize the top 4. For example, I was able to quickly change from launch angle on irons to swing path on driver.

“The KIT was very easy to use – Once you spend a few minutes learning the app and settings, it is very simple to select a club, line up the target line, and fire away. You don’t have to use a level or a laser to line up. KIT uses the built-in camera to tell you where to line up within the app or on-device screen. I was also able to boot up the KIT in less than a minute and drop it down on the tee box for our on-course trial today. Because of this simplicity, I can see it being more practical to bring to the course…

“The Full Swing team really thought through usability for the KIT. You can see up to four data points on the device’s OLED screen. You can see all 16 data points on your iPhone/iPad along with a video replay of the shot, you can view one primary metric from your Apple Watch, and you can enable audio playback for any of the 16 data points. For me, this was a dream as a full iOS user. One other feature I like is that you can star a particular shot to save it. You can also send shot data + the video recording to your coach if you want.”

double or triple?: “I was able to meet the teaching pro at the range I’m using for testing – PGA teacher/member Ryan Kolk. He and his team have 4 units amongst themselves and use them both personally and with their students during lessons. Ryan spent time dialing in his knowledge of the range balls vs proV1x (gamer) to better understand the FSK and he believes the consistency is there with the FSK and within trackman and GC/Foresight models. His preference is to use FSK while testing shafts and new product before using them in his personal playing bag which as a GolfWRX member is 100% appreciated. For his better students, he believes the information like Face to Path and Club Path that FullSwing Kit offers is great to help them understand what their swing is doing and use that information to better themselves.”

hatrick11: “It’s nice to know I can get super useful practice sessions in at my house, and can do in in ~20 min stints; with two little kids at home I can’t just go out for frequent or lengthy range sessions, so this is super valuable and I think will help me keep my game from degrading and allow me to spend my limited free time enjoying the occasional round with friends. In particular with the KIT, as opposed to the cheaper monitors or the other “mid tiers” like GC3, seeing path and face-to-path data is the key item that makes my practice sessions useful…when I am grooving it my path is almost always between 0-2* out to in, with face control being the main thing I need to work on. When my game goes sideways I start coming more in to out, and combined with face consistency being an ongoing issue, that brings the bad left miss into play. Previously I have struggled getting real use out of net practice, because the feels don’t always match reality. This data and video evidence really helps keep me honest, so it was great to see that I was eventually able to get that piece dialed in with KIT.”

SwingBlues: “One feature I am really starting to like is how easy to see the video of each shot. My buddy was not hitting it well, we went to the video and we could see the takeway was too far to the outside.”

“Using the app, it will display all 16 data points. Below is an example of one of my iron shots. Pretty impressive data captured by KIT. On KIT itself, the launch monitor display can be configured to show a single data point, or it can show a grid of 4 data points where the golfer choose which ones to display!”

Head over to the thread for more comments, reviews, and future updates as our members continue to test the Full Swing KIT. Don’t forget to become a member today for future opportunities like this, plus product member testing and giveaways!

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Shaft Review – Graphite Design Tour AD XC

• BY Tony Covey
• Mar 4th 2020
• Read all comments

Invariably, when we talk about additions to Graphite Design’s flagship Tour AD shaft lineup, we have to cover both what the shaft is and what it isn’t.

As far as what the Tour AD XC is :  it’s a modernization of the company’s popular Tour AD BB offering. Given that Graphite Design launched the AD BB all the way back in 2012, it seems reasonable, if not logical, that the XC would replace the BB entirely.

A replacement, however, is exactly what the AD XC isn’t.

Despite being a little long in the tooth by golf equipment standards, the seven (and counting) -year-old shaft remains popular with fitters. So much so that the AD BB is the No. 4 selling shaft in the Graphite Design lineup. When fitters (a shaft manufacturer’s primary customers) are comfortable with a shaft, trust a shaft, and are selling quite a few of them, it’s not the best business move to take something away from them, especially when it’s just as easy to give them another option.

A Modernized Tour AD BB

Graphite Design describes the Tour AD XC as a modernized Tour AD BB. That description implies that XC is less about reinventing and more about incorporating material advancements into a good product to make it better. In this case, the biggest upgrade is the inclusion of TORAYCA M40X carbon fiber pre-preg in the mid through tip section of the shaft. At the risk of wading too deep into the shaft material weeds, the selling point for M40X is that it offers both high modulus and high-tensile strength. Something like T1100G, for example, has exceptionally high-tensile strength but low- to moderate-tensile modulus. M40X is a bit of a best of both worlds’ solution.

Ultimately, material stories boil down to strength vs. weight. In the case of the AD XC, M40X allowed Graphite Design to make a shaft that’s stronger and still shave a few grams of weight. Because of the strength of the M40X material, fewer plies are needed which should eliminate what golfers often describe as a “boardy” feel. The tip section is reinforced with T1100g to provide the low- mid-spin characteristics. The combination of materials along with the bend profile provides what Graphite Design describes a shaft that’s easier to load and transfers more energy to the ball.

