Shaft Hack - The Otto Phlex Journey

[erock9174]

Currently play a G425 Max 10.5 with Tensei Orange AV Raw Regular Flex (Ping lists it as 50g) and MRC lists it at 57g.   Play it at 45 1/8" to end of grip D2-3 ish.   

 

I was thinking about this project and going with either the Riptide CB 4.0 40g (45g, 5.3 torque) or Cypher Shaft in 4.0 flex (47g, 6.0 Torque).    Given the PXG 0211 driver is now $119, I thought about going with the Riptide CB shaft to help bring the swing weight down a little.   I know the Riptide shaft is 45g, but I plan to try this at 46" which will raise the Swing weight (0211 was meant to be 45" with a 206g head). 

Seems reasonable?   

[azstu324]

27 minutes ago, erock9174 said:

Currently play a G425 Max 10.5 with Tensei Orange AV Raw Regular Flex (Ping lists it as 50g) and MRC lists it at 57g.   Play it at 45 1/8" to end of grip D2-3 ish.   

 

I was thinking about this project and going with either the Riptide CB 4.0 40g (45g, 5.3 torque) or Cypher Shaft in 4.0 flex (47g, 6.0 Torque).    Given the PXG 0211 driver is now $119, I thought about going with the Riptide CB shaft to help bring the swing weight down a little.   I know the Riptide shaft is 45g, but I plan to try this at 46" which will raise the Swing weight (0211 was meant to be 45" with a 206g head). 

Seems reasonable?   

I think you could do great things with either shaft. Freddie Meikle (last video in intro) really likes the Cypher and I believe he's kept it as his gamer. You'd definitely want to keep the SW lower @ D0-D1. This may just be a case of "build as you go". If the SW is too high, you might have to add lead tape or a counter weight under the grip. You could also consider changing out the head weight if it's removable but I'm not sure if that would impact the MOI engineering or not. 

 

[Bobbers]

I've snagged another of the Bassara "W" shafts that Titleist used and plan to "convert" a fairway wood to see if using an L flex has the same positive impact.  If that works?  Next up will be a hybrid modification.

Might as well try to push the envelope a bit, right?

[erock9174]

8 hours ago, azstu324 said:

I think you could do great things with either shaft. Freddie Meikle (last video in intro) really likes the Cypher and I believe he's kept it as his gamer. You'd definitely want to keep the SW lower @ D0-D1. This may just be a case of "build as you go". If the SW is too high, you might have to add lead tape or a counter weight under the grip. You could also consider changing out the head weight if it's removable but I'm not sure if that would impact the MOI engineering or not. 

 

Good stuff.  yeah I will probably need to tinker a bit with the SW.  I had researched just replacing the shaft in my G425 max but by the time you source the shaft and put a Ping tip on it the cost was getting up there.  So I just ended up ordering a PXG 0211 last night 10.5 with the Riptide CB 4.0 at 46".  I have tried 46" drivers in the past and being shorter (5' 4") I feel like I have to swing really flat with that long a shaft so I may end up going shorter (my norm is around 45").  Which would also bring the SW back down. 

 

I read through the post but can't remember, when doing the Otto Phlex test, did you guys need to loft down at all?    

[Bobbers]

27 minutes ago, erock9174 said:

Good stuff.  yeah I will probably need to tinker a bit with the SW.  I had researched just replacing the shaft in my G425 max but by the time you source the shaft and put a Ping tip on it the cost was getting up there.  So I just ended up ordering a PXG 0211 last night 10.5 with the Riptide CB 4.0 at 46".  I have tried 46" drivers in the past and being shorter (5' 4") I feel like I have to swing really flat with that long a shaft so I may end up going shorter (my norm is around 45").  Which would also bring the SW back down. 

 

I read through the post but can't remember, when doing the Otto Phlex test, did you guys need to loft down at all?    

Speaking only for myself, yes, I've lofted down a bit.  That said, even at a degree down in loft I'm getting a nice, arcing trajectory with good spin and carry with the softer flex shaft.

[Shapotomous]

This has been a fun read to see the experiments going on!  Does this remind anyone of the Bullwhip shafts from back in the 90's?  

