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

[J-Walker]

6 hours ago, this_is_golf said:

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. 

I’m a huge fan of the IZ in driver. For me, I get a towering ball flight without ballooning and it is strong through the wind especially considering the slightly higher launch angle. Dispersion is great as well. I have it in one of my fairway woods and love it there as well.

[cbrwn425]

Finally got my GC 6X in and swapped to my usual grip and I've had 2 range sessions with it. What a fantastic combination with my Qi35 head, point and shoot. Ball goes high and straight, shaft feels really smooth and stable. 

[Mob]

I just tested the GC in my driver on the Simulator.  Numbers and performance were pretty similar to the HD, but maybe a half degree less launch.  I then played a round of golf on the simulator and hit 12/14 fairways.  I rarely do that, even on a simulator.  My usual is 7-9/14 fairways.  I will try it this weekend and see how it goes.  Feels very smooth.  Alittle less kick than the HD.

[KevCannon]

On 6/22/2025 at 6:56 AM, this_is_golf said:

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. 

I found the IZ hybrid shaft feels and plays different compared to IZ wood shaft (assuming ur gaming the hybrid shaft in driving iron). I never felt strongly either way regarding the IZ wood shaft, launched very high with mid/high spin and could go left on me with driver. I think it could def be a solid fwy wood option for a lot of people. However the Hybrid version I love, plays and feels more stout vs IZ fwy. Feels stable while still having a subtle kick to it, more mid launch and keeps spin in a good window.

[BigGameDb]

Just had a long range session to come to a decision as to what driver/shaft I should be gaming for the rest of the season.  Been tinkering with different heads and shafts on the course, but really needed a day at the range to come to a conclusion.

 

The driver heads:  GT1 vs TSI2.

Shafts:  UB, GP, DI, Whiteboard, Blueboard. 

 

The winner (not what I was expecting):  TSI2 with the GP.

[philt90]

Managed to get my hands on a VF 5X the tip section isn’t quite clean with my Callaway adapter has anyone Tipped this shaft ?. 1/2 inch will be enough, I’m currently between 112  - 115mph but training to get faster 💪🏻

[phizzy30]

11 minutes ago, philt90 said:

Managed to get my hands on a VF 5X the tip section isn’t quite clean with my Callaway adapter has anyone Tipped this shaft ?. 1/2 inch will be enough, I’m currently between 112  - 115mph but training to get faster 💪🏻

Mine was a 7TX and tipped half inch.  It's plenty stiff enough in the tip section where it doesn't need to be massively tipped.  You'll be fine. 

[philt90]

15 minutes ago, phizzy30 said:

Mine was a 7TX and tipped half inch.  It's plenty stiff enough in the tip section where it doesn't need to be massively tipped.  You'll be fine. 

Yes didn’t want it to go like a board 

[BigGameDb]

I'm intrigued by the VF.  Ideally I'd like a 5S but if I find a good deal on a 6S, I'd jump on it.  For those that have the VF, does it feel boardy?  

[GMR2iron]

1 hour ago, BigGameDb said:

I'm intrigued by the VF.  Ideally I'd like a 5S but if I find a good deal on a 6S, I'd jump on it.  For those that have the VF, does it feel boardy?  

I have the VF 5X in driver, and 6X in 3 wood. It is stout, anti-left, but much smoother than the shafts typically classed as “boardy”, such as the HZRDUS Black or Aldila Alpha, or Black Tie.

[phizzy30]

3 hours ago, BigGameDb said:

I'm intrigued by the VF.  Ideally I'd like a 5S but if I find a good deal on a 6S, I'd jump on it.  For those that have the VF, does it feel boardy?  

Not at all.  It's a classic whiteboard profile and it's one of the smoothest by far.  

[GMR2iron]

Has anyone tried the CQ in a fairway wood? From I have have read on the shaft, and according to the Graphite Design charts, this shaft seems like a high launch, spinning shaft in a driver, but was thinking that it might be a good fit in a fairway metal in a 7X or 8X???

