Tour New Graphite Design VF shafts - 2023 3M Open

[Clemente80]

10 hours ago, 0cean said:

Cool. What length do you play the driver at? The longer the set up, the more the weight is going to play a factor in how easy it is to swing the club. With lighter set ups, I can swing faster but it generally sacrifices consistency. The TR Black 5S playing at 45.5 was pretty consistent but I did have some shots that spun a bit too much. For me, swing weight and length are more important in the feel for timing the club. I like mine 45.25 - 45.5 in length that swing weights to D3.5 - D4.25.

I play at 45”. I don’t know the swing weight. I’ve only hit with the TR Black 5S a couple times, one time it felt very stiff, the next time it was a little soft and the ball spoon abut more than I wanted. Still debating trying the TR Black 5X again. When I put a good swing on it, it felt great and I got great numbers with it.

[Clemente80]

10 hours ago, PNW said:

I have both VF 5X and TR Black 5X. VF is much softer in the handle especially. Feels at least a full flex softer. I haven't hit TR Blue 5S and while all three are different profiles from each other, the VF would sit in the middle for overall stiffness. 

Super helpful. You might be the only person in this thread that has tried the TR Black 5X and the VF 5X. I’ve hit the TR Blue 5S a few times in fittings and it’s a little soft, for me at least. I already lose the ball left so I want something to take the left out of play. So it’s the TR Black 5S or 5X, and sounds like the VF 5X would be right in between. Need to get my hands on one!

[0cean]

56 minutes ago, Clemente80 said:

I play at 45”. I don’t know the swing weight. I’ve only hit with the TR Black 5S a couple times, one time it felt very stiff, the next time it was a little soft and the ball spoon abut more than I wanted. Still debating trying the TR Black 5X again. When I put a good swing on it, it felt great and I got great numbers with it.

At 45" with a standard 195g head, the TR shafts in the 5 weight class will swing weight around D2.5. Kind of light, which will make it harder to load and feel the head as well. the VF shafts are supposed to swing weight a bit higher with more weight at the tip, which I think would be good at your length without adding weight to the head. Why do you want to go with a 5 weight class and not 6? FYI, 5 weight class shafts should swing weight less than their 6 counterparts. A VF 6S will prob be good for your swing speed and it will get the swing weight to around D3.5, which will help with load and feel.

[cmy]

On 12/18/2023 at 9:15 PM, duffputter said:

How about the VF vs Ventus TR Blue? Anyone hit them both? Thoughts? Looking to do winter testing and these are top two I’m looking to compare.

Bump

[PNW]

10 hours ago, Clemente80 said:

Super helpful. You might be the only person in this thread that has tried the TR Black 5X and the VF 5X. I’ve hit the TR Blue 5S a few times in fittings and it’s a little soft, for me at least. I already lose the ball left so I want something to take the left out of play. So it’s the TR Black 5S or 5X, and sounds like the VF 5X would be right in between. Need to get my hands on one!

Just be aware that there are profile differences, specifically in the handle. VF is a whiteboard soft handle profile, whereas TR shafts are very stiff handle. TR Black 5S could be a great option if you need more stability in the handle (aggressive transition) 

[phizzy30]

5 hours ago, cmy said:

Bump

VF is more stable(anti-left)than the TR Blue while being similar launch/spin wise.  There's a pronounced kick in the mid section of the TR Blue whereas the the VF feels more linear with a slight bend under the handle.  VF has more feel than the TR Blue.   

Edited December 21, 2023 by phizzy30

[0cean]

I did some initial testing in the simulator today. I am playing the VF 6S in a TSR3 head at 45.5 untipped with a 6g (-2g) weight. Awesome numbers and smooth GD feel. I'm coming from playing a Ventus Black 6S at 45.24 in a SIM2 head and wanted to set up something that was easier to swing and get a bit more club and ball speed. I have a Ventus TR Blue 6S that gave me good numbers, but when I was a bit quick in my tempo, the kick was too pronounced and caused a pull/hook miss. I also have a TR Black 5S that was good on course, but had certain shots where it spun more than I wanted to. I'll see how the VF performs on the course but I have a feeling this will be my new gamer set up.

[Lemonde]

Will has these posted up on his website for purchase now.  Not sure if this was mentioned previously. 

