Graphite Design MAD Golf Shaft Review
Original price was: $129.99.$99.98Current price is: $99.98.
The team in the R&D lab at Graphite Design Japan went all out when designing the new Graphite Design MAD wood shafts. A challenge was issued to them to design a shaft that would alleviate the ill-fated golf ball flight issues that results in a lack of Maximum Accuracy and Distance. Accepting the challenge, they went to work in an effort to develop a cure.
Contents
Updated February 2024 to update current pricing information.
The MAD shaft from Graphite Design is available in two models. The standard MAD and the MAD Pro. Both versions of the MAD shaft are named for their design goals of giving golfers the Maximum Accuracy and Distance. A slight departure from the traditional ring graphics of other Graphite Design golf shafts the MAD shaft stands on its own.
Key Features
- The MAD and MAD Pro are mid to high launch shafts with mid to low spinning characteristics.
- TORAYCA T1100G with NANOALLOY technology is used to increase the response and stability in the middle and tip sections of the MAD shafts.
- The Material Stiffness Integration platform from Graphite Design is also present in the MAD shaft to provide more feel without creating a loss in performance.
Who Should Buy The Graphite Design MAD Shaft?
The MAD shaft is designed for golfers struggling from the tee box. Specifically engineered for equal parts distance and accuracy the MAD and MAD Pro shafts offer more for a wide range of golfers. Higher swing speed players will fit into the heavier weights and stiffer flexes of the Pro model and slower swing speed players will be better going with the standard.
Graphite Design MAD Shaft Detailed Review
Design and Technology
The MAD and MAD Pro golf shafts are constructed with TORAYCA T1100G carbon fiber and NANOALLOY technology. The goal of this material blend is to increase the resiliency of the golf shaft in motion and create more strength and stability. Graphite Design’s signature Material Stiffness Integration (MSI) is also used to combine the graphite fibers in a way to maximizes energy transfer without feeling overly stiff and hard to swing. The MAD shaft has is rated Medium+ in the butt and tip sections and Firm+ in the middle section. MAD Pro is Firm in the butt and tip sections and Stiff in the middle section.
Specs
The MAD shaft comes in a weight range from 45 grams to 75 grams. Lite, regular, and stiff flexes are available in the standard MAD shaft. MAD Pro comes in 65 and 75 gram weights in stiff, extra-stiff, and tour extra-stiff flexes. The MAD shaft is a low to middle launch golf shaft with low to mid spin. The MAD Pro is a mid-launch shaft with low spin.
Our Experience
The MAD shafts are slightly different than other Graphite Design shafts I have used. The same smooth feel was present but the blend of the firmer middle section with the slightly softer butt and tip sections added a new layer. I felt the shaft load and unload easily and can very much see many amateur golfers enjoying this shaft. I think for players looking to make a change from previous premium shafts they have tried this is a great options. I think overall, the combination of the effortless load I got with the MAD Pro shaft and the great distance numbers it produced is a testament to the innovation of the Graphite Design company. The MAD and MAD Pro shafts are another great offering and something I believe many golfers will love regardless of handicap and skill level.
The team in the R&D lab at Graphite Design Japan went all out when designing the new Graphite Design MAD wood shafts. A challenge was issued to them to design a shaft that would alleviate the ill-fated golf ball flight issues that results in a lack of Maximum Accuracy and Distance. Accepting the challenge, they went to work in an effort to develop a cure.
- The MAD and MAD Pro shafts cover a very wide range of golfer swing speeds and styles and can provide performance improvements to many.
- The MAD shafts feature aerospace grade carbon fibers and the Graphite Design MSI technology to create a shaft that performs well and feels great.
- The MAD shaft is one of the most affordable golf shafts in the Graphite Design line up and will be a great upgrade for golfers coming from stock shafts.
- Graphite Design shafts, including the MAD and MAD Pro can only be found at advanced fitting locations and club building studios.
- The MAD Pro does not offer the same incredible value as the standard MAD golf shaft.
- Some players may not enjoy the feel of the firmer middle section surrounded by softer ends and will be better suited to offerings like the Tour AD IZ or Tour AD XC shafts.
Conclusion
The MAD golf shafts from Graphite Design make use of high quality materials at a great value to give budget-conscious golfers an option to receive Graphite Design level performance without paying too much. The MAD Pro shaft will be better suited to higher swing speeds but both shafts offer a great balance of feel and maximum distance and accuracy. I think that the MAD shaft was designed to be a Graphite Design shaft for the masses, and I think they nailed it. Make sure you go out and give the MAD and MAD Pro shafts a try during your next club fit.
How Does The Graphite Design MAD Shaft Compare?
Graphite Design Tour AD IZ Golf Shaft
The Tour AD IZ golf shaft has become one of Graphite Designs more popular models. Built on the prowess of the well-established Tour AD DI, the AD IZ is a great choice for both drivers and fairway woods. The Tour AD IZ is a rare golf shaft that is balanced enough to be able to be used from the tee box and the turf to really help golfers dial in their long-games. Don’t let the versatility fool you though, the Tour AD IZ is long as well.
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UST Mamiya LIN-Q Purple Golf Shaft
The LIN-Q line of golf shafts are made for the golfer looking to dial in their game. The LIN-Q Purple shaft is the slightly softer of the two version and is great for many players at a wide range of swing speeds. Average swing speed golfers especially can pick up significant distance and accuracy at a great price with the LIN-Q Purple shaft from UST.
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Aldila RIPX Golf Shaft
RIPX is the continuation of the RIP line of golf shafts from Aldila. Made with Micro Mamba technology, the RIPX is enhanced for better feel and more efficiency. Golfers that have struggled to load premium golf shafts in the past will love how effortless the RIPX is to swing. RIPX offers a great value as well coming in much cheaper than other premium offerings.
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.
Original price was: $129.99.$99.98Current price is: $99.98.