[Parshooter36]

1 minute ago, Shapotomous said:

This has been a fun read to see the experiments going on!  Does this remind anyone of the Bullwhip shafts from back in the 90's?  

Was that the Killer Bee clubs? I loved those and think I still have a driver and fairway wood in the garage.

[azstu324]

1 hour ago, erock9174 said:

I read through the post but can't remember, when doing the Otto Phlex test, did you guys need to loft down at all?    

Just like @Bobbers I lofted all the way down from 9° to 7.5°. like he said though the launch is effortless and spin in the low 2k's like right in the sweet spot at 2100 for me. Just for reference, I played my prior ST-Z at the stock 10.5° and I'm seeing about the same launch and flight (but with more carry) but I had to work harder with the ST-Z and MotoreX to get it airborne. 

[cnosil]

2 hours ago, erock9174 said:

Good stuff.  yeah I will probably need to tinker a bit with the SW.  I had researched just replacing the shaft in my G425 max but by the time you source the shaft and put a Ping tip on it the cost was getting up there.  So I just ended up ordering a PXG 0211 last night 10.5 with the Riptide CB 4.0 at 46".  I have tried 46" drivers in the past and being shorter (5' 4") I feel like I have to swing really flat with that long a shaft so I may end up going shorter (my norm is around 45").  Which would also bring the SW back down. 

 

I read through the post but can't remember, when doing the Otto Phlex test, did you guys need to loft down at all?    

You and I are on the same page.  I was looking at shafts and by the time I add tip and grip the cost makes the 0211 very appealing.   I okay the G400 max so like the 0211 headlight becomes a consideration.   I am also pondering new driver this year so I might also wait for that decision.   And this internal debate continue perpetually in my head which is why I don’t buy a lot of new equipment

[erock9174]

10 minutes ago, cnosil said:

You and I are on the same page.  I was looking at shafts and by the time I add tip and grip the cost makes the 0211 very appealing.   I okay the G400 max so like the 0211 headlight becomes a consideration.   I am also pondering new driver this year so I might also wait for that decision.   And this internal debate continue perpetually in my head which is why I don’t buy a lot of new equipment

At $119 now for the 0211, I couldn't pass it up.  Had some credit on Amazon to use up, but unfortunately they didn't have any L flex options in the 10.5 head, so I ordered it directly from PXG.  

[GolfSpy TCB]

On 9/28/2022 at 9:54 AM, azstu324 said:

In your case, there's L (not Ladies but Lite flex) 

I'll be completely honest I really wouldn't know where to direct someone who plays softer than Stiff. So I sure hope that question doesn't come up

Considering a Ladies flex for my "softer than stiff" swing... One thing I"m not sure about is if that softer than "A" flex will require a shorter shaft, but that is a trial and error scenario, just as you found.  Worst case scenario... I pop my Tensei Blue Regular Flex back in.  

I have already toyed with an "A" flex - but may have had the swing weight off... definitely something I will pay more attention to.  

Cool project AZSTU!!

[Bobbers]

24 minutes ago, Golfspy_TCB said:

Considering a Ladies flex for my "softer than stiff" swing... One thing I"m not sure about is if that softer than "A" flex will require a shorter shaft, but that is a trial and error scenario, just as you found.  Worst case scenario... I pop my Tensei Blue Regular Flex back in.  

I have already toyed with an "A" flex - but may have had the swing weight off... definitely something I will pay more attention to.  

Cool project AZSTU!!

Take my word for it, your swing isn't any "softer" than mine...

I had no issue coming up with a 46 inch driver that came in at D0-D1 so I would, earnestly, not let that concern deter you.

Have fun.

[azstu324]

6 minutes ago, Golfspy_TCB said:

Considering a Ladies flex for my "softer than stiff" swing... One thing I"m not sure about is if that softer than "A" flex will require a shorter shaft, but that is a trial and error scenario, just as you found.  Worst case scenario... I pop my Tensei Blue Regular Flex back in.  

I have already toyed with an "A" flex - but may have had the swing weight off... definitely something I will pay more attention to.  

Cool project AZSTU!!

