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

[phizzy30]

14 hours ago, Copacetic said:

Seems like it might be, had Kai’li in driver previously and found it hit and miss compared to the av raw white although quite similar. 
 

my big worry with the VF is if I get on well with it in hybrid, I’ll then do the expensive next step and and get it in 3 wood and Driver! It wasn’t available to try in my last fitting. 

LOL, I feel you on that part.  You can feel the handle being firmer in the VF compared to XC which you may or may not like.

[third-times-a-charm]

2 hours ago, phizzy30 said:

LOL, I feel you on that part.  You can feel the handle being firmer in the VF compared to XC which you may or may not like.

The VF is a noticeably more 'black' feeling profile than any other GD shaft in general. Basically an 'upgraded Ventus Black' IMO for those who like feel. Ive seen it fail in a ton of driver experiments; but where I think the VF shines for the most people is where they wouldnt think - in the fairway woods. Sure the VF is good in driver for many people including Tiger, but thats not the norm. IMO it's a great FW shaft that most people dismiss as such because just like the XC it's not really a black or low-low profile its just REALLY CLOSE to one.

 

I had a VF in a 5 (or 7?) wood months back. It was linear and it was stout, but it was NOT difficult. The ball flight was not low and it was very nice - it jut FELT like a nicer black profile but with a much better flight.

Edited March 23 by third-times-a-charm

[phizzy30]

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

The VF is a noticeably more 'black' feeling profile than any other GD shaft in general. Basically an 'upgraded Ventus Black' IMO for those who like feel. Ive seen it fail in a ton of driver experiments; but where I think the VF shines for the most people is where they wouldnt think - in the fairway woods. Sure the VF is good in driver for many people including Tiger, but thats not the norm. IMO it's a great FW shaft that most people dismiss as such because just like the XC it's not really a black or low-low profile its just REALLY CLOSE to one.

 

I had a VF in a 5 (or 7?) wood months back. It was linear and it was stout, but it was NOT difficult. The ball flight was not low and it was very nice - it jut FELT like a nicer black profile but with a much better flight.

Good observation of the VF in general.  Makes sense about Tiger.  I don't think he ever loved the Ventus black in terms of feel based upon his history of graphite driver shafts.  All of them had some feel varying from the DI to VF.  Then again, perhaps it's because he went through three swing changes which dictated the change in shafts.  

[Cellis]

Anyone with any info?

[Cellis]

Nvm… was able to translate the document into English-

 

Graphite Design Co., Ltd.

Ultra High Elasticity Model "TOUR AD DI HIGH MODULUS RELOADED" Resale Announcement

In March 2025, Graphite Design Co., Ltd. (President Takuro Yamada) will be reselling the ultra high elasticity model "TOUR AD DI HIGH MODULUS RELOADED" of "TOUR AD DI." 

The "TOUR AD DI HIGH MODULUS RELOADED" was a model sold in limited quantities in 2023, but due to its high performance, we received many requests for a resale. In response to the players' voices, we have decided to resell it, although in limited quantities.

This model is an arrangement of "TOUR AD DI," which started sales in 2009, into an ultra high elasticity version. It retains the characteristics of "TOUR AD DI," which features a non-harsh feel and a deep, thick impact, while using Torayca® T1100G throughout the entire shaft length and ultra high elasticity materials for the bias. Additionally, by using Torayca® M40X at the tip, it achieves a low spin and less twisting strong trajectory.

The design inherits the original "TOUR AD DI" while using a color scheme of black and orange that evokes a strong trajectory.

Scheduled for release on April 25, 2025 (Friday), sales will end once the quantity reaches 3,000 units.

[phizzy30]

8 hours ago, Cellis said:

Nvm… was able to translate the document into English-

 

 

Graphite Design Co., Ltd.

Ultra High Elasticity Model "TOUR AD DI HIGH MODULUS RELOADED" Resale Announcement

In March 2025, Graphite Design Co., Ltd. (President Takuro Yamada) will be reselling the ultra high elasticity model "TOUR AD DI HIGH MODULUS RELOADED" of "TOUR AD DI." 

The "TOUR AD DI HIGH MODULUS RELOADED" was a model sold in limited quantities in 2023, but due to its high performance, we received many requests for a resale. In response to the players' voices, we have decided to resell it, although in limited quantities.

