tour ad red

• Updated: March 17, 2023

Graphite Design Tour AD CQ Shaft Review

This shaft will conquest your driver.

Tyler Fitzel Professional club fitter and author at Independent Golf Reviews

I (T_Fity) used the Graphite Design Tour AD CQ Shaft for 6 rounds of golf in TX this winter. I’ve also been able to hit it indoors on the 2nd Swing Golf simulators.  It was able to CONQUEST my driver for even better driving statistics.

This is the definitive Graphite Design Tour AD CQ Shaft Review for 2023.

Designed and manufactured at the Graphite Design Japan factory headquarters, the new Graphite Design Tour AD CQ has a very sleek appeal. The distinctive bands of a Graphite Design Tour AD CQ shaft are Gold and Red set on a Jet Black runway. As usual, this color combination goes with pretty much anything you want to hit. 

The new Graphite Design Tour AD CQ Shaft is everything you would expect from a Tour AD shaft. Feel is always subject to the person making the comments, but this shaft is yet again an instant winner for the response it has when loading and unloading during the swing. Being an updated replacement to the Tour AD MJ model (Softer tip shaft that would promote higher launch and a bit more spin), this profile is described as Firm Butt Section – Firm MidSection and Medium+ Tip Section. I like how all the shafts for Graphite Design can be compared by Stiffness using the 3 zones of the shaft. From the perspective of a Fitter, the entire line up of Graphite Design shafts are laid out, so before you even try the shaft you can identify the key elements you need for the best fit.

Performance

The new Graphite Design Tour AD CQ Shaft is designed as a mid to high launch with mid spin characteristics. This was a huge bonus for my driver game. I’ve been trying to get more launch and spin to optimize my ball flight in the long game. Looking back on my driving stats for the 6 rounds I played with the Tour AD CQ, I found 66% of the fairways, compared to the 6 rounds before which was only 53% of the fairways. One of the trends we have seen in the last decade with Drivers is to reduce spin for longer straighter shots. Something I’ve noticed over my last 5 or 6 drivers is the lack of spin keeping the ball in the air longer. Sure it’s nice to see the ball roll out another 10-15 yards on a firm fairway, but the new Tour AD CQ can help get more of that launch and spin for today’s low spin equipment.

The Graphite Design Tour AD CQ Shaft features a new Nitta 2G-Namd carbon fiber material technology in the butt end of the shaft. Nitta 2G-Namd is a modern carbon nanotube technology material that binds the fibers tighter together than standard carbon materials. This results in a higher degree of energy transfer thru the golf club and a more solid impact because it’s main purpose is vibration dampening. 

Along with the new Nitta 2G-Namd material is Graphite Design’s proprietary M aterial S tiffness I ntegration ( MSI ) design philosophy and technology. The way each layer of material is used helps create the unmistakable feel and performance in all Graphite Design shafts. This attention to detail in production is what makes Graphite Design one of the industry leaders.

For decades Graphite Design has released an award worthy shaft and 2022 is no exception with 51 worldwide global tour wins.  Many factors go into finding the optimal shaft for your swing, find an Authorized Dealer to help you get the right Tour AD shaft in your club.

With 34 years of Tour proven A ccuracy & D istance… Maybe it’s time for you to experience the difference a premium, Graphite Design shaft can make!  If you need a CONQUEST in your driving game, check out the Graphite Design Tour AD CQ Shaft .

For more information: http://proschoicegolfshafts.com

🏌️‍♂️ Subscribe to Independent Golf Reviews 👇

Get Golf Discounts & Giveaways from the top brands and stores in golf. Sign up below to be automatically entered in this months giveaway.

You are now an official member of IGR. Keep an eye out for the perks.

No spam, ever. 🔒

You are now an official member of IGR. Keep an eye out for the perks.

About Us   Submit Your Product Contact

Full Disclosure Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions

© 2024 Independent Golf Reviews

GolfWRX Members Choice: Best driver shaft of 2021

What is the best driver shaft in 2021? At GolfWRX, we take great pride in our online community and the cumulative knowledge and experience of our members. Needless to say, that extends to their GolfWRXers views on the best driver shaft of 2021.

The bedrock of GolfWRX.com is the community of passionate and knowledgable golfers in our forums, and we put endless trust in the opinions of our GolfWRX members—the most knowledgeable community of golfers on the internet. No other group of golfers in the world tests golf clubs as frequently or as extensively, nor is armed with such in-depth information about the latest technology.

Check out the full results and see what GolfWRXers are saying in the forums. 

Best driver shaft of 2021: The top 5

1. fujikura ventus blue.

What Fujikura says: “A multi-material bias core construction that delivers ultimate stability through transition and impact (maximizing clubhead MOI) – increasing velocity and smash factor. The multi-material core is crafted with full-length, ultra-high modulus Pitch 70 Ton Carbon Fiber — 150% stronger and more stable than T1100g — for ultimate stability, and 40 Ton bias layers ensure incredible feel.”

You can read what other golfers are saying  in the GolfWRX forums , and see our launch piece here .

2. Fujikura Ventus Black

From our launch piece: “The Ventus Black is an extremely stout profile designed for more aggressive players with a stiffer profile in the butt section and especially in the tip section compared to the original Ventus Blue profile.”

