Graphite Design Tour AD Hybrid Shafts Review

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.

What is a specialized hybrid shaft?

Each golf club loads and unloads differently. Hybrids have a wide range of clubhead weights, shapes, and configurations that require more attention that some golfers realize. The industry leader in hybrid shaft performance is, without question, Graphite Design. Their Tour AD DI Hybrid shaft is among the favorites for professional club fitters and professional players. Beyond the AD DI, Graphite Design also offers a slightly higher launching Tour AD IZ shaft and a hybrid specific AD HY (Hybrid) shaft. We put all three of these shafts to the test to see what differences they can offer to different golfers.

Key Points

• High Launch – Graphite Design Tour AD HY
• Medium Launch – Graphite Design Tour AD IZ
• Low Launch – Graphite Design Tour AD DI

Graphite Design Hybrid Shafts

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.

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. 

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.