Graphite Design Tour AD XC Wood Golf Shaft - R1, 40gr

Tour AD XC Wood Golf Shaft

Graphite Design describes the Tour AD XC as a modernized Tour AD BB. That description implies that XC is less about reinventing and more about incorporating material advancements into a good product to make it better. In this case, the biggest upgrade is the inclusion of TORAYCA M40X carbon fiber pre-preg in the mid through tip section of the shaft. At the risk of wading too deep into the shaft material weeds, the selling point for M40X is that it offers both high modulus and high-tensile strength. Something like T1100G, for example, has exceptionally high-tensile strength but low- to moderate-tensile modulus. M40X is a bit of a best of both worlds’ solution.

Ultimately, material stories boil down to strength vs. weight. In the case of the AD XC, M40X allowed Graphite Design to make a shaft that’s stronger and still shave a few grams of weight. Because of the strength of the M40X material, fewer plies are needed which should eliminate what golfers often describe as a “boardy” feel. The tip section is reinforced with T1100g to provide the low- mid-spin characteristics. The combination of materials along with the bend profile provides what Graphite Design describes a shaft that’s easier to load and transfers more energy to the ball.

While speed is almost invariably a part of every golf equipment story, the company says golfers report tighter dispersion as well. As always, your mileage may vary.