tour ad driver 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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Choosing the Right Graphite Design Tour AD Shaft

And, Webb Simpson won THE PLAYERS 2018 Championship with the new higher launching Tour IZ 5X!

The Tour AD DI model is the first Graphite Design shaft design that was integrated with Toray Company’s original NANOALLOY material technology in the tip section of the shaft. This material technology has now come to be known as “DI Technology”. This unique material technology promotes additionally 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.

2018 Graphite Design Shaft Profile Comparison Chart

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Graphite Designs Tour AD TP Shaft Review

• on February 1, 2017

50 Words or Less

The Graphite Designs Tour AD TP shaft is a high performance shaft that’s a little more stout than the AD DI.  Great for the big hitter who still wants some feel in the shaft.

Introduction

It’s often said that it’s not hard to have a hit; the hard part is backing it up with a second hit.  Graphite Designs had one of the most successful shafts of the last few years with their Tour AD DI , but none of their subsequent offerings have created the same buzz.  The Tour AD TP, which has a profile similar to the AD DI, should be the follow up smash that we’ve been waiting for.

Graphite Designs stuck to recipe of low key graphics with the Tour AD TP.  The branding, though slightly bolder than past efforts, is minimal, and the color scheme – black, white, and grey – won’t turn heads.  If you want an all-business look without any distractions, the AD TP is for you.

As I’ve mentioned before, one of my favorite things that Graphite Designs does is explain the feel of each of their shafts on a chart on their website.  They use a simple scale – Very Stiff to Soft – and rate the butt, mid, and tip of each shaft.

The AD TP is rated as tip stiff with a firm butt and mid .  The butt and mid are both one notch stiffer than the AD DI, and this is a perfect description of how the shaft feels.  Where the AD DI has a pronounced kick, the action in the AD TP is more subtle .

Performance

The new technology used in the AD TP is Graphite Designs’s “Fast Taper Technology” or FTT.  This design makes the shaft taper faster through the lower mid section to the tip.  Its purpose is to give the player greater club head control at impact .

For me, the AD TP was a very consistent performer, just like the AD DI.  The stiffer mid and butt sections did translate to some noticeable ball flight differences.  Where the AD DI kicked more and produced more draws, the AD TP was more solid and produced straighter shots .  I felt like I had to work a little more if I wanted to produce a draw, but I could also swing hard without fearing a hook .

The Graphite Designs AD TP is available in 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 grams and flexes ranging from R2 (senior) to X.

If you loved the AD DI but longed for something a little stiffer, your prayers have been answered.  The Graphite Designs AD TP has a similar feel, but with a little extra muscle to stand up to those aggressive swings.

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16 Comments

I have the TP-7 X flex in my Callaway Epic Sub Zero and the TP-8 X flex in my Callaway Sub Zero 3W and they are amazing shafts. Great feel and consistency! I highly recommend them. Also the Callaway Epic line is amazing….

I have the Tour AD TP-6 S Flex in my 2017 TaylorMade M1 driver. I tested a heap of shafts on the launch monitor: Fujikura Pro, Speeder Motore, Kurokage, Hzrdus – the AD TP-6 delivered the best numbers out of them all; in fact they were very similar to yours. It’s a superb shaft. I also have a Graphite Design AD DI-7 S flex in my TM 3-wood; it is similarly superb.

Hi Matt, thank you for your review. I have been following your website for a long time now, but never got around to posting a comment.

I am currently gaming a Tour AD DI 6X. I love the shaft, but I feel I may be losing some distance with the stiffer profile. Would you say the TP 6S would be similar to the DI & 6X considering the TP is somewhat stouter? Also, I’d really appreciate if you could do a review of the Oban Kiyoshi Gold. I’m also considering that as a replacement. I am looking for a high launch shaft, as my spin numbers tend to be low with standard drivers (non-LST versions).

I understand that fitting would be absolutely necessary, but unfortunately, I live in a country that does not have fitting facilities. It is a handicap for us avid golfers here, but it is what it is.

Looking forward to your reply. Thank you.

I think you’re on the right track in going “down” a flex with the TP vs the DI. I would be happy to review the Oban Kiyoshi Gold, but we have not had much success working with Oban. If you can let Oban know through social media that you value our reviews, that tends to help things move forward.

