AutoFlex Dream7 Driver Shafts - 2024 Forum Member Review

[chisag]

... I came down with a nasty stomach bug and I have only played once in the last 11 days. I think I have lost a good 5 lbs so I'll have to get those back. With potential record breaking 114* or higher expected the next two days it probably isn't a good idea to play in my weakened condition. So several more days before I can get out again.

... I look at this like a blessing in disguise, at least as far as the Dream 7 is concerned. I switch from my winter course to my summer course so I will be playing completely different holes my next round and won't have the familiarity I had my last 10 rounds. After my first several rounds, it seemed every round it got better. Not having played for awhile, it should be a good test when I take it back out again. Will the amazing performance continue? Will it pick up right where it left off? I will hopefully find out over my next several rounds, whenever that may be. 

[funkyjudge]

On 6/5/2024 at 4:49 PM, chisag said:

... I came down with a nasty stomach bug and I have only played once in the last 11 days. I think I have lost a good 5 lbs so I'll have to get those back. With potential record breaking 114* or higher expected the next two days it probably isn't a good idea to play in my weakened condition. So several more days before I can get out again.

... I look at this like a blessing in disguise, at least as far as the Dream 7 is concerned. I switch from my winter course to my summer course so I will be playing completely different holes my next round and won't have the familiarity I had my last 10 rounds. After my first several rounds, it seemed every round it got better. Not having played for awhile, it should be a good test when I take it back out again. Will the amazing performance continue? Will it pick up right where it left off? I will hopefully find out over my next several rounds, whenever that may be. 

I will gladly give you at least 5 of the pounds that I gained in Scotland last week. I averaged more than 20,000 steps a day and had 4 miles of elevation changes in those walks on the golf courses, plus walked a couple of miles with my wife after dinner every night and still gained weight.

Since getting home, I’ve been working out an hour or more every day, even today after my sister-in-law’s funeral. I think that I need more than 30 minutes a day plus some serious weight training to get these pounds off ….. so, if you want a few of them, they are all yours!

Edited June 25 by funkyjudge

[KC Golf]

Didn’t drive it consistently today, but some of my drives were pretty far.

The AF was great today.  The trajectory and straight flight was impressive on both of these shots.  It’s a fun shaft.  Hard to argue with the results.

 

[Jean D]

Good morning everyone!  My FINAL review is up!  Go check out the numbers

 

 

[nvizble1]

Able to edit previous posts and submit my Final in the appropriate place.  Thanks to MGS and my fellow testers for the great experience and the camaraderie.  You guys are all awesome!

[ILMgolfnut]

On 6/5/2024 at 5:39 PM, funkyjudge said:

I will gladly give you at least 5 of the pounds that I gained in Scotland last week. I averaged more than20,000 steps a day and had 4 miles of elevation changes in those walks on the golf courses, plus walked a couple of miles with my wife after dinner every night and still gained weight.

Since getting home, I’ve been working out an hour or more every day, even today after my sister-in-law’s funeral. I think that I need more than 30 minutes a day plus some serious weight training to get these pounds off ….. so, if you want a few of them, they are all yours!

Scots eat pretty well, so not surprised by this. Especially those huge breakfasts. My trick was chow down at breakfast, skip lunch and then a normal dinner.

[Rearviewmirror]

11 hours ago, Jean D said:

Good morning everyone!  My FINAL review is up!  Go check out the numbers

 

If you really mean you're trading it and willing to give somebody else from MGS a shot to give it a swing, I'd love to give it a test too  

[William P]

13 hours ago, Jean D said:

Good morning everyone!  My FINAL review is up!  Go check out the numbers

 

 

Good solid review! 

[Jean D]

52 minutes ago, William P said:

Good solid review! 

Thank you very much!

[funkyjudge]

17 hours ago, ILMgolfnut said:

Scots eat pretty well, so not surprised by this. Especially those huge breakfasts. My trick was chow down at breakfast, skip lunch and then a normal dinner.

Since our tee times were between 8:40 AM and 11:00 AM every day, I skipped lunch every day, as well. Other than a Bobo's coconut bar or a honey-filled thin waffle during my round for an energy boost during the rounds of golf, I ate nothing for the 12-13 hours between our early breakfasts and dinner every day.

I'll take that back -- on the final day of golf, I ate 1/4 of a club sandwich, and on day #4 I split an order of nachos with two other golfers at about 3;30 in the afternoon.

[ZMendle10]

Final review is up. This was an absolute blast to test. Thank you again so much to AutoFlex and My Golf Spy for this incredible opportunity.

 

[Rearviewmirror]

As we see the final reviews start piling up... For Arccos users - if you created a new club for this I would love to see your club level strokes gained and stats for the Dream 7 vs your gamer if you're able to share a screenshot

[Jean D]

As my final review states, I have decided to trade the shaft with another forum member.  In this case,  I am trading my SF405x to @Rearviewmirror so that he may try it out and hopefully get some gains in his game. He will (fingers crossed) be getting it by Friday June 14 for additional testing and a review.

