Shaft Hack - The Otto Phlex Journey

[MuniGolfer]

On 4/26/2024 at 11:04 AM, Nick_D said:

So I was going to pull the trigger on the Maltby UL and was trying to decide which flex to go with. I'm in an Aldila Ascent Red 60 gram stiff shaft right now, was thinking about going A flex in the Maltby. My swing speed is typically 100-105. What do you all think? 

The A flex is out of stock, but L, R, and S are in stock at the moment.

I went with Mr short game and the mobile club maker’s recommendation of 2 flexes down from your gamer. I am in the R, but my swing speed is around 115. However, my UST MP5 OP is an A. Both play on the stronger end. I think an L would be ok.

[Nick_D]

Maltby UL L-flex came in earlier this week, I epoxied on the adapter and slid a grip on. After throwing the head on, swing weight came out to exactly D0 without touching anything, 45" playing length. Finally got a chance to hit a few balls in my garage and let me tell you the first swing.... *Chef's kiss*

I'll get full numbers vs my current gamer next week, but first impressions is all my ball flights are straighter and tighter dispersion and spin looks like it came down a bit.

More tweaking and testing to come, but Otto Phlex immediately went into the bag for the two day golf trip this weekend!

[azstu324]

4 minutes ago, Nick_D said:

Maltby UL L-flex came in earlier this week, I epoxied on the adapter and slid a grip on. After throwing the head on, swing weight came out to exactly D0 without touching anything, 45" playing length. Finally got a chance to hit a few balls in my garage and let me tell you the first swing.... *Chef's kiss*

I'll get full numbers vs my current gamer next week, but first impressions is all my ball flights are straighter and tighter dispersion and spin looks like it came down a bit.

More tweaking and testing to come, but Otto Phlex immediately went into the bag for the two day golf trip this weekend!

It's that secret Ohioan technology!

[justl2003]

Ok, So I got the Accra140 M0 shaft and the 150 M1 shaft in the other day and installed two Ping adapters. I have been using a Graphite Design AD DI 6x on my G430 LST 9*. First day testing with the M0 was less than optimal. My transition tended to be too quick, and I kept getting a high right shank come into play. It seemed just incredibly way to flexy for my swing. HOWEVER, when I tried the 150 M1, thats where the magic happened. Straight bombs down the middle, and made 9/12 fairways where I used my driver. Its just an incredibly easy shaft to swing, and as long as i didnt try to aggressively hit it, it went straight and FLEW. Most of my drivers were getting 300 yards easily. On the first hole, I was playing with two other singles, and they gave me a kind "F you" after my first shot 335 down the middle.

The M0 may work for some, but the additionally stiffness of the M1 150 definitely made a difference and tended to work significantly better for my swing. I can see the M0 being helpful for those with slower swing speeds / effortless swings. I also increased the adjustable Loft up to 10.5 (+1.5 setting), and that tended to work best for me as the lower loft tended to produce knuckleballs (my swing issues, not the shaft).

All in all, definitely keeping the M1 on my driver for now. This thing is awesome. I've yet to get these on a trackman to compare, but I'll be doing that soon.

Edited May 3 by justl2003

[Nick_D]

Quick update on the Maltby and how it fared on the weekend golf trip. It lasted about 8 holes or so until I setup for a tee shot and realized the head was not square anymore… I must not have prepped the tip or epoxied very well, so I was glad I brought a backup shaft for the trip. BUT I had only missed one fairway and it was just a few steps into the rough. To say I missed Otto Phlex for the rest of the trip was an understatement. I’ve been home for all of 30 minutes and I’ve already pulled the adapter and re epoxied! I’m planning to play another round tomorrow and can’t wait to have it back in the bag

[Hook DeLoft]

I noticed a new, ultra light KBS driver shaft on the Golfworks website.  40 to 45 grams.

https://www.golfworks.com/kbs-max-hl-335-graphite-wood-shafts/p/fs0086/

[MuniGolfer]

1 hour ago, Hook DeLoft said:

I noticed a new, ultra light KBS driver shaft on the Golfworks website.  40 to 45 grams.

https://www.golfworks.com/kbs-max-hl-335-graphite-wood-shafts/p/fs0086/

Would be interesting to compare their swing speed fitting vs the Otto phlex theory.

