GIRplus3Putt

I mean. ANGC is without a doubt number one, and the most sought after in the world. So, we are talking about second place here. I’ll throw in a couple Mike Strantz bangers. Course AND logo design are hard to beat…



 

I mean. ANGC is without a doubt number one, and the most sought after in the world. So, we are talking about second place here. I’ll throw in a couple Mike Strantz bangers. Course AND logo design are hard to beat…



 

I mean. ANGC is without a doubt number one, and the most sought after in the world. So, we are talking about second place here. I’ll throw in a couple Mike Strantz bangers. Course AND logo design are hard to beat…



 

I was excited to see what was next for Tiger and was highly disappointed. The brand, logo, designs, all missed the mark. Not by great lengths across the board, but a miss nonetheless. The slightly eschew logo on the polo is just awful. I would love to know their thoughts on that move.  

The Taylormade CEO rattled off some nonsense about the "rule of 3's" and it being “Born from a love for being outside in the sun, the joy of playing golf during the day, and a special red being the brand’s power color "
Honestly sounds like contrived tripe to me. That space in the word has possibly cut the initial sales targets in half at least, because everywhere I see people talking about it, people hate it, myself included. Also, the logo looks like a bad Tiger-themed knockoff of Greg's shark logo to me.

Nice wedge sir. The SM8s are suuuuuper clean and hit well. You said for the first time in 33 years you have four. How many did you have before? What was in its place? I used to game a 5 wood, but now I also have four wedges in my bag (46, 52, 56, 60). I did that off an article I read that you should have wedges every 4-6 degrees. It has made my life inside 125 yards much easier to manage. 

That is a sweet cover for sure. I just bought the Ping Stars and Stripes mallet cover for my putter, and I thought it was sweet until I seen yours! I need to start looking outside of Golf Galaxy!

Oh wow that’s some cool stuff. Expensive too! Thank you 

That is sweet! Forgive me here, because I am new to golf and golf equipment, but that is a mallet head cover correct? What company makes those? Someone else said they are tired of trying to buy on release day, so they must be popular. Can I ask how much that cost you? I love the colors. As my son would say “that is lit, naw dip.” (Side note: I know “lit” means cool, but no clue what “naw dip” means. Or is it dib?)

Hahah I must have sunburn my brain at the beach today. I was reading your original post, not paying attention to the date, or the fact that you mention winter, all the while thinking “can’t wait to see how it works out for him.” Post a reply, and then it takes me to the bottom of the comments, and it hits me. Ugh. Sundays am I right?! It was nice to catch up to the saga all at once though! I am glad to see you found the combo that works for you! I have been golfing my whole life, but only started taking it seriously in 2021, and a lot of what you mentioned is stuff I have little to no knowledge of. You have given me some key points to consider when it comes to my setup. Thank you for all the follow up, detailed information, and well spoken posts. I am happy for you! 

Fantastic review. I am very interested to see how it pans out for you. I read about AutoFlex and the Adam Scott experiment in Golf Digest, and I was intrigued. Then it mentioned the price. Yikes. Then I was reading about the secretive technology, and the mystery that is fitting to one. Just one of those three would scare me off a purchase. Bravo to you sir. 

Fantastic review. I am very interested to see how it pans out for you. I read about AutoFlex and the Adam Scott experiment in Golf Digest, and I was intrigued. Then it mentioned the price. Yikes. Then I was reading about the secretive technology, and the mystery that is fitting to one. Just one of those three would scare me off a purchase. Bravo to you sir. 

Hahah I must have sunburn my brain at the beach today. I was reading your original post, not paying attention to the date, or the fact that you mention winter, all the while thinking “can’t wait to see how it works out for him.” Post a reply, and then it takes me to the bottom of the comments, and it hits me. Ugh. Sundays am I right?! It was nice to catch up to the saga all at once though! I am glad to see you found the combo that works for you! I have been golfing my whole life, but only started taking it seriously in 2021, and a lot of what you mentioned is stuff I have little to no knowledge of. You have given me some key points to consider when it comes to my setup. Thank you for all the follow up, detailed information, and well spoken posts. I am happy for you! 

