Golfers are becoming more aware of the benefits of being properly fit for their equipment. Longer distances, more accuracy, and lower scores can all be achieved by getting the right equipment for your swing. Although it is common place for many golfers, the fittings often stop at drivers and irons. Golfers neglect their fairway woods, wedges, putters, and importantly, hybrids.
Getting a whole bag fitting is the best way to make sure there are no holes in your bag. Hybrids especially can be versatile clubs that can allow golfer to lay up, attack par-3 holes, and escape trouble from around the course. Matching the hybrid club head to a high performance shaft can unlock swing benefits you have likely never experienced if you have never been fit for a hybrid or tired the Graphite Design Tour AD hybrid shafts.
Key Features
High Launch – Graphite Design Tour AD HY
Medium Launch – Graphite Design Tour AD IZ
Low Launch – Graphite Design Tour AD DI
Design and Technology
Graphite Design Tour AD DI Hybrid Shaft
The Tour AD DI is unmistakable and the performance of the shaft matches. Made with high modulus aerospace quality carbon fiber and the Material Stiffness Integration (MSI) the Tour AD DI is a complete hybrid shaft offering. Billed as a mid launch, low to mid spin golf shaft, the AD DI will fit a wide range of golfers and swing styles. Notably, the AD DI is the only Graphite Design Hybrid offered in weights above 100-grams.
Graphite Design Tour AD IZ Hybrid Shaft
The Graphite Design Tour AD IZ is slightly higher launching compared to the Tour AD DI. The Tour AD IZ is well suited for golfers looking to gain more height for approaching greens, especially on longer holes. Golfers looking to elevate lower lofted hybrids will also love the efficiency of this shaft and how easy it is to swing. The AD IZ is the perfect complement to the AD DI and great for golfers looking to secure the middle part of their golf bag.
Graphite Design Tour AD HY Shaft
The AD HY hybrid shaft is the highest launching hybrid specific shaft from Graphite Design. The Tour AD HY is perfect for golfers that present slower speeds to the ball or that need to increase their launch angles coming from the fairways and roughs. If you struggle getting your golf ball into the air, the AD HY is the shaft for you.
Graphite Design Tour AD Hybrid Shafts
And speaking of precision, this shaft offers unmatched control, allowing you to shape your shots with ease. Whether you need a fade or a draw, this shaft will help you hit your target with pinpoint accuracy. But it doesn’t stop there. The Graphite Design Tour AD DI Hybrid 85 shaft also delivers optimal energy transfer, giving you that extra power and distance you’ve been craving. Say goodbye to those weak shots that fall short of the green. With this shaft, you’ll be hitting it long and strong.
PROS
- Offers unmatched control, allowing you to shape your shots with ease and hit your target with pinpoint accuracy
- Delivers optimal energy transfer for extra power and distance
- Considered the industry leader in hybrid shaft performance
CONS
- Requires more attention to match the wide range of hybrid clubhead weights, shapes, and configurations
- Fitting is necessary to ensure you get the most performance possible from your hybrids
- May be more expensive than some other hybrid shaft options on the market
Our Experience
Getting fit for your hybrids and then building the shaft to match your specific delivery conditions is the best route to ensure you get the most performance possible from your hybrids. Graphite Design shafts stand out as the best for golfers that demand performance throughout the middle of their golf bags.
Other premium options are available but the matrix of the Tour AD DI, Tour AD IZ, and Tour AD HY offer almost everything golfers need in three easy models. My favorite is the Tour AD DI and I love the offering in my driving iron and hybrids. Overall, I saw better distance control and more accuracy coming from the fairway with the Tour AD DI over all competing hybrid shafts.
The complete offering Graphite Design has for golfers of all swing types and speeds is impressive. No matter what you are looking for, Graphite Design can dial you in with one of their Tour AD offerings. Low, middle, and high launch offerings make it easy to get your ideal flight. We recommend using a professional club fitter to help you find yours today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can This Shaft Be Customized to a Different Length or Weight?
Yes, the shaft can be customized to different lengths. The weight options are fixed (65g, 75g, 85g, 95g), but cannot be customized.
What Is the Warranty or Guarantee on This Shaft?
The shaft is covered by a manufacturer's warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.
Are There Any Specific Swing Characteristics or Playing Styles That This Shaft Is Best Suited For?
This shaft is best suited for players seeking a mid launch with low spin. It performs well for those with aggressive swings who want stability and consistency.
How Does the Torque of This Shaft Compare to Other Models?
The Tour AD IZ Hybrid has relatively low torque compared to other models, ranging from 2.1° to 3.5° depending on the weight and flex.
Can This Shaft Be Used for Both Hybrid and Fairway Wood Clubs?
While primarily designed for hybrids, this shaft can potentially be used in fairway woods as well, though it's optimized for hybrid performance.
Conclusion
Each golfer is different, and those differences are exaggerated in the hybrid sections of the golf bag. As some of the longest clubs players frequently hit from the ground, hybrids can be the most difficult to get fit correctly. Do not just think that what shaft you put into your driver will be best as you move into other graphite shafts.
Each club should fit a specific role and building it to fit you is the best approach. The complete offering Graphite Design has for golfers of all swing types and speeds is impressive. No matter what you are looking for, Graphite Design can dial you in with one of their Tour AD offerings. Low, middle, and high launch offerings make it easy to get your ideal flight. We recommend using a professional club fitter to help you find yours today.
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.
