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

[cbrwn425]

I was fit in to it during my driver fitting in May, it felt really smooth and stable to me with the best dispersion. Didn’t end up ordering that day but have since ordered from the BST, just waiting on delivery. I’ll be able to give more feedback in a couple weeks. 

[Rich_H]

2 hours ago, cbrwn425 said:

I was fit in to it during my driver fitting in May, it felt really smooth and stable to me with the best dispersion. Didn’t end up ordering that day but have since ordered from the BST, just waiting on delivery. I’ll be able to give more feedback in a couple weeks. 

Nice interested to hear what you think when you can get it out on the course. I needed a reset at driver so took all the shafts I've accumulated and put them through their paces at the sim and my GC-6X definitely came out on top but I've been great in the sim and then out on the course it's a different story. I'll update here how mine performs this weekend. Was gaming a Hzrdus Gen 5 6.0 before this and was having decent but not great results. 

[Mob]

I have a GC but have not been able to use it in my Elyte TD head yet, as it has a Titleist adapter on it.  The GC plus the GT2 driver had a hook miss that I didn't like.  Since the Elyte TD is more fade biased, I am curious to try the GC with it.  I am waiting on my club builder to put the Callaway tip on it, so I can give it a whirl.

[phizzy30]

29 minutes ago, Mob said:

I have a GC but have not been able to use it in my Elyte TD head yet, as it has a Titleist adapter on it.  The GC plus the GT2 driver had a hook miss that I didn't like.  Since the Elyte TD is more fade biased, I am curious to try the GC with it.  I am waiting on my club builder to put the Callaway tip on it, so I can give it a whirl.

Hmmm..... I wonder what was causing you to shut the face causing you to hook your drives.  Did the GC feel off to you?  Too much kick?  Maybe just didn't feel quite right?  GC feels like a slightly firmer Diamana BB to me but just as smooth.  

Edited June 13 by phizzy30

[Mob]

9 minutes ago, phizzy30 said:

Hmmm..... I wonder what was causing you to shut the face causing you to hook your drives.  Did the GC feel off to you?  Too much kick?  Maybe just didn't feel quite right?  GC feels like a slightly firmer Diamana BB to me but just as smooth.  

GC felt great. Something about the way I loaded the shaft was causing the face to close. I have a draw to begin with as my normal shot shape, so it wouldn’t take much to turn into a hook. That is part of the reason I’m much happier with the Elyte triple diamond. I can swing aggressively with less risk of a hook.

[phizzy30]

4 minutes ago, Mob said:

GC felt great. Something about the way I loaded the shaft was causing the face to close. I have a draw to begin with as my normal shot shape, so it wouldn’t take much to turn into a hook. That is part of the reason I’m much happier with the Elyte triple diamond. I can swing aggressively with less risk of a hook.

Hopefully the Elyte TD will make the GC really come alive.  Nothing like finding that perfect head/shaft combo that really boosts your confidence from not having to fear the lefts.  

[Mob]

Just now, phizzy30 said:

Hopefully the Elyte TD will make the GC really come alive.  Nothing like finding that perfect head/shaft combo that really boosts your confidence from not having to fear the lefts.  

The HD has been very good with the Elyte, so I am good either way

[BigGameDb]

I have a GT1 driver and I've been toying with a GP, UB, and DI shaft since April.  After several range sessions and trial and error on the course, the UB has won out.  I just prefer the feel of the UB and this is what has been the most consistent for me.

 

I'm still intrigued by the HD, GC, and maybe the VF.  I haven't hit those shafts yet.  But happy with the UB for now.

[phizzy30]

On 6/14/2025 at 6:00 PM, BigGameDb said:

I have a GT1 driver and I've been toying with a GP, UB, and DI shaft since April.  After several range sessions and trial and error on the course, the UB has won out.  I just prefer the feel of the UB and this is what has been the most consistent for me.

 

I'm still intrigued by the HD, GC, and maybe the VF.  I haven't hit those shafts yet.  But happy with the UB for now.

