*Graphite Design Lovers Anonymous* Tour AD UB vs IZ vs XC and NOW vs TP! ...and HD....and VR

[minhjn]

On 8/15/2023 at 7:39 AM, eric61 said:

Looking for a little advice from Graphite Design fans:

 

I’m planning to order a 19 degree Apex UW when the new one launches for preorders on Friday. I have a bunch of CallawayGolf.com credit, so I want to give it a try, and I’ll return it and get the credit back if it doesn’t work.

 

My problem with the previous version of the UW was it launched and spun too low, and therefore went a bit too far for my gapping. As a lefty, I can’t get the 21 degree, but given Johnny Wunder’s comments in the TXG video about the new one spinning a little more, I’d like to give it a go.

 

What Graphite Design shaft would you go with if you were looking for something mid-soft, that might kick up launch and spin a little, but where the standard 1.25” tipping that Callaway does wouldn’t be a bad fit with the profile?

 

I’ve been curious to try the CQ but I know it’s a softer tipped shaft and was afraid the  tipping might make it play differently.

 

I’m thinking maybe the DI or VR? I’ve played both before but it’s been long enough that I’m having a hard time remembering the differences clearly.

 

I don’t really have a way to try these combos — but, like I said, I already have the CallawayGolf.com credit, so I can try and return and try again and it’s no money out of my pocket.

I went with an AD MJ 8 that i found on clearance cause i had the same issues. UW launched and spun too low for me. Went with 1.5in tipping and it’s been perfect 

[VanTheMan0519]

What would be the GD equivalent to a Ventus Blue and a Ventus TR Blue?

[phizzy30]

Just now, VanTheMan0519 said:

What would be the GD equivalent to a Ventus Blue and a Ventus TR Blue?

UB in terms of feel, launch/spin is equivalent to TR blue

HD/TP would be closest to OG blue, IMO.

[OspreyCI]

1 hour ago, phizzy30 said:

UB in terms of feel, launch/spin is equivalent to TR blue

HD/TP would be closest to OG blue, IMO.

Totally agree here.

 

You will laugh at this… hit my buddies TSR2 AD UB yesterday. Wow! Love the shaft 😳 that head felt soooo much better than my OG stealth+. Hmmm

[third-times-a-charm]

27 minutes ago, OspreyCI said:

Totally agree here.

 

You will laugh at this… hit my buddies TSR2 AD UB yesterday. Wow! Love the shaft 😳 that head felt soooo much better than my OG stealth+. Hmmm

Looks like some UB testing is in your future.

[phizzy30]

3 hours ago, OspreyCI said:

Totally agree here.

 

You will laugh at this… hit my buddies TSR2 AD UB yesterday. Wow! Love the shaft 😳 that head felt soooo much better than my OG stealth+. Hmmm

I can see where this is heading, lol. 

[OspreyCI]

7 minutes ago, phizzy30 said:

I can see where this is heading, lol. 

🤔😎 Oh and hit my buddies TSR2 TR Blue too🥲 

[third-times-a-charm]

I've been doing a little experiment with hybrids and Ping makes a damn fine one. I guess theres a reason free agents on tour(s) choose them when possible.

 

Tested out a 22 as a 4h replacement and it's solidified its place in the bag with an AD DI Hyb shaft. Cuts spin just enough to stay in the low 4000's with a nice flight.

 

I've also gone back to a 5 wood after doing the 7 wood thing for a while, and while a cool club to have, a 3 hybrid is just way more versatile for me with the right spin and land angle. I needed to bring the spin up on my G430 and what shaft did I have in mind? THE AD HY! I almost bought one of the new AD-VR-graphic-versions but there was an older black one on ebay for a steal so I ended up with that. Works just fine and kicked the 5 wood with AD CQ out of the bag for now.

 

For me the shorter length just works better, I guess. Glad I tested the AD HY and in this setup where I want more spin it's working great so far. 

[ob1soccer]

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

I've been doing a little experiment with hybrids and Ping makes a damn fine one. I guess theres a reason free agents on tour(s) choose them when possible.

 

Tested out a 22 as a 4h replacement and it's solidified its place in the bag with an AD DI Hyb shaft. Cuts spin just enough to stay in the low 4000's with a nice flight.

 

I've also gone back to a 5 wood after doing the 7 wood thing for a while, and while a cool club to have, a 3 hybrid is just way more versatile for me with the right spin and land angle. I needed to bring the spin up on my G430 and what shaft did I have in mind? THE AD HY! I almost bought one of the new AD-VR-graphic-versions but there was an older black one on ebay for a steal so I ended up with that. Works just fine and kicked the 5 wood with AD CQ out of the bag for now.

 

For me the shorter length just works better, I guess. Glad I tested the AD HY and in this setup where I want more spin it's working great so far. 

