*Graphite Design Lovers Anonymous* Tour AD UB vs IZ vs XC and NOW vs TP! ...and HD....and VR

[goje22]

On 9/8/2023 at 9:40 AM, third-times-a-charm said:

 

 

I think the BB, MJ, MT, and even the TP have been discontinued but the TP only pseudo-discontinued. I see it at a discount on Callaway to upcharge (only $125) so I think its on the way out.

 

They did specify 'current' models in the video so who knows.

The GP also falls into this category. You can find stock at certified retailer (ie DallasGolf) but what’s left is all the distributed stock. VF is the product line replacement albeit a much different profile. 

[B.Easy]

I don't like how this thread made it to the 5th page.

 

One year update on UB--

 

Also, for almost a year now I have been playing the UB 7tx in my driver.  I have switched it out for a TR Blue, ventus black, Speeder TR, and a couple of others.  I've found it to be the best combination of fast and stable that I've ever tested.  It's the most anti-curve and swerve shaft I've used.  Straight to baby fade or soft cut every time.  I naturally play a fade.  Usually, I lose ball speed when shafts are stout like this. BUT, this is the highest ball speed shaft in my line up.  The one area I wish was better is the less than 90% swings.  I can't feel the head enough and lose/block the ball right.  My fault totally.  I should have gone normal 7X tipped slightly instead of TX.  This thing is plenty stable enough.  Good reminder for me in my next fitting to make sure and test all of my driver swings and not just the full throttle ones.  All in all- great shaft.  Linear, fast and stable.

[third-times-a-charm]

Well, I'm back to all TP's in 1-3-5 woods 😂

[HillbillyHoma]

 

First time poster, long time viewer. (I think I've read through this thread 3 times 😂 ) I was browsing through BST one day and came across an unreal deal on a UB 7x. So I pulled the trigger and decided to dip my toes into the world of GD. I decided to throw that shaft into my BRNR Mini and, oh my. It became a monster. The UB helped eliminate my left miss and made the dispersion so much better. It made it so good that I sold my driver altogether. (More to come on that later) 

 

I have enjoyed the UB so much that I decided to keep my eye out for a shaft for my Stealth+ 5 Wood. Short 5 woods have become popular so I also wanted to give it a try. I then came across a HD 8s 7 wood shaft for sale. I was worried it would be tipped more than the recommend 1" but it was not. I swapped adapters and it came out to my desired playing length of 41.5". I have not been able to do as much testing with it as I would like because of the rainy IN weather. But from the little bit I have been able to use it, it has been a high and straight. 

 

As I had mentioned earlier, I sold my Stealth driver. My home course is only 6,300 yards and I found myself using the BRNR Mini on most tee shots. I wasn't in love with the Stealth and have heard good things about the TSR3. Came across a cheap IZ 6x so I now have a driver shaft with no head 😂 . 

 

I have also been contemplating ditching my 4i and adding a hybrid. I have heard mixed feelings about the AD DI Hy shaft from @third-times-a-charm, but see he has it back in the bag. Do I go AD Hy or DI or IZ? Would it make sense to go 85s with my current progression of 6-7-8? 

 

Glad that I came across Graphite Design and I see why so many love it. The feel is simply unmatched. Unfortunately, it looks like I am headed down a rabbit hole like many of you, and will be experimenting with every GD shaft known to man. 😂 

 

[bvanlieu]

16 hours ago, third-times-a-charm said:

Well, I'm back to all TP's in 1-3-5 woods 😂

 

Big Ben.

 

Parliament.

 

Good talk Russ. 😄

 

I am still early into the TPs but they are smooth and have them in the D and 3/4W.  IZ 7 in the Mav 5w and it just seems to fit. Launch window on the D is smidge lower then the IZ, good stuff. 

 

Now I am scanning for 80g used shafts for the 7w...not that I need them (I have PX Black which is an underrated shaft), but Cally had very few  80g shafts as stock offerings so I went with the MSI 130 white. Great shaft overall but so far its launching that 7W high....so is it how I am reacting to adding a dynamic launch condition.

 

Or, do I just have Graphite Design poisoning from this thread, and am subconsciously trying to get the Rogue to fail. 

 

 

 

[third-times-a-charm]

15 minutes ago, bvanlieu said:

 

Big Ben.

 

Parliament.

 

Good talk Russ. 😄

 

I am still early into the TPs but they are smooth and have them in the D and 3/4W.  IZ 7 in the Mav 5w and it just seems to fit. Launch window on the D is smidge lower then the IZ, good stuff. 

