Graphite Design AD GC

A golf gear nerd’s favorite time of they year – the new Graphite Design shaft release! New for 2024, they have launched the Tour AD GC “Game Changer” with a few new materials and a goal to fit players seeking a mid-launching and mid-to-low spin option. As they often do, Graphite Design looks to fill a certain profile for certain swings, and the AD GC does the job. It’s a bright, vibrant shaft that feels great and retains the smoothness that this company is famous for!

The Looks

After a few departures into darker and bolder color schemes, the Graphite Design AD GC throws back to their classic bright color combo approach. I absolutely love the white and bronze/copper pairing. The pearly white glistens in the sun and the bronze sparkles in any light. This shaft is still instantly recognizable as Graphite Design, but comes across very fresh and modern.

How Does it Feel?

I got hit with a whole bunch of nostalgia with the first few swings of the Graphite Design AD GC. I’ve been lucky to have to have had significant testing time with over ten Graphite Design shafts, and it’s allowed me to get a good feel for their differences. A Graphite Design always “feels” like a Graphite Design, but they’ve cleverly blended in a variety of materials and characteristics. That has allowed for subtle but noticeable differences in each model – something that is a dream for clubfitters. For the AD GC, you’ll get a sense of a of a stiffer handle, and a firmer midsection and tip.

In my first range session, I immediately thought of the AD TP – but this one is way better. The AD TP was a mainstay in my bag for about two seasons. It has kind of a springy tennis ball feel but still smooth. A center-struck drive feels like nothing at all, entirely transferring all energy.  There’s a slight sensation of a kick and just straight through the ball. With the AD GC being a mid launch but mid/low spin shaft, I knew from the start this would be a good fit for me. I’m one that needs to knock a bit of spin off and keep the flight up.

On-Course Performance

The first couple rounds here definitely opened my eyes. I’ve lost some speed lately. I hit driver solid, but I do long for the days where I can assume a 250-yard tee ball. After building up the Graphite Design AD GC, I’ve been crushing it.

I’m a swinger and not a hitter, but I feel I can actually give this one a rip. Instead of squirrely shots with the occasional good ones when I go after it, I get a payoff.  I was seeing drives of 270 and 280 yard totals – and that’s no longer common for me. Is it this ideal profile a better fit for my swing today, or are some of these new designs and materials helping me hammer the ball? Likely both.  Graphite Design has been using TORAYCA M40X carbon fiber to stiffen the handle section and T1100G in the tip to help increase feel and stability. But with the introduction of AD SHIELD in certain sections, the designers feel they can keep the smoothness but with some additional kick.

Final Thoughts – Graphite Design AD GC

I’m a long time fan of Graphite Design and always eagerly anticipate a new release. For the most part, I can get along with most of the models in their lineup, though some have had more bag time than others. (Including the “definitely not the right profile but tremendously good performing” AD CQ that’s not come out of my bag since it was released!) I’ve been more impressed with the fit on the AD GC than I expected and I’m hoping we have a long summer so I can continue on with this one. Is the AD GC a “Game Changer” as billed?  I don’t know about you, but I’m excited to keep this in the bag for a while to find out!

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