3. Fujikura Ventus Red

From our launch piece: “The Ventus Red is designed to achieve slightly higher launch and spin than the current profile of Ventus Blue—which can be both helpful in the driver and fairway woods.”

4. Graphite Design Tour AD DI

From our launch piece: “The Tour AD DI “DEEP IMPACT” is designed to provide golfers with more power and stability in a golf shaft. It is the brand’s first shaft design that was integrated with Toray Company’s original NANOALLOY material technology in the tip section of the shaft. This material technology is known as “DI Technology” and aims to offer players additional shaft stability without the loss of feel.”

5 (tie).  Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX, Mitsubishi Tensei Pro White 1K

What Project X says:  “The HZRDUS brand is a distinguished mark of the aggressive swinger, and that legacy is continued with the new HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX. Built with 100% aerospace materials, Smoke Black RDX is the first shaft to utilize Hexcel’s new HexTow® HM54 high modulus carbon fiber and combines it with high tensile strength HexTow® IM2C carbon fiber to provide the ideal blend of stiffness and stability desired by the HZRDUS player.”

What Mitsubishi says: “Created using extraordinary 1K Fiber that is 3x thinner than Carbon Kevlar for a tighter, more consistent weave. This super premium fiber produces an amazing “1K feel” by transmitting more of the high frequency vibrations needed to feel the true quality of impact. Constructed utilizing the new dual-phase XLINK Tech Resin System for a carbon-rich structure that is both stronger and more responsive. Boron fiber in the tip caps off this exceptional design. Available from 50R to 80TX, giving a wide range of players the opportunity to play a super premium 1K shaft.”

Coolest thing for sale in the GolfWRX Classifieds (07/19/21): Sik Pro putter

Details of Collin Morikawa’s WITB changes at The Open

We share your golf passion. You can follow GolfWRX on Twitter @GolfWRX , Facebook and Instagram .

You may like

Best irons in golf of 2024: Best blades

Best irons in golf of 2024: Top overall performers

Best irons in golf of 2024: The shotmakers

Best irons in golf of 2024: Pure enjoyment

Best irons in golf of 2024: Slower swing speed (Easiest to launch)

Best hybrids 2024: Expert fitters recommend the hybrids for your game

Coolest thing for sale in the GolfWRX Classifieds (4/18/24): TaylorMade BRNR mini driver head

At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals that all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.

It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.

Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, there is a listing for a TaylorMade BRNR mini driver head

From the seller: (@lasallen): “For sale is a BRNR mini 11.5 deg head only in brand new condition.  $325 shipped.”

To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link:  TaylorMade BRNR mini driver head 

This is the most impressive current listing from the GolfWRX BST, and if you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum you can check them out here:  GolfWRX BST Rules

Coolest thing for sale in the GolfWRX Classifieds (4/18/24): Ping PLD Limited Anser – 1988 Open Championship – #2 of only 88 Made

Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, there is a listing for a Ping PLD Limited Anser – 1988 Open Championship – #2 of only 88 Made.

From the seller: (@DLong72): “ Ping PLD Limited Anser – 1988 Open Championship – #2 of only 88 Made.  ? : $1150.  ??   100% milled collectors item from the limited releases commemorating when Ping putters won every major in 1988 (88 putters made). This was the model Seve Ballesteros used to win the 1988 Open Championship. Condition is brand new, never gamed, everything is in the original packaging as it came. Putter features the iconic sound slot.

Specs/ Additional Details

-100% Milled, Aluminum/Bronze Alloy (310g)

-Original Anser Design

-PING PP58 Grip

-Putter is built to standard specs.”

To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link:  Ping PLD Limited Anser – 1988 Open Championship – #2 of only 88 Made

Inside Collin Morikawa’s recent golf ball, driver, 3-wood, and “Proto” iron changes

As you probably know by now, Collin Morikawa switched putters after the first round of The Masters, and he ultimately went on to finish T3.

The putter was far from the only change he made last week, however, and his bag is continuing to change this week at the 2024 RBC Heritage.

On the range of The Masters, Morikawa worked closely with Adrian Reitveld, TaylorMade’s Senior Manager of Tour at TaylorMade, to find the perfect driver and 3-wood setups.

Morikawa started off 2024 by switching into TaylorMade’s Qi10 Max driver, but since went back to his faithful TaylorMade SIM – yes, the original SIM from 2020. Somehow, some way, it seems Morikawa always ends up back in that driver, which he used to win the 2020 PGA Championship , and the 2021 Open Championship .

At The Masters, however, Rietveld said the duo found the driver head that allowed “zero compromise” on Morikawa’s preferred fade flight and spin. To match his preferences, they landed on a TaylorMade Qi10 LS 9-degree head, and the lie angle is a touch flatter than his former SIM.

“It’s faster than his gamer, and I think what we found is it fits his desired shot shape, with zero compromise” Rietveld told GolfWRX.com on Wednesday at the RBC Heritage.

Then, to replace his former SIM rocket 3-wood, Morikawa decided to switch into the TaylorMade Qi10 core model 13.5-degree rocket head, with an adjustable hosel.

“He likes the spin characteristics of that head,” Rietveld said. “Now he’s interesting because with Collin, you can turn up at a tournament, and you look at his 3-wood, and he’s changed the setting. One day there’s more loft on it, one day there’s less loft on it. He’s that type of guy. He’s not scared to use the adjustability of the club.