It's fine to tinker, but keep the UB.  I've had the HD, GC, UB, VF, DI and tested the GP and GC.  I can tell you that HD is very linear in profile and doesn't drop off in stiffness like the UB does from the tip.  Has more kick though.  GC and HD are very similar but I found GC to be more slightly more stable with touch less kick.  VF has the least amount of kick outta the bunch and it's right under the handle as opposed to the DI, GC, and HD where it's more in the mid.  You really have to focus on it or you may not even feel it kick.  It's also the most stable/anti-left outta the bunch and the lowest launch/spin.  As far as the UB I wanted to love it, as it's was super smooth, but I had trouble squaring the face although I made solid contact often.  It all comes down to what EI profile works best for you plus feel that determines which one of these will work for you.  

[BigGameDb]

12 hours ago, phizzy30 said:

It's fine to tinker, but keep the UB.  I've had the HD, GC, UB, VF, DI and tested the GP and GC.  I can tell you that HD is very linear in profile and doesn't drop off in stiffness like the UB does from the tip.  Has more kick though.  GC and HD are very similar but I found GC to be more slightly more stable with touch less kick.  VF has the least amount of kick outta the bunch and it's right under the handle as opposed to the DI, GC, and HD where it's more in the mid.  You really have to focus on it or you may not even feel it kick.  It's also the most stable/anti-left outta the bunch and the lowest launch/spin.  As far as the UB I wanted to love it, as it's was super smooth, but I had trouble squaring the face although I made solid contact often.  It all comes down to what EI profile works best for you plus feel that determines which one of these will work for you.  

 

Funny you say this.  Played 18 yesterday with the UB and was crushing the ball but spraying it all over the place.  Lost several balls on my drives because they were so far gone.  I typically don't do this.  But I love the feel of the UB.  The smoothest of the GD's shafts I've tried so far.  Maybe it's just me trying to swing too hard because the shaft felt so smooth and I need to not swing so hard.   Or maybe I need to try more shafts.

[jeffrey r]

1 hour ago, BigGameDb said:

 

Funny you say this.  Played 18 yesterday with the UB and was crushing the ball but spraying it all over the place.  Lost several balls on my drives because they were so far gone.  I typically don't do this.  But I love the feel of the UB.  The smoothest of the GD's shafts I've tried so far.  Maybe it's just me trying to swing too hard because the shaft felt so smooth and I need to not swing so hard.   Or maybe I need to try more shafts.

 

I think you might really like the HD. I had left/right dispersion issues with the UB when I tested it out—not sure why. HD is an awesome shaft, terrific feel, and performs. Worth a try IMO.

 

HD and TP are similar to me, with the HD being a bit smoother and easier to turn over. YMMV.

[gbang15]

I agree with TP being a great shaft but it seems out dated. You might love/hate the FTT section on TP. Looks like the FI is their updated TP with no FTT. 

[BigGameDb]

20 minutes ago, jeffrey r said:

 

I think you might really like the HD. I had left/right dispersion issues with the UB when I tested it out—not sure why. HD is an awesome shaft, terrific feel, and performs. Worth a try IMO.

 

HD and TP are similar to me, with the HD being a bit smoother and easier to turn over. YMMV.

I'll look into the HD.  If I can find a good deal on a HD with a Titleist adapter I might jump on it. 

Edited June 16 by BigGameDb

[jeffrey r]

2 hours ago, BigGameDb said:

I'll look into the HD.  If I can find a good deal on a HD with a Titleist adapter I might jump on it. 

 

The Japanese sellers on eBay usually have a decent supply of HD 6S with differing tips in the $150 range. Really an amazing shaft at that price. Hope you can grab one.

Edited June 16 by jeffrey r

[Rich_H]

On 6/12/2025 at 10:00 PM, Rich_H said:

Nice interested to hear what you think when you can get it out on the course. I needed a reset at driver so took all the shafts I've accumulated and put them through their paces at the sim and my GC-6X definitely came out on top but I've been great in the sim and then out on the course it's a different story. I'll update here how mine performs this weekend. Was gaming a Hzrdus Gen 5 6.0 before this and was having decent but not great results. 