[Jean D]

49 minutes ago, Rearviewmirror said:

As we see the final reviews start piling up... For Arccos users - if you created a new club for this I would love to see your club level strokes gained and stats for the Dream 7 vs your gamer if you're able to share a screenshot

Sorry, I only received my Arccos Smoke sensors late last week.  I didn't get a chance to play a round with them yet.  

[buckpillar]

To the testers,

Great informative reviews, were there any performance issues that might go un-noticed if not looking for them?

[ZMendle10]

2 hours ago, Rearviewmirror said:

As we see the final reviews start piling up... For Arccos users - if you created a new club for this I would love to see your club level strokes gained and stats for the Dream 7 vs your gamer if you're able to share a screenshot

So I didn't create a new club for it and that would have been a great idea but this is just the quick strokes gained off the tee with the Dream 7.

 

I got 8 rounds in with the Dream 7 and overall my strokes gained declined off the tee. I wouldn't say that this is the most reliable because I didn't use it on every tee shot but it gives enough of an idea to show that overall it hurt my game more than helped it. 

[ZMendle10]

19 minutes ago, buckpillar said:

To the testers,

Great informative reviews, were there any performance issues that might go un-noticed if not looking for them?

I don't feel like I had any performance issues that weren't self inflicted. I just noticed the little details on looks and build of the shaft itself but these have no effect on performance. 

[buckpillar]

25 minutes ago, ZMendle10 said:

I don't feel like I had any performance issues that weren't self inflicted. I just noticed the little details on looks and build of the shaft itself but these have no effect on performance. 

Sounds good, thanks for the information

[Jean D]

47 minutes ago, buckpillar said:

To the testers,

Great informative reviews, were there any performance issues that might go un-noticed if not looking for them?

Nothing that would go un-noticed, at least not for me.  I found I simply couldn't get comfortable with the shaft and when I did strike it well, the high launch and spin were just not to my liking. I think this is a shaft that has a very specific golfer profile in mind: smooth stroke and transition are key,  and that's not me.  I'm looking forward to reading everyone else's reviews- it is a very diverse and talented group!

Edited June 10 by Jean D

[buckpillar]

2 minutes ago, Jean D said:

Nothing that would go un-noticed, at least not for me.  I found I simply couldn't get comfortable with the shaft and when I did strike it well, the high launch and spin were just not to my liking. I think this is a shaft that has a very specific golfer profile in mind: smooth stroke and transition are key,  and that's not me.  I'm looking forward to reading everyone else's reviews- it is a very diverse and talented group!

Thanks for your feedback

[KC Golf]

2 hours ago, ZMendle10 said:

So I didn't create a new club for it and that would have been a great idea but this is just the quick strokes gained off the tee with the Dream 7.

 

I got 8 rounds in with the Dream 7 and overall my strokes gained declined off the tee. I wouldn't say that this is the most reliable because I didn't use it on every tee shot but it gives enough of an idea to show that overall it hurt my game more than helped it. 

Here is mine.  I added a new club for my Arccos analysis.  The straighter misses helped and the added distance helped.  I also had fewer unplayable drives.

I would note that one other factor was i got more consistent with my 3FW low draws for shorter par 4s so that helped me as well and the driving stats including FW in the SG analysis.  I use my FW for 2-3 drives out of 11 to 12 on my normal courses.

[KC Golf]

3 hours ago, buckpillar said:

To the testers,

Great informative reviews, were there any performance issues that might go un-noticed if not looking for them?

I was told that my drives would fly a little lower than a GD Tour AD DI. but I was not aware that it would have a draw bias to it. Not sure if that is a result of my swing or transition, but it works really well for me.  So its not an issue but a benefit in my case.  I think for many hard core gear heads, the issue will be that they can't get their specific shaft weight with a Dream 7. Its purely based on swing speed which determines your shaft profile and weight.  For some this may be a limiting factor on finding the right fit.

[chisag]

3 minutes ago, KC Golf said:

I was told that my drives would fly a little lower than a GD Tour AD DI. but I was not aware that it would have a draw bias to it. Not sure if that is a result of my swing or transition, but it works really well for me.  So its not an issue but a benefit in my case.

 

... What you might find interesting is I found the opposite. I have always played a soft draw and my Dream 7 just wants to go straight. I have had to adjust and aim a little more left because the ball just doesn't wanna curve back. I think it is awesome your fade has turned into a draw with your autoFlex! 

[KC Golf]

8 minutes ago, chisag said:

 

... What you might find interesting is I found the opposite. I have always played a soft draw and my Dream 7 just wants to go straight. I have had to adjust and aim a little more left because the ball just doesn't wanna curve back. I think it is awesome your fade has turned into a draw with your autoFlex! 