Unofficial Review: Dumina AutoFlex SF505X Driver Shaft

Long, cold winters without playing golf are dangerous for the wallet.
I try to be a frugal golfer. I built my last two irons sets to save some cash, play at an affordable, municipal-style course and balk at spending $60/hour for simulator practice in the offseason. But, after seeing launch monitor numbers on YouTube and tour validation with Adam Scott, the mystique of Dumina’s AutoFlex became too hard to pass up.
I am not a particularly great driver of the golf ball. I struggled with an inside takeaway and a steep, over-the-top wipe at the golf ball for most of my golfing life. As you can imagine, I did not have good results with the big stick.
I’ve been fortunate enough to have tested two drivers for the MyGolfSpy Forums now. Both times I fit into a stout, low-launch/low-spin shaft to offset my delivery. After working with my coach for the past 18 months, I’ve made some good progress with my driver swing. This winter, I switched to a nine degree Callaway Mavrik head with an x-stiff Aldila Rogue White 60 shaft. I gained a bit of launch without adding spin with this combination. I am hitting the driver better and further than ever before based on my FlightScope Mevo numbers.
My Mevo numbers at the heated winter range have stayed between 110-117 MPH club speed and 158-165 MPH ball speed. I had the opportunity to hit range balls outdoors once last week when we had weather in the low 40s. After 15 shots my averages looked like the following:
Ball Speed
Club Speed
Smash
Carry
Launch
Spin
Height (ft)
Time
160.2
109.2
1.47
260
12.5
2,640
108
6.9
On course, I am too tentative and usually do not reach the same level of speed as I do on the range. That said, I had a handful of nice drives during my first round of the season this past weekend:

My goal with the driver is to keep the ball in play and not cost myself penalty strokes. I am still working on the confidence to swing faster knowing I've improved.
My apprehension to swinging faster (which is definitely a mental issue) is one of the factors driving me to try the AutoFlex. The shaft could be a game changer if I can get a few more MPH club head speed without feeling like I’m swinging harder/faster.
Fitting and Ordering Process
Limited information is available online about what a “proper fit” is with the AutoFlex. As many of the TXG YouTube videos have highlighted, there are specific headweight and swingweight considerations to account for when determining playing length, head choice, etc.
A lengthy thread over at GolfWRX is devoted to the AutoFlex, but I found the best information in a Facebook group dedicated to players/users of the shaft. There, I found some “real world” advice from people who had tried and failed/succeeded in using the AutoFlex. For my build, I was targeting a 45.75” finished length and a swingweight between D1 and D2. These specifications are recommended by the manufacturer and also the members of the group.

Before placing my order, I made a post on the group and received helpful confirmation of my plans from a knowledgeable member. Although not required, I did order the shaft from one of the professional fitters in the group. His price was the best I found. The shaft came cut to my specifications with a Callaway adapter installed within three days. I installed a Lamkin Sonar Tour grip to match my other clubs once I received the shaft.
I am not aware of an AutoFlex available to try locally.
My Setup
I replaced the stock five gram Mavrik weight with an aftermarket weight weighing two grams. Many people have chosen to go with a heavier grip to “trick” the swingweight scale. However, it seemed like the most successful players had opted for lighter head weights instead.
  Rogue White 60X
  Length
45.25” (45.5” to very end of grip)
Headweight
192 grams
Swingweight
D2.5
  AutoFlex SF505X
  Length
45.75” (46” to very end of grip)
Headweight
189 grams
Swingweight
D1.5
The Facebook commenter mentioned I may need to loft down the Mavrik head to eight degrees. I currently play at the stock loft.
First Impressions

From a looks standpoint, the AutoFlex is gorgeous. Yes, the hot pink may not be for everyone. I love that it stands out in the bag. The “black” color is not flat black, it is more of a pearly green-black at close inspection. Very sharp!

I know of no other shaft that arrives in its own protective sheath. A nice touch.

The feels from the initial waggle were as advertised. Imagine taking a club head and attaching it to a fishing pole. There is plenty of waggle/movement from the head. But it does not feel that way when swinging. It will be intriguing to hit a ball and see how it feels at impact.
I completed an initial test by taking three swings without a ball each with the Rogue White and AutoFlex. After quickly warming up, I measured my club speed with my Sports Sensors radar.
My three swings with the Rogue White recorded at 110 MPH, 111 MPH and 113 MPH. My three swings with the AutoFlex recorded at 115 MPH, 114 MPH and 116 MPH. Keep in mind the AutoFlex plays 1/2” longer than the Rogue White. I’m not willing to chalk up the speed gains in this brief test to anything more than length (yet).
I expect my driving range to open for the season sometime in the next two weeks. I will be able to gather more data and feedback at that time.

