NEW 2021 Graphite Design Tour AD HD Shaft Specs

[MarkA12345]

Just put a 7x in an M2 Tour 3W head..hitting it tomorrow 

[JNewsted]

On 7/3/2021 at 9:01 PM, MarkA12345 said:

Just put a 7x in an M2 Tour 3W head..hitting it tomorrow 

 

 

Will be interested to see what you think of it in a fairway.  I like my 6x in the driver (but tend to play an AD TP more often) and have a 7x laying around.  Reluctant to cut it down to 3w...

[JourdanM]

Anyone play this and compare with ventus blue or AD TP? I'm so hung up on how good this thing looks but don't know if it's for me 

[Valtiel]

On 3/13/2021 at 8:58 PM, mmaloney23 said:

I love their site. Very informative on each shaft and there is 2 diff diagrams. Either the frim, stiff, medium etc. or the color graph in list view on launch. I think it is one of the best breakdown from most manufacturers.

The problem is that the "firm/stiff/medium" descriptors are both vague and ONLY relevant from a comparison standpoint to their own shafts, and not the rest of the industry. Without some sort of standardized type of EI profile image, these types of product comparisons are pretty useless. 

[Mookieb10]

On 7/3/2021 at 10:01 PM, MarkA12345 said:

Just put a 7x in an M2 Tour 3W head..hitting it tomorrow 

What’s the word? I got a 7x that is playing meh in an M2 driver... either gunna trade it in or cut it down for a 3 wood. 

[mmaloney23]

2 hours ago, Valtiel said:

The problem is that the "firm/stiff/medium" descriptors are both vague and ONLY relevant from a comparison standpoint to their own shafts, and not the rest of the industry. Without some sort of standardized type of EI profile image, these types of product comparisons are pretty useless. 

In your opinion sure. But if you have played other GD shafts before then this is perfect. Its the same for all companies. Not all companies Stiff is the same as others either. It's a guide. If you read the the categories of what is more than the other, medium, stiff, from firm + etc is the same as a company stating on their site "this is a firm butt section with a softer middle and a firm tip". So to each heir own but me personally am grateful when a company can offer more inside than just soft, medium and firm like others.

[Valtiel]

11 minutes ago, mmaloney23 said:

In your opinion sure. But if you have played other GD shafts before then this is perfect. Its the same for all companies. Not all companies Stiff is the same as others either. It's a guide. If you read the the categories of what is more than the other, medium, stiff, from firm + etc is the same as a company stating on their site "this is a firm butt section with a softer middle and a firm tip". So to each heir own but me personally am grateful when a company can offer more inside than just soft, medium and firm like others.

That is the problem, it is NOT the same for all companies. Within general shaft design there is a very basic "agreement" on what constitutes basic stiffness adjectives for the different zones, and most companies base their adjectives around this loose standard. Graphite Design however does not do this, and the reason I take issue with it is because it is partially designed to obfuscate the fact that a VAST majority of their shaft designs are the same basic profile. 

For example, when Mitsubishi describes a softer handled, stiffer mid shaft design and a stiff handled, soft mid design, you get this:



This is a very typical White vs. Blue profile (Kuro Kage XT and Diamana BF) and they are distinctly different. However, if we attempt the exact same comparison with Graphite Design using the same adjectives (AD-BB and AD-VR), we get this:



Yes the BB is technically stiffer in a small part of the mid section, but barely. Also yes, it is technically softer in the butt section, but *fractionally*. On paper these are supposed to be very different shafts, and they simply aren't. The same is true for a majority of the AD line. 

This is nothing against the shafts themselves, they are obviously high quality and tour proven, it is merely the marketing and the the slightly anti-consumer nature of it. Objectively vague descriptors that *look* good because they are in a big table just make me cranky, thats all. 😅

[Poolparty]

On 7/7/2021 at 10:08 AM, Valtiel said:

That is the problem, it is NOT the same for all companies. Within general shaft design there is a very basic "agreement" on what constitutes basic stiffness adjectives for the different zones, and most companies base their adjectives around this loose standard. Graphite Design however does not do this, and the reason I take issue with it is because it is partially designed to obfuscate the fact that a VAST majority of their shaft designs are the same basic profile. 

For example, when Mitsubishi describes a softer handled, stiffer mid shaft design and a stiff handled, soft mid design, you get this:



This is a very typical White vs. Blue profile (Kuro Kage XT and Diamana BF) and they are distinctly different. However, if we attempt the exact same comparison with Graphite Design using the same adjectives (AD-BB and AD-VR), we get this:



Yes the BB is technically stiffer in a small part of the mid section, but barely. Also yes, it is technically softer in the butt section, but *fractionally*. On paper these are supposed to be very different shafts, and they simply aren't. The same is true for a majority of the AD line. 