In your case it may just have to be a case of really getting the profile right. Like we've already seen with the PX Evenflow Riptide CB 5.0 A flex, it's just a stiffer profile and would probably better match a 115 mph hitter, whereas the Garafalloy PLB technically falls within the same category but feels much softer and more in line with what I was presuming to be the right profile. You might be able to find something with a softer "A" profile that fits the bill. I think maybe the UST V2 HL might have a more bendy profile but don't quote me on that. 

I thought the Garafalloy PLB had a standard length L flex when I was looking? I've got a Garafalloy GWX A flex coming tomorrow. From my Q&A with Golfworks, it looks to be a hair softer in the middle, same grip section, and slightly stiffer tip and a touch lower torque. It also weighs about 8g more (uncut) than the PLB. I might be wishing on a star that it's anything better than the PLB but it'll be good to try it out just to conclude my search.

 

[GolfSpy TCB]

2 hours ago, Bobbers said:

Take my word for it, your swing isn't any "softer" than mine...

I had no issue coming up with a 46 inch driver that came in at D0-D1 so I would, earnestly, not let that concern deter you.

Have fun.

Thanks Bobbers!!  

[BMart519]

As a tinkerer with a full set of head weights for my F9, I really want to try this but the cheapest shafts on ebay are around $100 and not having much luck finding anything local in used golf shops, kijiji, or facebook marketplace.  

[GolfSpy TCB]

2 hours ago, azstu324 said:

I thought the Garafalloy PLB had a standard length L flex when I was looking?

Yes, the PLB is what I have been looking at.  I'll take a look at the "A" flex profile... could be a winner.  the previous "A" flex I was trying out was the Mits Tensei Blue AV 55 sfw - so probably not the best specs to get me out of my "regular" comfort zone based on your research.  

[TheFonzzz]

Build the NV55, butt cut to 45, SWD1, driving range late morning! 

[gmmiddle]

23 hours ago, erock9174 said:

Currently play a G425 Max 10.5 with Tensei Orange AV Raw Regular Flex (Ping lists it as 50g) and MRC lists it at 57g.   Play it at 45 1/8" to end of grip D2-3 ish.   

 

I was thinking about this project and going with either the Riptide CB 4.0 40g (45g, 5.3 torque) or Cypher Shaft in 4.0 flex (47g, 6.0 Torque).    Given the PXG 0211 driver is now $119, I thought about going with the Riptide CB shaft to help bring the swing weight down a little.   I know the Riptide shaft is 45g, but I plan to try this at 46" which will raise the Swing weight (0211 was meant to be 45" with a 206g head). 

Seems reasonable?   

As a non-club builder I am also curious.  The PXG price and having it built seems a great way to check this out.  Will these shafts make it happen?  The PXG can be 9 degree btw.

[azstu324]

15 hours ago, BMart519 said:

As a tinkerer with a full set of head weights for my F9, I really want to try this but the cheapest shafts on ebay are around $100 and not having much luck finding anything local in used golf shops, kijiji, or facebook marketplace.  

Have you tried Golfworks Canada division? (Sorry had to creep your profile ) You may be able to score one of the options we've been talking about brand new for less.. or maybe the same.? Not sure how the exchange rate works but $60 USD/$91 CD + shipping for a brand new shaft isn't horrible.. right?

https://www.golfworks.ca/

[Chadvb]

1 hour ago, azstu324 said:

Have you tried Golfworks Canada division? (Sorry had to creep your profile ) You may be able to score one of the options we've been talking about brand new for less.. or maybe the same.? Not sure how the exchange rate works but $60 USD/$91 CD + shipping for a brand new shaft isn't horrible.. right?

https://www.golfworks.ca/

I sourced the Graffaloy Prolaunch and it was $99 up here in Canada. 

https://www.golfworks.ca/grafalloy-prolaunch-4565-graphite-wood-shafts/p/tt0133/

[azstu324]

My friend Dex just dropped something off..

Same graphics as the PLB but I'm super diggin the flat black! Paired with the O311 this would look murderous! 

[erock9174]

2 minutes ago, azstu324 said:

My friend Dex just dropped something off..

Same graphics as the PLB but I'm super diggin the flat black! Paired with the O311 this would look murderous! 

Nice looking shaft.  Do they have a 40g variant?  

