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

[HillbillyHoma]

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

Well I put the ST LS up for sale as it was too low spin, but I pulled a clown move and disassembled my 5w and put the UB 8 in there (removed GP 7) for some testing. I did like some of the feels the UB 8 gave me in a short 41" setup and it's working well in 3w. I have some flashbacks of hitting nice shots with an HD 8 a few months back but did not love the linear feel of the HD.

I had a HD 8s in my 5 wood for a while but I found it produced nearly 600 rpm more spin than my IZ 8s. 

[third-times-a-charm]

Took the UB 8 to the range today in my Epic Max head. Got lots of moon balls and high spin compared to the GP. Not sure how i feel about it.

 

I tried both weight configurations since it's a front/rear weight head and noted that below. For those of you wondering how much 6g of weight in these modern wood heads makes a difference here you go.

 

I was swinging slower today for whatever reason. Both the GP and UB are tipped .5" (supposed to be 1" in a 5w)

 

Numbrs:

 

Epic Max 5w (18.5*) -

 

w/ GP 7

Avg

-

196.3

90.3

127.8

16.6

3418

1.41

91.1

6.2

 

 

 

w/ UB 8 (10g f/16g r)

Avg

-

188.5

88.8

125.4

19.2

4111

1.41

106.8

6.6

 

w/ UB 8 (16g f/10g r)

Avg

-

190.8

89.2

125.2

18.9

3701

1.4

102.5

6.5

 

 

 

COMPARISON W/ ANOTHER HEAD ON THE UB 8: Rogue ST LS 5w (19.2*) w/ UB 8 

Avg

-

199.4

90.8

128.6

16.4

3090

1.42

89.2

6.2

 

 

So we have confirmation that the height is way up on the UB compared to the GP even in a 10g heavier shaft. Spin and launch were also way up to the tune of 800+RPM and ~2* of launch. It's fun to see what the weight change did. Between the same shaft the 6 grams of weight forward dropped spin ~500RPM and launch a bit as well as height. The weight forward definitely got the numbers more in line with what I want to see with a 5w but still a smidge high.

 

As of right now I like the GP7 numbers better than the UB8. I was hoping the weight and feel of the UB 8 would come out on top.

 

I might try ONE MORE thing with the UB 8 - tipping it the full 1" instead of the current .5" and reinstalling it. This might allow me to keep spin and launch down as well as keep the weight back for more MOI - and even then I can swap the weights again to bring spin down even lower if needed.

 

 

[grantley88]

Well the CQ didn’t last too long. Was good when it was on but had a terrible duck hook with it. Never had that before. The shaft felt super light to me so I’m on the look out for a VR but nothing in my spec in the UK at the moment. Really like the Paradym TD head so will wait for one to pop up. I’ve just ordered a TSR3 with a Ventus TR red. Will game that for a while but ideally would like all GD shafts. 

[Adam B]

I’m sticking with a 19* UW instead of 5w this year so I have an unused IZ 8x now. My UW has the stock RDX black in it. On the fence on whether to use the IZ or sell. 

[third-times-a-charm]

Ok so I tipped the UB 8 another .5" (1" total) and brought it back to the range.

 

This time it has an 18g and 10g weight to interchange.

 

Numbers:

 

w/ GP 7

Avg

-

196.3

90.3

127.8

16.6

3418

1.41

91.1

6.2

 

 

 

UB 8 (18g r/10g f - tee'd up)

Avg

-

182

87.8

122.4

18.7

4197

1.39

98.9

6.3

 

UB 8 (18g f/10g r) - tee'd up)

Avg

-

195.7

88.3

126.2

18.3

3126

1.43

97

6.3

 

 

 

UB 8 (18g r/10g f - off the deck)

Avg

-

170.4

88.7

117.9

17.7

4486

1.33

86.3

5.9

 

UB 8 (18g f/10g r) - off the deck)

Avg

-

167.3

87.8

115.2

18

4375

1.31

83.4

5.9

 

In the high MOI position with 18g rear the club is just WAY too high launch and spin still. And for some reason It's less stable for me and I dont like the feel at all.