Just following up...The GCs consistency was great over my two rounds this weekend. Real life dispersion was much less than the Hzrdus Gen 5 for me. Gonna stay on my GT2 for a few more rounds and hopefully it keeps performing. It is also nice that I feel like I am on the bottom end of the swing speed for the 6X and if I keep gaining some mph on the driver I am not going to have to switch shafts. Currently right at 105mph and am actively working towards 110. 

[phizzy30]

10 hours ago, BigGameDb said:

 

Funny you say this.  Played 18 yesterday with the UB and was crushing the ball but spraying it all over the place.  Lost several balls on my drives because they were so far gone.  I typically don't do this.  But I love the feel of the UB.  The smoothest of the GD's shafts I've tried so far.  Maybe it's just me trying to swing too hard because the shaft felt so smooth and I need to not swing so hard.   Or maybe I need to try more shafts.

Ah, then definitely test the VF as it feels similar to UB but the every so subtle kick is under the handle.  You may need a stiffer mid like I did.  What iron shafts do you play?  I ask because VF is DG profile and if you're in the X100, then it make sense to at least give the VF a go.  I play MMT and it's pretty much the composite of DG which is why the VF works so well for me.  

[thlongball]

Don’t sleep on the VR…..IMO it gets no love in the GD lineup VS (DI, TP, XC, VF, etc.) but is the best driver shafts I’ve hit in their stable.  

 

My hellish transition and late release never fit GD shafts even though I tried many times with the favorites.  For +10 years have been a stout shaft player due to my transition, think RIP Alpha, Black Tie, Hzrdus Black, Hulk, Ventus Black. 

 

A few months ago a buddy, not having any success with his VR experiment in a Smoke 3D max asked me to try it before he flipped it.  I told him I knew every GD profile “ on paper” and the VR had no shot. BUT he insisted… Very first swing at range on gc3, spin dropped significantly, dispersion tightened and smash jumped to 1.5 🔥 just laser beam straight and MAX explosive thru the hitting zone (addictive).

 

Since switching my 2024 driving accuracy (52%) has jumped +25%👌

[BigGameDb]

7 hours ago, phizzy30 said:

Ah, then definitely test the VF as it feels similar to UB but the every so subtle kick is under the handle.  You may need a stiffer mid like I did.  What iron shafts do you play?  I ask because VF is DG profile and if you're in the X100, then it make sense to at least give the VF a go.  I play MMT and it's pretty much the composite of DG which is why the VF works so well for me.  

DG S300 are in the irons.  I still game the Mizuno MP-32's.  

[third-times-a-charm]

19 hours ago, BigGameDb said:

 

Funny you say this.  Played 18 yesterday with the UB and was crushing the ball but spraying it all over the place.  Lost several balls on my drives because they were so far gone.  I typically don't do this.  But I love the feel of the UB.  The smoothest of the GD's shafts I've tried so far.  Maybe it's just me trying to swing too hard because the shaft felt so smooth and I need to not swing so hard.   Or maybe I need to try more shafts.

 

As per @BillyMacGD here in the new FI thread, you might like the new AD FI model which they call a beefed up UB:

 

 

[BigGameDb]

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

 

As per @BillyMacGD here in the new FI thread, you might like the new AD FI model which they call a beefed up UB:

 

 

Very interesting. I forgot I had an old 63x stiff diamana blueboard ion shaft I must have purchased back around 2010. I just took the shaft to my local shop and they are going to install a Titleist adapter for me. 
 

So before I start venturing into more GD shafts, I just want to see what the blueboard ion does in my GT1 driver. 

[goje22]

On 6/15/2025 at 8:24 PM, phizzy30 said:

It's fine to tinker, but keep the UB.  I've had the HD, GC, UB, VF, DI and tested the GP and GC.  I can tell you that HD is very linear in profile and doesn't drop off in stiffness like the UB does from the tip.  Has more kick though.  GC and HD are very similar but I found GC to be more slightly more stable with touch less kick.  VF has the least amount of kick outta the bunch and it's right under the handle as opposed to the DI, GC, and HD where it's more in the mid.  You really have to focus on it or you may not even feel it kick.  It's also the most stable/anti-left outta the bunch and the lowest launch/spin.  As far as the UB I wanted to love it, as it's was super smooth, but I had trouble squaring the face although I made solid contact often.  It all comes down to what EI profile works best for you plus feel that determines which one of these will work for you.  