[BMart519]

3 hours ago, azstu324 said:

Have you tried Golfworks Canada division? (Sorry had to creep your profile ) You may be able to score one of the options we've been talking about brand new for less.. or maybe the same.? Not sure how the exchange rate works but $60 USD/$91 CD + shipping for a brand new shaft isn't horrible.. right?

https://www.golfworks.ca/

$90 shaft + $15 grip + $20-30 for an adapter with install might be more than I am willing to dabble with. I can buy a radspeed head for $200 or a full driver for $300. That $130 would cover 1-3 hours of professional fitting on trackman. 
 

During my last fitting the g425 LST could equal my F9 but nothing could beat it and I repeatedly put up launch and spin numbers within my ideal ranges on trackman. The fitter didn’t want to look at aftermarket shafts for the F9 given the stock numbers. 
 

The spaghetti shaft may help my low misses stay airborne but likely bring down my ceiling a bit. My biggest question about this setup is if I dropped 15-20g of shaft weight, 10g off the grip (currently use midsize), and potential head weight reduction for SW D0, would I pick up enough head and ball speed to increase potential through a lighter build. 

[azstu324]

51 minutes ago, erock9174 said:

Nice looking shaft.  Do they have a 40g variant?  

Unfortunately not in this model. The lightest is A flex in 52g uncut. 

 

[BadgerRick]

1 hour ago, BMart519 said:

$90 shaft + $15 grip + $20-30 for an adapter with install might be more than I am willing to dabble with. I can buy a radspeed head for $200 or a full driver for $300. That $130 would cover 1-3 hours of professional fitting on trackman. 
 

During my last fitting the g425 LST could equal my F9 but nothing could beat it and I repeatedly put up launch and spin numbers within my ideal ranges on trackman. The fitter didn’t want to look at aftermarket shafts for the F9 given the stock numbers. 
 

The spaghetti shaft may help my low misses stay airborne but likely bring down my ceiling a bit. My biggest question about this setup is if I dropped 15-20g of shaft weight, 10g off the grip (currently use midsize), and potential head weight reduction for SW D0, would I pick up enough head and ball speed to increase potential through a lighter build. 

go to Dallasgolf.com. Just got the shaft, adapter and grip for under $100

[BMart519]

59 minutes ago, BadgerRick said:

go to Dallasgolf.com. Just got the shaft, adapter and grip for under $100

$117 USD with shipping to Canada is $160 in funny money 

[azstu324]

2 minutes ago, BMart519 said:

$117 USD with shipping to Canada is $160 in funny money 

I sure wish our money was more fun..

[azstu324]

3 hours ago, azstu324 said:

My friend Dex just dropped something off..

Same graphics as the PLB but I'm super diggin the flat black! Paired with the O311 this would look murderous! 

Just 1 wrap of aluminum tape has me right at D1. Plays exactly at 45" and I don't need to swap out the head weight. This makes the shafts perfectly interchangeable! Lord I hope this one works out! You'd almost think it was a box set driver the way the color scheme matches so perfectly. 

Will probably scrap the grip for something all black like the Sonar Tour Wrap. It's all I had laying around. Should have some updates later tonight 

[TheFonzzz]

Update! The Aldila NV55 is not working.   It’s super spiny and fading heigh. I think my Mizuno ST220Z 10.5 ‘head is part of the problem. I try’ed going down to 8.5 but still not working. I think for this experiment I will need a 9’ head. Im thinking that I should have tipped the shaft a inch. Not giving up. The shaft felt very nice and contact was great so I’m thinking of trying it on a 5 wood.

[azstu324]

4 hours ago, TheFonzzz said:

Update! The Aldila NV55 is not working.   It’s super spiny and fading heigh. I think my Mizuno ST220Z 10.5 ‘head is part of the problem. I try’ed going down to 8.5 but still not working. I think for this experiment I will need a 9’ head. Im thinking that I should have tipped the shaft a inch. Not giving up. The shaft felt very nice and contact was great so I’m thinking of trying it on a 5 wood.

Man that's a bummer to hear that your first go wasn't what you'd hoped for. My experience is only getting better as I go. 

As a last resort have you tried the upright setting? That might help with turning over the face a little more. With the lowest loft that's a tough one because the face is more open. 

Don't give up man! It's worth it if you can find the right fit