 

With more weight in the front the numbers were GREAT off the tee and very consistent. My dispersion closed and I was smashing it with the 18g forward off the tee and the numbers looked really promising - but the problem is I dont need a tee club.

 

I hit both configurations off the deck as well today to see the difference - and to be 100% honest neither setup provided me with good feel off the grass with the UB 8. The club overall just felt impossible to get setup with a more downward swing and the timing was terrible.

 

So it's coming down to the usual....ideal numbers with not so ideal feel (just like my IZ 95 in hyb) or better feel with some inconsistencies. Not to mention the 'ideal' setup with the UB 8 is a weight-forward setup with less MOI that is more punishing on mis-hits. The GP 7 had the 18g weight in the rear and it was plenty forgiving.

 

 

[gioguy21]

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

 

color me confused -- what club is this? and good lord it's a spin monster when weight is back. 

[third-times-a-charm]

1 hour ago, gioguy21 said:

color me confused -- what club is this? and good lord it's a spin monster when weight is back. 

Tour Issue Epic Max 5 wood (approx 18.5*). I like it because it's the last model with a dual weight configuration in a max head.

[hitnfades]

5 hours ago, Adam B said:

I’m sticking with a 19* UW instead of 5w this year so I have an unused IZ 8x now. My UW has the stock RDX black in it. On the fence on whether to use the IZ or sell. 

I have the IZ 8s in my OG 17* UW. This has been a great pairing for me. I had the DI in the 17* originally, but was a bit too loose feeling. So, I changed to the IZ and UB’s in all my UW’s for a more linear feel. 
 

I play the IZ in a 3 wood as well. I had the IZ in my driver until I switched to the XC about 2 months ago. 

[gioguy21]

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

Tour Issue Epic Max 5 wood (approx 18.5*). I like it because it's the last model with a dual weight configuration in a max head.

oh ok. i went with it my driver b/c in testing i got an uptick in ball speed and it felt quite incredible. the only other shaft i loved was the tour only KBS TD7TX...i got to test it in the 7 but i really wanted the 6. since it is tour only it would've cost me about $900. lol that's a hard pass. UB it is!

[third-times-a-charm]

Well, what do you do with a 41" .335 shaft on it's last chance? Build a UW of course.

 

Got in a Callaway OG Apex UW 19 to try and test against the 5 wood. Seems to have a cult following on tour and I had one when it first came out but didnt keep it.

 

Here's some numbers with the UB 8 in the Apex UW 19 head:

 

UW 19 w/ UB 8 (tee)

Avg

-

192.2

90.3

126.5

15.1

3350

1.4

79.8

5.9

 

UW 19 w/ UB 8 (deck)

Avg

-

189.8

92.2

126.7

13

3148

1.37

65.9

5.5

 

Epic Max 5w w/ GP 7 (tee)

Avg

-

196.3

90.3

127.8

16.6

3418

1.41

91.1

6.2

 

Initial impressions are great. I think it gaps better for me and the spin is in a good window. Lower flight - so i want to see how it holds greens. Love the feel of the UB 8 over the GP, too.

 

 

[70sinsight]

Currently gaming a UB7X tipped an inch in the driver and have gotten along with the Tensei orange/white feel in the past. Looking for fairway wood shafts and based on the numbers on paper thought the GT would be the one. Picked up an 80TX but for some reason can't get a feel for it. Maybe an X instead of TX but I digress.

 

Love the feel of my UB and looking for something similar. 3 wood would be driver back up and 5 wood would be for long par 5s or course dependent when the 2i won't play. One member mentioned UB8TX for the 5 wood, but those can be pricey and harder to find. How would the IZ compare to the UB and GT? CPO has one currently in an 8X. Thanks! 

[phizzy30]

59 minutes ago, 70sinsight said:

Currently gaming a UB7X tipped an inch in the driver and have gotten along with the Tensei orange/white feel in the past. Looking for fairway wood shafts and based on the numbers on paper thought the GT would be the one. Picked up an 80TX but for some reason can't get a feel for it. Maybe an X instead of TX but I digress.

 

Love the feel of my UB and looking for something similar. 3 wood would be driver back up and 5 wood would be for long par 5s or course dependent when the 2i won't play. One member mentioned UB8TX for the 5 wood, but those can be pricey and harder to find. How would the IZ compare to the UB and GT? CPO has one currently in an 8X. Thanks! 

