Review: Graphite Design Pershing Shaft - “Mission Control to Tee Box One”
Michael White
Take one look at the Graphite Design Pershing shaft, and you know something about it is a little different. The seemingly plain black paintjob gives way to a dazzling array of sparkling metal flake under bright sun. The graphics are a bejeweled and prominent contrast to the otherwise all-business appearance of this shaft. The Pershing missile program was a dubious player behind the Cold War between the former U.S.S.R. and the United States. Due to its long range capability and astounding accuracy, the Pershing missile was feared as an all-too astute delivery method for nuclear warheads. Replace warheads with golf balls, and you get a sense of what this shaft is all about.
One word immediately comes to mind to describe the Pershing- smooth. Graphite Design has long been known for their high quality graphite materials, and the resulting silky sensations they produce. The Pershing 65, which I tested as a driver shaft, was no different. What is unique about the Pershing is the absolute “rush” of power through the impact area. To put it lightly- this thing kicks like a mule! Better yet is the fact that it responds so favorably when extra swing speed is exerted on it. It is very stable, with a fairly firm feel while loading the shaft. The “kick” of the shaft comes on in a controlled manner, without any of the impact area “snapping” that some shafts with more active tips can exhibit.
I achieved a mid-high launch with the Pershing 65. Coupled with a Bridgestone J33 460 10.5 degree head, the downrange flight was flat and strong, and I got a good amount of rollout after the ball hit the fairway. The best way I can think to describe this shaft would be to put it somewhere in the middle of Graphite Design’s highly acclaimed and tour proven YS-6+ and it’s smooth and lively character, and the PM 702’s highly stable demeanor. It’s a great middle ground, with enough ease of loading to be player-friendly, yet enough stability to handle and convert additional swing speeds into visible yardage gains. Given the stable yet lively nature of the Pershing, additional yardage didn’t mean sacrificing control.
The Pershing is offered in many weights and associated kickpoints. Everyone can likely find a weight and launch characteristic to get along with in the Pershing. 59 gram, 69 gram, and 79 gram models are available, as well as a “Tour-only” 89 gram model. The torque value of my Pershing 65 test shaft, rated at 3.7º, seemed fairly high on paper, but it did not seem prone to twisting, and likely contributes to its lively character.
The Pershing lived up to its namesake, and delivered some absolute bombs on the course with great accuracy. If you have enjoyed the Graphite Design YS-6+ shaft, but wished it exhibited just a little more stability for greater swing speeds with lower spin values, the Pershing may be just what you’ve been scanning the radar for.
Michael White
Independent Equipment Consultant/Forums Moderator
Golf-Gear-Review.com
