GD Tour AD HD. Very Positive Review

[Judge Smails]

It seems I am reviewing a sleeper here!

 

I recently purchased an AD HD 7x driver shaft and wanted to share my initial thoughts.  Often times when I purchase new equipment I don't feel compelled to review it because (1) I don't love it THAT much and (2) there are already countless threads singing it's praises.

 

I will start by saying this isn't a Trackman numbers based review, it's real life, grass driving range swings in a TSi3 10*.

 

I have gamed an Aldila Rogue White 7X flex in my driver for the last two years.  Before that I played a Tour AD DI 7x for the better part of a decade.  I moved to the White because I started to find the AD DI felt a little "loose."  (However, when I take my old AD DI 7x, 915D3 combo to the range I immediately wonder why I ever let it go.). The White isn't sexy, it's not premium, heck, it's not even the once universally drool inducing "TX" version of the White (owned it, liked it, just not as much). Just the plan ole X flex White!

 

Given that the White X isn't sexy, I've worked unreasonably hard to kick it out of the bag.  Yet, it remains.

 

I have tried the White 1k TX, the Orange 1k TX, the Ventus Blue TR 6x and the Ventus TR 7x this year.  After multiple range session with the aforementioned shafts I always come back to the White X.

 

Fast forward to this week when I have been testing the AD HD 7x.  Let's just say I love it more than my ex-wife who had vicious ADHD (sorry, couldn't resist).  

 

The shaft was comfortable from the start and I attribute that to the lineal nature of the flex.  As all the previous technical reviews have said, it basically has a similar stiffness in the butt, mid and tip.  What this results in for me is a very straight ballflight with consistent height, no matter how good or bad of a swing I put on the ball.  it's really just remarkably consistent.

 

As my "relationship" with this shaft moves forward, I will be sure to review it more.  However, my initial impression is that this is a HIGHLY underrated and reviewed shaft here on WRX.

 

Edited June 29, 2022 by Judge Smails

[cardoustie]

Nice

 

thx

 

another shaft I need to try

[eric61]

Love the HD. I have a 7X in my 3 wood right now. It feels like a lot of the GD shafts, but with a tighter handle and the kick a little lower. I like it a lot as a driver shaft, too -- just wound up going with the Diamana TB instead there for now.

[third-times-a-charm]

I want one to test. It’s the only GD shaft I haven’t tried in driver yet.

[mokedaddy]

It’s the only driver shaft I’ve ever kept more than a year and it’s been solidly in the bag for the last two and half years.  It’s cured my hoing.

[phizzy30]

9 hours ago, third-times-a-charm said:

I want one to test. It’s the only GD shaft I haven’t tried in driver yet.

What are you waiting for?  😁

[phizzy30]

Had the HD 6TX earlier this year.  Don't get me wrong it's a good shaft but it didn't work for me.  Saw the ball going left far too often when I went for the fences so it had to go.  I will say that like the latest gen AD shafts, it's got really good feel to it.  Dare I say that the UB and HD feel better than the latest gen Tensei, Diamana or Ventus line for me.  Glad to see the HD is working out for you OP. 

[third-times-a-charm]

12 minutes ago, phizzy30 said:

What are you waiting for?  😁

 

Someone to sell one in my spec below $150 🤣

 

9 minutes ago, phizzy30 said:

Had the HD 6TX earlier this year.  Don't get me wrong it's a good shaft but it didn't work for me.  Saw the ball going left far too often when I went for the fences so it had to go.  I will say that like the latest gen AD shafts, it's got really good feel to it.  Dare I say that the UB and HD feel better than the latest gen Tensei, Diamana or Ventus line for me.  Glad to see the HD is working out for you OP. 

 

Seems you've also hit a bunch of GD shafts. Did you tip them? Which was the best GD shaft for you (even though you're in the TPO now)? Have you hit the TP or IZ?

 

I will be testing the XC, IZ, and UB this week, and the UB is tipped .5".

[mcounci2]

I've got three ADHD's in my bag- love them. 

[phizzy30]

Just now, third-times-a-charm said:

 

Someone to sell one in my spec below $150 🤣

 

 

Seems you've also hit a bunch of GD shafts. Did you tip them? Which was the best GD shaft for you (even though you're in the TPO now)? Have you hit the TP or IZ?

 

I will be testing the XC, IZ, and UB this week, and the UB is tipped .5".