Is a driver shaft worth $800?
Probably not, although I’m keeping an open mind.
I would be ecstatic if the AutoFlex magically added 3-5 MPH club speed and the 4-7 MPH ball speed that should accompany. On a well-struck shot, that would be a quantifiable distance gain. However, I’m starting without any high expectations.
Part of what I enjoy about golf is trying out new equipment, so much so that my constant swaps are most likely detrimental to my scores. I’m not usually one to usually experience FOMO, but in this case I got wrapped up in the allure of this mysterious shaft.
And, at the end of the day, I still expect resale to be reasonable. Always need to have a backup plan. 😁
---
Final Review: Dumina AutoFlex SF505X Driver Shaft - Oct. 8, 2021
I've had the pleasure of playing the AutoFlex 505X for the majority of the season. Currently, I have about 25 rounds on its final configuration (more on that later). I still would not classify driver as the most reliable part of my game, but there is something special about this pink and black shaft.
Looks - 4/5 Stars

The pink/black combo isn't going to be mistaken for any other shaft. I assume most love it or hate it. If I'm being nit picky the font selection is not my favorite. The serif lettering of SF505 screams "Times New Roman."
If I wanted to drop some (more) cash, a custom blacked out or pink/black driver head would look nice with the shaft.
Feel - 5/5 Stars

As advertised, the AutoFlex feels very whippy everywhere but on the downswing. After months of swinging it, going back to any other driver shaft is an odd feeling. I let my brother-in-law try it a few weeks ago at the range. He handed it back to me after one swing.
Despite the feel, I've had no issue determining where the ball is striking the club face. Keeping with the whip analogy, there seems to be a very linear release of energy through the ball with no defined bend point.
Basic Characteristics - 5/5 Stars

I've mentioned the most obvious characteristic of the AutoFlex already - it's very light and whippy feeling at address. So much so that the shaft almost feels brittle. I've had no issues with durability so far. 
Trajectory - The AutoFlex produces a towering trajectory on my best swings. Good shots are a slight draw or fade depending on the day. I am playing my Callaway Epic Max LS head at 8 degrees and have no issues launching the ball.  Accuracy - Arccos shows I have retained about the same accuracy throughout the season with and without the AutoFlex. On good swings the AutoFlex is extremely accurate. On less than ideal swings it seems to help limit damage. Worries about the flexibility of the shaft and its effects on accuracy are unfounded. Distance - The AutoFlex is an absolute bomber when paired up with the correct head. My Arccos Smart Distance has increased to 288 yards recently. I also hit a career best 320-yard drive this season with a little wind help with the 505X in the bag.  Getting the correct fit is important. I started my adventure by pairing the AutoFlex with a standard Callaway Mavrik head. I did not have great success, and I was considering selling the AutoFlex midway through the season. Only after purchasing a Callaway Max LS head, and subsequently removing five grams of weight from the head, did I start to reap the benefits of the AutoFlex. This combination produces high, tight baby push draws when I'm swinging my best.
On-Course Performance - 5/5 Stars

Rather than repeat myself, the short summary of the AutoFlex's on-course performance is that I maintained roughly the same level of control, added 20-plus yards to my Arccos Smart Distance and hit more 300-plus yard drives in the past two months than I had in the previous two seasons of playing. 
My home course is generously listed at about 6,200 yards from the back tees. I usually hit driver on 10 holes. Since switching to the AutoFlex, I have partial wedges into most of the par 4s, and I reached the shortest par 5 this season going driver/8-iron. When I'm playing well I scare par. That is a huge improvement from last season when my best days sniffed 80.
Miscellaneous - 1/5 Stars

"Cody, how could you rate everything else so well and this category so poorly?"
Don't be dumb like me. Please don't buy this shaft without swinging it first or getting a proper fitting. If that's not a possibility (which is probably the case), please prepare to tinker with different weights and heads. This turns an already expensive experiment into something even more expensive.
In my case, I tried two different weights in the Mavrik head before giving up. A used Epic Max LS set me back another $400 mid-season. I still needed to drop the weight some more to get everything working for my swing. I have over $1,000 invested in this shaft/head combination.
Writing the last sentence makes me a little sick to my stomach.
Play it or Trade it? - 5/5 Stars

