The YS-6 shaft from Graphite Design is really old and not considered suitable by today’s standards, but it has proven itself as a top performer on the PGA Tour. Upon extensive testing, the shaft is a better fit for those without aggressive swings. Titleist 906F4 with this shaft is a killer.

Graphite Design is a Japanese-based brand, and the YS 6 shaft is among their well-known products that have attracted a lot of attention in the golf community. The goal of the shaft is increased distance, responsive feel, and improved accuracy.

But how does it measure up in these areas? How do you know if the YS 6 is a good fit for your game? Find out in this unbiased, extensive review of the Graphite Design YS 6 review.

Graphite Design YS 6 Specs

The key features of these old shafts are: 335″ tip diameter, ultralight, and mid-flex points for all skill levels of golfers, and it uses the highest grade of modulus graphite. Here are its exciting specs:

Graphite Design YS 6 Review Swing Speed

The major highlight of the YS 6 shaft performance is that it is designed to promote mid- to mid-high launch angles and low- to mid-ball spin rates.

Graphite Design YS 6 Flex Chart

Remember, extra-stiff graphite weighs in at around 80 grams, while its steel counterpart hits the scale at 110–130 grams.

When you switch from steel to graphite, you usually cut the shafts 1/2″ longer to keep that swing weight vibe similar to steel.

Here’s the magic: with lighter clubs and a longer shaft, my clubhead speed shot up by 2-3 mph (no kidding!).

That’s the secret sauce for gaining that extra half-club distance when you make the switch to graphite.

Of course, your mileage may vary, and it’s still crucial to match the shaft profile with your ideal ball flight.

You can take a peek at the video below for a demonstration of intentional graphite design shaft selection:

https://youtube.com/shorts/60RJyz0uJE0?si=ApPdVB2Tv_Z5MtWq

Installing the Graphite Design YS6 Shaft

YS6 is custom-assembled and will be ready to install into your driver’s head right out of the box. All you need is your original driver wrench to screw in the shaft. This shaft comes installed with a Tour Velvet 360 grip, so you can adjust the adapter settings.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how I installed the Graphite Design YS6 golf shaft in my Titleist 983K driver:

Materials Needed:

• Graphite Design YS6 Golf Shaft
• Your driver’s head
• Shaft adapter (if necessary)
• Grip
• Double-sided grip tape
• Solvent
• Shaft clamp
• Razor blade or knife
• Grip tape solvent
• Rubber vise clamp or shaft holder

1. Remove the old shaft (if applicable): If there’s an existing shaft, carefully remove it using a shaft extractor. Clean the hose to remove any residue.

2. Apply grip tape and epoxy. Wrap double-sided grip tape around the shaft’s tip. Apply epoxy to both the shaft tip and inside the hosel. Insert the stick into the hosel, ensuring alignment.

3. Secure the Shaft: Use a shaft clamp to secure the club while the epoxy cures. Ensure the shaft is aligned, and let the epoxy dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

4. Install the grip: Once the epoxy is fully cured, install the grip using grip tape and solvent. Ensure the grip is aligned and pushed onto the shaft.

5. Final Check: Confirm the shaft is securely attached, the grip is installed correctly, and the clubhead is aligned.

Graphite Design YS-6 Equivalent

Let’s say you bought an older club that had a GD YS6 as the shaft and want to remove it for a new adapter to use your current driver heads.

For replacement, you first have to realize that the YS6 is an older shaft and is not very expensive now, but it is a higher-end type of shaft, especially back when it came out.

If you want a different shaft but still want to enjoy the profile of the YS6, look at the GD MAD shaft. (an acronym for “Maximum Accuracy and Distance”)

The standard MAD is available in 45, 55, 65, and 70 grams in flexes from A through S. The MAD PRO is available in 65 and 75 grams in S, X, and TX.

It is not a perfect match for the YS6 shaft, especially considering how it is firmer in the middle, but it suffices for a profile equivalent.

Getting the Right Fitting for the Graphite Design YS6 Shaft

If you have a swing speed of between 86 and 95 mph, the YS6 Regular Flex will work best, while players with a 96 to 105 mph swing speed will get fitted for the Stiff Flex. The X-stiff flex shaft of the YS6 reaches for players with swing speeds between 105 mph and above.

Remember, these recommendations are based on your driver’s swing speed.

Final Remark on Graphite Design YS6 Shaft

My experience with the YS-6 shaft on my 983K driver was a bit of a mixed bag.

The shaft certainly packs a punch with its noticeable kick, but I found that without the right balance in stiffness and tipping, it tended to lead to unwanted hooks.

As a swinger with a swing speed in the 95 to 98 mph range, I struggled to control it effectively, resulting in a lot of hooks during my rounds.

The combination of the YS-6 and the deep-bore Titleist head created a very lengthy setup, but unfortunately, it didn’t quite suit my playing style. I know for sure that it could have paired well with the likes of 906F4.

Here’s my overall rating on this old shaft:

For those exploring Graphite Design products, I would suggest looking into alternatives like the YS-7 or the YS-Power series. These might be more suitable for individuals with a more aggressive swing, offering a better match in terms of control and performance.

Keep in mind that my experience may not be universal, so I recommend you consider other options within the Graphite Design lineup to find the perfect fit for your specific swing dynamics.