GD Tour AD XC stiff or X

[ScottHutch2]

Hi guys, recently did a driver fitting to change the shaft in my Sim Max. Fitter and I settled on the the new Tour AD XC 6S. Only problem was they didn’t have an X stiff for me to try. I’ve never had an X stiff, but fitter says I could benefit from it. Wanted to know if you guys could give me your thoughts based on the below.

Stats with the stiff shaft

swing speed: 112-114

tempo: quick

angle of attack: +2 / +2.5

Launch angle: 12.5

Spin 2000 - 2300

 

just looking for some guidance on if you think I should stick with the stiff or go the option of ordering the X stiff and trying it out (exchanging if it doesn’t work).

All answers are appreciated greatly

 

[Valtiel]

On paper you would easily be an X-flex, but if your dispersion and timing is good with the stiff flex (and your spin is perfectly fine) then there is really no reason to change unless you just want to satisfy your curiosity. If you can try it at little or no net cost then I would do it just for the education.

[ScottHutch2]

Thanks for the response! And that was kind of along the lines of what the fitter said. I was curious what effects an X flex would have, does it lower ball flight or tighten the dispersion? Or is that just based on the swing dynamics?

[Valtiel]

No problem! It will vary greatly based on your feel and swing. If everything is completely equal, a stiffer flex will launch and spin a touch lower because it will lead deflect a little less (the forward bending of the shaft as it approaches the ball). Everything else will depend on you. Very broadly speaking, most stronger swingers will find a flex or shaft profile that is in line with their power easier to time and control, but this depends on your feel. One person might feel that a softer flex helps with their timing while another might feel they are overloading the shaft and it is bending too much for them to feel like they can control it. That is where dispersion is affected.

A high quality, modern composite shaft will react predictably based on the forces you apply to it, so it is the consistency in your application of those forces AND your reaction to the shaft's reaction that will have the biggest impact on dispersion. In this way shafts are often described as dance partners and I think that is a very accurate way of looking at it.

[ScottHutch2]

Wow man, immense help. Thank you very much. This was an extremely informative answer and I’m glad I asked the question. I’m leaning toward sticking with the stiff flex as that one felt pretty good and held up great for my swing. Again, thanks a lot, greatly appreciate your help

[Valtiel]

No problem Scott, i'm glad that was helpful! If you do end up experimenting with an X-flex, make sure to post your findings here as these types of threads will often pop up in searches for people looking for the same kind of info. ?

[OspreyCI]

Actually like to hear more about the GD AD XC.

Always loves GD shafts and alway fit into soft butt shafts.

[ScottHutch2]

The GD AD XC is the best shaft I’ve tested to date. Coming from an EF Black and the GD was a pretty different feel. More stable, but not Boardy at all. Best way I can describe it, felt like I went from driving a Honda to driving a Mercedes. Felt stable, but smooth. Gave me the confidence that I could really step on it. I have a good swing speed, but I’m only about a 13hcp and I’ve been playing a year and a half. So that stable shaft did wonders for me

[OspreyCI]

Nice! Most all GD shafts are just so good.

[ScottHutch2]

Just an update. I was able to test the X flex. Wasn’t for me. Felt a little too stiff, not telephone pole level, but I definitely preferred the action of the stiff flex over the X stiff. I am playing this shaft a little longer than my previous shaft, and not sure if that has anything to do with it, but I didn’t feel like I could square the face up on the X. Either pushed everything right, or overcooked and snap hooked it. Stiff ended up being perfect for me and I have been seeing great results on the course in terms of fairways hit. I think I was 10/12 last time out and drove the green on a 345yrd par 4. The SIM/GD pairing has been a holy matrimony. Thanks to all the responses I received in this thread.

[Valtiel]

Thanks for the follow up Scott, these are super helpful. It just goes to show how important trying these things out for yourself is, as on paper there is no way any fitter would be starting you in a stiff flex. But identifying that the feel difference was messing with your release and causing a two-way miss is super important. The XC 6S and 6X are also great test cases for that as they have the same butt/tip torque and the same balance point, so all you would be feeling is the raw stiffness difference in the shaft. Often times you will see torque and/or balance point changes when changing flex which can muddy the waters a little bit when comparing the two if you are on the fence, but those two shafts are as similar as they can possibly be while being one flex apart. Enjoy your magical combo!