They've been tipped one inch.  I really enjoyed the UB out the bunch.  My cousin has the TP so yes and I've tested the IZ. 

[Cellis]

21 minutes ago, phizzy30 said:

They've been tipped one inch.  I really enjoyed the UB out the bunch.  My cousin has the TP so yes and I've tested the IZ. 

I 100% agree about the UB. Probably best feeling GD I have hit and I have basically hit them all at this point. UB would still be in my bag if not for the Ventus Black. I should have tipped my UB though and it probably would have been closer..

[eric61]

3 hours ago, phizzy30 said:

They've been tipped one inch.  I really enjoyed the UB out the bunch.  My cousin has the TP so yes and I've tested the IZ. 

 

2 hours ago, Cellis said:

I 100% agree about the UB. Probably best feeling GD I have hit and I have basically hit them all at this point. UB would still be in my bag if not for the Ventus Black. I should have tipped my UB though and it probably would have been closer..

The UB is such an awesome fairway wood shaft. 

 

I have three fairway woods right now -- a 3W with the HD 7X and a 5W with a DI 8X that are my gamers, and a 3W with a UB 7X that I'm also really loving (and honestly I need to sell one of the 3Ws, but I just can't decide which one I like best).

 

I think the UB a terrific blend of everything that makes Graphite Design shafts so good. Its softer handle and mid-section feel amazing and help keep my tempo and transition from speeding up too much -- which is the same reason the DI has worked really well for me for a long time. But it's more stable and keeps the ball flight down a little compared to the DI. It also has a bit of the HD's crispness and snappiness through impact. 

 

I've definitely been thinking about switching from the DI 8X to a UB 8X with my higher-lofted fairway wood. I'm mostly just hanging tight until I get a chance to try the TSR woods and see if Titleist offers the UB as a custom option.

[hagimihale]

5 hours ago, phizzy30 said:

Had the HD 6TX earlier this year.  Don't get me wrong it's a good shaft but it didn't work for me.  Saw the ball going left far too often when I went for the fences so it had to go. 

 

This was my result for many GD shafts, and why I haven't tried the HD or UB.  The only GD shafts that don't go left on me are the XC and BB.  Also have a GP that I can game, but I can't step on it...

Edited June 29, 2022 by hagimihale

[eric61]

16 minutes ago, hagimihale said:

 

This was my result for many GD shafts, and why I haven't tried the HD or UB.  The only GD shafts that don't go left on me are the XC and BB.  Also have a GP that I can game, but I can't step on it...

How does the GP compare to others you've played or tried? It's one of the only GD shafts I haven't hit, and I've been curious about it.

[hagimihale]

@eric61:  It is very tip-stiff.  The XC is the only other GD shaft I've hit that feels as stable in the tip. Note that I've never hit the M9003, which is supposed to be the most stable shaft in their lineup.

 

I feel more mid-shaft hinge in the GP than I do in the XC.  Probably why I get along with the XC better.  GP and BB felt pretty close.  When I slowed down my transition with the GP I could play a nice cut.  But if I stepped on it, the left side came into play.

 

All other GD shafts I've hit (DI, VR, MT) felt softer and all of them went left.  Though the VR was more of a controlled draw, so I probably could have made that work if I had to.

 

From softest (most left friendly) to stiffest (least left friendly) to me: DI, MT, VR, GP, BB, XC

Edited June 29, 2022 by hagimihale

[eric61]

1 hour ago, hagimihale said:

@eric61:  It is very tip-stiff.  The XC is the only other GD shaft I've hit that feels as stable in the tip. Note that I've never hit the M9003, which is supposed to be the most stable shaft in their lineup.

 

I feel more mid-shaft hinge in the GP than I do in the XC.  Probably why I get along with the XC better.  GP and BB felt pretty close.  When I slowed down my transition with the GP I could play a nice cut.  But if I stepped on it, the left side came into play.

 

All other GD shafts I've hit (DI, VR, MT) felt softer and all of them went left.  Though the VR was more of a controlled draw, so I probably could have made that work if I had to.

 

From softest (most left friendly) to stiffest (least left friendly) to me: DI, MT, VR, GP, BB, XC

Good to know! It sounds like the exact reasons the XC was better for you would make the GP better for me. I like a stiff tip and a mid-hinge in driver shafts. I get that to an extent with the HD, but imagine the GP might be a little lower-launching and more abrupt in its transition from softer to stiffer areas?

