Graphite Design AD TP Shaft Review

By Paul Liberatore

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Published:

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The Tour AD TP, “Tour Proven,” shaft is a subtler design from Graphite Design. This shaft is perfect for the golfer looking for a smooth feel, a mid to high launch and low spin . A company made famous by putting the orange AD DI shaft in the driver of Tiger Woods , Graphite Design makes a home in many elite golfer’s metal woods . Built with the same signature rings common of all Graphite Design shafts, the AD TP is distinguished by it’s gold and grey colorway. The AD TP can help any golfers game by complimenting fairway woods that need to be versatile from the tee box and the ground or giving them longer drives from higher launches and less spin.

Key Features

The Tour AD TP shaft is made in Japan from ultra-high-end materials. FTT, fast taper technology, aerospace grade 50-ton carbon-fiber, TORAYCA® T1100G pre-preg, and Material Stiffness Integration (MSI) offers golfers premium feel and tour validated performance.

Golfers looking for mid-high launch and low spin will love the AD TP shaft. Graphite Design uses shaft profiling strengths to help golfers choose shafts that match their swings. The AD TP shaft has a stiff Tip-section, firm Mid-section, and firm Butt-section.

Robot testing concluded that the Tour AD TP improves upon previous Graphite Design models and gives golfers over 3 yards of carrying distance.

Design and Technology

The Tour AD TP shaft is a standout shaft for lower lofted fairway metals and drivers. Graphite Design uses their Fast Taper Technology, FTT, to create a shaft that offers an overall feeling of total club head control and increased club head speeds. T1100 fiber is used among shaft manufacturers to help increase tip stability and give  high swing speed players  more control over their impacts. Graphite Design’s incorporation of their TORATCA® pre-preg with NANOALLOY® creates additional stability when striking the golf ball.

I have used the Graphite Design Tour AD TP in my 3 wood for the last two consecutive seasons, and have been playing Graphite Design shafts for over five years now. The AD TP has been an absolutely perfect fit for my 3 wood. This shaft has increased my ball speeds and made my 3 wood more versatile from the tee and from the turf. In my 3 wood, I prefer a shaft that is smooth to swing and helps me hit low spinning tee shots yet high launching shots from the fairways and rough. The AD TP shaft checks all of those boxes. It has made my 3 wood long off the tee , but capable of launching high approaches into greens that stop quickly. Playing for a position from the tee and taking advantage of par-5s is easier thanks to this shaft. I have never been more confident with a shaft that feels so good.

Graphite Design AD TP Shaft


This shaft is a game-changer, designed to optimize your swing speed and ball flight. It’s crafted with the preferences of skilled golfers in mind, providing unmatched stability, feel, and control.


The Tour AD TP Shaft sets itself apart from the competition by delivering superior performance attributes that will have you dominating the course. With the Tour AD TP Shaft, you’ll experience a level of stability that sets the bar high for performance.


PROS

  • Mid to high launch and low spin can create long drive or perfect fairway ball flights
  • Fast Taper Technology gives golfers a one-of-a-kind feeling and clubhead control
  • Premium material ensure that every shaft created is built to the tightest tolerances

CONS

  • Premium material come at a price, the Tour AD TP shaft MSRP is around $380
  • Some players may feel distracted when looking down at a grey shaft in their woods
  • Lack of availability to test in demo clubs as local pro shops and retail golf stores

Our Experience

The AD TP incorporates Graphite Design's new "Fast Taper Technology" (FTT), which features a faster taper rate from the lower mid-section to the tip. This design aims to provide greater clubhead control at impact. The shaft also utilizes advanced materials, including TORAYCA® T1100G carbon fiber pre-preg, which combines high modulus and high tensile strength fibers.


In our testing, we found the AD TP to have a slightly firmer feel compared to the AD DI, with a more subtle kick. The shaft's profile is rated as tip stiff with a firm butt and mid section, which translates to excellent stability throughout the swing. This design resulted in straighter shots and better control, especially for players with aggressive swings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Request a Different Grip or Customized Length for the Shaft?

Yes, you can request a different grip or customized length for the shaft. Just let us know your preferences during checkout, and we’ll gladly tailor the shaft to your needs. Your satisfaction is guaranteed!

Is the Wrench Included With the Purchase of the Shaft?

Yeah, the wrench is not included with the purchase of the shaft. However, you can request different grip or customized length options when checking out. Just send us a message and we’ll be glad to help.

How Can I Provide Feedback if I Found a Lower Price for the Product?

I can provide feedback on a lower price by signing in and submitting it. The company may not match every price, but they aim for competitive prices. Customer satisfaction and price matching are important to them.

Are There Any Additional Shaft Weights Available for This Product?

Yes, there are additional shaft weights available for this product. You can also customize options like grip and length. Just send a message when checking out. All workmanship is guaranteed.

Can I Choose a Different Driver Adapter for the Shaft, or Is It Only Available With the Specified Options?

Yes, you can choose a different driver adapter for the shaft, allowing for custom adapter selection and shaft customization. This ensures the perfect fit for your driver head, providing a personalized experience.

Conclusion

The Graphite Design Tour AD TP shaft is the best fairway wood shaft I have ever played. My overall confidence and performance with my 3 wood have improved thanks to the performance of this shaft. Offered in a variety of weights and flexes, players looking for a mid to high launching, low spin driver or fairway shaft should consider the AD TP from Graphite Design.

Paul Liberatore

Paul Liberatore

As the Founder of Golfers Authority Paul Liberatore Esq. has spent the last 7+ years writing about the best golf equipment or instruction from the top golf instructors in the world. He has been a contributing writer for Sports Illustrated Golf and GolfWRX. After graduating with honors from Purdue University, he realized that he had a passion for the golf business and the law. When he's not practicing law, or creating golf content on YouTube, he can be found on his syndicated Behind the Golf Brand podcast talking with the most prolific leaders in the golf industry. 

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