Graphite Design Tour AD DI Shaft Review - Specs, Flex, Weight

Graphite Design Tour AD DI Shaft Review – Specs, Flex, Weight

We usually try to reserve judgment of a shaft until later in the review.

But this time, we’re breaking character by claiming in the introduction that the Graphite Design Tour AD DI is a truly remarkable shaft.

We’ll reserve the details for later in the review but we will say that we can clearly see why some of the most prolific Tour Pros game these shafts.

If you haven’t considered the Graphite Design Tour AD DI shaft for your woods you need to read this review and then go get a fitting.

Graphite Design Tour AD DI Shaft Overview

Let’s start with looks.

It appears as though Graphite design puts all their time and effort into engineering and saves money on their design department.

The shaft, which is available in a black or orange color scheme, looks busy. The midsection is lousy with logos and lettering.

We prefer the black and white finish to the gaudy orange and white color scheme.

The Graphite Design Tour AD DI is available in a dizzying array of weights and flexes.

The weight ranges from 54g to 97g. Graphite Design seemingly wanted to appeal to as many golfers as possible and they have succeeded.

No matter what your swing speed is, you can pick up a Graphite Design Tour AD DI shaft in a weight that works for you.

The feel of this shaft is definitely active. The kick point is advertised as mid; but we would actually say that it is a bit closer to the butt than true mid.

Why is the Graphite Design Tour AD DI So Popular?

When a shaft is used by players like Tiger Woods, it’s going to get some attention.

The Graphite Design Tour AD DI has been used by some of the biggest names in golf; but there are weights and flexes for us mortals too.

How Does the Graphite Design Tour AD DI Perform?

Depending on which weight class you choose, you’re either going to get a high or mid launch from this shaft.

The amazing thing about it though is that even the lightest version of the Graphite Design Tour AD DI can produce low spin rates.

In our test session, we never saw the spin rates exceed 2000 RPM’s. For the most part, spin was relegated to the 1800-1900 RPM range.

The stiff tip section also kept dispersion very tight. Our offline divergence never drifted into the double-digit (yards) range.

Carry distance was good too. After three swings each, we were averaging 268.8 yards. The Graphite Design Tour AD DI ticked nearly all of the boxes for us.

Graphite Design Tour AD DI Shaft Specs

Specs	Graphite Design Tour AD DI
Available flexes	Lite, regular, stiff/regular, stiff, extra stiff, tour extra stiff
Weight	54g – 97g
Butt	.595”, .596”, .598”, .602”, .600”, .604”, .606”, .608”, .610”
Tip	.335”
Length	46”

What Flexes Are Available? What Swing Speeds Do They Suit?

Lite flex is suitable for 71-85 MPH swingers.

Regular flex is good for 86-95 MPH swingers. Players in the 92-98 MPH range should check out the Graphite Design Tour AD DI in stiff/regular flex.

Stiff flex may be suitable for players in the 96-105 MPH range. Extra stiff is for players in the 100-105 MPH range. Tour extra stiff should work for players swinging their driver 110+ MPH.

What Weights Are Available? What Swing Speeds Do They Suit?

The Graphite Design Tour AD DI is available in a wide variety of weights.

If you’re in the 70-85 MPH swing speed range, you’re probably going to want to stay between 54 and 64 grams.

86-95 MPH swingers will want to stay within the 75-85 gram weight class. For 96+ MPH swingers, there is the 86-97 gram weight class.

Why is it So Good?

The Graphite Design Tour AD DI is a rare combination of active profile, long carry distance, low spin rates and tight dispersion.

This is a combination that works for almost every kind of player.

The Graphite Design Tour AD DI is an amazing shaft because it will improve your drive distance while delivering a very smooth, satisfying feel.

And while it makes it easy to take your most powerful swing, it keeps the ball on-line.

Graphite Design Tour AD DI First Impressions

Our first impression of the Graphite Design Tour AD DI was that it felt very smooth.

While we wouldn’t say it is as smooth as the Mitsubishi Tensei shafts, it is still amazingly fluid for having such an active profile.

Key Features & Performance

The Graphite Design Tour AD DI utilizes aerospace-grade, high modulus 50-ton carbon fiber in order to stiffen the tip section.

While the mid and butt sections are of medium stiffness, the tip is stiff in order to promote acute club head control.

This is part of what produces such tight shot dispersion.

Graphite Design Tour AD DI Driver Review

When plugged into our driver, the Graphite Design Tour AD DI felt incredibly easy and smooth to swing.

It can stand up to a really heavy load and the release feels phenomenally fluid. The dispersion is tight enough to keep you out of the trees but there is also some workability for better players.

Graphite Design Tour AD DI Fairway Wood Review

When we plugged the Graphite Design Tour AD DI into a 3-wood, we still got tight dispersion whether we were swinging from the box or off the deck.

Graphite Design Tour AD DI Pros & Cons

Pros:

Wide variety of weights
Good for fast or slow swingers
Tight dispersion
Mid/high launch
Low spin

Cons:

It’s very expensive

Graphite Design Tour AD DI Shaft

Overall Score: 98/100

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Who Should Buy it?

Firstly, you’ll need deep pockets to score the Graphite Design Tour AD DI.

We’ve not seen it retail for any less than $200 (new). But in this case, you get what you pay for. The Graphite Design Tour AD DI is a phenomenal shaft that can work for all swing speeds and tempos.