GT has a softer tip whereas the UB has a very stiff tip.  I'd suggest looking into the VF-8X.  It's very stiff in the tip and mid but softer in the handle.  Essentially a little stiffer in the mid compared to the UB.  Same smooth feel.  Launch/spin is similar. 

Edited February 4, 2024 by phizzy30

[70sinsight]

13 minutes ago, phizzy30 said:

GT has a softer tip whereas the UB has a very stiff tip.  I'd suggest looking into the VF-8X.  It's very stiff in the tip and mid but softer in the handle.  Essentially a little stiffer in the mid compared to the UB.  Same smooth feel.  Launch/spin is similar. 

That shaft has definitely had my interest after following the threads on it. Would love to get me hands on one to rest before dropping some $ and cutting one down if need be

[B.Easy]

A little review of the Tour AD GP after getting fit into it for driver and 3 wood (PXG Black Ops).  7X and 8X tipped 1/2" in driver and 1" in 3 wood.  Both playing -1/2" under standard. Fitting, 3 Trackman sessions of 1 hour, and 2 outdoor rounds.

I had never tried this shaft before my fitting and was shocked at the feel and performance. Big part of my shocked is how little the GP is spoken about with affection like the other GD shafts.  I gamed the UB 7TX most of last year in my TSR3.  My only complaint with that shaft is that I struggled when swinging less that 90%.

 

I have a personal shaft matrix of more than 50 shafts to include most of the shafts with any kind of popularity and others that are not.  I feel like the GP is very underrated.  I own the DI, TP, UB, VR, HD, IZ and VF.  

 

It's rare for me to find a shaft that feels this good with great stability for my aggressive swing without a "boardiness" when swinging less than 90%. Also, ball speed was 2 MPH faster than the Ventus blue I was using for most of the fitting, which surprised me.  That's usually a ball speed king for me in fittings.  Not always great dispersion, but definitely speed. 

 

The GP felt a little smoother overall than the Ventus to me.  Launch was almost the same.  Another surprise is that it knocked off a little spin in my fitting. About 150rpms average over 25 balls versus the Ventus.

 

The fitting translated really well to the course.  Felt normal and natural in both rounds with a slightly flatter ball flight than I'm used to.  Weird for me to get comfortable gaming a new shaft so quickly.  Eager to see how it does on my home course when it opens.  My swing speed is 115-120 on course with driver and that is a big delta, but I like to use my driver whenever I can.  

 

In conclusion-  If you have an aggressive swing and like a shaft that has great feel without sacrificing stability, I think you should give this one a try.  

[phizzy30]

51 minutes ago, B.Easy said:

A little review of the Tour AD GP after getting fit into it for driver and 3 wood (PXG Black Ops).  7X and 8X tipped 1/2" in driver and 1" in 3 wood.  Both playing -1/2" under standard. Fitting, 3 Trackman sessions of 1 hour, and 2 outdoor rounds.

I had never tried this shaft before my fitting and was shocked at the feel and performance. Big part of my shocked is how little the GP is spoken about with affection like the other GD shafts.  I gamed the UB 7TX most of last year in my TSR3.  My only complaint with that shaft is that I struggled when swinging less that 90%.

 

I have a personal shaft matrix of more than 50 shafts to include most of the shafts with any kind of popularity and others that are not.  I feel like the GP is very underrated.  I own the DI, TP, UB, VR, HD, IZ and VF.  

 

It's rare for me to find a shaft that feels this good with great stability for my aggressive swing without a "boardiness" when swinging less than 90%. Also, ball speed was 2 MPH faster than the Ventus blue I was using for most of the fitting, which surprised me.  That's usually a ball speed king for me in fittings.  Not always great dispersion, but definitely speed. 

 

The GP felt a little smoother overall than the Ventus to me.  Launch was almost the same.  Another surprise is that it knocked off a little spin in my fitting. About 150rpms average over 25 balls versus the Ventus.

