think I am gonna finally go ahead and get an EPON AF-101, but I am torn on shaft choice; its either the GD MD-7 or the GD TOUR AD 9003.

I know a few here have played the 9003X just wondering what everyone thinks? I have zero experience with GD shafts, as I have been a die hard fuji fan and have played the 771TA in my driver exclusively for 5+ years.

but the JPGA dominance of the GD's really makes me wanna try one...

Accept my apologies if I am incorrect, but I would bet the MD series is a little more user friendly and the 9003 works well for the hard swinger. I think the MD indeed has higher torque ratings which may make it soft and smooth feeling. In my case, I think I wouldn't preload the 9003 enough and therefore it would feel and play too firm.

Did you find the Yamaha XV Tours like you wanted?

I didnt realize they were that opposite in terms of make-up. Maybe a bad comparison choice. I know there is a member on here who has hit the 9003X waiting to hear his thoughts.

no dice on the irons...

I recently installed the 9003 in stiff into my 14* FW its super but I I didn't tip it according to their standard 3 wood trim instructions because i wanted height and a softer feel. I get a good mid trajectory and the shaft doesn't feel boardy or overly stiff or stout.

I have also tried the 9003 Stiff in a Tourstage ViQ driver, The 9003 in a driver reminded me of a better feeling, slightly lighter, long distance 757 if that makes any sense to some of you. I remember it not feeling as got as my current 3 wood. The distance was amazing but based off of my short experience with it I would suggest it to a 105-108mph swinger that hits a draw. The X version for 110+.

thanks for the info Chris, the 9003X is a little scary for me in a driver at 80grams. these shafts were made by GD as a response to people who said all the shafts were soft with too much kick correct? a real tour shaft so to speak?

it just amazes me the JPGA and JLPGA presence the quattro tech shafts get. maybe the MD is a better all around choice.

Remember there are actually two models in the 9003 series, the 9003 and P9003. The 9003 Chris speaks of is the more user friendly one and is in the mid 70g range and has a S and X flex. The P9003 is the 80g X flex only. Both do get play on the JPGA but not nearly as much as the Quattro tech. The 9003 has been geared towards those really hard hitters who like it stiff a la 757 feel. If you want the characteristics of taking the left out of play but more feel then your best bet is the MD series.

Before you make your final decision, suggest you find more info on a shaft called crazy! Heard it's way better than GD but a relatively new Co. Some JPGA pros are already using...

Before you make your final decision, suggest you find more info on a shaft called crazy! Heard it's way better than GD but a relatively new Co. Some JPGA pros are already using...

If anyone is interested I have a brand new never installed Crazy Shaft model 80LS I will sell. It is a stiff flex. Probably one of the only in the US. In JP they sell for more than 600USD. Pm if you are interested. Just too much shaft for me but maybe perfect for you.

I wouldn't really suggest messing with the crazy shaft guys, not sure who is telling you its better than the Tour AD's but that is an opinion not shared by shaft testers or pro players.

We sell the crazy shaft for crazy prices but I still wouldn't suggest it to those looking at MD series, Axiv, or Mach Line.

I finally posted some thoughts on the GD P9003X. (See under shaft review section) I would agree with all the things Chris and Gocchin have said about this line. I haven't hit the MD line but have used the QT and the PT series and the MD is a meld of the two. I would say you could not go wrong with the MD series since it takes all the feel of the QT and places it in a shaft with kickpoint (mid) of the PT line.

I love my P9003X and yes it is geared for the hard swinger. However, if you want that same feel in a less stiff profile shaft, go with the regular 9003 series. These are great shafts and no matter which way you decide its high quality all the way. Just a matter of which profile you prefer.

Any comments on the tip profile of the Tour AD 9003 (not the 9003x).

On "Paper", comparing the MD7 and the 9003 in "Stiff" Flex.

9003: Weight = 74 grams, Torque = 3.2, MidKick

MD7: Weight = 72 grams, Torque = 3.3, MidKick

I would guess that the overall bend profile on the 9003 would be stiffer, with a much stiffer tip...would this assumption be correct?

Above, some recommended swing speeds were given for the 9003.....any speed recommendations on the MD series?

Edited April 3, 200816 yr by TBone

Any comments on the tip profile of the Tour AD 9003 (not the 9003x).

On "Paper", comparing the MD7 and the 9003 in "Stiff" Flex.

9003: Weight = 74 grams, Torque = 3.2, MidKick

MD7: Weight = 72 grams, Torque = 3.3, MidKick

I would guess that the overall bend profile on the 9003 would be stiffer, with a much stiffer tip...would this assumption be correct?

Above, some recommended swing speeds were given for the 9003.....any speed recommendations on the MD series?

Your assumption about the 9003 being a stiffer profile is correct.

As for flexes. There is always some overlap depending on the type of player and their preference, and ranges aren't always right. But as a general reference and guide only:

MD7

S = 100-110

X = 105-115

Has anyone seen the factory shaft trimming guide for the 9003 stiff? I've decided on this shaft for my new Epon AF-201 FW and can't find the instructions for tipping. My guess is it's the same as the MD series which recommends tipping 1.5" in a std.bore. I'm assuming the AF-201 is a std. bore. Thanks for any help.

Has anyone seen the factory shaft trimming guide for the 9003 stiff? I've decided on this shaft for my new Epon AF-201 FW and can't find the instructions for tipping. My guess is it's the same as the MD series which recommends tipping 1.5" in a std.bore. I'm assuming the AF-201 is a std. bore. Thanks for any help.

Epon Factory will produce it with the proper tipping.