 

Now I am scanning for 80g used shafts for the 7w...not that I need them (I have PX Black which is an underrated shaft), but Cally had very few  80g shafts as stock offerings so I went with the MSI 130 white. Great shaft overall but so far its launching that 7W high....so is it how I am reacting to adding a dynamic launch condition.

 

Or, do I just have Graphite Design poisoning from this thread, and am subconsciously trying to get the Rogue to fail. 

 

 

 

 

I'm now going a little lighter with 60-60-70g shafts but when I went 60-70-80g in prior years I just set an ebay alert for 'tour ad 80' and lots of great deals under $130 popped up quite often on 80g Tour AD shafts.

 

And yes, of course, the only answer is to get more GD shafts 😂

[Primo1868]

On 9/1/2023 at 7:24 AM, Taylor24 said:

The XC in my driver broke a couple weeks ago... I loved it. The WRXer in me has me trying a TR black out now. Has anyone went from the XC to TR Black? I am going from 6TX in the XC to 6X in the TR Black.

 

If I end up not liking the TR I will probably get another XC. Still have the HD in my 3 wood and a DI on the way for a hybrid since I am moving away from 7 wood also.

I went from a 7X XC to a 6X TR Black. The biggest difference for me was on misses. My misses with the 7X XC were straigth pushes. My miss with 6X TR is more of a pull fade. I try to play a cut that starts out at target and falls slightly left with the big stick.

[nitram]

17 hours ago, third-times-a-charm said:

Well, I'm back to all TP's in 1-3-5 woods 😂

I still think the TP is the best shaft GD makes/has made, for me.

[JourdanM]

21 minutes ago, nitram said:

I still think the TP is the best shaft GD makes/has made, for me.

Any comps to a ventus? I've never tried TP but it sounds fun. 

[third-times-a-charm]

8 minutes ago, JourdanM said:

Any comps to a ventus? I've never tried TP but it sounds fun. 

IMO its like a Ventus Blue but may have a hair more launch and spin like a Ventus Red but without the stiff handle.

[JourdanM]

3 hours ago, third-times-a-charm said:

IMO its like a Ventus Blue but may have a hair more launch and spin like a Ventus Red but without the stiff handle.

Sounds fun! I'm loving UB, but may have to try. Thanks!

[B.Easy]

4 hours ago, third-times-a-charm said:

IMO its like a Ventus Blue but may have a hair more launch and spin like a Ventus Red but without the stiff handle.

 

Thats actually a great description.

[bladehunter]

M9003…..mercy.  😳

[Brentwood]

Tested a ventus blue 7s vs XC 7x in my mini yesterday. Maybe not a perfect apples to apples comparison but wanted to get a general sense of feel between the two. The XC drastically outperformed across the board. Really wanted to avoid the GD rabbit hole but here we are. Sounds like UB might be the next to explore.

[HillbillyHoma]

Have been able to play a few rounds and also have had a launch monitor session using my Garmin r10 and Awesome Golf. The HD felt good, but the ball flight seemed pretty low. I have hit it into par 5's and it has had no problem holding the green. I have noticed that it doesn't have the "kick" that I was used to coming from the Hzrdus Smoke Blue. Here are some numbers attached below. (Would love some observations on the numbers and/or recommendations on other shafts I should try)

 

Stealth+ 5 Wood w/ HD 8s

 

On a side note: I have made the purchase of a DI 85s hybrid shaft that should be here any day. Now to find what 22° head I should pair it with. 

[Mitchell]

20 hours ago, bladehunter said:

M9003…..mercy.  😳

You got one? That’s a great shaft, found one about a month ago in a spare staff bag , along with a couple of PM702 and PM902 shafts🤦‍♂️

[bladehunter]

1 hour ago, Mitchell said:

You got one? That’s a great shaft, found one about a month ago in a spare staff bag , along with a couple of PM702 and PM902 shafts🤦‍♂️

Oh yea.  It’s on that new level 😂.  I mean I’ve never hit a driver - until today. I found my one.  

[third-times-a-charm]

On 9/30/2023 at 5:14 PM, jbeer7375 said:

Have been able to play a few rounds and also have had a launch monitor session using my Garmin r10 and Awesome Golf. The HD felt good, but the ball flight seemed pretty low. I have hit it into par 5's and it has had no problem holding the green. I have noticed that it doesn't have the "kick" that I was used to coming from the Hzrdus Smoke Blue. Here are some numbers attached below. (Would love some observations on the numbers and/or recommendations on other shafts I should try)

 

Stealth+ 5 Wood w/ HD 8s

 

On a side note: I have made the purchase of a DI 85s hybrid shaft that should be here any day. Now to find what 22° head I should pair it with. 