[phizzy30]

59 minutes ago, GMR2iron said:

Has anyone tried the CQ in a fairway wood? From I have have read on the shaft, and according to the Graphite Design charts, this shaft seems like a high launch, spinning shaft in a driver, but was thinking that it might be a good fit in a fairway metal in a 7X or 8X???

It's a good option if you really need the extra spin.  The way it bend/loads is very similar to the Ventus red, IMO, but much smoother.  I'd recommend the 8X as it felt a little more stable.    

[GMR2iron]

7 hours ago, phizzy30 said:

It's a good option if you really need the extra spin.  The way it bend/loads is very similar to the Ventus red, IMO, but much smoother.  I'd recommend the 8X as it felt a little more stable.    

Still trying to find the shaft for 3 wood- I have the VF in driver, and it is perfect. I had a brief honeymoon with HD in 3 wood, but it has gotten hooky. I tried a VF, a little too low launch, tried XC and had good numbers and flight, but sprayed it all over the place. Not sure whether to try CQ or GC- it is becoming difficult to get the good launch, and yet avoid the lefts…..

[phizzy30]

On 7/8/2025 at 2:20 AM, GMR2iron said:

Still trying to find the shaft for 3 wood- I have the VF in driver, and it is perfect. I had a brief honeymoon with HD in 3 wood, but it has gotten hooky. I tried a VF, a little too low launch, tried XC and had good numbers and flight, but sprayed it all over the place. Not sure whether to try CQ or GC- it is becoming difficult to get the good launch, and yet avoid the lefts…..

GC is more stable than CQ.  Think of it as a little firmer HD.  If you're not adverse to trying something outside GD, I would recommend Diamana GT.  I too looked for a 3 metal shaft for a long time and tested a ton and have found nothing more stable than the GT.  It's EI profile is supposed to be similar to the VF and feels just as smooth, IMO but I can feel a bit more bend/load.  If I do snap one left and it's extremely rare, it's because I put a really s***** swing on it.  Nice thing is I can also fade it as well.  

Edited July 9 by phizzy30

[cbrwn425]

On 7/8/2025 at 4:20 AM, GMR2iron said:

Still trying to find the shaft for 3 wood- I have the VF in driver, and it is perfect. I had a brief honeymoon with HD in 3 wood, but it has gotten hooky. I tried a VF, a little too low launch, tried XC and had good numbers and flight, but sprayed it all over the place. Not sure whether to try CQ or GC- it is becoming difficult to get the good launch, and yet avoid the lefts…..

I can’t speak to the CQ but the GC is really stable in driver with a nice high launch. I currently play the DI in 3 would but I’m curious to try the GC with how well it performs. 

[BigGameDb]

So my GP honeymoon is over.  Took it to the course last week and just couldn't get anything going with it.  So it's back to the bench and probably for sale.

 

Ended up buying a VF 5S to put in my driver (Tsi2).  Took it to the range this morning.  First off, I thought it had a much better feel than the GP.  Second, I couldn't get over how high I was launching the ball with it.  My driver is 10 degrees.  I always keep my Tsi2 at A1 setting.  I was shocked because I thought the VF was a low launching shaft.  I ended up going to D1 which is .75 less loft.  It lowered my flight a little bit, but nothing drastic. 

 

I'll be taking the VF out on the course tomorrow.  Going to keep it at the D1 setting for now and see how it goes with the lower loft.  It was only one range session but I was very impressed with the VF.  Felt smooth, stable, and even though I was surprised at the launch, the majority of my drives were nice and straight.

 

 

[phizzy30]

7 hours ago, BigGameDb said:

So my GP honeymoon is over.  Took it to the course last week and just couldn't get anything going with it.  So it's back to the bench and probably for sale.

 

Ended up buying a VF 5S to put in my driver (Tsi2).  Took it to the range this morning.  First off, I thought it had a much better feel than the GP.  Second, I couldn't get over how high I was launching the ball with it.  My driver is 10 degrees.  I always keep my Tsi2 at A1 setting.  I was shocked because I thought the VF was a low launching shaft.  I ended up going to D1 which is .75 less loft.  It lowered my flight a little bit, but nothing drastic. 