“And I think he felt our titanium head didn’t spin as low as his original SIM. So we did some work with the other head, just because he liked the feel of it. It was a little high launching, so we fit him into something with less loft. It’s a naughty little piece of equipment.” 

In addition to the driver and fairway wood changes, Morikawa also debuted his new “MySymbol” jersey No. 5 TP5x golf ball at The Masters. Morikawa’s choice of symbols is likely tied to his love of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team.

Not enough changes for you? There’s one more.

On Wednesday at the 2024 RBC Heritage, Morikawa was spotted with a new TaylorMade “Proto” 4-iron in the bag. If you recall, it’s the same model that Rory McIlroy debuted at the 2024 Valero Texas Open.

According to Morikawa, the new Proto 4-iron will replace his old P-770 hollow-bodied 4-iron.

“I used to hit my P-770 on a string, but sometimes the distance would be a little unpredictable,” Morikawa told GolfWRX.com. “This one launches a touch higher, and I feel I can predict the distance better. I know Rory replaced his P-760 with it. I’m liking it so far.” 

See Morikawa’s full WITB from the 2024 RBC Heritage here. 

Dave Portnoy places monstrous outright bet for the 2024 Masters

John Daly stuns fans into silence with brutal opening tee shot on PGA Tour Champions

Things got heated at the Houston Open between Tony Finau and Alejandro Tosti. Here’s why

Tiger Woods arrives at 2024 Masters equipped with a putter that may surprise you

Scottie Scheffler WITB 2024 (March)

Report: Tiger Woods has ‘eliminated sex’ in preparation for the 2024 Masters

Two star names reportedly blanked Jon Rahm all week at the Masters

2-time major champ announces shock retirement from the sport at age of 33

Neal Shipley presser ends in awkward fashion after reporter claims Tiger handed him note on 8th fairway

Paulina Gretzky opens up on receiving death threats following DJ’s move to LIV Golf

Collin Morikawa WITB 2024 (April)

Collin Morikawa what’s in the bag accurate as of the RBC Heritage. More photos from the event here.  Driver: TaylorMade...

WITB Time Machine: Jordan Spieth’s winning WITB, 2022 RBC Heritage

At the 2022 RBC Heritage Jordan Spieth defeated Patrick Cantlay on the first playoff hole after nearly holing his greenside...

Jason Day WITB 2024 (April)

Jason Day what’s in the bag accurate as of the RBC Heritage.  Driver: Ping G430 LST (9 degrees @10) Shaft: TPT...

Ludvig Åberg WITB 2024 (April)

Ludvig Åberg what’s in the bag accurate as of the RBC Heritage.  Driver: Titleist TSR2 (9 degrees, D4 SureFit setting)...

Report: LIV Golf identifies latest star name they hope to sign to breakaway tour

Addiction, spinal fusion, and scam artists – Everything Anthony Kim revealed in candid interview with David Feherty

• Remember me Not recommended on shared computers

Forgot your password?

• WRX Club Techs

GD TOUR AD DI vs VENTUS RED

By dmarvaso March 19, 2021 in WRX Club Techs

• Reply to this topic
• Start new topic

Recommended Posts

playing the tour di in my driver now and was wondering how the ventus red compares?  looking for something a little bit more stable but with the same launch and spin.  has anyone compared both?  thanks for your time.

Ping G400 LST 10* Titleist TS3 15* Taylormade UDI 2  Callaway MB 2018 3-W Titleist Vokey 54*/60* Bettinardi BB2

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

• Created 3 yr
• Last Reply Jul 21

Top Posters In This Topic

Popular Days

Radeon962 2 posts

OspreyCI 2 posts

JourdanM 2 posts

dmeeksDC 1 post

Mar 19 2021

Jul 21 2023

Popular Posts

March 19, 2021

The Red is like a softer tipped Black.  Profile is not like the DI at all.  DI is more similar to the Blue as far as profile is concerned but the Blue in the same flex and weight as a DI will be firme

March 20, 2021

I am with you on the AD TP. I have been fit twice at PXG and tried to get the Ventus Blue to beat out my AD TP and it could not... for me. AD TP is the most underrated GD shaft out there and I have ow

I play both the DI 6X and Ventus Red 6S (tipped 1") in the same driver TSi3 head.  The DI is a great feeling shaft, but was a little erratic for me with 2-way misses.  The tipped Ventus Red, on the ot

The Red is like a softer tipped Black.  Profile is not like the DI at all.  DI is more similar to the Blue as far as profile is concerned but the Blue in the same flex and weight as a DI will be firmer overall.

The DI plays soft to flex for the stated flex due to the very soft mid.  All of the Velocore shafts play firmer to flex for me.

I did not get along with any of the Velocore’s and went back to a GD Tour AD-TP.  Lots of people on here love the Velocore but not the shaft for me.

DI never worked for me either as the soft mid always created too much spin and my miss was both ways with it.

AD-TP is firmer throughout and helped reduce spin and lower launch slightly while still retaining very good feel through the ball.

Play a Stiff in all of the above at SS of 103-105mph with a smooth transition so I don’t create a lot of lag prior to impact.

Ventus Red seems very different from the AD-DI to me. Tried the AD-DI but didn’t like it all that much, though it could have been the wrong flex or weight. I know it is a topnotch shaft. I gave up on if pretty quickly. I usually like the soft mid ‘Blueboard-type’ profiles. I was not accurate with a 6S AD-DI.   