While speed is almost invariably a part of every golf equipment story, the company says golfers report tighter dispersion as well. As always, your mileage may vary.

Tour AD XC Lineup

The Graphite Design Tour AD XC is available in a wide range of weights and flexes. That includes everything from a 47-gram model in R2 flex (Lite/Senior) to an 85-gram X-Stiff version. In addition to the sub-50g offering, the XC is also available in a 58-gram X-Flex and what Graphite Design labels Tour X-Stiff in 67.g and 76.5-gram versions. The Tour X is intended for golfers who swing above 110 miles an hour. Its inclusion in the lineup speaks to the increase in clubhead speed among professional and elite amateur golfers.

Tour AD XC Data and Comparisons

To make our shaft coverage more meaningful (and useful) to our readers, we’ve partnered with  Cool Clubs , one of the leading custom fitting companies in golf, to bring you shaft reviews powered by its Shaft Simulation System (S3). In case you missed it, check out our story  detailing why we believe S3 provides the best insights into shaft performance.

“S3 Technologies utilizes the most advanced shaft testing technology in the industry. The Shaft Simulation System (S3), which was developed in 2013, is a fully automated, all-in-one shaft profiling machine. In a matter of minutes, the S3 determines the following shaft specs: Straightness, Consistency Profile, EI Profile, CPM Analysis, and Torque. While some of the aforementioned specs can be obtained from shaft manufacturers, a lack of industry standards prevents that data from being used for accurate apples-to-apples comparisons. S3 Technologies solves this challenge by testing all of our products in-house using the S3. This gives S3 Technologies a unique and in-depth understanding of the quality and performance of the industry’s shafts.”

Not only does Cools Clubs S3 system give us standardized quantitative information about the shaft(s) being reviewed, the data we share will provide you with a much better sense of how those shafts compare with similarly spec’d offerings on the market today.

Using S3 data, we’ll be providing a comparison of the Graphite Design Tour AD XC to the AD BB and AD IZ. Comparisons are based on stiff flex shafts in the 60-gram range. Because measurement tools vary across the shaft industry, the S3 numbers may not align with data published by the manufacturer. By using S3 values, we are able to standardize values across all of our shaft reviews.

Launch Characteristics

As a quick refresher, the gray line extended to the edge of the graphic depicts what’s defined as a neutral shaft in the Cool Clubs S3 database. In simple terms, it can be thought of as the true definition of mid-launch.

As you can see, the XC and BB straddle our neutral line. By comparison, the AD IZ, which can be thought of as a modernized AD DI, offers appreciably higher launch. Both the AD BB and XC should be considered mid-launch profiles. However, with the T1100 reinforced tip, the XC is expected to provide mid-low spin.

The EI chart speaks to the similarity in Graphite Design offerings. The comparatively soft midsection, as evidenced by the sloping shape of the profile, is a signature of the Graphite Design engineering philosophy.

As you can see, within the S3 system, the XC is characterized by an ever-so-slightly stiffer handle and tip sections, relative to the AD BB. This suggests a shaft that is overall just a bit stiffer than the BB. While the AD IZ is a bit stiffer in the handle section, the softer tip provides a higher launch.

The zone stiffness breakdown is a bit like zooming in on sections of the previous chart. What’s notable here is that despite variations in butt and tip EI, the mid-sections of all three shafts offer virtually identical stiffness. As previously mentioned, you’ll find this true for many of Graphite Design’s offerings. The most significant differences in the profiles are found at either end of the shaft.

One of the most significant differences between made for/stock OEM and aftermarket shafts is found in the torque numbers. Many aftermarket offerings, like the AD XC, are billed as low torque, which means the tip section of the shaft is more resistant to twisting than a higher torque alternative. As with other fitting variables, lower torque isn’t inherently better. Higher torque works for some golfers, while low torque is beneficial to others – particularly more aggressive swingers.

With torque values below 3, all of the shafts included in our comparison can be considered low torque. Torsional stiffness can play a role in accuracy, which could partially explain why Graphite Design reports tighter dispersion with the XC.

In line with the general theme of this story, the XC has evolved slightly from the AD BB, but the change in torque is far from massive.

Balance Point

With the AD XC, Graphite Design has shifted the balance point slightly towards the tip section of the shaft. Bottom line, it’s not what we would describe as a counter-balanced offering. It’s likely better suited to golfers who prefer a heavier swing weight or, I suppose you could say, like to feel the head during the swing.

As you may recall from our  Golf Geeks Story on Shaft Performance , a higher balance point allows for more head weight without drastically impacting the swingweight. For golfers seeking more distance (admittedly often at the expense of accuracy), this allows drivers to be built to longer playing lengths.

