50 Words or Less
The Autoflex shaft is one of the most-hyped shafts of the moment. Light and very active. Surprising consistency. Boosted my club head speed.
Check out the new Autoflex Dream 7 shaft HERE
Introduction
The Autoflex shaft has been an object lesson in the power of the internet to build hype. Despite precious little “real” information being available, the buzz around Autoflex shafts has grown to an astounding level, leaving my inbox drowning in demands for a review. I was finally able to get my hands on one, and, in many ways, the results lived up to the hype.
The FreeFlex is another soft, ultra light shaft option. Check out our review HERE
Looks
The Autoflex shaft comes in two bold color choices: pink and rainbow. As you can see, I tested the pink version, which has strong Bubba Watson vibes. The middle is a bright, bubble gum pink with “autoFlex” branding wrapped around in black, gold, and silver. Both the tip and butt sections look black, but they have a subtle iridescence which is very cool.
If the pink isn’t bold enough for you, check out the Autoflex Instagram account (HERE) to see the rainbow finish. It’s truly one of a kind and not for the traditionalists.
I’ll also add, under the heading of “Fun But Not Really Relevant,” that the Autoflex shaft comes in a cloth and plastic quiver. It’s an unusual little detail that I liked if only for its novelty.
Feel
I’ve swung a lot of driver shafts, but I can’t think of a single shaft that feels faster through the ball than the Autoflex. During the swing it is smooth and very active. I didn’t feel a single kick point; it was more like the Speeder-style whip crack on steroids.
Due to the combination of light weight and active profile, every swing felt effortless and fast. It’s a feeling that I found addictive. Combine the feel with the results – which I’ll get to next – and it became a shaft I just wanted to keep swinging.
Performance
Before I get into my experience with the Autoflex shaft, I think it’s worthwhile to examine the claims that the company is making. The topline claims are that a lighter, more flexible shaft will lead to more club and ball speed while being easier on your body. They also claim that, due to their technology, they can get this increase in distance without losing accuracy.
Digging through their FAQ, I also found that they make two suggestions to maximize the Autoflex shaft. First, they suggest building your driver to a swing weight of D0-D2 because higher swing weights “may cause the club head to wobble on the downswing transition.” Second, they encourage you to “[avoid] the aggressive/violent transition.” I can speak to this second one anecdotally: when I used my 110% swing, the shaft felt very loose and unpredictable. Interestingly, the results were pretty good, but the feel made me uncomfortable. A smoother swing was definitely rewarded with this shaft.
On to the results. Did I see my club head speed go up with Autoflex? Yes. I hit peak club head speeds I have not hit in a long time, and even my easy swings were very fast (for me). The “but” is that my ball speeds were high, but not higher than I’ve seen with other shafts. I’m looking forward to experimenting more with this shaft to see if a lighter swing weight can stabilize the head and improve the smash factor.
In terms of direction, the Autoflex primarily wanted to hit draws. The curve was larger than I would prefer, but it was very consistent. Again, a lighter swing weight or less aggressive transition might help to move that toward the center.
The Autoflex driver shaft is available in four models: SF 305x, SF 405, SF 505, and SF 505x. They weigh 39, 43, 51, and 54 grams, respectively. Autoflex suggests the lightest shaft for swing speeds of 65-85 MPH. Swings over 110 MPH are offered the SF 505x. The SF 405 and SF 505 are suggested for speeds of 85-100 and 95-110, respectively. Autoflex also offers fairway wood, utility, and iron shafts.
Conclusion
Here’s the big question that I’m left with: is the Autoflex shaft’s Korea Hidden Technology something in the shaft itself or is the technology their ability to get ego-driven golfers to try a lighter, more flexible shaft? I genuinely don’t know the answer to that question, and, until the Autoflex is available from more fitters, it’s an expensive buy-and-try at $790.
All that said, I found the Autoflex to be incredibly fun to swing, and it delivered on the promise of more club head speed. I look forward to tweaking it a bit to see if I can find more consistency and speed with a lighter swing weight.
Visit AutoFlex Shafts HERE
He founded Plugged In Golf in 2013 with the goal of helping all golfers play better and enjoy the game more.
Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.
- Secrets of a Master Club Builder - October 10, 2024
- Mustard Golf App Review - October 9, 2024
- Podcast Episode 228 – In Depth with Titleist on the New GT Line - October 9, 2024
45 Comments
Is the real magic of this shaft the ability to have a 50g shaft that is pretty controllable with great feel? I’ve tried the PXv and it just was too different vs. my expectation.
Did Meeker (your lower swing speed colleague) try one? What were his thoughts?
No, they only sent one to me for testing.
-Matt
Did you measure the swing weight as tested? Did you go with the uncut 45 inch shaft length?
