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
2021 Shafts
The Graphite Design Tour AD CQ edges the Project X HZRDUS Smoke RDX on overall Every18 score (97 vs 95), but that headline number only tells part of the story. The Project X HZRDUS Smoke RDX is both the cheaper buy (about $135 used vs $200) and the stronger value pick, which makes it the safer choice if budget matters. The Project X HZRDUS Smoke RDX is the more forgiving of the two, which is the bigger deal for most mid- and higher-handicap players. Bottom line: choose the Graphite Design Tour AD CQ if you fit its profile (wood shaft); choose the Project X HZRDUS Smoke RDX if you lean toward wood shaft.
| Metric | Graphite Design Tour AD CQ | Project X HZRDUS Smoke RDX |
|---|---|---|
| Every18 score | 97 ✓ | 95 |
| Forgiveness | 71 | 72 ✓ |
| Speed | 74 | 85 ✓ |
| Feel | 74 | 92 ✓ |
| Value rating | 80 | 90 ✓ |
| Est. used price | $200 | $135 ✓ |
| Value index | 204 | 296 ✓ |
| Launch | Profile dependent | Profile dependent |
| Spin | Profile dependent | Profile dependent |
| Fit profile | Wood shaft | Wood 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 Project X HZRDUS Smoke RDX suits wood shaft.
The Project X HZRDUS Smoke RDX scores higher on the Every18 value index. Estimated used prices are about $200 for the Graphite Design Tour AD CQ and $135 for the Project X HZRDUS Smoke RDX, so the Project X HZRDUS Smoke RDX is also the cheaper buy.
The Project X HZRDUS Smoke RDX rates higher for forgiveness (72 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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