I have the AD DI in my 24 and it goes 195-200, i have the ADHY in my 21 and it goes 220, they both feel great and launch in a perfect window. Give the Tsr2 hybrid a shot, i never loved a hybrid so much in my life. It is forgiving and feels great.

[third-times-a-charm]

Okay so after watching the new TXG (I refuse to call it CC and will tell Ian that next time I see him 😂) WITB videos and seeing the love for short 5-woods, I am giving my 5 wood one last go around but this time with a an AD GP I've had laying around.

 

I had the AD CQ in there and while it was cool to have a shiny new GD shaft, the CQ just launches so high in a 5 wood. My average peak height was like 120-140ft and with the higher spin in the 4500's it just wasnt going anywhere. I do want this club to hit and hold greens but thats a bit much IMO.

 

The GP 6 has been working well in my 3w so I'm going to try the GP 7 in 5w in a last attempt to knock spin a touch and peak height down at least 25-30ft.

 

If not, the G430 hybrid @18* with an AD HY will stay in the bag instead.

 

The course is closed tommorow due to the hurricane coming through so I should be able to test later this week hopefully.

[JourdanM]

Just got a T200 utility with the AD IZ95HY - my goodness, that is a perfect combo. Shaft feels sublime with the head, super easy to launch high and straight. 

[goje22]

1 hour ago, third-times-a-charm said:

Okay so after watching the new TXG (I refuse to call it CC and will tell Ian that next time I see him 😂) WITB videos and seeing the love for short 5-woods, I am giving my 5 wood one last go around but this time with a an AD GP I've had laying around.

 

I had the AD CQ in there and while it was cool to have a shiny new GD shaft, the CQ just launches so high in a 5 wood. My average peak height was like 120-140ft and with the higher spin in the 4500's it just wasnt going anywhere. I do want this club to hit and hold greens but thats a bit much IMO.

 

The GP 6 has been working well in my 3w so I'm going to try the GP 7 in 5w in a last attempt to knock spin a touch and peak height down at least 25-30ft.

GP is one of my favorite fairway wood profiles ever, especially in 16.5+ lofts; something about that super stable tip and handle with mid-section feel is great with a heavier headed wood. I still have 8TX in my TS2 4wood setup & don’t expect to change. 
 

Let us know how that experiment goes! 

[phizzy30]

Just now, JourdanM said:

Just got a T200 utility with the AD IZ95HY - my goodness, that is a perfect combo. Shaft feels sublime with the head, super easy to launch high and straight. 

Highly underrated shaft for sure that doesn't get much recognition because most of the guys on tour that play GD hybrid shafts usually go with the DI.  I found the IZ to be more stable and keep spin down whereas the DI would be loose and could spin up on me. 

[JourdanM]

3 hours ago, phizzy30 said:

Highly underrated shaft for sure that doesn't get much recognition because most of the guys on tour that play GD hybrid shafts usually go with the DI.  I found the IZ to be more stable and keep spin down whereas the DI would be loose and could spin up on me. 

I have found that IZ is best for me in almost every club I've had it in. I want to put newer, flashier ones in play, but it's just so solid. 

[third-times-a-charm]

Well, sheeeeeit.

 

 

The AD GP turned the 5 wood into a monster. Such an awesome fairway shaft, which I knew, but didnt feel like cutting up the GP 7 I had in my 3 wood. Its very nice in the 5 as well.

 

I guess the G430 3 hybrid is going to get more head to head testing with this setup, now.

[bvanlieu]

You already had your IZ phase for the FW woods right @third-times-a-charm? 🙂 I put a 7S in a Mavrik standard head a few years ago and its been a happy camper in there, just a smooth club. I swap it in the bag depending on wind conditions (3/5 vs a 4/7 combo). 

 

WIth the current Cally deal I did order up my new 3HL with a 7S TP, but I know the GP is a little patience away from trying it out 🙂 

 

PS: agreed, hearing Ian go 'Club Champion Canada' just sounds off. Too many syllables. T-X-G

[Taylor24]

The XC in my driver broke a couple weeks ago... I loved it. The WRXer in me has me trying a TR black out now. Has anyone went from the XC to TR Black? I am going from 6TX in the XC to 6X in the TR Black.

 

If I end up not liking the TR I will probably get another XC. Still have the HD in my 3 wood and a DI on the way for a hybrid since I am moving away from 7 wood also.

[phizzy30]

7 hours ago, Taylor24 said:

The XC in my driver broke a couple weeks ago... I loved it. The WRXer in me has me trying a TR black out now. Has anyone went from the XC to TR Black? I am going from 6TX in the XC to 6X in the TR Black.

 

If I end up not liking the TR I will probably get another XC. Still have the HD in my 3 wood and a DI on the way for a hybrid since I am moving away from 7 wood also.

