A head-to-head look at two of the top shafts in the Every18 index — scores, fit, estimated used price, and which one to buy.
2023 Shafts
2016 Shafts
The Graphite Design Tour AD CQ edges the Nippon N.S. Pro Modus3 Tour 120 on overall Every18 score (97 vs 95), but that headline number only tells part of the story. The Nippon N.S. Pro Modus3 Tour 120 is both the cheaper buy (about $65 used vs $200) and the stronger value pick, which makes it the safer choice if budget matters. They split the two traits most golfers care about: the Nippon N.S. Pro Modus3 Tour 120 is the more forgiving shafts, while the Graphite Design Tour AD CQ is the faster one — so pick the trait your game needs most. Bottom line: choose the Graphite Design Tour AD CQ if you fit its profile (wood shaft); choose the Nippon N.S. Pro Modus3 Tour 120 if you lean toward iron shaft.
| Metric | Graphite Design Tour AD CQ | Nippon N.S. Pro Modus3 Tour 120 |
|---|---|---|
| Every18 score | 97 ✓ | 95 |
| Forgiveness | 71 | 79 ✓ |
| Speed | 74 ✓ | 70 |
| Feel | 74 ✓ | 68 |
| Value rating | 80 ✓ | 79 |
| Est. used price | $200 | $65 ✓ |
| Value index | 204 | 614 ✓ |
| Launch | Profile dependent | Mid to high |
| Spin | Profile dependent | Mid |
| Fit profile | Wood shaft | Iron shaft |
Scores, value indexes, and prices are Every18 editorial estimates for comparison. Verify exact specifications, configuration, condition, and market price before purchasing.
On the Every18 editorial score the Graphite Design Tour AD CQ rates higher (97 vs 95 out of 100). "Better" still depends on fit — the Graphite Design Tour AD CQ suits wood shaft, while the Nippon N.S. Pro Modus3 Tour 120 suits iron shaft.
The Nippon N.S. Pro Modus3 Tour 120 scores higher on the Every18 value index. Estimated used prices are about $200 for the Graphite Design Tour AD CQ and $65 for the Nippon N.S. Pro Modus3 Tour 120, so the Nippon N.S. Pro Modus3 Tour 120 is also the cheaper buy.
The Nippon N.S. Pro Modus3 Tour 120 rates higher for forgiveness (79 vs 71), which usually helps mid- and higher-handicap players hold more fairways and greens.
See how these stack up against the rest of the field.
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