[ForTourUseOnly]

On 12/20/2023 at 11:02 PM, Clemente80 said:

Super helpful. You might be the only person in this thread that has tried the TR Black 5X and the VF 5X. I’ve hit the TR Blue 5S a few times in fittings and it’s a little soft, for me at least. I already lose the ball left so I want something to take the left out of play. So it’s the TR Black 5S or 5X, and sounds like the VF 5X would be right in between. Need to get my hands on one!

I’ve got them both as well, the TR Black 5X comes out a little heavier total weight. And feels more one piece where the VF feels like it loads a little. Agree with the above post that the VF is softer in the handle. 

[Nobody2]

On 12/18/2023 at 3:15 PM, duffputter said:

How about the VF vs Ventus TR Blue? Anyone hit them both? Thoughts? Looking to do winter testing and these are top two I’m looking to compare.

I compared them back on page 10-12. Granted it’s a little apples to oranges. VF 50x at 45,5” vs Blue TR 6x 45”. I was searching for similar dispersion and a couple MPH in ball speed (wanted my ball speed over 170 on avg). VF is smoother and softer and gave me 170-171 mph but would get some bigger misses. I’ve played the blue TR blue since June and just works for me. It helps me get path and face very neutral at impact, great dispersion and overall more stable than the VF. 

[Lemonde]

On 12/24/2023 at 10:17 AM, Nobody2 said:

I compared them back on page 10-12. Granted it’s a little apples to oranges. VF 50x at 45,5” vs Blue TR 6x 45”. I was searching for similar dispersion and a couple MPH in ball speed (wanted my ball speed over 170 on avg). VF is smoother and softer and gave me 170-171 mph but would get some bigger misses. I’ve played the blue TR blue since June and just works for me. It helps me get path and face very neutral at impact, great dispersion and overall more stable than the VF. 

Love your bag setup!  A little retro! 

[Avidswampthing66]

 

 

VF is without question now my fav Graphite Design shaft.  @phizzy30 was right when he said It's like an XC with a much stiffer handle.   For me the VF 5s has a little kick in the handle right when I start the downswing and from there feels very linear and smooth.  Truly a wonderful feeling shaft.  Shaft testing is neat especially when you have two very different profiles, but both excellent in their own ways.   TR Red 6s has an extremely stiff handle but gets looser right before impact.  The TR for me, results in high launch and mid spin.  Where it is the exact opposite for VF.  I immediately saw more ball speed and swing speed was up 3mph.  This could be due to timing or from weight savings. Either way, it resulted in more carry and total yardage but also a more penetrating flight with lower spin.   I need more time, but for me it's easier to turn over, which translates to more distance.   At 47 with 100mph SS I need all I can get to hang with the WRX TX crowd.  I'll try to get my Full Swing data and post one day soon.  Prelim results are VF is excellent and GD hit a home run.

 

Edited December 28, 2023 by Avidswampthing66

[Morry]

This shaft doesn’t look soft handle in profile…?

firm+ in handle puts it amongst the stiffest of all gd shafts 

?

 

 

[Avidswampthing66]

46 minutes ago, Morry said:

This shaft doesn’t look soft handle in profile…?

firm+ in handle puts it amongst the stiffest of all gd shafts 

?

 

 

It is in the GD lineup for sure.  I would not call it soft, but for me it was softer than Ventus TR red.   Thats just where I felt it kick a little.   Overall, pretty linear but nothing like a Ventus Black linear

[SwingBlues]

On 12/27/2023 at 5:17 PM, Avidswampthing66 said:

 

 

 

VF is without question now my fav Graphite Design shaft.  @phizzy30 was right when he said It's like an XC with a much stiffer handle.   For me the VF 5s has a little kick in the handle right when I start the downswing and from there feels very linear and smooth.  Truly a wonderful feeling shaft.  Shaft testing is neat especially when you have two very different profiles, but both excellent in their own ways.   TR Red 6s has an extremely stiff handle but gets looser right before impact.  The TR for me, results in high launch and mid spin.  Where it is the exact opposite for VF.  I immediately saw more ball speed and swing speed was up 3mph.  This could be due to timing or from weight savings. Either way, it resulted in more carry and total yardage but also a more penetrating flight with lower spin.   I need more time, but for me it's easier to turn over, which translates to more distance.   At 47 with 100mph SS I need all I can get to hang with the WRX TX crowd.  I'll try to get my Full Swing data and post one day soon.  Prelim results are VF is excellent and GD hit a home run.

