Unpacking the Graphite Design Tour AD FI Shaft: A Casual Review

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The Graphite Design Tour AD FI shaft delivers a stable tip with a nice kick in the upper section. It’s all about those consistent draws, and it features fresh graphics that catch the eye.

Introduction

Alright, folks, let’s dive into the world of the Graphite Design Tour AD FI shaft. Graphite Design is a brand that clearly plays by the motto, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Their premium Tour AD line has kept the same classic graphics over the years, introducing just one new model annually. But this 2023 release, the Tour AD FI (which stands for Flight Intelligence), is shaking things up with a snazzy new design and cutting-edge technology. I took this baby for a spin to see if their Tornado Tip Technology keeps them on top in the shaft game.

Fresh Looks

Hold up! For the first time in over a decade, Graphite Design is changing up its graphics. It’s not a total overhaul, but if you’re an equipment geek like me, you’ll definitely pick up on the new vibes. The rings at the grip are still there, but there’s now a “see-through” view of the carbon fiber weave at the handle. Plus, they’ve got a new “Tour AD” logo and shrunk the “Graphite Design” brand name, moving it closer to the middle of the shaft.

And get this — the color is a unique teal-aqua hybrid that’s hard to pin down. With a little sparkle, it shines beautifully under the sun. As you move towards the ball-end, the color fades to black for a focused, sleek look at address.

Feel It Out

Once I got my hands on the Graphite Design Tour AD FI, I had to give it the wiggle test. I noticed a nice bend about an inch below the stripes, while the rest of the shaft felt rock-solid. Graphite Design calls the flex “Firm+” in the butt and mid sections and “Stiff” at the tip.

When I finally started hitting some balls, the feel was just as I expected. There’s a solid kick that begins near the grip before it stabilizes in the mid-section and tip. Unlike most shafts with a similar kick near the grip that have that slow, smooth winding up, this one felt fast and snappy. Think of it as a tight uppercut from a boxer — compact and powerful!

Performance Powerhouse

So what’s the deal with performance? The Graphite Design Tour AD FI is all about that mid-launch vibe with low to mid-low spin. They’re employing their Tornado Tip Technology, which uses special carbon fiber layers set at unique angles to reduce torque and improve dispersion. I was curious to see how this tech would work during my tests.

On my first swings, I went all out with my usual 100% aggression. The Tour AD FI stood strong, producing a noticeable draw without hooking. The ball launched on a solid medium to medium-high trajectory, with low spin, and the results were consistent even when I felt a bit off my game.

Adjust to Your Swing

When I dialed back my swing’s transition speed, the ball flight tightened up to a more controlled draw. Interestingly, while the spin increased slightly, the Tour AD FI continued delivering a solid performance with great distance. As I played around with my tempo, I noticed how accommodating the shaft was to different swings. Whether I was too aggressive or laid-back, the shaft consistently produced good shots. And when I hit that sweet spot — bam! Straight-line bombs.

However, I couldn’t get the Graphite Design Tour AD FI to cut consistently, which I chalked up to my swing rather than shaft issues. Nevertheless, trying to nail a small cut led to my best results: the ball found the center of the face, launched at mid-range with minimal spin, and curved slightly, just as I intended.

Comparisons with Past Models

Looking back at my past reviews, I’d say the closest relative to the Tour AD FI is the Tour AD DI. The AD DI has a bigger, smoother kick, but both shafts can handle aggression really well. Still, they both leaned towards a draw, despite sporting stiff tip sections.

The Tour AD FI comes in weights from 40 to 80 grams. For the lighter 40 and 50-gram versions, you can choose from Lite/Senior flex, Regular, Stiff, and X-Stiff. The 60-gram option offers Stiff-Regular, Stiff, X-Stiff, and Tour X-Stiff. The heavier 70 and 80-gram models come in fewer flexes but still have solid choices for those needing heavier shafts.

Final Thoughts

Getting launched alongside the Graphite Design’s most successful product ever gives the new Tour AD FI a fantastic starting point. If you’ve loved the AD DI but are seeking a tighter grip, this shaft is likely to be your new best friend. As with any equipment changes, it’s always best to visit a professional fitter to get the shaft dialed in just right before making that purchase.

Check it Out

You can find more information about the Graphite Design Tour AD FI shaft here.

So, whether you’re an equipment junkie or just trying to find your perfect fit, the Graphite Design Tour AD FI could just be the upgrade you need to amp up your game. Happy swinging!