From the Cool Clubs Fitting Team

Graphite Design has introduced its new Tour AD model for 2020, called the XC, which stands for X tra C arry. The XC shaft is offered in five different weight classes: 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80. Flexes range from R1 to TX. We will focus on the XC 60 S model and compare it to the Tour AD BB-6 S and Tour AD IZ-6S.

While lighter in weight and softer in overall frequency than both the Tour AD BB-6 S and the Tour AD IZ-6 S, the Tour AD XC-6 S still launches lower. This lighter weight and slight softness in the Tour AD XC-6 S can help some players load the club more efficiently. With the various materials Graphite Design has used in the Tour AD XC-6 shaft, including M40X and T1100 carbon fiber pre-preg, players may feel like the shaft is more stable and that they’re able to control ball flight nicely. It’s a great option for those who want a mid-launch/mid-low spin shaft in the lower end of the 60- to 70-gram weight range.

Similar Shafts

As we’ve said, Graphite Design’s offerings tend to be more alike than different. When looking for similar shafts in the S3 database, these are the shafts we identified as most similar to the AD XC.

• Graphite Design Tour AD BB-6 (see above)
• Graphite Design Tour AD GT-6 (stiffer butt section, softer tip, slightly lower torque)

Tour AD XC Pricing and Availability

The Graphite Design Tour AD XC shaft is available through custom club fitters and other authorized Graphite Design resellers. MSRP is $500 though your actual street price should be a bit under $400.

For more information on the Tour AD XC and other Graphite Design Shafts, visit ProsChoiceGolfShafts.com .

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• about the author
• latest posts

Tony is the Editor of MyGolfSpy where his job is to bring fresh and innovative content to the site. In addition to his editorial responsibilities, he was instrumental in developing MyGolfSpy's data-driven testing methodologies and continues to sift through our data to find the insights that can help improve your game. Tony believes that golfers deserve to know what's real and what's not, and that means MyGolfSpy's equipment coverage must extend beyond the so-called facts as dictated by the same companies that created them. Most of all Tony believes in performance over hype and #PowerToThePlayer.

Email Address

2 months ago

Hi Tony, in the Graphite Design website, they suggested X-shaft for >105 mph driver swing speed, but you mentioned 110 mph for X-stiff Shaft. I am around 105-108mph swing speed changed from BB 6S to XC 6S, wondering I should switch to 6 X-stiff XC to improve dispersion and distance. Any thoughts?

Mike Carson

5 months ago

The AD XC 6S shaft was what Club Champion fit me into. +13 yards carry over my current driver (same head was used). Not only that, my 10 y fade is now a 5y fade with much tighter dispersion. The feel of the shaft at impact is a new experience for me. I am not sure I can afford to put this in all my woods and hybrids, but it is going in my driver, that is for sure. One full club closer to the hole on 14 holes per round and 50% more likely to be in the fairway for only $400? Over the years, this will be just pennies per hit–as Tony would say–“yes, please”.

Donn Rutkoff

4 years ago

Does a good shaft maker for s and x flex hitters really mean much for us who are reg and senior? Does any shaft mfgr specialize in shafts for us? I swing reg flex (Recoil F3) in irons but I can’t swing with control a full length driver as well, and straddle reg and senior flex on 43 inch or longer..

Graphite Design makes the best shaft on the market in my opinion. I have the IZ-7x and its interesting reading the comparisons between the new XC and the BB. Now that I have had a Tour AD shaft, I might never go back (of course unless a fitter or data shows me otherwise). Great stuff, Tony.

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Graphite Design Tour AD VR Shaft Review

More in reviews:.

50 Words or Less

The Graphite Design Tour AD VR shaft creates a stable feel with a profile that’s the opposite of what you would expect.  Modest, smooth kick feels like it’s giving your swing speed a boost.

Introduction

At a glance, the names of Graphite Design’s shafts seem bland.  When you realize they’re acronyms, however, they’ll often put a smile on your face.  The Tour AD VR, for instance, is meant to help you “Vanquish all Rivals.”  That alone got me excited to give it a test.

Graphically, the AD VR is the same as most of the other Tour AD shafts from Graphite Design.  It’s white in the butt section, striped under the branding, and a solid blue from the mid to tip.

What makes the AD VR stand out is the shade of blue .  It doesn’t translate perfectly in pictures, but it’s a beautiful matte blue with a hint of purple.  I can’t recall seeing any shaft quite like it.

Graphite Design does an unparalleled job of offering golfers insight into the feel of their shafts.  For each model, their website lists the stiffness of the butt, mid, and tip sections so that you can pick the exact feel you prefer.