Big fan of the Ventus Red. It’s the most-overlooked one. Did not get fitted, got a great deal on a 3 wood that had the Red 7S Velocore installed so gave it a run. I have had it in play for two rounds and a couple of range sessions and I’m already confident in it. It delivered straight and long from the first swing. I was surprised. It makes the club feel very connected during the swing is how I’d describe it. Swing my 3 wood at about 102 mph. I haven’t tried the Black or Blue, and I will, because the Red is so good. Supposed to be stiff handle — stiffer than the Blue — but it does not feel butt stiff to me. Also supposed to be higher launch but it launches mid, I’d say. It’s definitely different from what I usually go for, so who knows what I am feeling. It feels fast to swing and gives me consistent center contact.

I am going to go somewhere and get fitted because I am certain at least one more Ventus will be in my bag this season but I would like a fitter’s opinion on which one I should play. 

Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond 10.5 w/Diamana TB 60S

PXG GEN6 5 wood w/Diamana S-plus 70 stiff

Yamaha RMX VD 7 wood w/Diamana S-plus 70 stiff

Callaway Mavrik Pro hybrid (22) w/Aldila Tour Blue 85 stiff hybrid

Wilson Staff Model CB 5-G w/DG s300 shafts

Edel T grind 54 w/Nippon 125 wedge shaft

Fourteen RM-12 58 w/Dynamic Golds400

Axis1 Rose putter, 34 inches

6 hours ago, Radeon962 said: The Red is like a softer tipped Black.  Profile is not like the DI at all.  DI is more similar to the Blue as far as profile is concerned but the Blue in the same flex and weight as a DI will be firmer overall.   The DI plays soft to flex for the stated flex due to the very soft mid.  All of the Velocore shafts play firmer to flex for me.   I did not get along with any of the Velocore’s and went back to a GD Tour AD-TP.  Lots of people on here love the Velocore but not the shaft for me.   DI never worked for me either as the soft mid always created too much spin and my miss was both ways with it.   AD-TP is firmer throughout and helped reduce spin and lower launch slightly while still retaining very good feel through the ball.   Play a Stiff in all of the above at SS of 103-105mph with a smooth transition so I don’t create a lot of lag prior to impact.    

I am with you on the AD TP. I have been fit twice at PXG and tried to get the Ventus Blue to beat out my AD TP and it could not... for me. AD TP is the most underrated GD shaft out there and I have owned almost all

fo them. AD DI was the worst for me and IZ being second to the TP.

Mizuno ST-Z 230 9.5 Diamana T+ 60s Mizuno ST-Z 15* Diamana T+ 60s 

TM Sim2 Max 19 Hybrid Ventus 7-S

Mizuno Pro 225 4-GW DG 105 S300 Mizuno T24 Denim 54S/58V DG S400

L.A.B. DF 2.1 Broomstick

20 minutes ago, OspreyCI said: I am with you on the AD TP. I have been fit twice at PXG and tried to get the Ventus Blue to beat out my AD TP and it could not... for me. AD TP is the most underrated GD shaft out there and I have owned almost all fo them. AD DI was the worst for me and IZ being second to the TP.

You should try the black. I had a AD TP and now in the black. Feels pretty similar to me although I went down in weight. (AD TP 7x to a ventus black 6x).

To the OP, on paper the AD DI is most similar to the ventus blue. I will say the feeling I got when hitting these wasnt exactly the same. AD DI feels more hingy in the mid with a strong kick. Ventus blue softer in the hands, or just below, still with a nice kick. The soft feeling in the hands made it hard to time for me. The ventus red is different from both and should feel pretty stable in the butt and mid, but the softer tip helps it with the smooth feeling. JMI, good luck.

I play both the DI 6X and Ventus Red 6S (tipped 1") in the same driver TSi3 head.  The DI is a great feeling shaft, but was a little erratic for me with 2-way misses.  The tipped Ventus Red, on the other hand, is just as smooth feeling, but much more stable.  My misses are just a little right, but never any left misses.  Launch with the Ventus is just a little bit higher than the DI 6X, which I was looking for since the TSi3 head launches lower than my older 910D3.  Hope that helps.

Titleist  TSR3 10° Diamana ZF 60S Titleist TSR2 16.5° Graphite Design Tour AD DI 7S

Titleist  818H1 21° Graphite Design Tour AD DI-95X

Srixon ZX4/ZX5/ZX7 MKII 4-PW Nippon N.S. Pro Modus 3 Tour 120S

Cleveland RTX4 50° (mid), 54° (mid) TI DG S400

Cleveland RTX6 58° (low) TI DG S400 Byron Morgan DH89 34/350

45 minutes ago, OspreyCI said: I am with you on the AD TP. I have been fit twice at PXG and tried to get the Ventus Blue to beat out my AD TP and it could not... for me. AD TP is the most underrated GD shaft out there and I have owned almost all fo them. AD DI was the worst for me and IZ being second to the TP.

 I tried the VR recently but it spun a bit much and felt a little hollow.  I have an IZ on the way as I have not hit the IZ or HD as they both have my interest but they will have a hard time beating out the TP.