[IndyBonzo]

Just a few updates on my OP tinkering.

I put an Accra FX 3.0 M1 hybrid shaft in my Paradym X 4 hybrid (turned down to 3H loft), and I have to say, it has not disappointed.  Coming from a stiff Fuji Motore X shaft it is an adjustment, but with a smooth transition I am getting the same dispersion with about 10 yards more carry.  It's staying in the club for certain.  I'm on the hunt for another for my 5 hybrid.

I also put an Accra FX 3.0 M2 shaft in the TM Brnr Mini 13.5*.  The stock stiff shaft in this club is a true rockstar, and tough to beat.  If I have a smooth transition and tempo, the OP Accra shaft is a touch longer and straighter, but the stock shaft handles poorer swings better.  Testing continues. 

Finally, I put the 46" Maltby MPF Pro UL L-flex with the Paradym TD for a few swings in the sim after re-dialing my driver swing.  I think the 46" is still too long for consistency's sake for me, but wow - the ball went looooong.  I may cut an inch off the butt end and see if ball striking can be regular and if I see any distance improvement versus the Accra FX 3.0 MO.  The Accra will be incredibly tough to beat for me, but the Maltby MPF and MP5 both are neck and neck with it.

[GallowayGord]

I found this thread because I was looking for similar stories to the joy I experience using a super whippy shaft.  A couple years ago, a buddy built me a shaft for my Titleist 913 D2 (left) head, using an Aero-Tech ALT 470 L flex 47 g shaft.  He built it for me as a tempo trainer, aiming for something like the Lag Shot, and it was the softest flex shaft we could find.  It is so much fun to hit and reinforces a good tempo so much, I used it quite a bit on the range and few times on the course back then.  This year, I noticed I had lost a bit of distance and was a bit behind my buddies in driving distance, only hitting it 220-230 yds (I'm 66, 7.0 hcp) with my regular Ping G425 Max, Ping Tour 65 R shaft.   Maybe swinging less freely, coming off a shoulder injury from curling.  So I was using the ALT 470 on the range a couple weeks ago, and it's just so much fun to swing.  It's almost like a miracle when you hit it.  Typically with a nice little draw, and it rockets off the club.  So I put it back in the bag, and since have been up or past my buddies,  and more consistently in the fairway.  And the tempo training part helps every club in my bag.  And it is so much fun!  We're playing for the joy of it, and this adds a lot to the joy!  It feels so effortless, almost like a magic trick.   So if you're looking for a new candidate to try, I think the ALT 470 is available for about $30 plus shipping.  Truly in the OP range.  

[cksurfdude]

On 5/24/2024 at 7:42 PM, GallowayGord said:

This year, I noticed I had lost a bit of distance and was a bit behind my buddies in driving distance, only hitting it 220-230 yds (I'm 66, 7.0 hcp) with my regular Ping G425 Max, Ping Tour 65 R shaft.  

That's really interesting to me - I'm 68, short and scrawny and don't drive the ball all that far... Have been using an OP type 45/A shaft and was recently thinking about re-testing it vs two other 55/R shafts I still have .. but then maybe not.....

[Lvanwheeler]

Hey guys. I’m looking to try this out for sure!  If you anyone has a maltby A flex shaft laying around to move shoot me a message please. 

[Nick_D]

On 5/2/2024 at 9:34 PM, Nick_D said:

Maltby UL L-flex came in earlier this week, I epoxied on the adapter and slid a grip on. After throwing the head on, swing weight came out to exactly D0 without touching anything, 45" playing length. Finally got a chance to hit a few balls in my garage and let me tell you the first swing.... *Chef's kiss*

I'll get full numbers vs my current gamer next week, but first impressions is all my ball flights are straighter and tighter dispersion and spin looks like it came down a bit.

