50 Words or Less
The Graphite Design Tour AD XC shaft has a stout tip section for stability but pairs that with a more active butt section. Low spin. Very consistent.
Introduction
The latest offering in Graphite Design’s Tour AD line is the XC. As usual, those letters have meaning behind them: “Xtra Carry.” While the name might lead you to think that this is a softer, higher launching shaft, it’s actually quite the opposite. The Tour AD XC has a stiff tip section which claims to deliver low/mid launch and low spin. I tested one to see if it delivered.
Looks
The Graphite Design Tour AD XC has a more traditional color scheme than some of their recent offerings, and the graphics remain true to the Tour AD line. The majority of the shaft is matte black with a shift to silver near the tip. White and red branding pops off the black background just below the grip.
Feel
Despite my efforts to test the Tour AD XC without preconceived ideas, I picked up through social media that this is a low spinning shaft. With this knowledge, I was expecting a stout shaft with minimal kick. The tip section delivered on those expectations – it’s very stable. However, the butt section of the Tour AD XC has a very strong kick.
Once I got a sense of the Tour AD XC, I absolutely loved the feel. The shaft doesn’t want to torque or twist, but just below the grip it explodes through the ball. The best part is that the kick is there whether you swing smooth or go 110%.
Performance
Per Graphite Design, the Tour AD XC has the softest butt section of any of the Tour AD shafts, equaled only by the Tour AD BB. This is paired with mid and tip sections that get GD’s second stiffest designation. The final result is a shaft with explosive feel that also delivers controlled launch and low spin.
Throughout my launch monitor testing, I saw drives launching in the mid to lower end of my normal trajectory window. That was paired with low spin to produce very strong ball flight, good carry distances, and plenty of run out. In the windy Chicago fall, the strong ball flight proved to be critical for keeping the ball in play with consistent distance.
While accuracy is largely dependent on a given player’s timing with the shaft, I found the Tour AD XC to be very straight. Because the kick was present whether I swung hard or soft, there was no issue of trying to time the shaft. The Tour AD XC gave me a tight dispersion and did a good job keeping mishits online.
The Graphite Design Tour AD XC is available in weights ranging from 40 grams to 80 grams. In the 40 gram weight class, stiff, R1 (regular), and R2 (light) flexes are available. At 50 grams, you can get R2, R1, stiff, and X. The 60 gram family offers stiff and X while introducing TX and SR (Stiff/Regular). The 70 and 80 gram models are for the faster swingers, with only stiff, X, and TX, or stiff and X available, respectively.
Conclusion
There’s no shortage of low spinning shafts on the market, but nothing that I’ve tested feels like the Graphite Design Tour AD XC. If you want low spin with a big, pronounced kick, head to your Graphite Design fitter to give this a test.
Matt Saternus
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Does it dethrone the Ventus Black?
Brandon,
Not at the moment. The Ventus Black has been nothing but solid since it went in the bag, no reason to change.
Best,
Matt
Matt,
Sounds similar to EF White T1100. How would you compare the two?
Jeffrey,
That’s a good comparison. The way they kick feels different to me – the XC is more controlled – but they are quite similar conceptually.
-Matt
Hi Matt,
Great review. Did you test at all with the 6X? Or any reason you went with the 7x? Thanks!
Daniel,
I tested the 7X, not the 6X. I’ve been experimenting with 70 gram shafts vs 60 grams. Always tinkering.
-Matt
Hi Matt, I have similar swing speed as you (104-108mph). Currently I use 60+ grams stiff driver shaft, Tour AD IZ 6s to be exact. X stiff shaft feels a bit too stiff to me. I am wondering what factors determined that you play 6x rather than 6s Venus shaft ? What are the benefits you see by playing X shaft? Thanks.
I prefer the feel of the X, and I get better dispersion from a stiffer shaft (that’s not universally true, but it’s true for me). Also, any time I go to a softer shaft, I see draws instead of fades, and my preference is to fade the driver.
Best,
Matt
And, I do have access to a Trackman 4 launch monitor and a few driver shafts (iz 6s, iz 6x, ventus 6s, and ventus 6x). What are the data that I should look at to decide which shaft to put in the bag? Thanks.
How do you like this shaft compared to Diamana DF?
Andy,
Both are very good. I could be quite happy gaming either one.
-Matt
Have you tested any of the OBAN Kiyoshi shafts? I was fit for the Kiyoshi white but didn’t get to hit the graphite design XC as it wasn’t available. Wondering how this compares to the Kiyoshi White 65 X
Laban,
You can find our Oban reviews here: https://pluggedingolf.com/?s=oban
-Matt
Can you compare with Tensei Pro Orange?
The feel is much more active than the Tensei Pro Orange.
-Matt
How close does this compare to Evenflow black 6.0 A 75g, I haven’t had a bit with the GD AD XC yet.
John,
I have a full review of the EvenFlow Black here: https://pluggedingolf.com/project-x-evenflow-riptide-riptide-cb-shaft-review/
-Matt
Hi, in your opiniom XC-6 or VR-6 ?
