Equipment

Spotted: Graphite Design Tour AD IZ

Published

7 years ago

Aug 29, 2017

We spotted Graphite Design’s new Tour AD IZ shaft being tested on the range at the Dell Technologies Championship. Graphite Design has shared the following information about the shaft, which will be available October 2.

Like Graphite Design’s legendary Tour AD DI shaft, the Tour AD IZ is designed to promote a higher launch angle and lower spin rate. IZ stands for “Into the Zone,” and the new shaft will be available in five weights (40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 grams) and five flexes (R1, R2, R, SR, and X).

Construction-wise, the Tour AD IZ is made from 50-ton, aerospace-quality graphite. It also uses Torayca T1100 G pre-preg with “Nanoalloy,” which is incorporated into the tip-section of the shaft to promote increased stability. The stronger, lighter-weight material eliminates the need to use additional graphite material to stiffen the tip section, which promotes a better feel. The shaft will carry an MSRP of $500.

Profile and Specs

Click to enlarge.

IZ-4: Soft Tip Section, Medium Mid-Section, Medium Butt Section
IZ-5, IZ-6, IZ-7, IZ-8: Firm + Tip Section, Medium Tip Section, Firm Butt Section

Comparison Chart

Graphics provided by Pro’s Choice. You can learn more about the Tour AD IZ from Pro’s Choice Golf Shafts.

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Related Topics:Graphite Design shafts

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4 Comments

Golfandpuff

Aug 30, 2017 at 10:43 am

I just wish it did not retail for $500!

Reply Report comment
- Zak Kozuchowski
  
  Aug 30, 2017 at 11:39 am
  
  MAP should be $379 at most fitters.
  
  Reply Report comment
Joe Golfer

Aug 29, 2017 at 4:22 pm

I like the comparison chart at the bottom of the article.
I just wish that there was something that tells you which profile would be most suitable for various types of swing styles/tempos….

Reply Report comment
- Tcann32
  
  Aug 30, 2017 at 12:17 pm
  
  It’s hard to recommend a shaft without seeing someones swing, and the way their swing affects a shaft, and the way the shaft affects the swing.
  
  Everyone is so different that it’s hard to recommend “blindly”, but in everything I’ve tested and researched I’ve found that for myself and my swing profile (Medium-quick tempo, fast transition, mid-late release) that the first part of a shaft I look for is the butt stiffness. If the butt is too soft, then I lose track of the club in my swing, and it affects my release of the club. Tip stiffness is what I look at for launch and spin rates, and mid-shaft profile can make up for one of the other two, depending on the other portions profiles. That obviously wasn’t a scientific explanation, but if you look at your swing, and the way you load the club, and what you’re looking for in terms of launch and spin profile, you can make a closer guess on what might fit you best.
  
  As far as this shaft goes, it’s reminiscent of the AD-MJ, which is a great shaft.
  
  Reply Report comment

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Equipment

Spotted: Tony Finau’s driver shaft change at the 2024 Texas Children’s Houston Open

Published

1 hour ago

Mar 27, 2024

Brian Knudson

Tony Finau has always been known as one of the longest players on the PGA Tour, but he has recently been working on adding a little more distance. Last year, Finau averaged 118.3 mph club head speed and 178.08 mph ball speed, all while playing a Mitsubishi Diamana D+ Limited 70 TX driver shaft. This year, he has increased his club head speed to 123.93 mph and his ball speed to 183.32 mph.

However, Finau’s overall distance has decreased by two yards in that time. From a fitting perspective, something was up. We asked Tony about the shaft change at the Texas Children’s Hospital Open.

“[I’m seeing] better numbers with the spin. My driver’s been a little high spin for me over the last month or so, and so I just figured it was time to probably check out the equipment,” Finau said. “And it definitely showed me that I was using a shaft that’s maybe a little too tip-stiff for me, the way I load the club now. [I’m seeing] better numbers with the spin.”

Finau switched from the Mitsubishi Diamana D+ Limited 70 TX into the Diamana GT 70 TX. The newer Diamana GT has a slightly different profile than the D+ Limited with the stiffest handle section in the Diamana lineup. The mid sections between the two are similar stiffness but the tip is just slightly stiffer in the Diamana GT. Both shafts are within one gram of each other in the 70 TX. The torque rating on the GT is 0.1 higher than the D+Limited’s 2.7 measurement.

Mitsubishi lists the Diamana GT as a shaft between the mid-launching Diamana TB and the new low-launch Diamana WB shafts. For most players, it would be considered a mid/low launch and low-spin shaft option. Mitsubishi’s Xlink Tech Resin System makes sure the maximum carbon fiber content is there for smooth feel without reducing the strength of the shaft. MR70 carbon fiber is used for reinforcing the shaft and boron is used in the tip for its high strength and compression properties.

Finau is still using his trusty Ping G430 LST driver in 9 degrees and has the adjustable hosel set to -1 degree of loft (standard lie angle). Finau’s long-time favorite Lamkin UTX Green grip is installed. He definitely has a few extra wraps of tape under that grip as you can see the bulge down where the grip meets the shaft.