Golfers are always on the lookout for equipment that can give them an edge on the course, and choosing the right shaft can make a big difference in their game. Two popular options on the market are the Graphite Design Tour AD DI and the Tour AD IZ shafts.
The main things that set apart the AD DI and Tour AD IZ shafts are weight ranges, torque ratings, and kickpoints. Tour AD DI is heavier with higher torque, resulting in mid-to-high kickpoint and ball flight. Where the Tour AD IZ has wider weight range, lower torque, and mid kickpoint, giving a mid-launch trajectory.
In this Tour AD DI vs IZ guide, we’ll take a closer look at these two shafts and help you determine which one might be the best fit for your game.
overview of Graphite Design Tour AD DI golf shaft
The Tour AD DI (Deep Impact) golf shaft is a high-performance aftermarket shaft designed and manufactured by Graphite Design, a renowned Japanese company known for producing premium golf shafts.
The Tour AD DI series is specifically engineered to provide golfers with exceptional performance, including improved distance, trajectory control, and shot-shaping capability. Some Key Features include:
Material
The Tour AD DI shaft is made from high-quality carbon-fiber materials, featuring a combination of aerospace-quality 50t and 40t carbon-fiber pre-preg.
This results in a lightweight yet highly durable shaft that promotes optimal energy transfer for better ball speed and accuracy.
Technology
Graphite Design’s proprietary Material Stiffness Integration (MSI) technology is used to optimize the stiffness and torque of the shaft.
This technology helps to improve overall shaft performance, ensuring a consistent feel and enhanced shot control.
Bend Profile
The Tour AD DI shaft has a mid-bend profile with a slightly softer tip section, which promotes a higher launch angle and increased spin for maximum carry distance.
The mid to stiff butt section provides stability and control during the swing, reducing unwanted twisting and promoting accuracy.
Flex Options
The shaft is available in various flex options, ranging from R (Regular) to X (Extra Stiff), catering to golfers with different swing speeds and skill levels.
Customization
Graphite Design offers a variety of custom options, including length, tipping, and various colors, enabling golfers to personalize their shafts to fit their individual preferences and requirements.
Tour-proven performance
The Tour AD DI shaft has been used by numerous professional golfers worldwide, attesting to its high quality and performance capabilities.
overview of Graphite Design Tour AD IZ golf shaft
The Tour AD IZ (Into the Zone) golf shaft is another high-performance aftermarket shaft designed and manufactured by Graphite Design, a leading Japanese company known for producing top-quality golf shafts.
The Tour AD IZ series is specifically engineered to provide golfers with exceptional performance in terms of distance, accuracy, and shot consistency. Some Key Features include:
Material
The Tour AD IZ shaft is made from premium carbon-fiber materials, utilizing a combination of high-modulus, aerospace-quality 50t and 40t carbon-fiber pre-preg.
This results in a lightweight and durable shaft that maximizes energy transfer for increased ball speed and accuracy.
Technology
Graphite Design’s proprietary Material Stiffness Integration (MSI) technology is employed to optimize the stiffness and torque of the shaft.
This technology enhances overall shaft performance, ensuring a consistent feel and improved shot control.
Bend Profile
The Tour AD IZ shaft features a unique bend profile with a firm butt section, a firm center section, and a slightly softer tip section.
This design promotes a mid-launch angle with low to mid spin, providing golfers with a penetrating ball flight and optimal distance.
Flex Options
The shaft is available in various flex options, ranging from R (Regular) to X (Extra Stiff), catering to golfers with different swing speeds and skill levels.
Customization
Graphite Design offers a range of custom options, including length, tipping, and a variety of colors, enabling golfers to personalize their shafts to fit their individual preferences and requirements.
Tour-proven performance
The Tour AD IZ shaft has been adopted by numerous professional golfers worldwide, attesting to its high quality and performance capabilities.
Tour AD DI vs iZ: What are the differences?
Here’s a comparison table to give you an at-a-glance understanding of the differences and similarities between the Tour AD DI and Tour AD IZ shafts.