 

 

3mph? Man, I better take a good hard look at the VF-5S...sure that ain't the coffee kicking in? Seriously good dude 👍 

 

[Clemente80]

On 12/24/2023 at 7:44 AM, ForTourUseOnly said:

I’ve got them both as well, the TR Black 5X comes out a little heavier total weight. And feels more one piece where the VF feels like it loads a little. Agree with the above post that the VF is softer in the handle. 

Thanks. I gave up on the TR Black 5X - just too much for me. I’m now using the TR Black 5S, which is just a bit more friendly. Agree with everyone who says the TR Black is very linear. And agree that the 5X feels heavy. I have a VF 5X on the way - looking forward to testing!

[SwingBlues]

1 hour ago, Clemente80 said:

Thanks. I gave up on the TR Black 5X - just too much for me. I’m now using the TR Black 5S, which is just a bit more friendly. Agree with everyone who says the TR Black is very linear. And agree that the 5X feels heavy. I have a VF 5X on the way - looking forward to testing!

What's your SS by the way?

[phizzy30]

7 hours ago, Morry said:

This shaft doesn’t look soft handle in profile…?

firm+ in handle puts it amongst the stiffest of all gd shafts 

?

 

 

What GD states as firm+ is relative compared to other OEMs.  For example, MCA's firm means the top end of stiffness.  Fuji's firm is the mid end of stiffness.  The VF is relatively softer in the handle IMO.  Not XC soft, but it's still on the softer side, IMO. 

[Lemonde]

On 12/27/2023 at 8:17 PM, Avidswampthing66 said:

 

 

 

VF is without question now my fav Graphite Design shaft.  @phizzy30 was right when he said It's like an XC with a much stiffer handle.   For me the VF 5s has a little kick in the handle right when I start the downswing and from there feels very linear and smooth.  Truly a wonderful feeling shaft.  Shaft testing is neat especially when you have two very different profiles, but both excellent in their own ways.   TR Red 6s has an extremely stiff handle but gets looser right before impact.  The TR for me, results in high launch and mid spin.  Where it is the exact opposite for VF.  I immediately saw more ball speed and swing speed was up 3mph.  This could be due to timing or from weight savings. Either way, it resulted in more carry and total yardage but also a more penetrating flight with lower spin.   I need more time, but for me it's easier to turn over, which translates to more distance.   At 47 with 100mph SS I need all I can get to hang with the WRX TX crowd.  I'll try to get my Full Swing data and post one day soon.  Prelim results are VF is excellent and GD hit a home run.

 

This is such a quality post.  Thxs for sharing! 

[Glock917]

 

Spec wise they are pretty similar comparing the 6X in both. 

 

TR blue has a stiffer handle but it has to cause all blue boards have a soft mid and need a stiff handle to support the load.

 

very similar deflection which is his version of cpm If it was on a cpm meter I am sure they would be pretty close to each other.

 

Poor radial as always from fuji but after seeing a cool clubs vid and see how they like to do a lot of hands rolling not surprised.

 

A seller in japan on the bay offering VF for ~$230. Oh the conundrum of blindly buying top end shafts  haha🤦‍♂️

[Clemente80]

12 hours ago, SwingBlues said:

What's your SS by the way?

104-106, when playing courses on TrackMan. In terms of overall stiffness/boardiness, here’s what I’ve found:

 

OG Ventus Blue 5S << IZ 5X and TR Blue 5S << TR Black 5S << TR Black 5X. 
 

None of this will be shocking to anyone, but just posting for reference given that most people on WRX are using 6X-7TX and most fitters don’t have a lot of shafts in the sub-60g range. 

 

Based on what Phizzy and others on the thread have said, I’m expecting the VF 5X to be similar to the TR Black 5S in mid and tip, but with a softer handle. If true, that could be really good for me. Will post more when I get the VF.

[nova6868]

6 hours ago, Glock917 said:

 

A seller in japan on the bay offering VF for ~$230. Oh the conundrum of blindly buying top end shafts  haha🤦‍♂️

 

Are those legit? I'm always worried about fake GD shafts. For whatever reason they seem to be the brand that's counterfeited the most. 

