Graphite Design Tour AD HY 85 Hybrid Shaft User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the Graphite Design Tour AD HY 85 Hybrid Shaft. It covers product overview, installation guidelines, usage characteristics, maintenance, and specifications to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your golf shaft.

2. Product Overview

The Graphite Design Tour AD HY 85 Hybrid Shaft is a premium golf shaft designed to enhance accuracy and distance. Manufactured in Japan, it features advanced graphite materials and a specific profile to promote a higher ball flight compared to the Tour AD DI Hybrid shafts. This model is available in various flexes, including Extra Stiff, and is engineered for superior performance on the golf course.

Figure 1: The Graphite Design Tour AD HY 85 Hybrid Shaft. This image shows the sleek, dark grey finish of the shaft with the "Tour AD HY 85" branding visible near the tip, indicating its model and weight class.

3. Setup and Installation

Proper installation of your golf shaft is crucial for performance and safety. It is highly recommended that shaft installation be performed by a certified club fitter or golf professional.

3.1. Required Tools and Materials (Professional Installation)

• Appropriate golf club head (hybrid)
• Ferrule (if not pre-installed)
• Epoxy specifically designed for golf club assembly
• Shaft cutting tool (if trimming is required)
• Shaft tip preparation tools (sanding, cleaning)
• Grip and grip installation tools

3.2. Installation Steps (Overview for Professional)

1. Shaft Preparation: Clean and abrade the tip of the shaft to ensure proper epoxy adhesion.
2. Trimming (if necessary): Trim the shaft to the desired length according to the club head specifications and player preference. Consult a shaft trimming guide for specific instructions.
3. Dry Fit: Test fit the shaft into the club head to ensure a snug fit.
4. Epoxy Application: Mix and apply golf-specific epoxy to the shaft tip and inside the club head's hosel.
5. Assembly: Insert the shaft into the club head, ensuring proper alignment.
6. Curing: Allow the epoxy to cure completely according to the manufacturer's instructions (typically 24 hours) before use.
7. Grip Installation: Install the desired grip after the epoxy has cured.

4. Operating Characteristics and Usage

The Tour AD HY 85 Hybrid Shaft is engineered to optimize performance for hybrid clubs. Its unique bend profile, which is softer in the tip and mid-section and slightly stiffer in the butt section, is designed to promote a higher launch angle and increased ball speed, leading to greater distance and improved accuracy.

• Ball Flight: Expect a higher trajectory compared to shafts with a stiffer tip section, which can help in landing shots softly on greens.
• Feel: The shaft provides a smooth, responsive feel throughout the swing, allowing for better feedback.
• Accuracy: Designed to minimize dispersion, contributing to more consistent shot placement.
• Distance: Optimized energy transfer through the shaft helps maximize clubhead speed and ball velocity.

Selecting the correct shaft flex (e.g., Extra Stiff for this model) is critical and should be matched to your swing speed and tempo for optimal results. Consult a professional club fitter to determine the ideal shaft specifications for your game.

5. Maintenance

Proper care extends the life and maintains the performance of your golf shaft.

• Cleaning: Wipe the shaft clean with a soft, damp cloth after each use to remove dirt, grass, and debris. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
• Storage: Store your golf clubs in a cool, dry place, away from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to heat can weaken epoxy bonds.
• Inspection: Regularly inspect the shaft for any signs of damage, such as cracks, dents, or fraying of the graphite fibers. Pay close attention to the area near the club head and grip.
• Protection: Use headcovers on your hybrid clubs to protect the shaft from nicks and scratches during transport and storage.

6. Troubleshooting

While golf shafts are generally durable, issues can arise. Here are some common concerns and potential solutions:

6.1. Shaft Feels Loose in Club Head

• Cause: Epoxy bond failure or improper installation.
• Solution: Stop using the club immediately. This requires professional re-shafting. Attempting to play with a loose shaft can cause injury or further damage.

6.2. Visible Cracks or Dents on Shaft

• Cause: Impact damage, stress, or manufacturing defect.
• Solution: Discontinue use. Even minor cracks can lead to catastrophic failure during a swing. A damaged shaft needs to be replaced. Contact Graphite Design or your retailer if you suspect a manufacturing defect.

6.3. Unexpected Ball Flight (Too Low/High, Hook/Slice)

• Cause: Incorrect shaft flex for your swing, improper installation, or swing mechanics issues.
• Solution: First, ensure the shaft is correctly installed. If the issue persists, consider a professional club fitting to verify if the shaft's specifications (flex, weight, bend profile) are appropriate for your swing. Also, review your swing mechanics with a golf instructor.

7. Specifications

8. Warranty and Support

For information regarding product warranty, please refer to the official Graphite Design website or contact their customer support directly. Warranty terms typically cover manufacturing defects but not damage due to misuse, improper installation, or normal wear and tear.

For technical support, installation advice, or any other inquiries, please contact a certified golf club fitter or the manufacturer:

• Manufacturer: Graphite Design
• Website: Official Graphite Design Website (English)