Sorry for the hiatus everyone, went on a vacation with the wife and since then have just been too busy HITTING FAIRWAYS! Maltby has been an absolute game changer off the tee for me, I will share numbers as soon as I can

[MuniGolfer]

I too am still having so much fun with the Maltby. It is my most consistent shaft these days. I played a scramble on Saturday and we mostly played off my drives. I am also finding I LOVE the new Callaway Chrome Tour ball with the OP. Ball just flies straight. This combo is seriously killer. Here were the drives we took of mine:

344, 317, 327, 302, 349, 309

 this shaft is definitely staying.

[slay4klay]

On 2/13/2024 at 9:40 PM, azstu324 said:

I'm back with a report about the Maltby MPF UL shafts. After about a month with the shaft I've concluded that this thing is kickass! I wanted to try something just a little bit more firm than the garofaloi PLB A flex but in the same relative weight class.  I got this in R flex. This thing absolutely delivers on every angle. It still has a little bit of whip to it but it is so ridiculously stable and smooth and I would argue maybe even more consistent than the PLB. Not to take anything away from the PLB but I would say that I even prefer the maltby shaft just a little bit more.. and it's even cheaper! If you've been using any version of the PLB or even other OP variations, and want to either work on  increasing your swing speed or just try something a little bit more firm, try this shaft!

 

First of all, thank you so much for everything you've provided in this thread. I now have the PLB A flex in my g430 max and I've been hitting some bombs with this setup! I'm very interested in the Maltby MPF UL shaft now too. Just curious why you went with the R flex instead of A? Also, sorry if I missed this but what is your average driver swing speed? Looking forward to giving this a try! Thanks!

[azstu324]

2 hours ago, slay4klay said:

First of all, thank you so much for everything you've provided in this thread. I now have the PLB A flex in my g430 max and I've been hitting some bombs with this setup! I'm very interested in the Maltby MPF UL shaft now too. Just curious why you went with the R flex instead of A? Also, sorry if I missed this but what is your average driver swing speed? Looking forward to giving this a try! Thanks!

My SS has been hovering around 112-114 MPH for the past few years. I'm right on the edge of S and XS. I actually went with the R flex on a whim. The profile appears just slightly softer than the GPLB. I'm sure I could have gone with the A flex too but definitely have no regrets with the R flex. 

[slay4klay]

1 hour ago, azstu324 said:

My SS has been hovering around 112-114 MPH for the past few years. I'm right on the edge of S and XS. I actually went with the R flex on a whim. The profile appears just slightly softer than the GPLB. I'm sure I could have gone with the A flex too but definitely have no regrets with the R flex. 

Got it! Thanks again. Looks like I'll wait til they restock the A flex.

[Mhudson111]

Anyone tried these KBS shafts?

https://www.grips4less.com/products/assembled-kbs-max-hl-driver-wood-shaft-with-adapter-tip-callaway-cobra-ping-mizuno-taylormade-titleist-grip?utm_source=Grips+4+Less+Subscribers&utm_campaign=c5c2fa12ac-MAILCHIMP_2017_1_17_2017_SS_SKULL_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_6c32cdad26-c5c2fa12ac-315978717&goal=0_6c32cdad26-c5c2fa12ac-315978717&mc_cid=c5c2fa12ac&mc_eid=66c2d630e3

[Hook DeLoft]

On 6/7/2024 at 5:38 PM, Mhudson111 said:

Anyone tried these KBS shafts?

https://www.grips4less.com/products/assembled-kbs-max-hl-driver-wood-shaft-with-adapter-tip-callaway-cobra-ping-mizuno-taylormade-titleist-grip?utm_source=Grips+4+Less+Subscribers&utm_campaign=c5c2fa12ac-MAILCHIMP_2017_1_17_2017_SS_SKULL_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_6c32cdad26-c5c2fa12ac-315978717&goal=0_6c32cdad26-c5c2fa12ac-315978717&mc_cid=c5c2fa12ac&mc_eid=66c2d630e3

I'm thinking about it but can't make up my mind.  I can't decide to go with KBS' suggested swing speed ranges or go below that in weight and flex.

[MuniGolfer]

2 hours ago, Hook DeLoft said:

I'm thinking about it but can't make up my mind.  I can't decide to go with KBS' suggested swing speed ranges or go below that in weight and flex.