This is nothing against the shafts themselves, they are obviously high quality and tour proven, it is merely the marketing and the the slightly anti-consumer nature of it. Objectively vague descriptors that *look* good because they are in a big table just make me cranky, thats all. 😅

I'm with you. Back when I was asking you about the MJ I took all the S3 data I still have and compared it to the GD table. I found it was mostly worthless. I'm glad they try but there were more than a few errors -- at least comparing the x stiffs.

[KevCannon]

Has anybody that would normally play a 6x or a 6s(1/2” - 1” tipped) tried going with the 5x at a longer playing length? I have been thinking about trying this but have been waiting for more feedback from everyone. Long time user or the TP in 6x, and on paper the HD seems as it would be slightly softer profile. As @Valtiel stated- without at least some more detailed ei profile information, haven’t wanted to potentially throw away $380.

[OhYeahPlayer]

Ordered an HD 7S with a TSi3. Ball speed 150-155, pretty darn quick transition. Think this is too meaty and I should drop back to a 6S? Not sure if it's possible, did it via the TGW glitch so scared to ask to modify the order 😅 I think it'll be fine, but would love some feedback if anyone has it.

 

Currently playing G410LST (9 degree head playing at 8 degrees) with Ventus Blue Velo 6S, spin is around 2100 and launch around 13-14. 

Edited July 13, 2021 by arenapoutine

[lyzgaard]

I have now ordered HD6 in TX flex, and gonna go straight into Ping G425 LST with no tipping,hehe

[snagy2000]

Playing BB but want to try HD or XC... Liking various attributes for both, just not sure which direction to go in... Anyone put these head to head?...

[GolfNPizza2]

Is anyone gaming this shaft, primarily in fairway woods? 

[pb_n_joe]

On 8/23/2021 at 5:07 AM, Mattn1106 said:

Is anyone gaming this shaft, primarily in fairway woods? 

Bump. Would love to hear some user feedback

[third-times-a-charm]

2 hours ago, pb_n_joe said:

Bump. Would love to hear some user feedback

 

TGW/Titleist have sold a ton with the free ADHD shaft deal in fairways but I dont think many of the people who got them are much of reviewers. I have one on order but it hasnt shipped yet and I can compare it to my setups when it gets here.

Edited September 18, 2021 by third-times-a-charm

[aswile]

2 hours ago, pb_n_joe said:

Bump. Would love to hear some user feedback

 

On 8/23/2021 at 8:07 AM, Mattn1106 said:

Is anyone gaming this shaft, primarily in fairway woods? 

I have an HD 8S in a 16.5 Titleist TSi2 that I have played a few rounds with. I would say it is more "one piece" from the mid to tip than the AD DI. I think it feels just as stiff, if not stiffer than the AD DI 8x in my Callaway 3 wood. Feel is a funny thing...I prefer the more "active" feeling of the AD DI. The HD feels a bit "dead" which I suspect is my perception of less kick. I certainly don't feel like I balloon in or loose it left in Stiff as compared to the AD DI 8 in X. It is a nice shaft, but for all my trying I can't find a better driver and FW Graphite Design than the AD DI.

[drscott266]

I picked one up for my driver and 3 wood. Only got 8 holes in and could only hit each one twice. Initial impressions are the usual GD feel, snappy but not loose. I really liked the TP and this feels kinda similar but more active. Never got along with DI or IZ, but my swing has come a long way since playing those. Will have to play a bit more to see if it kicks out my Ventus black and red. 

[third-times-a-charm]

Got mine today and hit the range before dark and compared it to my Diamana BF 70.

 

Both shafts were played at D3 and 42.5". The BF was on a TS2 head and the AD HD was played on a new TSi2 head. The BF is tipped .5" (mitsubishi specs) and the AD HD is tipped 1" (titleist specs). Hit a bunch off the tee and mats with both.

 

The AD HD is definitely lower spinning and launching than the BF. The AD HD as a very penetrating flight and the BF has a more mid/high flight with more spin.

 

The feel of the AD HD is more linear from the mid to tip and for sure stiffer in that area. The BF has more load feel and mid hinge for me than the AD HD does.

 

I dont think the .5" of tipping difference between them is causing too much of a difference, but it could be. I dont think a 1" tip on the BF to match the AD HD would even them up, though. From what I can tell the BF would still spin more and have more feel.

 

I could play either shaft and I dont mind the slightly more linear/muted feel of the AD HD. I would say that I would play the BF if I wanted to hit greens - and I would play the AD HD primarily for tee use or long Par 5's where I'm not looking to stop on the green. My goal is the latter, so I'm going to keep the AD HD in the bag for now and see how it goes.

