Graphite Design Tour AD VF Shaft Review

Lucky for us, Graphite Design has released a second shaft in 2023 – the Tour AD VF “Victory Force.” This sleek black and red shat fits the low spin, low-to-mid launch profile and one of the stiffest tip sections out of all their offerings.  As you come to expect, the AD VF offers the best of modern materials in Japanese golf design and manufacturing.

The Looks

It’s been a few iterations since we’ve seen the boldest and most vibrant Graphite Design graphics show up! In previous years, we had the iconic and vibrant Tour AD DI, older classics like the highlighter yellow AD MT, or the shimmering turquoise AD UB. Like this year’s other earlier release in the AD CQ, this shaft comes in with a glossy black base color. The new Tour AD VF is accented by a deep red…

My opinion is that it’s traditional and classy, and very understated. A bit “stealthy” if you get what I’m saying. Depending on your level of nerdiness, you can even think of it as a Sith Lightsaber too!

How Does it Feel?

The Graphite Design Tour AD VF has, in my opinion, one of the more unique feels of any shaft that the company offers. This company has attained a reputation for smoothness which you’ll often hear people comment on regardless of which shaft you choose from the family. You never hear “boardy” or “unstable” or “loose” when talking about Graphite Design.

For the AD VF, the company has created a profile that moves from firm to very stiff (their terms) as you move from the handle to the tip. They’re using TORAYCA M40X and T1100G carbon fiber materials to create those sensations in this shaft. And yeah, you can feel that. For me, the AD VF has the expected smooth feel, but a much more satisfying kick at the end. I think back a few years to the AD XC which also started softer at the handle and gradually stiffened to the tip. Having it just a bit tighter in the hands really makes this one fun.

On-Course Performance

I got a chance to spend two weeks testing my current favorite, the Graphite Design AD CQ, alongside the AD VF at my home away from home, Marquette Golf Club’s Greywalls course. It’s a demanding driving course and while length is not imperative, hitting the right shot shapes is a must. I tried to hit bombs, tried to flight it, and quite possibly mixed in a few absolute stinkers in there too.

While Graphite Design slots this in as a low to mid flight shaft, I felt my stock swing here kept it closer to mid than low. Good shots started low, but it seemed to keep rising to nearly the same peaks and windows as the AD CQ (which is a much higher launching profile on paper). Visually, I did not think this spun as much as the AD CQ either, but it didn’t cruise through the wind like the lowest of the low spin shafts I’ve hit. I’m not a huge swing speed player, so the truly fast players may experience it slightly different.

The adjustment period I had with this one was getting rid of the big slice. That very stiff tip sometimes makes it hard to close the club face, but that’s more of my issue! I’d even say that it helps keep that left side out of play for me. I felt like I could give the AD VF everything I had. It held up well to both aggressive swings, but I could also finesse it as needed. I found I could flight it low pretty easily, which is nice… and also something I cannot do with the AD CQ!

Final Thoughts – Graphite Design Tour AD VF

Overall, I felt like I could play the AD VF day to day. As always, Graphite Design creates a wide menu of shafts to choose from.  There’s no “best” out there, only “best for you.” The AD VF retains Graphite Design’s signature smoothness with a touch of a late kick and crunch. It looks cool and I think stronger and faster players could get a lot out of this profile as the very stiff tip will provide a lot of control for that type of swing!

Previous Next