I am excited to see someone try these, in both the swing speed range and more of an op setup to compare.

[IndyBonzo]

Had a good time today having my 84 yo father hit some OP shafts in the garage sim.  He has a slow swing speed, and struggles getting driver and fairway woods up in the air.  First we worked on tilting to the right a bit and hitting up on the ball, and that helped some.  The highest lofted club I had handy was a 9° Epic Flash LS lofted to 11°.  
 

When he hit the Maltby M890 LL flex, it was like a eureka moment.  He instantly gained significant shot height and 20-30 yards.  I cut it to his preferred 45” length and am sending it home to Florida with him for Father’s Day.  I am excited to hear how he hits it with the Epic Flash Star 12° head my brother and I got him a year ago.

We also ordered him another M890 for his 3 wood.

OP for the win again!

Edited June 9 by IndyBonzo

[cksurfdude]

2 hours ago, IndyBonzo said:

When he hit the Maltby M890 LL flex, it was like a eureka moment.  He instantly gained significant shot height and 20-30 yards.  I cut it to his preferred 45” length and am sending it home to Florida with him for Father’s Day.  I am excited to hear how he hits it with the Epic Flash Star 12° head my brother and I got him a year ago.

That's great, nice gift!! Your father has a few years on me but I'm playing a 12° head and loving the help with launch!

[FmrCaddie13]

I have been dabbling with the ol' Otto Phlex and ready to enter fray for advice. Gamer is a Ping G410 LST. No idea on the swing weight. Haven't messed with those since I worked in a club pro shop in the late 80s. Lead tape, lead powder and re-whipping persimmon ginty woods has been in my rearview for awhile.

Anyhoo, my gamer shaft was a Veylix Mansion x-flex (fantastic, lightweight, stable shaft btw).  Dropped down in flex to the Grafalloy PLB Supercharged. I am not a smooth tempo swinger tyoically with a driver but tried backing off my typical aggressive swing and OMG!! baby draw bombs!! and I wasn't a short hitter to start. So, now I have to tinker more. Easy choice would be another Grafalloy PLB in R flex but that sounds too dull and dishwater for us Otto Phlexers. I may have missed it but had anyone tried the Air Speeder yet?

[Nick_D]

Went out and played a round with a few coworkers I haven't played with since last year, at the turn one of the guys asked if I had been getting lessons or something because I was driving the ball so well. Gave the quick Otto Phlex story and let him take a few swings... He just asked me this morning to send over a link to the Maltby shaft because he wants to give it a go  @azstu324 you should work out some sort of commission deal with GolfWorks on the Otto Phlex shafts

[Nick_D]

On 6/3/2024 at 8:51 AM, Nick_D said:

Sorry for the hiatus everyone, went on a vacation with the wife and since then have just been too busy HITTING FAIRWAYS! Maltby has been an absolute game changer off the tee for me, I will share numbers as soon as I can

Went out in the garage simulator and dealt with the heat to get some driver numbers comparing the Maltby and my previously fit driver shaft. I hit a bunch of balls and kept the data for 5 balls for each shaft that I felt were a good representation of mostly good shots with my normal misses included as well. This first set of data is my previous gamer: Aldila Ascent Red 60 S flex.

Next is the Maltby MPF Pro Series UL L flex shaft. It is the same playing length as my old gamer and the swingweights were both right at D2. You can see club speed jumped about 3 mph and ball speed jumped about 5 mph resulting in about 10 yards extra carry distance. The offline dispersion is also something to note with the Maltby being A LOT more consistent. There are only 5 shots each shown here that I felt were a good comparison and I will tell you I hit way more balls with the Aldila to get here.

Overall, I've seen some decent gains switching to Otto Phlex. If you look at my club path numbers its obvious I need to do some work on my swing and that could also bring some gains from the Aldila. However, considering how out to in my club path is I have to say it is unreal how well I can drive the golf ball with the Maltby. Numbers aside, it really just helps me hit the ball more consistently.