 

[drscott266]

Played a full 18 with AD HD in driver and 3 wood, driver was the best round off the tee I have had all year. The 3 wood literally almost went as far as driver on pure strikes, which makes me think the driver may not be optimal. I switch between a Ventus Red 7S and this AD HD 6S for my 3 wood, as it’s primarily a tee club for me. The HD feels more active but actually helped me swing it straighter than Ventus which I slightly over swing most times and pull it ever so little. The driver was easiest I have swung in a while, really felt a snap through the ball. Going to test stuff on trackman weds. 

[GolfNPizza2]

Anyone have input on how the AD HD might compare to an aldila tour blue?

[eric61]

Has anyone seen an EI chart for the AD HD? 

 

Also wondering if anyone could offer some thoughts on how it compares to the Ventus Blue? 

[Whispering Eye]

On 8/23/2021 at 8:07 AM, Mattn1106 said:

Is anyone gaming this shaft, primarily in fairway woods? 

 

I have it in my 3w.  Absolutely love it.  Good launch and height without it being spinny.  Feels like it has more kick to it than the AD DI.  The AD DI feels smoother to me, but I actually prefer the HD feel.

[Rory4Pres]

I have a tsi3 16.5* 4 wood with a ad-hd 7x shaft and really enjoy it.  The ad-di was too spinny for me and I hated the kick point.  The hd has treated me a lot better.  Feels more stable throughout the shaft yet gives a high mid-trajectory ball flight, which holds the green when it lands.  I'd recommend trying it.

[OspreyCI]

Got my HD6 on BST here and put in in my Sim2 Max head. Sure looks good in that head. Playing it at 45” and D4. Waggle test showed right away this would feel good in the hands. 
 

Have only had it for a few range sessions and it before FOR ME over the ZF I had for the past several months. Little higher ball flight, little more kick, and I feel like I can load it a bit more with my swing at 100SS. I have no monitor data or on course info yet, but so far this thing is so good.

 

I’ll say I am partial to GD shafts with the IZ being my go to over the years. Anyway, loving the HD during the “dating” stage. 

[OspreyCI]

On 1/14/2022 at 5:29 PM, OspreyCI said:

Got my HD6 on BST here and put in in my Sim2 Max head. Sure looks good in that head. Playing it at 45” and D4. Waggle test showed right away this would feel good in the hands. 
 

Have only had it for a few range sessions and it before FOR ME over the ZF I had for the past several months. Little higher ball flight, little more kick, and I feel like I can load it a bit more with my swing at 100SS. I have no monitor data or on course info yet, but so far this thing is so good.

 

I’ll say I am partial to GD shafts with the IZ being my go to over the years. Anyway, loving the HD during the “dating” stage. 

First round with the HD6 S in my Sim2 Max. I know it’s is the honeymoon stage, but this was my best round off the tee in a long time. My partners even noticed the difference. Fun shaft to hit that is mid launch and low spin. Gained some good distance with the setup. Just a very solid offering by GD. 

[mj2936]

For those having hit this in their fairway, any comparison for how the UB may compare? I know the UB profile suggests lower launch for the driver but was wondering if that plays out in the woods

[OspreyCI]

On 3/18/2022 at 9:06 PM, mj2936 said:

For those having hit this in their fairway, any comparison for how the UB may compare? I know the UB profile suggests lower launch for the driver but was wondering if that plays out in the woods

I am wondering how the UB compares in the driver vs the HD. Swing change and now looking for a little lower launch. Seems like the UB might be it. Anyone have a comparison? 

[Fairways_and_Greens]

On 10/25/2020 at 1:42 PM, Ed Settle said:

Quick little review.

 

I added the Callaway adapter and put it right into my Mavrik 10.5. I played the Ventus blue 6X all summer. It is a really good shaft but I wanted the graphite design “kick”.
 

I have played several GD Shafts over the last few years, TP/GP/IZand last the VR. Still really love the GP profile. And when I heard that the HD felt very similar then I knew I had to get it.

 

As I stated I just put the adapter on, no tipping and cut it to a 45 1/2 inch plane length. As I’ve gotten older I’ve gone away from the sex sex and so getting this in a 6S, I figured I would have to tip it a bit. If I end up tipping it 1/2” the oak would be 45. 
 

The shaft is very lively. I tried choking up on it a little bit to give me an indication of cutting it down to 45 inches and it just performed great. The flight was perfect and lost no distance vs the Ventus. 
 

Another great addition to the Tour AD line up. 

 

 

Still liking the HD compared to the Ventus blue?

[JourdanM]

Anyone playing the HD in a 7w?

[third-times-a-charm]

I just grabbed a HD to put against my TP. Will find out if I like it in the morning.