 

I'll be taking the VF out on the course tomorrow.  Going to keep it at the D1 setting for now and see how it goes with the lower loft.  It was only one range session but I was very impressed with the VF.  Felt smooth, stable, and even though I was surprised at the launch, the majority of my drives were nice and straight.

 

 

High launch with driver isn't a bad thing unless it's accompanied by high spin.  A good rule of thumb that I have for myself is that as launch doesn't get over 15* with driver, it's perfectly fine as long as I keep spin under 2800 rpm.  

[Wardonation]

20 hours ago, BigGameDb said:

So my GP honeymoon is over.  Took it to the course last week and just couldn't get anything going with it.  So it's back to the bench and probably for sale.

 

Ended up buying a VF 5S to put in my driver (Tsi2).  Took it to the range this morning.  First off, I thought it had a much better feel than the GP.  Second, I couldn't get over how high I was launching the ball with it.  My driver is 10 degrees.  I always keep my Tsi2 at A1 setting.  I was shocked because I thought the VF was a low launching shaft.  I ended up going to D1 which is .75 less loft.  It lowered my flight a little bit, but nothing drastic. 

 

I'll be taking the VF out on the course tomorrow.  Going to keep it at the D1 setting for now and see how it goes with the lower loft.  It was only one range session but I was very impressed with the VF.  Felt smooth, stable, and even though I was surprised at the launch, the majority of my drives were nice and straight.

 

 

The weight could have something to do with your launch? I found the 6 s and 6X to launch too low for me which su$% because I loved everything else about that shaft.

[cocolamb22]

I'm currently playing a Ping G430 LST 9* (played at 7.5*) with an AD DI 7X tipped an inch.

 

Looking to go to the new G440 and debating between the AD VF 7X or Fuji Black Velo+ 7X. Looking for something more anti-left. On course swing speed around 123mph playing at altitude. What are everyones thought around those shafts or alternatives?

[phizzy30]

6 hours ago, cocolamb22 said:

I'm currently playing a Ping G430 LST 9* (played at 7.5*) with an AD DI 7X tipped an inch.

 

Looking to go to the new G440 and debating between the AD VF 7X or Fuji Black Velo+ 7X. Looking for something more anti-left. On course swing speed around 123mph playing at altitude. What are everyones thought around those shafts or alternatives?

Velo+ black or VF-7TX(not X).  You swing too hard/fast for the X, lol.  Even at my paltry 118 ss, I had the 7TX in my bag because X in both 60 and 70 gram were too loose.  Velo+ black is a touch more anti-left than the VF in TX, however does launch lower and apexes flatter which is something to keep in mind.  You won't have any trouble properly loading either at your ss.  

Edited July 11 by phizzy30

[cocolamb22]

53 minutes ago, phizzy30 said:

Velo+ black or VF-7TX(not X).  You swing too hard/fast for the X, lol.  Even at my paltry 118 ss, I had the 7TX in my bag because X in both 60 and 70 gram were too loose.  Velo+ black is a touch more anti-left than the VF in TX, however does launch lower and apexes flatter which is something to keep in mind.  You won't have any trouble properly loading both either at your ss.  

Thanks @phizzy30. Always appreciate your shaft insights

[EDT501]

Can't wait to get bad boy built up tonight and on the course tomorrow.

[GMR2iron]

On 7/9/2025 at 6:04 PM, phizzy30 said:

GC is more stable than CQ.  Think of it as a little firmer HD.  If you're not adverse to trying something outside GD, I would recommend Diamana GT.  I too looked for a 3 metal shaft for a long time and tested a ton and have found nothing more stable than the GT.  It's EI profile is supposed to be similar to the VF and feels just as smooth, IMO but I can feel a bit more bend/load.  If I do snap one left and it's extremely rare, it's because I put a really s***** swing on it.  Nice thing is I can also fade it as well.  