57 minutes ago, Radeon962 said:  I tried the VR recently but it spun a bit much and felt a little hollow.  I have an IZ on the way as I have not hit the IZ or HD as they both have my interest but they will have a hard time beating out the TP.

Agree. VR was not good for me at all. The IZ is very good. That would be a shaft I would go back to if I need more launch. 

• 2 years later...

Resurrecting this thread to see what a similar GD shaft to ventus red might be for a fairway wood? Looking to go GD in 4W and 7W

TSR2 10* @D1 Tour AD UB 6s

G430 5W @ flat neutral Tour AD UB 7s

'24 APEX UW 21* AD IZ 8S

'23 T200 Utility AD IZ 95S

'23 King Tour 5-G Modus 105S

RTX 6 Zipcore Tour Rack 54 Low+ and 58 Low

Custom PLD Anser 2D Carbon Steel / Stability Tour

Chrome Soft X

24 minutes ago, JourdanM said: Resurrecting this thread to see what a similar GD shaft to ventus red might be for a fairway wood? Looking to go GD in 4W and 7W

Callaway AI Smoke Paradym 💎 💎 💎 9* - Tour AD VF-7TX

TM SIM ti 15* - Diamana GT 80TX

TM Tour Issue Rescue 11 TP Deep Face Proto 16* - Ventus Black HB 9TX

New Level NLU-01 21* - KBS Hybrid Proto 105X

New Level 623-M 5-PW - MMT 125TX

Miura Tour 54* HB - KBS 610 125 S+, New Level SPN forged M-grind 58* - KBS Tour 130X

Scotty Cameron Studio Select Newport 2

7 minutes ago, phizzy30 said: CQ or VR. 

Thank you, sir!

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

×   Pasted as rich text.    Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.    Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.    Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

• Insert image from URL
• Submit Reply

Recently Browsing    0 members

• No registered users viewing this page.

2024 RBC Heritage - Discussion and Links to Photos

GolfWRX_Spotted posted a topic in Tour and Pre-Release Equipment , Monday at 08:55 PM

2024 Masters - Discussion and Links to Photos

GolfWRX_Spotted posted a topic in Tour and Pre-Release Equipment , April 10

Rory McIlroy testing a new TaylorMade "PROTO" 4-iron – 2024 Valero Texas Open

atursky posted a topic in Tour and Pre-Release Equipment , April 3

2024 Valero Texas Open - Discussion and Links to Photos

GolfWRX_Spotted posted a topic in Tour and Pre-Release Equipment , April 1

2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Discussion and links to Photos

GolfWRX_Spotted posted a topic in Tour and Pre-Release Equipment , March 25

Popular Now

By MattyO1984 Started Wednesday at 08:18 AM

By touch Started February 1, 2023

By SheriffBooth Started August 2, 2022

By dbuck47 Started August 2, 2013

Welcome. Register Here.

Come on in, the water is fine...

Recent B/S/T

MattJPB · Started 37 minutes ago

volkl7 · Started 44 minutes ago

bknapp34 · Started 3 hours ago

toastinato · Started 3 hours ago

jtbutle · Started 4 hours ago

GolfWRX_Spotted · Started December 5, 2023

• Existing user? Sign In

The Bag Room

• Tour & Pre-Release Equipment
• Golf Sims/GPS/RFs/Apps
• Golf Style and Accessories

The Club House

• General Golf Talk
• Classic Golf And Golfers
• Courses, Memberships and Travel
• Groups, Tourneys, and Partners Matching

WRX Academy

• Instruction & Academy
• Rules of Golf and Etiquette
• Swing Videos and Comments

Classifieds & ProShops

• Deal/No Deal

Website Help

• Forum Support
• BST AD Help Forum

My Activity Streams

• BST/Deal Activity
• All Activity
• Unread - No BST/19th
• Subscriptions

Classifieds

• For Sale Forum
• Wanted to Buy
• Mall of Pro Shops
• Where Did My Ad Go?
• Trade In Tool
• Create New...

Graphite Design Tour AD CQ Shaft Review

Graphite design tour ad cq shaft.

Graphite Design has released their Tour AD CQ “ConQuest” with a new carbon-fiber material that offers players a great mid/high-launching and mid-spin option. The new Graphite Design Tour AD CQ features a classy and classic shaft graphic with a dark paint scheme. It’ll be a fabulous color match to some of the most popular driver heads out there, too!

My first impression – this is a perfect match if you’re on the Las Vegas Golden Knights. The Graphite Design Tour AD CQ comes in with a mostly glossy black finish that will sparkle in the sunlight. It transitions to a deep gold near the handle and Graphite Design’s distinctive bands have a subtle red accent. I’m always a big fan of that.  Think of the legendary Tour AD DI with the little sprinkle of teal that provides a cool contrast to the orange and white paint. For the AD CQ, you’ve got a shaft that looks really clean from address, now you can focus on the ball.

How Does it Feel?

Graphite Design has been known for a generally smooth, pleasing feel with their golf shafts. The AD CQ will offer no change to that streak. I’ve been able to try pretty much every shaft they’ve released in the last ten years or so. The AD TP (which became available in 2016) has been my favorite and in my bag for the longest period of time, but I’m going to put the CQ near the top. I always liked the sensation of kind of a “tennis ball” feel. It’s kind of a deeper, rubbery feel. Not a lot of snap, and not really a “one-piece” feel either.