I currently play a 90g tensei ck pro white stiff flex in my titleist 3 hybrid. I am seeking a shaft that will provide better dispersion. I have found that even in the fade setting and fade weighting that there tends to be a draw bias when I attempt to put a stronger swing on the ball. Seeking your advice in respect to a shaft that will help to accomplish this. I have been leaning towards the GD AD-IZ until i read the post about the AD-TP. Thank you.

In terms of fitting by numbers, I would suggest that you play the stiffest shaft available, particularly in the tip. In reality, I would suggest going to get fit to find out what combination of profile and weight helps you to stop hooking the ball.

Hi Matt, Firstly, well done on your website / reviews / feedback, this is a good resource for avid golfers. I am in the process of deciding between Ventus and Tour AD shafts for D & FW. Unfortunately where I live I don’t have access to somewhere I can test all shafts but I have read a lot and have a fair idea about what might suit me. I currently use a UST Attas 6X driver shaft, probably about 105mph ss. I am leaning toward TourAD TP and VR. Have you had any experience with using TourAD (or Ventus red & blue) in driver and fairway? If so what factors do you consider when choosing which is more suitable for driver and fairway?

I’ve tested several Tour AD shafts and the Ventus Blue in a driver. You can find all the reviews on the site. I’m not sure how to answer your question outside of suggesting that you get fit. Because I don’t recommend that people buy equipment they haven’t tried, I don’t have criteria for that process. I hope that doesn’t come across as rude or unhelpful, that’s not my intent, I just strongly believe in the value of fitting.

I currently have the 6sDI in my tsi2 3w and love it. unbelievably good feel. I just did a round with the new UB 6s in my epic speed and it just felt a little too tip stiff. Do you find that this TP model might be closer to the feel of the DI I love, with just a shade less kick? Unfortunately I don’t have much in my area to demo so I have to work with what I can get my hands on….and that’s about it.

“The AD TP is rated as tip stiff with a firm butt and mid.  The butt and mid are both one notch stiffer than the AD DI, and this is a perfect description of how the shaft feels.  Where the AD DI has a pronounced kick, the action in the AD TP is more subtle.”

In your opinion, would the DI 6TX vs the TP 6X play similar given that the DI would be playing a stiffer profile?

On paper? Yes, I think they could be viewed as similar. In reality? Depends on the golfer.

Hi, I’m having DJ 7X on my 3 wood for 10years. Wanting to move to stiff shaft 60 grams. What would you recommend?

My recommendation is always to get fit. No one can make a credible recommendation over the internet.

Hi Matt I was wondering if the AD 5S would be similar to the Di 6S in stiffness but with less weight Let me know what you think Thanks Steve

That might work, but it’s always a matter of fit. Dropping those 10 grams might mean that this profile doesn’t perform as well for you anymore.

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Graphite Design Tour AD CQ Graphite Wood Shafts

Shaft services optional, description.

Brand new for 2023, Graphite Design introduces the latest in the Tour AD premium line of golf shafts, the Graphite Design Tour AD CQ – CONQUEST. Designed and manufactured at the Graphite Design Japan factory headquarters, the new Tour AD CQ wood shafts are jet black with gold and red accents and finished with a gloss clear coat.

The Tour AD CQ, 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 X flex.

The Tour AD CQ shafts features the new Nitta 2G-Namd carbon-fiber material technology in the butt section of the shaft and has a bend profile of firm in the handle section, firm in the center section and a medium+ tip section to promote mid-high launch angles and mid ball spin rates. The Nitta 2G-Namd material is based on modern carbon nano tube technology that binds the fibers tighter together than standard carbon materials to aid in a higher degree of energy transfer thru the golf club and a more solid impact of the golf ball than shafts without Nitta 2G-Namd technology.

Trimming Instructions

Related Products

Graphite Design Tour AD IZ Graphite Wood Shafts

Graphite Design Tour AD VF Graphite Wood Shafts

Graphite Design Tour AD F-Series Graphite Fairway Shafts

Graphite Design Tour AD HD Graphite Wood 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.

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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.

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