Damien,
I believe my driver was about D5. I may cut it a bit shorter to get that SW down.
-Matt
Matt, swing weight is critical with this shaft. D2 to D0 is ideal and I have mine length at 45.5 inches.
I was able to find a golf shop near me that tends to have the latest and greatest. I went for a demo last Friday and found some similar things to Matt. I used my Ping G410 plus driver head and the 505 version. my clubhead speed is normally in the 99-105 range so well within their range. It took some swings to get used to the additional length of the driver and to be smoother in transition. I don’t have a very aggressive move, however, I found when I was a tad smoother the ball went even better. The difference between Matt’s findings and mine was the ball speed increase. I had a significant gain in ball speed and had a very consistent flight pattern down the middle, even when I missed a few shots the dispersion wasn’t that bad and most likely still in most fairways. I saw a jump in ball speeds of 15-20 mph. I was in the 128-133 range with my old shaft and around 145 as an average. had a few in the 150-155 range, and a couple of outliers in the 170 range. I did use my AVX ball from my bag as well. It’s an expensive shaft and I don’t think for everyone. If you have a very aggressive move, I’m not sure it will be as beneficial. If I can pick up 20 yards though and increase my fairway hits, it’s
Apparently if you combine one of those with a Cobra RAD Speed and a 120 swing speed you can hit drives about 400 yards on a simulator.
$790
Matt,
Thanks for another great review. I look forward to your future articles. Is $790 shaft only? Does it at least come with a cocktail?!
Mr. Haley,
I’m a Ping guy through the bag, so thank you for your comment as well. I was never able to get the performance of the G410 driver that I did with the G400. Both were LST models. I bought the G410 while I was on business in Japan, but it always felt “hollower” than my G400 and I lost 15 yards of carry.
Matt,
Have you received the G425 driver yet? Looking forward to that review as well.
Tim,
I have not received the G425 yet. Hopefully soon.
-Matt
Tim-
That is interesting regarding your g400 and g410 experience. Did you ever demo another g410 somewhere? Just asking because there are a lot of counterfeit clubs in the Asian area and South america. I’m not a super high spin guy, so I don’t use the LST. The G425 seems to have some promising reviews so far though. the key with the autoflex though imo is to make sure the swing weight is where they suggest in D-D2. I forgot to mention that I took out the standard 14g weight in there and the club fitter installed a 10g weight. that definitely seemed to make a difference, we lowered the loft as well 1 degree.
Are there any shops or fitters in the Chicago area that have the Autoflex available to test?
Ryan,
Not that I know of.
-Matt
Keep us posted on your experiments!
I have bought 505x because I know that normally the oriental stiff shafts feel whippy , my swingspeed is around 100/105 mph , and I think I was not wrong , the only thing I must remember is to use a slow tempo during backswing . Great and funny shaft.
Matt
Your swing speed is high at 112 with the shaft but I expected way more carry than 260.Is there a reason for the kind of low carry distance?
Smash at 1.41? Lost efficiency somewhere. I get better averages with my Fujikura Atmos Black stiff shaft combined with my Krank F11 Pro driver head (set at 8 degrees) and I am a 10 index. That said, I am curious about this shaft.
Matt, my avg swing speed before the Autoflex was approx 100mph and that was with a pretty aggressive swing. I bought the SF505 and am now averaging around 103.5mph without swinging aggressively. Swing weight is critical with this shaft! I’m currently at D2 and think D0 is the optimal swing weight for the shaft. The best part is it is very consistent and I am having fun finding the fairway again. Well worth the money!!!
Phillip,
I have a same thought…. Matt’s Swing Speed and the Carry distance were a bit funny…all the swing factors were good enough to hit over 270yards.
I’m not sure why you’d think I would under-report my driver distance, but I’ll tell you that I hit it 315 like every other guy on the internet if that would make you feel better. :)
-Matt
Not thinking it was under reported just thinking it was not optimal for that speed launch and spin. Was it the head weight issue?
Is there a particular driver head that will be optimal for Autoflex 505? I’m currently using G425 max at 9deg – but my spin rate is just way too high (3,200 – 3,500).
I was told Ping heads are not really for AF shafts. They don’t compliment each other.
So maybe it’s high time I look at another driver head to bring my spin lower – and at the same time maximize my AF505.
Thanks!
Mike,
Autoflex seems to prefer a lighter driver head. I don’t know the head weights of all the big OEM drivers, but I think that PING’s heads tend to be a bit heavier than average.
Best,
Matt
I had a comprehensive outdoor driver fitting session yesterday and the clear winner was a Ping G425 Max (9 degrees) with an SF 505 AutoFlex shaft @ 46 inches. It was the last club I used in an hour long session. I hit it consistently well, farther (carry and total) and straighter (tightest dispersion) than any other combination I tried. Even with the swing fatigue of hitting so many drives, it felt comfortable and natural to swing with results that easily exceeded my expectations. I really like the flight and feel of this combination.