Thank you! I’m going to try and find a GC, maybe being a little more stout than the HD, it may mitigate the lefts. Also, going to try and locate. Diamana GT to try. If it is close to the VF, as you say, it might do the trick!

[BigGameDb]

On 7/10/2025 at 1:19 PM, BigGameDb said:

So my GP honeymoon is over.  Took it to the course last week and just couldn't get anything going with it.  So it's back to the bench and probably for sale.

 

Ended up buying a VF 5S to put in my driver (Tsi2).  Took it to the range this morning.  First off, I thought it had a much better feel than the GP.  Second, I couldn't get over how high I was launching the ball with it.  My driver is 10 degrees.  I always keep my Tsi2 at A1 setting.  I was shocked because I thought the VF was a low launching shaft.  I ended up going to D1 which is .75 less loft.  It lowered my flight a little bit, but nothing drastic. 

 

I'll be taking the VF out on the course tomorrow.  Going to keep it at the D1 setting for now and see how it goes with the lower loft.  It was only one range session but I was very impressed with the VF.  Felt smooth, stable, and even though I was surprised at the launch, the majority of my drives were nice and straight.

 

 

Took the VF 5S out on the course today.  All I can say is WOW!    This shaft totally transformed by driver, at least today.  I've tried the DI, GP, UB, OG Blueboard and OG Whiteboard and nothing has come close to how I was able to drive the ball today.  It's like I added a ton of more horsepower to my driver.  Maybe it's just a honeymoon period but none of the shafts I mentioned above were able to perform for me like the VF did today.

[phizzy30]

12 minutes ago, BigGameDb said:

Took the VF 5S out on the course today.  All I can say is WOW!    This shaft totally transformed by driver, at least today.  I've tried the DI, GP, UB, OG Blueboard and OG Whiteboard and nothing has come close to how I was able to drive the ball today.  It's like I added a ton of more horsepower to my driver.  Maybe it's just a honeymoon period but none of the shafts I mentioned above were able to perform for me like the VF did today.

Can't beat straight and fast when it comes to driver.  Hopefully she becomes marriage material and not some side piece(not that side pieces are bad, lol).    

[EDT501]

I think the VF is probably the best whiteboard since the og whiteboard. Not a monster to load, even in a weight / stiffness that’s a bit of a reach for me. At cruising speed it never feels like rebar and even when I really aggressively get after one it feels very stable. Such a neutral shaft, it doesn’t ask you to do anything and it’s not going to do anything for you what you put into it is what’s gonna come out. Graphite design has a real winner here. 
 

I’ve also been using the UB in my fairways for the last couple months. Very similar, but with some more action, of course never feel like they’re gonna get away from me and it’s a very predictable load and unload. They remind me of the DG X100, smooth, and yet seemingly not capable of being overpowered, unless you are a real animal. 

[phizzy30]

5 hours ago, EDT501 said:

I think the VF is probably the best whiteboard since the og whiteboard. Not a monster to load, even in a weight / stiffness that’s a bit of a reach for me. At cruising speed it never feels like rebar and even when I really aggressively get after one it feels very stable. Such a neutral shaft, it doesn’t ask you to do anything and it’s not going to do anything for you what you put into it is what’s gonna come out. Graphite design has a real winner here. 
 

I’ve also been using the UB in my fairways for the last couple months. Very similar, but with some more action, of course never feel like they’re gonna get away from me and it’s a very predictable load and unload. They remind me of the DG X100, smooth, and yet seemingly not capable of being overpowered, unless you are a real animal. 

1. OG whiteboard

2. AD VF

3. 1K pro orange  

 

That is all.  

[BigGameDb]

8 minutes ago, phizzy30 said:

1. OG whiteboard

2. AD VF

3. 1K pro orange  

 

That is all.  

I have an OG whiteboard and I like the VF better.  

[phizzy30]

2 minutes ago, BigGameDb said:

I have an OG whiteboard and I like the VF better.  

It's interchangeable.  I had to give homage to the OG though.  It's only right, lol.