This model is an arrangement of "TOUR AD DI," which started sales in 2009, into an ultra high elasticity version. It retains the characteristics of "TOUR AD DI," which features a non-harsh feel and a deep, thick impact, while using Torayca® T1100G throughout the entire shaft length and ultra high elasticity materials for the bias. Additionally, by using Torayca® M40X at the tip, it achieves a low spin and less twisting strong trajectory.

The design inherits the original "TOUR AD DI" while using a color scheme of black and orange that evokes a strong trajectory.

Scheduled for release on April 25, 2025 (Friday), sales will end once the quantity reaches 3,000 units.

Sounds like the DI with the newer materials.  Should be interesting in terms how much it could change feel.  

[third-times-a-charm]

10 hours ago, Cellis said:

Anyone with any info?

Japan-Only premium model re-release. IIRC this came out a year or two ago originally.

 

They also have premium models like the PT over there which is now discontinued.

[Mitchell]

After having the occasional slightly left shot off tee with HD, went to UB in driver with VR in fairway- early days, yet appears to have been a solid choice. 

[third-times-a-charm]

2 hours ago, Mitchell said:

After having the occasional slightly left shot off tee with HD, went to UB in driver with VR in fairway- early days, yet appears to have been a solid choice. 

Really like the VR in fairways when you need a little height or trying to build a club to hold greens with woods. I sold mine off when I was chasing lower spin and shouldnt have.

[Mitchell]

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

Really like the VR in fairways when you need a little height or trying to build a club to hold greens with woods. I sold mine off when I was chasing lower spin and shouldnt have.

Using VR8s in an Epic Flash subzero TC 15* head, with lower spin head, the shaft combo is really good 👍🏼

[Morry]

Trying the XC in a 3 wood currently vs an Oban Revenge, Accra GX and aldila ascent......turning into quite the battle 

 

[zap311]

Well, another GD shaft has made it into my bag. I recently picked up a Qi35 3 wood with a VF-7 to test out. The VF shaft has blown me away. I expected it to launch too low for my speed (driver 100-105) and possibly be too stiff. I've been trying to find a setup to reduce my hook miss with 3 wood. This combo launches higher than I expected and the VF feels very stable, which has led to straighter shots and slight fades.

 

I only just read @third-times-a-charm’s post about VF working great in fairways and I second his comments. VF is worth trying in a fairway wood, even if you don't typically fit into a black profile.

[hitnfades]

New experiment with the HD 5s in the driver. Avid follower of the topic and posted many times to this topic since it began.  I revisited many of the older posts in this thread and others to narrow down this plan.  @third-times-a-charm and @phizzy30 advice and experience really helped me narrow down the GD shafts throughout my bag and storage area. Plus, this topic needed a bump. 

 

I have been playing the Paradym Standard 10.5* head with the XC 6s for longer than any other of my past driver setups. This combo or shaft for me will be very difficult to beat, but I wanted a new side project. So, after all the late night reading and shopping I went for it. I bought a Smoke TD Max 10.5* head a few weeks back and was deciding how to proceed with it. So, enter in the HD.  I have plenty of other GD 6s options if this does not pan out or maybe it makes the Paradym a bit better. I played the IZ 6s or x for many years, but the XC was just an exceptional pairing with the Paradym for me.  I was playing the Epic Max LS 10.5* with the IZ 6s/x prior. The IZ’s have primarily moved to my Apex UW’s and Paradym 3HL, but I still have a driver shaft around. I hit the TD Max with the IZ/XC about 2 weeks ago and remembered why I prefer the XC over the IZ in my driver. But, I wanted to experiment with something a little lighter, a more linear midsection than IZ and maintain the same range of the IZ/XC feel. The HD shaft arrived late yesterday. I waited as long as I could since I wanted to use it during an early evening round. We have a busy schedule coming up so I was ticked when the delivery was late. So far, just swinging the club outside today it feels like it checks a lot of the boxes. Time will tell after seeing the ball flights/distances and how the timing is with a lighter shaft. I will follow up after I do some testing over the next few weeks.

[jeffrey r]

12 hours ago, hitnfades said:

New experiment with the HD 5s in the driver. Avid follower of the topic and posted many times to this topic since it began.  I revisited many of the older posts in this thread and others to narrow down this plan.  @third-times-a-charm and @phizzy30 advice and experience really helped me narrow down the GD shafts throughout my bag and storage area. Plus, this topic needed a bump. 

