Graphite Design Shafts

Both the DI and CQ deliver mid-high launch, but they feel and load very differently. The Tour AD DI uses NANOALLOY® technology in the tip for a firm, stable feel through impact, it loads smoothly in the mid section and is the more widely fit of the two. The Tour AD CQ uses Nitta 2G-Namd carbon nanotube technology in the butt section, which gives it a lower kickpoint and a more lively, whip-like loading feel through the downswing. The CQ promotes slightly more energy transfer and suits players with a moderate to deliberate tempo who want to feel the shaft work. The DI rewards a more neutral, consistent tempo and is generally the better fit for players coming off a data-driven fitting. If you're between the two, swing speed and tempo are the key variables, reach out! Our team can help at 408-475-7570.

Shaft weight affects how the club feels during the swing and how much control you have at impact. As a general starting point: 50–60g suits players with swing speeds below 95 mph, or anyone who wants to maximize clubhead speed with less effort. 65–70g is the most common range for mid-to-high swing speed amateurs (95–110 mph) and offers a balance of feel and control. 75–80g suits faster swingers (110+ mph) who need more stability and control through transition. That said, weight isn't just about swing speed — tempo matters too. A player with a smooth tempo can often handle a heavier shaft than their speed alone would suggest, while an aggressive transition player may need to go lighter to avoid losing timing. If you're unsure, start in the 60–65g range and adjust from there. Our team is happy to help narrow it down, text us at 408-475-7570.

The Tour AD FI (Flight Intelligence) is Graphite Design's 2026 driver shaft — the newest model in the Tour AD lineup. It shares AD Shield technology with the GC but adds Tornado Tip Technology, a reinforced tip construction that increases rigidity and promotes a slightly higher launch window. The FI has a Firm+ butt and mid section with a Stiff tip (compared to the GC's Firm+ tip), making it slightly more tip-active and a touch higher-launching than the GC. Think of it as the DI's modern successor: similar launch intent but with considerably more stability and the latest material tech. Finished in a green-to-gloss black fade with the new Tour AD logo. Available in 40g through 80g.

The Tour AD GC (Game Changer) is Graphite Design's 2025 driver shaft, designed to fill the mid-launch, mid-to-low spin gap between the higher-launching DI and the low-launching VF. It features AD Shield technologym circumferentially placed carbon fiber plies in the handle that reduce torsion, plus a redesigned wider-diameter tip section for improved rigidity. The shaft profile is Stiff in the butt, Firm in the center, and Firm+ in the tip. It suits players with moderate-to-fast swing speeds who want a penetrating mid-trajectory with low dispersion. Tour player Ryo Ishikawa put it in play at release. Available in weights from 40g to 80g.

The Tour AD DI (Deep Impact) is designed for mid-high launch with low-to-mid spin, using NANOALLOY® technology in the tip section for stability with added height. The Tour AD VF (Victory Force) sits lower on the launch spectrum — low-to-mid launch and low spin — with a Very Stiff tip using TORAYCA® M40X and T1100G materials for maximum stability and a penetrating ball flight. DI is the more versatile option for most players; VF suits faster swingers who want a flatter, tighter trajectory.

Every Graphite Design Tour AD shaft is designed and manufactured exclusively at Graphite Design's factory headquarters in Japan. Unlike many shaft brands that outsource production, Graphite Design controls the entire process — from material engineering to final finish, all at a single facility in Chichibu. That end-to-end ownership is a core reason for the consistency and tolerances the brand is known for, and why Tour AD shafts perform the same way shot after shot.

For most mid-handicap golfers, the Tour AD DI is the best starting point, its mid-high launch and low-to-mid spin profile works across a broad range of swing speeds, and it's the most forgiving fit in the Tour AD lineup. If your swing speed is above 100 mph and you're generating too much spin, the Tour AD VF or Tour AD FI are worth considering instead. If you want mid-high launch with a smoother, more feel-oriented response, the Tour AD GC is another strong option. The right answer ultimately comes down to your numbers. If you've been on a launch monitor, the comparison table above will point you directly to the right model.

The Tour AD IZ is engineered for one specific outcome: high launch with low spin. That combination maximizes carry distance without the balloon flight that typically comes with high-launching shafts. It's the right shaft if your launch monitor numbers show you're launching too low for your swing speed, or if you've switched to a low-loft driver and need help getting the ball airborne. It's the highest-launching model in the current Tour AD lineup and a favorite among players with moderate swing speeds who want to maximize carry without sacrificing the shot-to-shot consistency Graphite Design is known for.

Yes — Grips4Less is a Top Authorized Graphite Design Dealer who builds and sells Graphite Design Tour AD shafts fully assembled with your choice of adapter tip and grip, ready to install directly into your driver or fairway wood. Compatible adapters include TaylorMade, Callaway, Titleist, Cobra, Ping, and Mizuno. In-stock assembled shafts ship same day when ordered before 5pm ET. Browse all Custom Assembled Graphite Design Shaft options.

Graphite Design Tour AD shafts use several proprietary and licensed technologies: NANOALLOY® (a Toray material used in the tip section of DI models for added stability and feel), TORAYCA® T1100G carbon fiber (ultra-high modulus material used in the mid-to-tip of VF and other models for precision and stiffness), TORAYCA® M40X (used in butt sections for smooth loading), and MSI — Material Stiffness Integration — Graphite Design's proprietary design philosophy for matching material properties to specific shaft zones.

Yes — and it's worth considering even if you've always played steel. The Tour AD Iron Series covers weights from 50g (lighter than any steel shaft, ideal for senior or slower swing speed players) up to 115g (a direct steel replacement for aggressive ball strikers who want graphite feel without giving up weight or control). The lighter options in the lineup are particularly strong for players dealing with elbow or wrist fatigue, or anyone looking to add distance through easier swing mechanics. Grips4Less also carries the Tour AD UT driving iron shaft — a purpose-built option for players adding a utility iron or driving iron to the bag who want the same Tour AD quality in a 0.355" tip format.