With Graphite Design’s description stating FIRM in the hands, FIRM in the middle, and MEDIUM+ in the tip, it seems to me like they’re spot on again. It actually matches much of the design intent here as the AD TP, but has a bit of a softer tip section. I think you can really feel the similarities, however the addition of the Nitta 2G-Namd carbon-fiber gives the AD CQ a slight more stout feel. As we’ve come to expect from Graphite Design, they try to create a full matrix of options. They can for sure offer a feel and a fit for everyone.

On-Course Performance

Like I mentioned above, this one’s my favorite Graphite Design since the AD TP. In my testing, it’s has been pretty much zero transition from other shafts I’d been using.  Plug and play. I do typically like a mid-to-low flight and something that will not spin too much, so on paper, the AD CQ should fit well. In action, I’m seeing a really solid flight and pretty good distance. The biggest thing we all want is to have a piece of golf gear that keeps you in play and lets you hit the shots you want.

Personally, I really dislike side spin. The Tour AD CQ has shown to be useful to me in knocking some of that off. I’ve had a really good time with it hitting reasonable fades, and it’s taken away much of the damage from my big miss (which is a big dumb pull).  That…I like.

I also want to highlight how important having a good fitter is. I’ve been working with mine for a long time know and he knows me and Graphite Design’s products well. When I was on the monitor, he suggested to me to try to lower my launch a bit. That really unlocked the AD CQ. It didn’t change my speeds much, but I was now carrying a bit farther and even more importantly, got my landing angle under control. That added 8 yards over my previous gamer. Sign me up for the AD CQ for 2023!

Final Thoughts – Graphite Design Tour AD CQ

Another great release from Graphite Design ! The AD CQ looks great in its black and gold finish, and should appeal to many players looking for a mid-to-high flight/mid-spin shaft. It’s stable and strong feeling, but responsive and never boardy.  New materials lead to better energy transfer, and as always, you’ll be able to dial in the right fit with this premium brand.

Related Posts:

Leave a Comment Cancel

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Email Address *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Get plugged in…

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.

Recent Posts

• The PXG STEM Experience - April 19, 2024
• SQAIRZ SPEED2 Golf Shoe Review - April 19, 2024
• Rain or Shine SwingNet Pro Review - April 18, 2024

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.

Leave a Comment Cancel

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Email Address

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• The PXG STEM Experience
• Golf News – April 19, 2024
• SQAIRZ SPEED2 Golf Shoe Review
• Rain or Shine SwingNet Pro Review
• Golf News – April 17, 2024

Contact Us Advertise Subscribe

Advertise on this site.

Plugged In Golf

Do You Like Free Golf Gear?

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and not only will you get the latest reviews, instruction, and more delivered directly to your inbox, you’ll also be entered into regular giveaways for golf clubs and more.

• What's Albatross Club?

• Search forums

Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.

Note: This feature currently requires accessing the site using the built-in Safari browser.

Graphite Design Tour AD VF Shafts

• Latest Posts
• Recent Activity
• All Things Equipment
• Shafts, Grips & Club Fitting

Follow @THPGolf on Social Media

• Aug 4, 2023

Good looking shaft. Probably too low launching for me but would love to give it a try.  

Nice to see some new colors in their lineup. Sounds like it’s for big swingers  

Here for the Conversation

Saw a pic of this on social yesterday, it’s a BEEFY profile for sure based on those specs. Makes me want to swing it more!  

Going back to Cali with Callaway & THP in '24

Love the look! Coining a term from a friend yesterday- they appear "Angry" in profile haha.  

Thrillbilly Jim

Raised on hose water and neglect.

Definitely seems stout.  

OldandStiff

Like the different color scheme. Might have to give this one a try. Sounds like it's a little off what I like.  

Victory Force and red and black.. Wonder where they got that combo idea from? lol the shaft sounds interesting. Lots of high end materials in there. Would love to try it.  

It's a Jersey thiiinngg

Oooo that could be a fun one to try  

Proud 2021 Grandaddy Alum #ReptheG

Hmm this might be worth a try… sounds like a sweet shaft!!  

DANNY LE! WHAT A GUY!

Well-known member

Sounds like a GP profile replacement. Challenger of Ventus Black and TR Black.  

YukonLiving

Team hackers.

Great looking shaft, but probably too low launching for my game.  

looks awesome. probably too stout for me but my eyes likey  

TEEm Tour Edge 2023

I’ve been dabbling with Graphite Design shafts the past year and a half and have tried many of them now and have had outstanding results with the Tour AD DI 7S paired with the Cobra LTDx 15 degree 3 wood set at 16.5. This new one looks like an update of the the Tour AD GP shaft with newer materials. Probably not a good fit for me personally. I expect there are a lot of people out there that would like it though as it is different from a lot of the other shafts in the line up. Will look forward to the reviews.  

2022 Grandaddy Team 5150 member 2020 AZTHP Champ

That looks really nice i like the color combo.  

2021 Titleist Experience!

Sounds and looks good, but low launch and spin is not for me.  