Hi Matt. Sorry to resurrect an oldie but I’m interested In your thoughts. I currently play the ventus black 7x with a Sim2 head (9degree). I swing hard but I’d like to calm it down. My swing speed is around 110 so I’m stuck in the middle of autoflex shafts. I’ve had varying success with the ventus but like the idea of swinging more controlled. How would you compare this to the nippon’s newest driver shaft? I love their modus 120 x iron shafts. Thanks.
Jeff,
I have reviews of 2/3 of the new Nippons here: https://pluggedingolf.com/?s=nippon+regio Third one will be coming soon.
The Nippons do not have any similarity to the Autoflex, in my opinion. If you are a Modus player, I would suggest taking a look at the new Regios. I think they’re excellent.
For me, switching from Ventus Black to Autoflex is going from one end of the spectrum to the other. It might be a fun experiment, but I would guess that the “break in” period would be quite long and it might never quite get to the level you want.
Best,
Matt
If I purchase an autoflex405 shaft will it be possible to fit to my XXIO 10.5 SHAFT
Melvyn,
Yes, I don’t see why that should be a problem.
Best,
Matt
I should have written XXIO HEAD
I got my autoflex shaft 2 weeks ago. I’m 67 and been hitting my drives about 190 to 210. After a day of the new feel for the shaft, I started hitting longer drives by about 15 yards. After 2 weeks my golfing buddies are amazed I’m averaging 233. The confidence I’ve gotten allows me to swing more freely and my dispersion is pretty darn good.
Which model autoflex? are you playing my driving distance is similar to yours and I am trying to select the proper shaft without a fitting
Hi Matt, thanks for the great review. May i ask if i’m switching from Ventus Blue to 505, would that be ok?
I was using BigFish 60g Stiff and it broke. Bought the Cobra King with Ventus Blue Shaft. Didnt get what i wanted.
Thanks
Alan,
The Autoflex is going to be a lot more active at the same flex as the Ventus Blue, even the “stock” Ventus Blue.
Best,
Matt
What’s your favorite shaft?
Marc,
Right now I’m gaming a Mitsubishi TENSEI 1K Pro White.
-Matt
I am 76 years old and would like your take on this shaft for an 80 mile per hour driver swing speed that gets 200-210 yards. Will it give me 10% more distance? Is there a less expensive shaft that you recommend? I currently have the G400 with the altadistanza shaft. Thanks for your response.
Art,
If you’re looking for more distance, my best advice is to get a fitting. The AutoFlex might work or it might be a, $800 boondoggle. With a fitting, you know exactly what you’re going to get from the new shaft before you buy it.
-Matt
I am 75 years old. I tried the SF 305x and the SF 405. My swing speed is about 84 mph. I normally hit my driver between 200 and 215 yds. I have an even tempo’s swing, smooth. After playing the 405 for a year, I am averaging 220-240 yds. My consistency has greatly improved and mostly I find my drives to be in the fairway. It’s the most consistently straight driver I’ve ever hit. I am very happy overall with how it feels and place, performs.
What driver you use with the shaft?
I bought the 405 and changed the rear weight of my titleist TSI2 head so that the sgaft, grip and head were at D2?weight. I have a very rhythmic swing ( about 80 mph). It was impossible for the head to catch up and everything was out to the right. I switched back to my Aldila ascent 40 gm which was perfect … center cut. I wish they made a 405x next choice is the 505X. I like a 40gm shaft. I guess it’s just not right for me.
I swing @ 92 mph n/d just bought an Autoflex Sf 505. My current driver shaft is 45 1/2 inches n/d @ D-0 swingweight. To correctly fit a R-9 TM driver head(pure titanium) do I need to use spider shim stock as I’ve read the Autoflex tip is .335.. Also, what max length (eg 46 inches ?) should play at. Will it be advantageous to play, for max distance @ 46 inches ?!!!.
Joseph,
You may find more distance at 46″, but it’s not a guarantee. You can read more on that here: https://pluggedingolf.com/does-longer-shaft-hit-longer-drives-golf-myths-unplugged/
My recollection is that the R9 has an adjustable hosel, so you would need the TaylorMade FCT sleeve.
Best,
Matt
Eveгything is very open with a clear description of the issues.
It ᴡas really informative. Yⲟur ѕite is usefuⅼ.
Thanks f᧐r sharing!
Wondеrfuⅼ goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff
previous to and you’гe just extremely great. I actually like what you have acquired here, really like what you’re saying and
the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still carе for to keep it smart.
I cant wait to read much more from you. This iѕ really a tremendous website.