GD lists the Tour AD VR as being “Firm+” in the butt section, “Medium” (softer) in the mid, and “Firm” in the tip.  In comparing that to the Tour AD DI , one of my favorite GD shafts, the butt is stiffer and the tip is softer.  That led me to expect a kick lower in the shaft, which is exactly what the Tour AD VR delivered.

The stiff butt section makes the AD VR feel very stable in the back swing and transition .  As the club gets parallel to the ground, there’s a controlled snap that feels like it’s about 2/3 of the way down the shaft.  For me, the amount of kick is perfect: enough to feel like the shaft is working, not so much that it feels out of control.

Performance

Regular readers know that my best performance typically comes with stiff tipped shafts.  After a recent run of successful testing with models that fit that description, I was a little leery about how a slightly softer profile would perform.  Thankfully, the quality materials and design of the Tour AD VR produced excellent results.

For me, the key to success with the Tour AD VR is the modest kick that I described above.  This shaft never feels torque-y or out of control , even though it does deliver a pleasant kick.  Even on mishits, the shaft feels very stable.  I could really lean into a swing or take it easy and still get predictable results .

The Graphite Design Tour AD VR is available as light as 40 grams in R2, R1, and stiff flex.  Those three choices, plus X flex, are available at 50 grams.  The 60 gram version has a S/R flex, stiff, and X, and the heaviest models, 70 and 80 grams, are only available in stiff and X.  Do note that the bend profile of the 40 gram version is different than the other weights.

Even if you don’t view your regular playing partners as “rivals,” I’ll bet you’d still like to “vanquish” them by blowing your tee shots past them.  If you’re fit for the right weight and flex, the Graphite Design Tour AD VR can certainly help you do that.  This is a shaft that provides a rare combination of active feel and stability.

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15 Comments

I’d be the first to say that the right shafts make all the difference, and especially fun to experiment with to find your best game on any given day or course condition.. But, $380 + tax for a Graphite Design shaft?

As deeply committed as I am to this game and my equipment I’m still reluctant to drop that weight of coin on a single shaft. I’ve come close to spending that amount, and I have a number of shafts in my rota that I enjoy having to tweak my game whenever it feels right.

There’s a $ threshold that’s hard for me to cross for a single shaft. If I was playing golf for a living I wouldn’t think twice about it. As with many sports there’s an entry level, the upgrade, the high end and then there’s the pro level. Seems the GD line falls into the latter group.

I’m not brand loyal, and I’m in a new driver every 1.5 seasons. There’s no guarantee that the $380+ shaft will fit into that next new driver, especially when every company has a different adjustable hosel fitting.

Must be nice however …maybe I’ll think about it. (Don’t tell my wife though. )

I love this game.

Hi Matt, How would you (not GD) describe the difference between this and the DI as well as the Even Flow Black you liked a like?

Is out kind of somewhere in they middle?

Cheers Jason

The AD VR has a lower kick point than the EvenFlow Black and less action overall, in my opinion.

I got one of these shaft in my Rogue Sub Zero. I agree with everything that was said in this article. I have 115 SS. Launch is good around 11-13 but my spin is around 3000. Would you suggest tipping this an inch MATT? I’ve never tipped a shaft before. Happy with everything the shaft offers would just like spin down a few hundred revs to around 2500

If the shaft, in its current state, isn’t game-able, then tipping it is certainly worth a shot. Tipping is no guarantee of lower spin, so you could potentially be “ruining” an otherwise decent shaft. I would recommend working with a fitter to find a profile that’s more suitable to you.

I realise this is a late comment, but tipping a shaft with the profile of the VR (or the DI), will probably make it spinnier as you are trimming the amount of stiff tip section and thus making it play more like the soft middle section.

I don’t believe that is true because no matter what, the tip end of the shafts is the softest due to diameter. The butt end it the firmest and you are leaving more of it on the shaft.

What do you feel are the main differences between the VR and the DI? Feel, performance, etc.? Thanks for the great shaft reviews!

I have a full review of the AD DI here: https://pluggedingolf.com/graphite-designs-tour-ad-di-shaft-review/

Hi! How does this compare with the Diamana DF series?

We have a full review of the DF here: https://pluggedingolf.com/mca-diamana-df-shaft-review/

Would you say this shaft has a similar feel to the diamana ZF? Based on manufacturers’ specs it seems they have similar EI profiles, slights firmer mid and tip sections with softer more active mid section. Did you find that to be the case ?

Broadly speaking, they feel similar to me.

Hi Matt, Do you feel that the VR is the easiest Graphite Design shaft to hit a high draw with low spin? I think Iz spins more and TP is fade bias. I’ve never hit the Di.

It depends on the individual’s fit with a given shaft, so I can’t give you an answer that will work for everyone. For me, the VR is one of the easier GD shafts to turn over because the tip is softer.

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