Pawel,
For my swing? Probably the XC.
-Matt
Hey Matt,
I was fit for this shaft earlier this year in a 7x with the Maverick Sub Zero and LOVE the shaft, but curious what your thought is on going to the 6x for more speed (obviously keeping the same swing weight)? Also, then would it be better to go with the 6TX version of this shaft for more stability? Just having some thoughts while sitting around doing nothing. Also, thanks for all the content you guys put out!!!
-Joe
Joe,
I’m very familiar with this rabbit hole. The best advice I can give you is to step carefully over it rather than going down it. :)
Shaft weight changes rarely work out the way they’re “supposed to”. Going lighter “should” make you faster, but you may lose your feel for the club entirely. Also, when you think about how much weight your actually removing (10 grams or so), the potential gain is extremely small.
Stay strong. Check out our list of Top 10 Golf Books instead of fiddling with well-fit gear: https://pluggedingolf.com/pig-top-10-golf-books/
Best,
Matt
Hey Matt – been gaming the AD BB (6x) for years now. Would you say worth it to upgrade to the XC? Any added performance as a result of the modernized materials/offering?
Thanks,
Brett
Brett,
The XC has a slightly different profile than the BB, so it’s not pure apples to apples. I think the BB is still a great shaft, so I don’t think you’re going to see much benefit from the change unless the XC profile is a better fit.
-Matt
Hi Matt, how do you think this compares to the diamana d plus limited edition shafts? Thank you for your insight.
I haven’t tested the D+ Limited Edition, so I can’t offer a comparison.
-Matt
Hi Matt, been gaming the AD TP6 stiff in my PXG Proto 0811 X but curious how the XC in a TSi3 or staying with my PXG in the XC would be in comparison. I have a launch angle that fluctuates between the mid to upper teens causing higher than desired ball flight. I would like to bring that down a bit. How would you compare the feel and ball flight from TP to XC? Would this be a drastic change?
Mike,
I have a full review of the AD TP here: https://pluggedingolf.com/graphite-designs-tour-ad-tp-shaft-review/
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt, what shaft do you think is similar for a consideration if you really like the tour ad xc.
Thanks,
Nathan,
If you really like the AD XC, why are you looking for another shaft? That’s not meant to be sarcastic, I’m just trying to understand your question.
-Matt
Looks like the same profile as Fubuki K series.
Currently, I’m gaming Fubuki K series 7x in 3w and 5w. If I switch to this, should I go for TX or remains X?
Sake,
If you’re going to invest in a new shaft of this caliber, I would recommend having it fit to find the right flex.
-Matt
Hi Matt,
I recently cracked the EF White T1100 6.5X 65g (which I loved) in my Titleist TS4, and looking for a replacement. Would you say the XC 7X is a worthy competitor?
My driver SS averages at around 108mph and I battle with very high spin and launch in my driver.
My other alternative at the moment (and I don’t have many in my area) is an orignal handrcrafted Hzrdus Black 6.0 62g, and then tipping it an inch. Could this be a better option for lower launch/spin?
Thanks!
Chris
Chris,
My advice is always to get fit. Failing that, the HZRDUS Black is a fine choice for most players looking to drop launch angle and spin.
-Matt
In Saskatchewan there’s not a lot/none of options to get fitted for Graphite design shafts. Got fitted for Tensei White AV Raw shaft 75g X-Flex in my TSI3 driver. Would you have any thoughts on similarity on these shafts?
Kristinn,
I don’t think these two are that similar.
Best,
Matt
Hy Matt currently using tensei white 70g 1k how does the xc compare?
Simon,
This is my review of the TENSEI 1K, so you can see how our thoughts on that compare: https://pluggedingolf.com/mitsubishi-tensei-pro-white-1k-shaft-review/
-Matt
I have the RDX Black 6.0/70gr and swing around that 103-105 range. Would like to know if you think the XC is more consistent? I have Stealth 10.5 head. Thanks
Matt,
Some will find the XC more consistent, others will find the RDX Black more consistent. It’s all about fit.
-Matt
Hey Matt, currently game Tensei AV Raw Orange 6S. My miss is a slice/fade and I have been skying my drive with too much spin. Do you have any recommendations for shafts to help reduce this from graphite design or any shaft manufacture
Charles,
My best advice is to get a fitting. Buy to try is an expensive game.
Best,
Matt
I would like to pair XC 6S with Callaway Max LS 9 degree. My SS is 98-102mph. What would be the ideal SW D1, D2, and D3 be to optimize carry distance?
Charles,
First, there’s no way for me to know. My advice would be to get a fitting. Second, I don’t think 1-2 SW points will change your numbers in a huge way.
Best,
Matt
Playing this in my driver and going very well. What would be the chance it worked in my 3 and 5 woods in that bays it is it very different in the fairway woods?
James,
There are certainly plenty of people who play the same shaft throughout their woods. Others don’t. My advice is always to get fit before buying.
Best,
Matt