The next question is how can I do the same thing with the rest of my clubs  anyone find success with Otto Phlex irons?

[IndyBonzo]

21 minutes ago, Nick_D said:

Went out in the garage simulator and dealt with the heat to get some driver numbers comparing the Maltby and my previously fit driver shaft. I hit a bunch of balls and kept the data for 5 balls for each shaft that I felt were a good representation of mostly good shots with my normal misses included as well. This first set of data is my previous gamer: Aldila Ascent Red 60 S flex.

Next is the Maltby MPF Pro Series UL L flex shaft. It is the same playing length as my old gamer and the swingweights were both right at D2. You can see club speed jumped about 3 mph and ball speed jumped about 5 mph resulting in about 10 yards extra carry distance. The offline dispersion is also something to note with the Maltby being A LOT more consistent. There are only 5 shots each shown here that I felt were a good comparison and I will tell you I hit way more balls with the Aldila to get here.

Overall, I've seen some decent gains switching to Otto Phlex. If you look at my club path numbers its obvious I need to do some work on my swing and that could also bring some gains from the Aldila. However, considering how out to in my club path is I have to say it is unreal how well I can drive the golf ball with the Maltby. Numbers aside, it really just helps me hit the ball more consistently.

The next question is how can I do the same thing with the rest of my clubs  anyone find success with Otto Phlex irons?

Great test and great results!!

Not even close.

i don’t know about irons, but I have had similar success with FW woods and hybrids!

[FmrCaddie13]

On 10/16/2023 at 8:27 AM, Josh Parker said:

Just ordered a Fujikura Air Speeder Red 45 for my attempt at this theory.  I ended up picking it up for $45 with adapter and grip so I figured the price was right to try it out.  

How did it work for you. I started with a Grafalloy PLB but an considering this for a try?

[Shrek74]

10 hours ago, IndyBonzo said:

Great test and great results!!

Not even close.

i don’t know about irons, but I have had similar success with FW woods and hybrids!

I remember seeing talk about it in the thread, but I don't recall anyone actually trying it and reporting their findings.

[IndyBonzo]

6 minutes ago, Shrek74 said:

I remember seeing talk about it in the thread, but I don't recall anyone actually trying it and reporting their findings.

I have put Accra M1 shafts in my 3W and hybrids to match up with my M0 driver shaft, and found better consistency and slightly better distance.  I also favor the similar feel across the longer clubs.  

[Shrek74]

Just now, IndyBonzo said:

I have put Accra M1 shafts in my 3W and hybrids to match up with my M0 driver shaft, and found better consistency and slightly better distance.  I also favor the similar feel across the longer clubs.  

Sorry, I meant about doing this in the irons. I do recall you doing it in a couple other clubs and finding similar success.

[Iamsecond116]

On 5/14/2024 at 12:47 PM, IndyBonzo said:

Just a few updates on my OP tinkering.

I put an Accra FX 3.0 M1 hybrid shaft in my Paradym X 4 hybrid (turned down to 3H loft), and I have to say, it has not disappointed.  Coming from a stiff Fuji Motore X shaft it is an adjustment, but with a smooth transition I am getting the same dispersion with about 10 yards more carry.  It's staying in the club for certain.  I'm on the hunt for another for my 5 hybrid.

I also put an Accra FX 3.0 M2 shaft in the TM Brnr Mini 13.5*.  The stock stiff shaft in this club is a true rockstar, and tough to beat.  If I have a smooth transition and tempo, the OP Accra shaft is a touch longer and straighter, but the stock shaft handles poorer swings better.  Testing continues. 

Finally, I put the 46" Maltby MPF Pro UL L-flex with the Paradym TD for a few swings in the sim after re-dialing my driver swing.  I think the 46" is still too long for consistency's sake for me, but wow - the ball went looooong.  I may cut an inch off the butt end and see if ball striking can be regular and if I see any distance improvement versus the Accra FX 3.0 MO.  The Accra will be incredibly tough to beat for me, but the Maltby MPF and MP5 both are neck and neck with it.

What is the updated Accra model for the FX? Do you happen to know? Online it seems like they have moved on to new lines of shafts.