[phizzy30]

1 hour ago, hagimihale said:

 

This was my result for many GD shafts, and why I haven't tried the HD or UB.  The only GD shafts that don't go left on me are the XC and BB.  Also have a GP that I can game, but I can't step on it...

They're both softer in the handle, so if you like a white board type profile, it might be worth testing. 

[phizzy30]

Just now, eric61 said:

Good to know! It sounds like the exact reasons the XC was better for you would make the GP better for me. I like a stiff tip and a mid-hinge in driver shafts. I get that to an extent with the HD, but imagine the GP might be a little lower-launching and more abrupt in its transition from softer to stiffer areas?

GP and HD a very similar launch IMO.  If anything the HD might launch one degree higher.  They feel different though.  HD is smooth with a little bit of kick to it whereas the GP has a little kick but also less feel IMO.  I'm willing to bet that it has to do more with the materials used more specifically the T1100 in the HD which gives it better/smoother feel. 

[phizzy30]

3 hours ago, eric61 said:

 

The UB is such an awesome fairway wood shaft. 

 

I have three fairway woods right now -- a 3W with the HD 7X and a 5W with a DI 8X that are my gamers, and a 3W with a UB 7X that I'm also really loving (and honestly I need to sell one of the 3Ws, but I just can't decide which one I like best).

 

I think the UB a terrific blend of everything that makes Graphite Design shafts so good. Its softer handle and mid-section feel amazing and help keep my tempo and transition from speeding up too much -- which is the same reason the DI has worked really well for me for a long time. But it's more stable and keeps the ball flight down a little compared to the DI. It also has a bit of the HD's crispness and snappiness through impact. 

 

I've definitely been thinking about switching from the DI 8X to a UB 8X with my higher-lofted fairway wood. I'm mostly just hanging tight until I get a chance to try the TSR woods and see if Titleist offers the UB as a custom option.

I sprayed the ball all over the place with the DI. UB is much more stable IMO and feels smoother.  I struggling with the lefts atm with the ZF especially when I step on it in my 3 metal so I'm contemplating whether I should wait for the Kai'li Blue, TPB 1K or possibly go with something else like the UB or HD.  Thing is, the ZF just feels right/good. Decisions, decisions.........

[mokedaddy]

 

4 minutes ago, phizzy30 said:

GP and HD a very similar launch IMO.  If anything the HD might launch one degree higher.  They feel different though.  HD is smooth with a little bit of kick to it whereas the GP has a little kick but also less feel IMO.  I'm willing to bet that it has to do more with the materials used more specifically the T1100 in the HD which gives it better/smoother feel. 

I agree with everything except the GP also uses T1100 

 

https://proschoicegolfshafts.com/tour-ad-gp-shafts/

[phizzy30]

Just now, mokedaddy said:

 

I agree with everything except the GP also uses T1100 

 

https://proschoicegolfshafts.com/tour-ad-gp-shafts/

Ah ok you got me there then.  The GP still has less feel for me, so it must be something else.  Maybe the M40X?

[mokedaddy]

4 minutes ago, phizzy30 said:

Ah ok you got me there then.  The GP still has less feel for me, so it must be something else.  Maybe the M40X?

To me the GP has less feel as well.  I’m not sure what it is honestly.  I think the HD has the fast taper technology that the TP and VR have so that may have something to do with it.

Edited June 29, 2022 by mokedaddy

[phizzy30]

6 hours ago, Cellis said:

I 100% agree about the UB. Probably best feeling GD I have hit and I have basically hit them all at this point. UB would still be in my bag if not for the Ventus Black. I should have tipped my UB though and it probably would have been closer..

It's weird, but you either love stiff handle shafts or hate them.  I did fare well with the Ventus Black but didn't love the way it felt.  Nowadays I'm rolling with linear low/low shafts but like the softer handle shafts aka white board profile.  Something about the UB where it feels really good but doesn't feel all loose and whippy.  Just a tiny kick at the bottom for me yet so stable. 

Edited June 29, 2022 by phizzy30

[dmeeksDC]

1 hour ago, phizzy30 said:

It's weird, but you either love stiff handle shafts or hate them.  I did fare well with the Ventus Black but didn't love the way it felt.  Nowadays I'm rolling with linear low/low shafts but like the softer handle shafts aka white board profile.  Something about the UB where it feels really good but doesn't feel all loose and whippy.  Just a tiny kick at the bottom for me yet so stable. 