• Aug 22, 2023

Looks like this is the replacement for AD GP which worked very well for me in the past. Awesome color way and instantly my biggest intrigue right now  

Active member

• Oct 4, 2023

The VR's great! To me it feels and plays like a better AD XC. The XC hit some low spin bombs, but was so soft in the handle that it never really worked for me. The VR's tip is stiff, but it's not going to get excessively boardy. The low/low is not super apparent either, but I could flight it lower with a bit more ease, which is nice. It's actually got more of a snap/crack feel at impact, relative to other Graphite Design shafts IMO.  

Golf Shaft Warehouse

• Nov 30, 2023

JB said: The new 2024 Graphite Design Tour AD VF ‘Victory Force’ wood shafts will be available beginning October 6, 2023 through Pro’s Choice Golf Shafts, Inc. and their Authorized Dealer network in the United States, Europe, Australia, Canada, South America, South Africa, and the UAE. Brand new for 2024, the Tour AD VF shafts were designed and are manufactured at the Graphite Design Japan factory headquarters. The Tour AD VF wood shafts are jet black with red and silver accents, and finished with a gloss clear coat. The Tour AD VF, like all the other high performance Tour AD wood shafts, utilizes premium, aerospace quality carbon-fiber materials and are available in 40g R2, R1 and S flex, 50g R2, R1, S and X flex, 60g SR, S, X and TX flex, 70g S, X and TX flex and 80g X flex. The Tour AD VF shaft profile is Firm in the butt section, Stiff+ in the center section and has a Very Stiff tip to promote Low/Mid launch angles and Low-ball spin rates. The Tour AD VF shafts utilizes the modern TORAYCA® M40X carbon-fiber material in the butt section of the shaft to support a stiff, yet smooth feeling kick point and the ultra-high modulus TORAYCA® T1100G carbon-fiber material in the middle thru to the tip section of the shaft for unrivaled shaft stability and precise ball control without the loss of the exceptional feel that Graphite Design shafts are so well known for. Click to expand...

• Dec 6, 2023

I just watched a Club Champion video where Ian hit this in both a 5x and 5s. Even with club speed around 115 (IIRC) and ball speed around 170, he preferred the S. He got about 17 more yards carry, although dispersion was not quite as good. If the 5s was holding up to that kind of club speed, it must be a pretty beefy shaft.  

• Dec 7, 2023

Tenputt said: I just watched a Club Champion video where Ian hit this in both a 5x and 5s. Even with club speed around 115 (IIRC) and ball speed around 170, he preferred the S. He got about 17 more yards carry, although dispersion was not quite as good. If the 5s was holding up to that kind of club speed, it must be a pretty beefy shaft. Click to expand...

shanewu said: 17 more yards carry in S vs X?!? Whoa. Click to expand...

Tenputt said: Yeah, the dispersion was not as good, at least initially, but they got it dialed in at the end with settings on the TSR3 head that Ian was using. The difference in ball speed was quite compelling. Their point was that we need to be careful about trying to fit solely off of the recommended club speeds for each flex that are generally available through the manufacturers. We know that, but this video was exhibit A of its truth. Click to expand...

• Dec 9, 2023

Any updates on this shaft? Last thing I should do is blind order a shaft, but thinking about either 5s or 6s in my TSR2. It’s still trying to find a way to kick out a G430 LST and this might help.  

• Style chooser
• Nighttime Golfing
• Change width
• Terms and rules
• Privacy policy

Graphite Design Tour AD HD Graphite Wood Shafts

Shaft services optional, description.

Graphite Design introduces the latest in the Tour AD premium line of golf shafts, the Graphite Design Tour AD HD (Hyper-Drive) - Time to take your game into Hyper-Drive!

• Produced in Japan using Graphite Designs proprietary Material Stiffness Integration (MSI) design philosophy and technology.
• Utilizes the exclusive Graphite Design FIT – Fast Taper Technology, as well as the modern TORAYCA® M40X carbon fiber material in the mid and tip section of the shaft and the ultra-high modulus TORAYCA® T1100G carbon fiber material in the tip section, producing unrivaled shaft stability and precise ball control without the loss of the exceptional feel Graphite Design shafts are known for.
• Designed with a firm but section, a firm center section and a firm+ tip section to promote a mid-launch and low to low/mid ball spin

Trimming Instructions

Related Products

Graphite Design Tour AD IZ Graphite Wood Shafts

Graphite Design Tour AD CQ Graphite Wood Shafts

Graphite Design Tour AD VF Graphite Wood Shafts

Graphite Design Tour AD F-Series Graphite Fairway Shafts

This product can expose you to chemicals including black (airborne, unbound particles of respirable size), which is know to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov .

Shaft Services

Important Note: Please provide Current contact information. Customer service may require further information before proceeding with your order.

PUREing - $25.00

SST PURE identifies asymmetries that exist in every golf shaft and locates each shaft's most stable orientation. This results in more consistent performance and uniform feel from club to club.

Tip Prepping - $2.95

Shafts are tip trimmed (if required) to manufacturer’s recommendations. For steel shafts, we abrade the tips. For graphite shafts, we remove the polyurethane coating. When you receive your shaft, all you need to do is mix epoxy, install and align. After the epoxy is cured, cut to your final playing length from the butt end and install the grip.

Tip & Butt Trimming - $4.95

Shafts are tip trimmed (if required) to manufacturer’s recommendations. For steel shafts, we abrade the tips. For graphite shafts, we remove the polyurethane coating. After tip trimming and prepping, the shafts are butt trimmed to the desired final playing length*.