Play and love UB 8TX and 9X in fairways but never liked it as much in driver. 
 

I find Diamana TB 60TX and BF60TX to be better feeling w/ very similar numbers @ the same loft. TB spins a hair less. 
 

When I want to kick spin down I usually bump the titleist adapter to a C1 (-.75 loft) or switch to a Blackout Tour AD GP 6TX. The tip section on GP is very stable. 

[Shilgy]

On 6/16/2025 at 11:10 AM, BigGameDb said:

I'll look into the HD.  If I can find a good deal on a HD with a Titleist adapter I might jump on it. 

Depending on your flex and weight requirements one of these may work.  You’ll still need an adapter but great pricing on the new shafts.

 

https://proclubs.com/collections/shafts-driver-shafts?sort_by=best-selling&filter.v.price.gte=&filter.v.price.lte=&filter.p.vendor=Graphite+Design

[Wardonation]

10 hours ago, Shilgy said:

Depending on your flex and weight requirements one of these may work.  You’ll still need an adapter but great pricing on the new shafts.

 

https://proclubs.com/collections/shafts-driver-shafts?sort_by=best-selling&filter.v.price.gte=&filter.v.price.lte=&filter.p.vendor=Graphite+Design

dude you just gave up my best shaft dealer lol. PC is great and great to deal with I have bought many shafts from them..

[Hollisticgolf]

3 minutes ago, Wardonation said:

dude you just gave up my best shaft dealer lol. PC is great and great to deal with I have bought many shafts from them..

Same here - new premium shafts at great prices. Can't beat PC.

[Wardonation]

1 minute ago, Hollisticgolf said:

Same here - new premium shafts at great prices. Can't beat PC.

Now our connect is public lol...

[Hollisticgolf]

Just now, Wardonation said:

Now our connect is public lol...

It's a hidden gem, I like the competition hahaha.

[Shilgy]

55 minutes ago, Wardonation said:

Now our connect is public lol...

 

57 minutes ago, Hollisticgolf said:

Same here - new premium shafts at great prices. Can't beat PC.

Hey now! I’ve posted links to them before. Even you two can’t buy EVERYTHING they have.🤣

[gbang15]

Got my ad Tp 8x from PC for a steal. loving the performance too!!

[hitnfades]

Pro Clubs has great items. Plenty of my Tour AD shafts have been bought from them as well. 
 

DI 6x in a mini head:

I cannot believe I am testing out a DI 6x. I found a deal on an Elyte Mini 13.5* head and this mini shaft from separate sellers that I could not pass up. So, I am pairing them up this weekend and pulling driver from the bag. I was able to hit a few range balls today and it was pretty solid pairing. I normally do not like the DI, but in X and tipped it felt better than my past experience. I had the DI 7s in an Apex UW 17* which now has a IZ 8s (playing it short is the reason I went to a 8). So far so good though with the DI. But, to be true to this thread I have XC 6s arriving tomorrow to test out as well. I generally play XC or HD 6s in my driver and my fairway/UW’s with IZ or UB in 7s/x. The UB may be pulled and will buy another IZ 7s. The IZ is great for me in fairways and UW’s, but this UB 7x has been great in the 21* UW. 

 

HD 5s in a Smoke TD Max:

I am still playing around with the HD 5s I posted about awhile back. It is paired with a Smoke TD Max 10.5* head. The HD 5s feels great, but adjusting to the timing of the lighter shaft. I will get quick and pull it left if my timing is off. Some of that is me and some of it is just timing. I just have not hit enough balls with it to make a decision. I do think it will be a nice option to have once I have more time with it. I am just not going to rush it. The Tour AD driver shafts that I get along in order are the  XC, HD and IZ.  &nbsp 

Edited June 21 by hitnfades

[this_is_golf]

I just picked up an IZ 7s driver shaft for cheap. My plan is to cut it down to play 44.5in with a Qi10 head. I’ve been playing an IZ shaft in my driving iron with great results so hoping it’ll translate to my driver, as well.