 

The fitting translated really well to the course.  Felt normal and natural in both rounds with a slightly flatter ball flight than I'm used to.  Weird for me to get comfortable gaming a new shaft so quickly.  Eager to see how it does on my home course when it opens.  My swing speed is 115-120 on course with driver and that is a big delta, but I like to use my driver whenever I can.  

 

In conclusion-  If you have an aggressive swing and like a shaft that has great feel without sacrificing stability, I think you should give this one a try.  

I think the GP is highly underrated and flies under the radar because it doesn't get much usage on tour.  You have the DI and VF that that get tons of of love simply because Tiger has either had it or currently has it in his bag and of course everyone wants to see what the fuss is about.  I loved that the GP felt stout and was on the smoother side when I tested it but it was prone to the lefts.  VF is in the bag now which seems to an updated version of the GP/XC but more stable.  With that being said, I'm glad to see that you've found "the one" for the time being at least, lol.  We're both so alike that we love to tinker around which can get us in trouble more often than not.  What did you like/dislike about the VF? 

Edited February 5, 2024 by phizzy30

[third-times-a-charm]

7 hours ago, B.Easy said:

A little review of the Tour AD GP after getting fit into it for driver and 3 wood (PXG Black Ops).  7X and 8X tipped 1/2" in driver and 1" in 3 wood.  Both playing -1/2" under standard. Fitting, 3 Trackman sessions of 1 hour, and 2 outdoor rounds.

I had never tried this shaft before my fitting and was shocked at the feel and performance. Big part of my shocked is how little the GP is spoken about with affection like the other GD shafts.  I gamed the UB 7TX most of last year in my TSR3.  My only complaint with that shaft is that I struggled when swinging less that 90%.

 

I have a personal shaft matrix of more than 50 shafts to include most of the shafts with any kind of popularity and others that are not.  I feel like the GP is very underrated.  I own the DI, TP, UB, VR, HD, IZ and VF.  

 

It's rare for me to find a shaft that feels this good with great stability for my aggressive swing without a "boardiness" when swinging less than 90%. Also, ball speed was 2 MPH faster than the Ventus blue I was using for most of the fitting, which surprised me.  That's usually a ball speed king for me in fittings.  Not always great dispersion, but definitely speed. 

 

The GP felt a little smoother overall than the Ventus to me.  Launch was almost the same.  Another surprise is that it knocked off a little spin in my fitting. About 150rpms average over 25 balls versus the Ventus.

 

The fitting translated really well to the course.  Felt normal and natural in both rounds with a slightly flatter ball flight than I'm used to.  Weird for me to get comfortable gaming a new shaft so quickly.  Eager to see how it does on my home course when it opens.  My swing speed is 115-120 on course with driver and that is a big delta, but I like to use my driver whenever I can.  

 

In conclusion-  If you have an aggressive swing and like a shaft that has great feel without sacrificing stability, I think you should give this one a try.  

Love the GP in my 5 wood, still. Its been a benchmark for me. Just gives me perfect launch and spin. Only issue for me is that when I dont swing 100% it just loses all feel and is very linear.

[B.Easy]

10 hours ago, phizzy30 said:

I think the GP is highly underrated and flies under the radar because it doesn't get much usage on tour.  You have the DI and VF that that get tons of of love simply because Tiger has either had it or currently has it in his bag and of course everyone wants to see what the fuss is about.  I loved that the GP felt stout and was on the smoother side when I tested it but it was prone to the lefts.  VF is in the bag now which seems to an updated version of the GP/XC but more stable.  With that being said, I'm glad to see that you've found "the one" for the time being at least, lol.  We're both so alike that we love to tinker around which can get us in trouble more often than not.  What did you like/dislike about the VF? 

 

Thanks Phizzy.  I really like the VF!  I need to order one in the appropriate weight and then will try against the GP.  I ordered the 6X instead of the 7X based on some saying the 6X feels heavier in the hands.  I think it feels great and very similar to other 6X shafts with the similar profiles.  I play a 202gram head, so the 6X feels a little too active to me.  Nobody should read into that, because it's just a preference of mine.  One thing for sure, the VF is a high ball speed shaft for me with great feel and dispersion as long as I'm not getting after it.  I lose the head a little in my aggressive transition.  7X may be another goldilocks. We'll see!