I found the holy grail combo for my swing and don't plan on tinkering with this particular setup anytime soon. At this point, continued practice will do me more good than trying to chase down another driver combination. 
Conclusion
The mystical AutoFlex seemed to make a big difference in my game this season. Is it worth $800? I still don't know. But what I do know is that it's working for me right now, and I have no plans to make any changes in driver for quite some time.
Final Score - 4/5 Stars

Wow, I can't believe you bought one. I no longer feel so bougie for my DF 2.1 purchase, so thanks for that! If it doesn't work, at least people who know about the shaft will know you're a baller.

That is sweet! Forgive me here, because I am new to golf and golf equipment, but that is a mallet head cover correct? What company makes those? Someone else said they are tired of trying to buy on release day, so they must be popular. Can I ask how much that cost you? I love the colors. As my son would say “that is lit, naw dip.” (Side note: I know “lit” means cool, but no clue what “naw dip” means. Or is it dib?)

Went to the range, but saw a friend so I decided to play 9 with him. I’ve been trying to get my knuckles to turn down through impact, while turning the hips better. Did ok with that. My Mavrik SZ 4w showed-up just before I left for the course so I had a chance to hit it a couple times. Ugh, the grip was HORRIBLE. Put the R1 rangefinder into action, and I learned quickly I needed to have read the directions! 😂 Lastly, put my Cobra driver head on the extra Xphlexxx Busa Liquid 2 shaft I had that’s cut to play at 45.5. Put the 10g weight in the rear, and a 2g up front and it worked VERY well! I may like this combo a lot!!! Rained on the 8th hole so we didn’t finish, but it was nice to play with someone I hadn’t played with in years!

Nice wedge sir. The SM8s are suuuuuper clean and hit well. You said for the first time in 33 years you have four. How many did you have before? What was in its place? I used to game a 5 wood, but now I also have four wedges in my bag (46, 52, 56, 60). I did that off an article I read that you should have wedges every 4-6 degrees. It has made my life inside 125 yards much easier to manage. 

Nice wedge sir. The SM8s are suuuuuper clean and hit well. You said for the first time in 33 years you have four. How many did you have before? What was in its place? I used to game a 5 wood, but now I also have four wedges in my bag (46, 52, 56, 60). I did that off an article I read that you should have wedges every 4-6 degrees. It has made my life inside 125 yards much easier to manage. 

Thanks JB...I am excited.  My most recent success with a Vokey was the SM5...the 6 & 7 for some odd reason just didn't really check the boxes for me.  Hoping that this is a winner!
For the longest time I played a 48* PW so I could then play a 54 or 52 with a 58.  Those three were essentially my go-to.  Now that lofts are stronger, I drop the extra long iron (3 became a 2) and I add to the bottom of the bag.  

Nice wedge sir. The SM8s are suuuuuper clean and hit well. You said for the first time in 33 years you have four. How many did you have before? What was in its place? I used to game a 5 wood, but now I also have four wedges in my bag (46, 52, 56, 60). I did that off an article I read that you should have wedges every 4-6 degrees. It has made my life inside 125 yards much easier to manage. 

Nice wedge sir. The SM8s are suuuuuper clean and hit well. You said for the first time in 33 years you have four. How many did you have before? What was in its place? I used to game a 5 wood, but now I also have four wedges in my bag (46, 52, 56, 60). I did that off an article I read that you should have wedges every 4-6 degrees. It has made my life inside 125 yards much easier to manage. 

That is sweet! Forgive me here, because I am new to golf and golf equipment, but that is a mallet head cover correct? What company makes those? Someone else said they are tired of trying to buy on release day, so they must be popular. Can I ask how much that cost you? I love the colors. As my son would say “that is lit, naw dip.” (Side note: I know “lit” means cool, but no clue what “naw dip” means. Or is it dib?)

That is a sweet cover for sure. I just bought the Ping Stars and Stripes mallet cover for my putter, and I thought it was sweet until I seen yours! I need to start looking outside of Golf Galaxy!

yep,  looks like a mallet cover.  It is a limited run cover made by SWAG golf and they sell out very quickly. Cost will vary based on the release numbers.  secondary market costs are in the $165 and up range. 
https://swag.golf/collections/headcovers