XC has a touch of kick to it whereas the TR Black is more linear and stout.  They differ in handle stiffness where the XC has a softer handle while the TR Black is stiff which could explain the different feel.  XC is easier to turn over whereas I see less curve with the TR Black.  Launch is marginally higher with XC and spin is similar. 

[Taylor24]

18 hours ago, phizzy30 said:

XC has a touch of kick to it whereas the TR Black is more linear and stout.  They differ in handle stiffness where the XC has a softer handle while the TR Black is stiff which could explain the different feel.  XC is easier to turn over whereas I see less curve with the TR Black.  Launch is marginally higher with XC and spin is similar. 

I loved the feel of the XC but did experience the left miss. Hopefully the anti-left in the TR will make up for the loss of feel. 

[third-times-a-charm]

We've got a banger here boys

 

 

[cw1209]

A little disappointed he didnt test the TP since it is still a current offering. Probably would be his best fit from the Tour AD lineup in driver since HD was the best fit in this test. 

Edited September 8, 2023 by cw1209

[bvanlieu]

Agree with @cw1209, they only did a subset. I wanted to see our fine scottish friend sweating at the end of a 100 swing session getting through all of them...but no, that didn't happen.

 

Good video and shows for *one player* the subtle differences and how that player reacted to it.

 

If you are fans of the channel, just have to go on the live and badger them about all the GD shafts they didn't try that you can still buy (BB, TP etc...).

 

Or do we pitch in to fly @third-times-a-charm up for a customer test? could be good content. 😄 

 

 

[third-times-a-charm]

2 minutes ago, bvanlieu said:

Agree with @cw1209, they only did a subset. I wanted to see our fine scottish friend sweating at the end of a 100 swing session getting through all of them...but no, that didn't happen.

 

Good video and shows for *one player* the subtle differences and how that player reacted to it.

 

If you are fans of the channel, just have to go on the live and badger them about all the GD shafts they didn't try that you can still buy (BB, TP etc...).

 

Or do we pitch in to fly @third-times-a-charm up for a customer test? could be good content. 😄 

 

 

 

I dont think anyone wants to see me swing a golf club. 😂

 

1 hour ago, cw1209 said:

A little disappointed he didnt test the TP since it is still a current offering. Probably would be his best fit from the Tour AD lineup in driver since HD was the best fit in this test. 

 

I think the BB, MJ, MT, and even the TP have been discontinued but the TP only pseudo-discontinued. I see it at a discount on Callaway to upcharge (only $125) so I think its on the way out.

 

They did specify 'current' models in the video so who knows.

[tleader]

1 hour ago, cw1209 said:

A little disappointed he didnt test the TP since it is still a current offering. Probably would be his best fit from the Tour AD lineup in driver since HD was the best fit in this test. 

Those are the models they carry on their wall for fittings, at least last time I was there. 

[mattman]

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

We've got a banger here boys

 

 

Ian refusing to try the 6 S in the VF made me laugh and was infuriating at the same time. That probably would have been a great shaft for him if he'd cool it on the ego

[JourdanM]

Alvin at Pro's choice is the man. Offered a call to talk through shaft options and alternatives, and after a stellar outing with AD UB in driver, think I'm going to go that route in my 5 and 7 woods 

[third-times-a-charm]

6 hours ago, JourdanM said:

Alvin at Pro's choice is the man. Offered a call to talk through shaft options and alternatives, and after a stellar outing with AD UB in driver, think I'm going to go that route in my 5 and 7 woods 

He’s the man!

[JamesG12]

What’s the consensus on DI vs HD?

 

A fitter I’ve been working with for a year+ only has DI, XC, IZ, UB and CQ. 
 

He fit me into DI 5x in my paradym TD and it is a really good fit. I’ve always been a 6s guy, I probably max out at 105mph with a pretty mellow transition. Ball speed right around 150.

 

I also have DI 7s in my 17 UW which I use in place of a 3w. Again, seems to be a good fit. 
 

I’ve been trying to nail down a shaft for the BRNR and DI again seemed to be the best fit, 6x. Only issue was flight was a bit too high and the miss was leaking right, too spinny. I’m wondering if HD would give me a similar feel but lower flight and spin. Maybe 6s. 
 

HD seems like it could be a good profile for both driver and fairway, so am tempted to try it in the mini driver. 

[Hoyoymac]

VR & HD have very similar EI profiles with HD having newer materials in its construction. In my experience both have a softer mid section and tip than DI without as much of a hinge in the tip.  
 

DI should have a higher trajectory and might be more fade biased than VR & HD.  HD will likely be lower trajectory and spin than VR.

[JourdanM]

Picked up a TSR2 16.5 with AD UB 7S on here for a song and it was instant success on course. As a prior Ventus Blue player, the UB has proven to be a super easy transition over to GD. 
 

now to find an 8S for the 7w....