I thought I liked more of a blueboard profile but through learning about GD shafts from experienced players like yourself, and trying many models, I have found I do well with a stable shaft that has a softer handle so it does not feel too stiff. (In Ventus, I am a fan of the Red.)

 

I have the XC in driver and the BB in a fairway and if I switched, would probably be for the UB. I like how the softer handle lets me feel the club shallowing at the top. Helps me to be patient with my shoulders/arms so they arrive on time, after my lower body, instead of the other way around. I can hit lots of shafts, but a shaft that helps my sequence puts the ball in the fairway more.

 

I find the XC easy to fade or draw and it is smoother by a smidge than the BB. GD shafts feel so smooth and yet solid, that’s my favorite thing about them. 

[OspreyCI]

I am a GD guy and have pretty much played all except the XC. Played the HD for months and keep getting fit into the TP and using it for the third time in a Rogue ST now. Feels ok, goes a little high and don’t feel the same kick as the HD (which got loose).  IZ is a bomber for sure, but too high now for my swing changes. More positive AOA now. 
 

How would the UB compare? XC sounds interesting as I liked WB shaft years ago. Been fit into the TPW twice too. Should I give the UB or XC for my next trial? 

[third-times-a-charm]

40 minutes ago, OspreyCI said:

I am a GD guy and have pretty much played all except the XC. Played the HD for months and keep getting fit into the TP and using it for the third time in a Rogue ST now. Feels ok, goes a little high and don’t feel the same kick as the HD (which got loose).  IZ is a bomber for sure, but too high now for my swing changes. More positive AOA now. 
 

How would the UB compare? XC sounds interesting as I liked WB shaft years ago. Been fit into the TPW twice too. Should I give the UB or XC for my next trial? 

 

I have TP in my fairways and I'm testing the UB and XC tommorow along with the IZ in driver.

[OspreyCI]

23 minutes ago, third-times-a-charm said:

 

I have TP in my fairways and I'm testing the UB and XC tommorow along with the IZ in driver.

Can’t wait to hear your feedback. 

[phizzy30]

1 hour ago, OspreyCI said:

I am a GD guy and have pretty much played all except the XC. Played the HD for months and keep getting fit into the TP and using it for the third time in a Rogue ST now. Feels ok, goes a little high and don’t feel the same kick as the HD (which got loose).  IZ is a bomber for sure, but too high now for my swing changes. More positive AOA now. 
 

How would the UB compare? XC sounds interesting as I liked WB shaft years ago. Been fit into the TPW twice too. Should I give the UB or XC for my next trial? 

UB was more anti-left for me than the HD or TP.  It's actually mid-low for me very much like the GP and XC but has the best feel out of the bunch.  The difference between the UB and XC is that XC has very stiff mid whereas the UB is soft.  Still, the UB doesn't feel really loose and soft in the middle like the DI did for me.  It's probably the most stable tip stiff, soft mid shaft I've ever had.  Are you hard loader/aggressive transition player or smooth?  The XC seems to hold up a little better for the aggressive player IMO.  I know it's one of my favorite GD shafts besides the UB. 

Edited June 30, 2022 by phizzy30

[OspreyCI]

32 minutes ago, phizzy30 said:

UB was more anti-left for me than the HD or TP.  It's actually mid-low for me very much like the GP and XC but has the best feel out of the bunch.  The difference between the UB and XC is that XC has very stiff mid whereas the UB is soft.  Still, the UB doesn't feel really loose and soft in the middle like the DI did for me.  It's probably the most stable tip stiff, soft mid shaft I've ever had.  Are you hard loader/aggressive transition player or smooth?  The XC seems to hold up a little better for the aggressive player IMO.  I know it's one of my favorite GD shafts besides the UB. 

Thanks man. I have an aggressive transition. Maybe the XC would be worth a try? Tired of the TP going left and high. Of course, it’s a driver head and swing issue, but anything can help. 

[phizzy30]

Just now, OspreyCI said:

Thanks man. I have an aggressive transition. Maybe the XC would be worth a try? Tired of the TP going left and high. Of course, it’s a driver head and swing issue, but anything can help. 

XC is definitely worth a try.  The trade off is that it's not as smooth as the UB.