 

[DrDaveYT]

19 minutes ago, nova6868 said:

 

Are those legit? I'm always worried about fake GD shafts. For whatever reason they seem to be the brand that's counterfeited the most. 

 

I got mine from a Japanese seller off ebay for around 255 USD w/shipping, it was verifiably authentic from the counterfeit post on the Graphite Design website (https://proschoicegolfshafts.com/counterfeit-shaft-warning-2/) based off the serial number, sticker, graphics, etc. Not sure if it's the same seller but I could check for the name of the one I used if needed. He shipped it in about a week to Canada and marked it as a cheap used shaft on the customs form so that I avoided duties on accepting the package. 

Edited December 29, 2023 by DrDaveYT
corrected price

[Avidswampthing66]

20 hours ago, SwingBlues said:

 

3mph? Man, I better take a good hard look at the VF-5S...sure that ain't the coffee kicking in? Seriously good dude 👍 

 

Yeah, took me by surprise too.  Clearly a better shaft fit for my swing sequence.  I've had the TR Red for almost a year, which is long by my standards lol.  1k white>ZF>GT>TR red>VF.  VF feels like a more stable and slightly smoother 1K white IMO.  

[Glock917]

7 hours ago, nova6868 said:

 

Are those legit? I'm always worried about fake GD shafts. For whatever reason they seem to be the brand that's counterfeited the most. 

 

Yeah it’s always to be something to look out for but doing research on the seller on their feedback and inventory transactions you can be pretty assured. If for whatever reason you think it is not legit you can return it as well

[Franger]

I’m curious how people have found this shaft vs the Tour AD XC. I have a SS of ~115 and was recently fit into a XC 6x. I love the feel of my irons with the PX LS 6.5. I’m told that shaft has a progressively softer handle compared to OG PX. The fitter suspects my swing is a natural fit for shafts that get stiffer from handle to tip. 
 

Thoughts on the VF? As a newbie around here, thoughts on shafts that get firmer from handle to tip? 

[70sinsight]

Might be what folks are after: https://www.ebay.com/str/exclusiveshoppingjapan?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=iuksuhboqtq&sssrc=3418065&ssuid=ngtria6utga&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

[70sinsight]

2 hours ago, Franger said:

I’m curious how people have found this shaft vs the Tour AD XC. I have a SS of ~115 and was recently fit into a XC 6x. I love the feel of my irons with the PX LS 6.5. I’m told that shaft has a progressively softer handle compared to OG PX. The fitter suspects my swing is a natural fit for shafts that get stiffer from handle to tip. 
 

Thoughts on the VF? As a newbie around here, thoughts on shafts that get firmer from handle to tip? 

Currently also have the LS 6.5 and I get along well with the UB. 

[phizzy30]

1 hour ago, Franger said:

I’m curious how people have found this shaft vs the Tour AD XC. I have a SS of ~115 and was recently fit into a XC 6x. I love the feel of my irons with the PX LS 6.5. I’m told that shaft has a progressively softer handle compared to OG PX. The fitter suspects my swing is a natural fit for shafts that get stiffer from handle to tip. 
 

Thoughts on the VF? As a newbie around here, thoughts on shafts that get firmer from handle to tip? 

VF has a firm handle which to me is medium stiff.  Still soft enough to feel the bend right under the handle but not as soft as the XC.  Launch/spin are pretty much the same.  I found the VF to be slightly more stable than the XC as well but that's probably because I do better with shafts that have stiffer butt section.  

[third-times-a-charm]

Not sure why everyone keeps trying to chase the Ventus Black dragon. If you want and insanely stiff shaft with no feel than go buy a ventus black. Maybe a TX hulk from hzrdus? But thats all thats really up there for the 2% of golfers who prefer that.

 

GD never meant to make nor ever really plans to make a shaft exactly like the 'rebar' models from other companies. They will always put out variants of what they are good at. Do the VF and the older GP come close? Maybe - but they are not 'black' by any means.

 

Tiger is playing a VF because he doesnt want or need the ventus black and what it does/provides any longer.

 

To be honest it's a testament on what GD can do with such a smooth feel and profile. Get so close to something so harsh and "low spin" but also not quite get there by design.