Graphite Design AD XC Shaft Review

By Paul Liberatore

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Published:

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Possibly the most popular golf shaft of all-time is the Graphite Design Tour AD DI shaft played by Tiger Woods. The signature orange and white shaft has made Graphite Design a household name for many in the golfing community. Their newest shaft, the Tour AD XC shaft is a complete golf shaft optimized for eXtra Carry. The XC shaft is a blend of stability and feel and is already making waves on the PGA and other Worldwide Golfing Tours.

Key Features

The Tour AD XC is a low-mid launching golf shaft that delivers low spin rates for maximized carry and total distances.

The Tour AD XC features a softer butt section and stiff tip and middle sections to give golfers more effective energy transfer without a harsh feel.

The Tour AD XC is crafted with TORAYCA M40X, TORAYCA T1100G, and NANOALLOY carbon-fiber materials to give golfers a precision build and tighter tolerances.

Design and Technology

The composition of materials within the Graphite Design family is what helps set them apart from other premium golf shaft companies. The Tour AD XC is created using the entire spectrum of advanced materials available to the engineers at Graphite Design. 50 ton ultra-premium aerospace carbon fiber materials are used throughout the shaft to give the exact bend profile. 

TORAYCA M40X pre-preg in the mid and tip sections with TORAYCA T1100G carbon-fiber infused with NANOALLOY technology create a versatile golf shaft that is easy to swing yet delivers exceptional stability and control through impact.

Graphite Design AD XC Shaft


One of the standout features of the Tour AD XC 6 Shaft is its mid kick point. This means that it produces a mid-high trajectory while still maintaining optimal spin control. And let me tell you, this combination is a game-changer. It gives you the best of both worlds – distance and accuracy.


PROS

  • The Tour AD XC is among the most stable and most explosive golf shafts we have tested.
  • The softer butt section of the Tour AD XC mixed with the stiff mid and tip sections create a golf shaft that is easier to swing yet more powerful through impact.
  • The Tour AD XC uses advanced materials to deliver golfers a smooth feel and consistency at a wide range of club head speeds.

CONS

  • The Tour AD XC is a premium golf shaft and thus will be difficult to justify for budget-conscious players.
  • Generally, Graphite Design shafts can be very difficult to find, test, and demo when buying your new drivers or fairway woods. Click the image below to find a dealer near you.
  • Players looking to maximize launch and spin for their fairway woods coming from the turf may prefer the Tour AD DI or other options.

Our Experience

Some of my best golf clubs ever have been paired with Graphite Design shafts. It is rare that they come out with anything that I do not like and that does not fit a wide range of golfers. The Tour AD XC is no different. The Tour AD XC truly shines as a compliment to the driver as a shaft that produces explosive results and helps players maximize their carry distances through higher launch and lower spin rates. The reinforced tip section helped keep my driver in place during my entire golf swing, yet the softer butt section made it feel as though I could swing comfortably, and the shaft would do the work.

Ultimately, golf shafts of any kind should be looked at as transfer devices to help you get the maximum amount of energy from your golf swing back into the golf ball. The Tour AD XC delivers more efficiency for a variety of golf swings and that can mean higher levels of both distance and accuracy for those that find their timing with this high-performance golf shaft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Graphite Design Tour AD XC 6 Shaft Be Used With Any Other Driver Models Besides TaylormADe M6, M5, M4, M3, M2, and M1?

Yes, the Graphite Design Tour AD XC 6 shaft can be used with other driver models. Custom shaft options are available upon request, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of drivers for an optimized golfing experience.

Are There Any Custom Color Options Available for the Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360* Grip?

Custom color options are available for the Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360* grip. Grip customization adds a personal touch to your clubs. The durability of the grip ensures long-lasting performance, enhancing your overall golfing experience.

How Does the Tour AD XC Shaft Compare to Other Graphite Design Shaft Models in Terms of Feel and Performance?

The Tour AD XC shaft offers a unique feel and performance compared to other Graphite Design models. Its mid kick point creates a MID – HIGH trajectory with optimal spin control. The shaft’s customization options include length adjustment and custom color choices for the grip.

Is the Shaft Available for Left-Handed Golfers as Well?

Yes, the shaft is available for left-handed golfers and can be customized to fit various golf club models. Graphite Design offers options for customization, ensuring compatibility and performance for all players.

Can the Shaft Length Be Adjusted to a Different Standard Finished Length Than 45.5 Inches?

Yes, the shaft length can be adjusted to a different standard finished length than 45.5 inches. Custom grip options are available, ensuring a personalized fit for enhanced performance on the course.

Conclusion

Getting the right golf shaft for your swing will allow you to take your best drives ever and make those your normal. Optimized performance from shafts like the Graphite Design Tour AD XC shaft can allow you to attack par-4s with wedges and short irons and get to those longer par-5s in two. The benefits of the Tour AD XC extend beyond just the distance gains it can provide. The Tour AD XC delivers a beautiful feel and sensation as you swing it coupled with a powerful punch through impact. Graphite Design continues to push the boundary forward for high-end golf shafts and the Tour AD XC is the next in line.

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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