It’s definitely low launch. IMO 7-8* is way low for a 5 wood. Should be closer to 12-13

[Cellis]

On 9/30/2023 at 10:24 AM, Brentwood said:

Tested a ventus blue 7s vs XC 7x in my mini yesterday. Maybe not a perfect apples to apples comparison but wanted to get a general sense of feel between the two. The XC drastically outperformed across the board. Really wanted to avoid the GD rabbit hole but here we are. Sounds like UB might be the next to explore.

Welcome to the family!

[Brentwood]

6 hours ago, Cellis said:

Welcome to the family!

The UB just delivered tonight, thank you!

[drza3]

Just getting into the GD rabbit hole.  I'm in love.  Been playing a UB 6tx for a month now and I've never driven the ball better.  I'm looking for something for the winter season where swing speed drops a little.  I'll try the UB 6tx but looking to have something a little lighter/less stiff.  Would a 6x be the logical choice?  Is there much of a difference between between the 6x and 6tx?  Might move into the 5x

[JourdanM]

11 hours ago, Brentwood said:

The UB just delivered tonight, thank you!

UB is magic 

[daybreaker22]

On 8/29/2023 at 3:26 PM, JourdanM said:

Just got a T200 utility with the AD IZ95HY - my goodness, that is a perfect combo. Shaft feels sublime with the head, super easy to launch high and straight. 

Wanted to pick your brain along that club selection. Currently gaming the following:

• Driver: IZ-6x
• 3w: Tensei AV Raw Blue 75x
• 7w: IZ-8x
• T200 4i Utility (23*): DI-95x Driving Iron
• 5-PW: Modus 120x

I'm bored and always messing around with new clubs, but interested in building out a T200 3i Utility (20*) for windy days/links golf. I love the AD DI driving iron shaft in my 4i, very stable but I noticed an 85x is not offered in that shaft.

I have an IZ-85x hybrid shaft laying around I could repurpose or could potentially just give something like an AD DI 85x HY a shot and swap if it doesn't pan out. Any thoughts?

[JourdanM]

8 minutes ago, daybreaker22 said:

Wanted to pick your brain along that club selection. Currently gaming the following:

• Driver: IZ-6x
• 3w: Tensei AV Raw Blue 75x
• 7w: IZ-8x
• T200 4i Utility (23*): DI-95x Driving Iron
• 5-PW: Modus 120x

I'm bored and always messing around with new clubs, but interested in building out a T200 3i Utility (20*) for windy days/links golf. I love the AD DI driving iron shaft in my 4i, very stable but I noticed an 85x is not offered in that shaft.

I have an IZ-85x hybrid shaft laying around I could repurpose or could potentially just give something like an AD DI 85x HY a shot and swap if it doesn't pan out. Any thoughts?

I think it's definitely worth a shot. Would kind of replace the 7w for windy days ? 

[daybreaker22]

1 minute ago, JourdanM said:

I think it's definitely worth a shot. Would kind of replace the 7w for windy days ? 

Yep, exactly. Have a Scotland trip planned for next year so pretty much just an expensive experiment after how much I've enjoyed the T200 4i.

[JourdanM]

Just now, daybreaker22 said:

Yep, exactly. Have a Scotland trip planned for next year so pretty much just an expensive experiment after how much I've enjoyed the T200 4i.

I've considered grabbing a 3 as well, the 4 has been so good for me. I say go for it. The iz  pairs perfectly 

[third-times-a-charm]

Pulling a switcheroo on my wife in her driver. Taking out the GP and dropping in this new UB to see if I can get the ball up in the air a little bit more. 
 

Im either going to get yelled at for the GP to come back or nothing will happen and she’ll quietly enjoy the UB. I will, however, not get any thank yous 🙄

 

 

[Mitchell]

Currently testing following set-up:

HD in driver

UB in fairway

DI in utility

To quote the old magic eight ball 🎱- all signs point to yes 😂

[JourdanM]

Any non ventus black users try the VF yet?

[phizzy30]

On 9/28/2023 at 6:56 AM, third-times-a-charm said:

IMO its like a Ventus Blue but may have a hair more launch and spin like a Ventus Red but without the stiff handle.

Spot on.  My cousin was in a Ventus Blue but it was too low/launch and spin for him.  We got him into the TP and it raised launched 2* with 300 rpm more spin.  Now he's in a Kai'li red which he loves which is higher launch and spin than the TP or Ventus Blue.