Now, let’s dive deeper into the comparison between the Tour AD DI and Tour AD IZ shafts in a more conversational tone.
Material
Both the Tour AD DI and Tour AD IZ shafts are made with the same top-notch aerospace-grade carbon fiber materials. They’re lightweight, strong, and really durable.
Graphite Design, the company behind these shafts, also uses its special Material Stiffness Integration (MSI) technology to give these shafts their unique performance characteristics.
Flex
When it comes to flex, both the Tour AD DI and Tour AD IZ shafts have got you covered. They offer a wide range of flex options such as R2 (Senior), R1 (Regular), SR (Stiff Regular), S (Stiff), and X (Extra Stiff).
So, whatever your swing speed or playing style, there’s likely a flex option that’s perfect for you.
Weight
Now, this is where things get interesting. The Tour AD DI shafts have a weight range of 50 to 80 grams, depending on the flex you choose. On the other hand, the Tour AD IZ shafts weigh between 40 and 85 grams.
That difference in weight might not seem like much, but it can really affect the swing weight and feel of your golf club.
Length
When it comes to length, both the Tour AD DI and Tour AD IZ shafts are available in the standard lengths you’d expect for drivers, fairway woods, and hybrids.
If you’re looking for something a little more customized, you might be able to get a custom length upon request.
Torque
If you’re wondering about torque, Tour AD DI shafts have a torque rating that ranges from 4.5 to 6.6 degrees.
The Tour AD IZ shafts, on the other hand, have a torque rating between 3.3 and 6.5 degrees. This difference in torque can impact the feel and stability of the shaft during your swing.
Kickpoint
The kickpoint, or bend profile, of a shaft, is important because it affects the trajectory of your shots. The Tour AD DI shaft has a mid-to-high kickpoint, which promotes a mid-to-high ball flight.
In contrast, the Tour AD IZ shaft has a mid kickpoint, providing a mid-launch trajectory. Depending on your swing and desired ball flight, one of these profiles might suit you better.
Brand reputation
Graphite Design is a highly respected brand in the world of golf shafts, and both the Tour AD DI and Tour AD IZ shafts have garnered positive reviews and success on professional tours. You really can’t go wrong with either of these shafts when it comes to brand reputation.
Price
As premium shafts, both the Tour AD DI and Tour AD IZ shafts come at a higher price point than some other options on the market. The exact price may vary depending on the retailer and specific model, but you can expect to pay a similar amount for both shafts.
Tip diameter
Both shafts come with a standard tip diameter of 0.335 inches for drivers and fairway woods and 0.370 inches for hybrids. This standard sizing allows for compatibility with most clubheads.
Butt diameter
The butt diameter differs slightly between the two shafts. The Tour AD DI has a butt diameter of 0.600 inches, while the Tour AD IZ has a slightly larger butt diameter of 0.602 inches. This small difference might affect the feel and grip of the shaft in your hands.
Tour AD IZ vs di: Which golf shaft wins?
Both the Tour AD DI and Tour AD IZ shafts are high-quality options made from aerospace-grade carbon fiber materials, designed to cater to a variety of player profiles. The differences between them lie mainly in their weight range, torque rating, and kickpoint.
The Tour AD DI shafts have a slightly heavier weight range and a higher torque rating, leading to a mid-to-high kickpoint for a mid to high ball flight.
On the other hand, the Tour AD IZ shafts have a wider weight range with a lower torque rating and a mid kickpoint for a mid-launch trajectory.
Ultimately, the choice between the Tour AD DI and Tour AD IZ shafts will depend on your individual swing characteristics, desired ball flight, and personal preferences.
It’s always a good idea to consult with a professional fitter or try out both shafts to find the one that best suits your specific needs and playing style.
That's me, Jerry Hall. Golf is my passion. I'm a researcher, blogger, and avid fan. My objective is to provide you with current information, advice, and resources to enhance your knowledge and enjoyment of golf.