Club Playing Length

Our playing length chart is available here .

* The exact model, club head number, and desired final playing length is required for butt trimming to be possible.

* The club number and or loft is require for tip prepping on most parallel (.335" and .370") golf shafts.

JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser.

• We ship worldwide! Follow Us on Social @TourSpecGolf Check out news & reviews on our Blog! Free Install with Purchase of Head, Shaft & Grip
• Create an Account
• USD - US Dollar
• SGD - Singapore Dollar
• KRW - South Korean Won
• CHF - Swiss Franc
• GBP - British Pound
• CAD - Canadian Dollar
• AUD - Australian Dollar
• XPF - CFP Franc
• CNY - Chinese Yuan
• HKD - Hong Kong Dollar
• INR - Indian Rupee
• IDR - Indonesian Rupiah
• MYR - Malaysian Ringgit
• MXN - Mexican Peso
• TWD - New Taiwan Dollar
• NZD - New Zealand Dollar
• PHP - Philippine Piso
• ZAR - South African Rand
• SEK - Swedish Krona
• THB - Thai Baht
• Account Dashboard
• Address Book
• Account Information
• Product Reviews
• Newsletter Subscriptions

• Privacy settings
• Graphite Shafts
• Iron Shafts

Graphite Design Tour AD 55 Iron Shaft Set

• Add Your Review (100 Points)
• Share on Social Media (5/10/50/100 Points) Test

Comes with NEW DESIGN

Tour AD AD-55 iron shaft is the lightweight shaft of Tour AD iron series shaft.

Tour AD Iron series are high quality graphite iron shafts that possess superior feel over steel but still retain the tight dispersion and accuracy. Utilizing the same technology as Tour AD wood shafts, the iron series achieved the low balance design with exceptional balance, feel and control.  All Tour AD irons are mid kick and low torque and available in a variety of weights and flexes. All Tour AD Iron shafts are 0.355" Taper Tip.

Standard sets are #5-#10 irons (6 shafts for 5-PW). You can add #3 and #4 iron shafts at an additional cost.

* NOTE: You can also choose the color of the shaft. Standard colors are Normal, all other colors are 3 week special orders.

Login To Tourspecgolf

Create an account, forgot password.

TSG Clubworks

CUSTOMIZE YOUR PURCHASE WITH PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION

Shop by Brand

BROWSE THROUGH OTHER BRANDS.

Ask Us a Question

ADVICE YOU CAN TRUST CONTACT OUR EXPERTS.

Tour AD HD Shafts

Designed and manufactured at the Graphite Design Japan factory headquarters, the Tour AD HD wood shafts are white with light blue accents and finished with a matte clear coat.

The Tour AD HD , like the other high performance Tour AD wood shafts, utilizes premium, aerospace quality carbon-fiber materials and are available in 40g R2, R1 and S flex, 50g R2, R1, S and X flex, 60g SR, S, X and TX flex, 70g S, X and TX flex and 80g S and X flex.

The Tour AD HD shaft profile is firm in the butt section, firm in the center section and has a firm+ tip to promote a mid-launch angle and low to low/mid ball spin rates. The Tour AD HD shafts utilizes the exclusive Graphite Design FTT – F ast T aper T echnology, as well as the modern TORAYCA® M40X carbon-fiber material in the mid to tip section of the shaft and the ultra-high modulus TORAYCA® T1100G carbon-fiber material in the tip section of the shaft for unrivaled shaft stability and precise ball control without the loss of the exceptional feel that Graphite Design shafts are so well known for.

Maybe it is time for a change to your golf game and a jump into H yper D rive that Graphite Design Tour AD HD shafts with the TORAYCA® M40X and T1100G material technologies has to offer. Revolutionary technology, design and the most advanced materials are trademarks in all Graphite Design shafts, resulting in the highest quality premium golf shafts on the market today.  Validating the company’s “Tour AD” logo, all of Graphite Design’s Tour proven shafts are specifically designed to promote a gain in A ccuracy and D istance.

Features & Technology:

• TORAYCA ® MX40 carbon-fiber pre-preg
• TORAYCA ® T1100G carbon-fiber pre-preg with NANOALLOY ® technology for increased stability in the mid to tip region and unsurpassed feel.
• FTT –  F ast T aper T echnology
• 50 ton ultra-premium, high modulus, aerospace quality carbon fiber materials.
• Graphite Design proprietary M aterial S tiffness I ntegration ( MSI ) design philosophy and technology.

Bend Profile:

Performance:

• HD-4 is designed to promote Mid Launch angles with Low/Mid ball spin rates.
• HD-5, -6, -7 & -8 are designed to promote Mid Launch angles with Low to Low/Mid ball spin rates.

Tip Trimming for Std Bore:

• Pro’s Choice encourages consulting a PGA Professional or qualified club builder to help you determine the correct shaft and length for your swing profile and to meet your goals.
• Always leave a minimum of 0.5″ of the parallel tip section of the shaft above the hosel. For example with a hosel depth of 1.5″ and a parallel tip length of 4.0″, the tip trim length should not exceed 2.0″.
• Improper installation may affect the intended performance of the shaft. Warranty is for material and workmanship of our products. Improper installation voids warranty of product.

Specifications:

Where to buy (click here or on map to view store locations).

Click on the map to find a location near you