[phizzy30]

3 hours ago, B.Easy said:

 

Thanks Phizzy.  I really like the VF!  I need to order one in the appropriate weight and then will try against the GP.  I ordered the 6X instead of the 7X based on some saying the 6X feels heavier in the hands.  I think it feels great and very similar to other 6X shafts with the similar profiles.  I play a 202gram head, so the 6X feels a little too active to me.  Nobody should read into that, because it's just a preference of mine.  One thing for sure, the VF is a high ball speed shaft for me with great feel and dispersion as long as I'm not getting after it.  I lose the head a little in my aggressive transition.  7X may be another goldilocks. We'll see!

Have you considered the 7TX instead?  I found it to hold it's line better and I don't lose it left as often as the 7X.  Your ss is pretty much the same as mine. 

[B.Easy]

47 minutes ago, phizzy30 said:

Have you considered the 7TX instead?  I found it to hold it's line better and I don't lose it left as often as the 7X.  Your ss is pretty much the same as mine. 

 

I have!  I'm just a little gun shy with TX after my UB.  BUT, I'm never opposed to getting another shaft if the standard X doesn't work!

[third-times-a-charm]

Well I broke down and ordered another AD CQ to tip 1" to try against untipped.

 

Guess we'll see how that works out this weekend.

[phizzy30]

20 hours ago, B.Easy said:

 

I have!  I'm just a little gun shy with TX after my UB.  BUT, I'm never opposed to getting another shaft if the standard X doesn't work!

Understandable.  I found the UB-7TX to be very stout as well.  The VF is surprisingly easier to load in TX compared to the UB, IMO even though the EI profile suggests otherwise.  However, if you've got the funds to experiment with different flexes, then more power to you!

[scottleo]

I went for a PXG fitting couple months back for irons and woods & got fit with the TP 5 R1, coming from the 5 IZ S in my driver.  Wondering what your feelings are on what shaft I should be playing in my 4 wood and hybrids?  Currently have (not playing yet, live in NY) the IZ7s in my 4 wood and DI 85s in my hybrids.  Thinking of going lighter and changing to R1 shafts.  Any thoughts, much appreciated! 

Edited February 8, 2024 by scottleo

[phizzy30]

Just now, scottleo said:

I went for a PXG fitting couple months back for irons and woods & got fit with the TP 5 R1, coming from the 5 IZ S in my driver.  Wondering what your feelings are on what shaft I should be playing in my 4 wood and hybrids?  Currently have (not playing yet, live in NY) the IZ7s in my 4 wood and DI 85s in my hybrids.  Thinking of going lighter and changing to R1 shafts.  Any thoughts, much appreciated! 

I'd recommend the HD as it's the closest thing within the GD family to the IZ in terms of EI profile.  Very linear with just a hint of kick to it as well like the IZ.  HD did launch a hair lower and spin was similar. 

[gioguy21]

i'm loving the UB in my driver so much i'm considering a VF for the 4w. decisions...

[awtryau89]

Well I couldn't stand it. I bought a VF 5S and 5X to try. Ended up that I'm keeping the 5S tipped 1/2. Going to list the 5X on BST. 

[Puttersaurus Rex]

Any Graphite Design models that compare to the OG Aldila Black?  It was previously mentioned DI.  Any other suggestions?

[gioguy21]

1 hour ago, awtryau89 said:

Well I couldn't stand it. I bought a VF 5S and 5X to try. Ended up that I'm keeping the 5S tipped 1/2. Going to list the 5X on BST. 

lol couldn't stand what? 

[phizzy30]

2 hours ago, gioguy21 said:

i'm loving the UB in my driver so much i'm considering a VF for the 4w. decisions...

PULL THE TRIGGER, lol.  If you get along with white board profiles, you'll absolutely love it. 

[gioguy21]

1 minute ago, phizzy30 said:

PULL THE TRIGGER, lol.  If you get along with white board profiles, you'll absolutely love it. 

[phizzy30]

1 hour ago, Puttersaurus Rex said:

Any Graphite Design models that compare to the OG Aldila Black?  It was previously mentioned DI.  Any other suggestions?

I don't know the EI profile of the Aldila black, but if it's similar to the DI, the UB would be a good alternative that's more stable.