Following in the footsteps of one of the most popular shaft models ever is hard thing to do. That's what the new Quattro Tech from Graphite Design Japan will attempt in the coming months as it follows a winning year by Graphite Design and its PT series shaft. Billed by Graphite Design as a shaft built with a 4 axial design for speed, distance and pinpoint accuracy on impact, the Quattro Tech has a controlled feel on the downswing and a low kickpoint for a high penetrating shot with maximum carry. Following a trend of lower kickpoints on shafts, the Quattro Tech is aimed at giving maximum carry and distance for drivers, taking a page out of Mamiya strong kicking, butt stiff, soft tipped Axivs. Some Japanese blogs have said it has the feel of the popular Tour AD I-65 but with a low kick.

Manufacturers are already showing their faith in the QT with big name TourStage about to launch their mainstream new X-Drive 2007 initially with the Quattro Tech as the only upgrade shaft (not including the special limited edition 460P which only comes with a GD Proto). Tourspecgolf.com is taking pre-orders on the new X-drive now and I've got one on order with the Quattro Tech of course... it appears to be a worthwhile upgrade shaft over the usually soft playing stock Tourstage shafts. Kouki Idoki placed 3rd place at the Bridgestone Open in October as one of the first pros to use the QT. Let's cross our fingers for another winner here! (Chart below shows specs of 55, 65 and 75 series of Quattro Tech, all with low kickpoints).