 

I have been playing the Paradym Standard 10.5* head with the XC 6s for longer than any other of my past driver setups. This combo or shaft for me will be very difficult to beat, but I wanted a new side project. So, after all the late night reading and shopping I went for it. I bought a Smoke TD Max 10.5* head a few weeks back and was deciding how to proceed with it. So, enter in the HD.  I have plenty of other GD 6s options if this does not pan out or maybe it makes the Paradym a bit better. I played the IZ 6s or x for many years, but the XC was just an exceptional pairing with the Paradym for me.  I was playing the Epic Max LS 10.5* with the IZ 6s/x prior. The IZ’s have primarily moved to my Apex UW’s and Paradym 3HL, but I still have a driver shaft around. I hit the TD Max with the IZ/XC about 2 weeks ago and remembered why I prefer the XC over the IZ in my driver. But, I wanted to experiment with something a little lighter, a more linear midsection than IZ and maintain the same range of the IZ/XC feel. The HD shaft arrived late yesterday. I waited as long as I could since I wanted to use it during an early evening round. We have a busy schedule coming up so I was ticked when the delivery was late. So far, just swinging the club outside today it feels like it checks a lot of the boxes. Time will tell after seeing the ball flights/distances and how the timing is with a lighter shaft. I will follow up after I do some testing over the next few weeks.

 

Interested to hear how this pans out for you. I bounce around among the IZ, TP and HD 6S in my Ping driver, and I am currently in the IZ camp. I put them all head to head out on the course the other day, and the IZ was consistently the longest, while still putting me in good places.

 

All terrific shafts, so let us know how the HD 5S pans out. I have debated trying out a 5S in a GD shaft.

[Morry]

Put the XC-5 in my 440 4wood.....Super Smooth and powerful kick

 

Softer handles suit me - this fits the BILL

 

 

[bogeypro]

On 3/22/2025 at 11:33 PM, third-times-a-charm said:

The VF is a noticeably more 'black' feeling profile than any other GD shaft in general. Basically an 'upgraded Ventus Black' IMO for those who like feel. Ive seen it fail in a ton of driver experiments; but where I think the VF shines for the most people is where they wouldnt think - in the fairway woods. Sure the VF is good in driver for many people including Tiger, but thats not the norm. IMO it's a great FW shaft that most people dismiss as such because just like the XC it's not really a black or low-low profile its just REALLY CLOSE to one.

 

I had a VF in a 5 (or 7?) wood months back. It was linear and it was stout, but it was NOT difficult. The ball flight was not low and it was very nice - it jut FELT like a nicer black profile but with a much better flight.

I disagree with it not being good in driver...  The VF is for the person that likes the Diamana White Board.  I fit several people in the VF when it came out. It isn't as low spinning as a ventus black.  It feels so good and smooth.  It's easier to draw than the ventus black... Black is great for quicker temper folks that want to hit low spin cuts.  VF is great for smoother tempo folks that want lower spin and better feel.  

[Mob]

VF was a failed experiment for me.  The bad shots were low duck hooks with 1400 rpms of spin.

 

On the other side, the HD is still working pretty well for me.  Just have to match the right shaft to your swing.

[Qegurezi]

8 hours ago, bogeypro said:

I disagree with it not being good in driver...  The VF is for the person that likes the Diamana White Board.  I fit several people in the VF when it came out. It isn't as low spinning as a ventus black.  It feels so good and smooth.  It's easier to draw than the ventus black... Black is great for quicker temper folks that want to hit low spin cuts.  VF is great for smoother tempo folks that want lower spin and better feel.  

Bang on. 

[Mitchell]

UB6 in driver, HD8 in thriver, VR8 in fairway have been exceptionally solid for me.

[phizzy30]

20 hours ago, bogeypro said:

I disagree with it not being good in driver...  The VF is for the person that likes the Diamana White Board.  I fit several people in the VF when it came out. It isn't as low spinning as a ventus black.  It feels so good and smooth.  It's easier to draw than the ventus black... Black is great for quicker temper folks that want to hit low spin cuts.  VF is great for smoother tempo folks that want lower spin and better feel.  

Right on.  I love my VF because of all the reasons you listed.  I also like the OG black because of how stable it is.  

[jeffrey r]

My dalliance with the IZ is over, and I am back with the TP in my G430 Max 10K (with the HD in reserve). The IZ is longer than the others when making good contact, but it was too inconsistent for me (which is why it had sort of been relegated in the past until it showed some promise recently). 

 

The TP just works for me, and the HD is terrific also. YMMV.

[bogeypro]

21 minutes ago, jeffrey r said:

My dalliance with the IZ is over, and I am back with the TP in my G430 Max 10K (with the HD in reserve). The IZ is longer than the others when making good contact, but it was too inconsistent for me (which is why it had sort of been relegated in the past until it showed some promise recently). 

 

The TP just works for me, and the HD is terrific also. YMMV.

I worked with a TP in my 3 wood today. I tipped it 3/4" and that seemed to be pretty good.  It's a good flight with fairways...  

[bogeypro]

So I've been messing around the the GC 6x in my driver...  I currently play the VF in 6x in qi35 9* in stock loft setting.

 

Looks: It looks good... One interesting note: the lower third is a slightly larger diameter than other shafts.  Very slight, but you will notice it holding it next to another shaft.   

 

Feel: The shaft shaft has a very modular load and unload feel to it.  It doesn't whip and it isn't boardy.  Feels really good and really stable.  I will say it seems to feel heavier under the grip.  They don't advertise it as counter balance, but it does seem to be that way as I picked up a few mph when measured on gc4.

 

Performance:  it really does hit a tad bit higher ball than the VF... As advertised.  Not as high as a true mid/mid but definitely between low and what I'd call a true mid trajectory.  It's a driving forward sort of flight the offers more carry than the VF.  I found that I didn't close it quite as easily as the VF.  So, shots didn't have a much curve.  They went in the direction they started...

 

This shaft is giving ventus velocore+ blue vibes, but with a much better feel.  Definitely a good addition to the lineup. 

 

In short, I'd say vf for the velocore black (not TR) fans looking for smoother feel and GC for velocore blue  fans looking for better feel and maybe a few more mph in swing speed.  

 

[GMR2iron]

Just spent a couple weeks putting a VF 5x up against my HZRDUS Gen4 6.0, and it’s starting to look like a runaway. The VF is amazing! Pounding it high and flat, and it is every bit as anti-left as the HZRDUS. Now looking for a VF 6x to try and unseat the HZRDUS in 3 wood. The heads are Titleist GT2, 10* and 15*.

[Avidswampthing66]

Been gaming VF for a while first 5S then back to 6S which is much much improved.  It's point and shoot but at times with Elyte TD it can be a little knuckly.  Such a good comp saying it's like a Ventus Black with much better feel.  

[jonteistockholm]

GC…

 

I bought a Cally Ai Smoke TD 5W with a GD GC 8x

Never been a GD fan - have had my GD´s through the years but never been a fan.

 

I got this one to a good price - wanted the head.

But.. down to the range and try it and my word what a shaft/kombo!

 

I am Ventus- blue/red player but now I am thinking about getting one to my GT280

 

Anyone tried it in driver/mini D?

 

and what a talkabout shaft with its blings🤣

[third-times-a-charm]

On 4/22/2025 at 1:22 AM, jonteistockholm said:

GC…

 

I bought a Cally Ai Smoke TD 5W with a GD GC 8x

Never been a GD fan - have had my GD´s through the years but never been a fan.

 

I got this one to a good price - wanted the head.

But.. down to the range and try it and my word what a shaft/kombo!

 

I am Ventus- blue/red player but now I am thinking about getting one to my GT280

 

Anyone tried it in driver/mini D?

 

and what a talkabout shaft with its blings🤣

Havent hit the GC yet, still, but want to!

[third-times-a-charm]

I changed my grip and have been hitting everything left with driver recently. Also picked up some SS.

 

Grabbed an AD HD and sidelined the AD CQ for now to do some testing to see if I can mitigate the softer tip from the CQ with the HD and more linear feel.

[jeffrey r]

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

I changed my grip and have been hitting everything left with driver recently. Also picked up some SS.

 

Grabbed an AD HD and sidelined the AD CQ for now to do some testing to see if I can mitigate the softer tip from the CQ with the HD and more linear feel.

 

Interested to hear your thoughts. I find the HD easy to turn over, so I don't know if it will accomplish what you seek. The TP for me is like my HD but less likely to go right (I am LH). Let us know how it works out.

[third-times-a-charm]

44 minutes ago, jeffrey r said:

 

Interested to hear your thoughts. I find the HD easy to turn over, so I don't know if it will accomplish what you seek. The TP for me is like my HD but less likely to go right (I am LH). Let us know how it works out.

 

I do still need some height/spin but not necessarily the ease of turning over in the tip section that the CQ has. I have an HD in my 3 wood and its my favorite combo in a long while. 

 

I've had the HD in driver before several times in this thread, so heres to hoping 🤣