That is really cool.  I had to actually change my Surefit setting to compensate for the slight draw, so it goes straight.

[buckpillar]

4 hours ago, KC Golf said:

I was told that my drives would fly a little lower than a GD Tour AD DI. but I was not aware that it would have a draw bias to it. Not sure if that is a result of my swing or transition, but it works really well for me.  So its not an issue but a benefit in my case.  I think for many hard core gear heads, the issue will be that they can't get their specific shaft weight with a Dream 7. Its purely based on swing speed which determines your shaft profile and weight.  For some this may be a limiting factor on finding the right fit.

Good feedback, thanks for the information

[Rearviewmirror]

10 hours ago, Jean D said:

As my final review states, I have decided to trade the shaft with another forum member.  In this case,  I am trading my SF405x to @Rearviewmirror so that he may try it out and hopefully get some gains in his game. He will (fingers crossed) be getting it by Friday June 14 for additional testing and a review.

Thanks so much @Jean D! I will try to do MGS and the other testers proud. I'll need to get a new shaft adaptor put on the shaft so it may be a week or two before I start getting good data to share, but I'm excited to join the test crew.

I'll be able to test on-course with Arccos, and also using an MLM2Pro at the range. Driving has historically been a strong point in my game, but I've actually been going through an inconsistent patch since switching to the G430 10K (ironic, right?) as documented in my review thread. As you can see, I was pretty "steady Eddie" until the last 7-8 rounds.

Typical swing speed on course for me is around 99-100, topping out at around 104/105mph so hopefully I should be right in the sweetspot for the 405x. On course, typical carry is in the 235-45 yard range, with total anywhere from 250-280yds depending on fairway conditions.

 Excited to join the crew!

 

Edited June 10 by Rearviewmirror

[BallsLeon]

On 4/22/2024 at 3:19 AM, BallsLeon said:

autoFlex Dream 7 Driver Shaft (SF405x) - Official MGS Forum Review by BallsLeon (TJ)

Intro
Hey everyone! I’m thrilled to be one of the lucky testers chosen for the autoFlex Dream 7 driver shaft review. My name’s TJ, hailing from Overland Park, Kansas. As of last year golf has taken over my life, I grew up playing as a child but over the past year have been practicing and playing more than ever trying to improve my game.



As a casual/competitive golfer, with a GHIN handicap of 20.4 (and a Trackman handicap of 15.2), I haven't played any formal tournaments, but I’m obsessed with all things golf and working on improving my game. My biggest struggle? Driving the ball. Those OB shots and lost balls add up fast, and what I've found after being fit for irons this winter is that finding the right equipment could be a game-changer.

So when the opportunity to test the autoFlex Dream 7 driver shaft came up, I jumped at it. Full disclosure: I didn’t know much about autoFlex before this. The price tag always turned me off, but the chance to put it to the test is too good to pass up. From what I’ve read, the shafts are known for being lightweight and a more active flex profile, but a lot of that is shrouded in mystery due to the Korea Hidden Technology (KHT).

I’ve selected the 405x model based on my swing speed, which falls between 90-105mph. I’ll be working with my local fitter at GolfMD to ensure the autoFlex Dream 7 driver shaft is dialed in for my swing (included a video below of a young Garrett Clark being fit there). With access to Trackman technology at an indoor practice facility (GolfTRK), I’ll be conducting thorough comparisons between shafts and drivers. Additionally, I’ll be hitting the links weekly to assess real-game performance.

What am I hoping to achieve with this test? Simple: improvement. Currently, my fairway percentage sits at 38% according to Trackman, while my GHIN records show a similar trend at 32%. Per Trackman, my average drive length is approximately 209.3 yards (with my longest recorded at 265.6 yards). I want to see my fairway percentage increase to 39% or higher, with a noticeable boost in average drive distance. It’s a tall order, but if the autoFlex Dream 7 driver shaft can deliver, it’ll earn a permanent spot in my bag.

I’ll be spending considerable time both on the range and on the course, tracking performance metrics with Trackman. Launch monitor data will be compared between different shafts and drivers, while on-course rounds will provide real-world insights into how the autoFlex Dream 7 driver shaft holds up in the real world under pressure.

In conclusion, I’m honored to have the opportunity to test the autoFlex Dream 7 driver shaft and provide valuable feedback to fellow golfers. I want to offer insights from the perspective of a high-handicap golfer who struggles off the tee, helping others make informed decisions about their equipment choices. Stay tuned as I share my experiences testing the autoFlex Dream 7 driver shaft!

First Impressions (10 out of 10)
First impressions, "Holy crap, this shaft has it's own freaking bag!" but seriously, I did not know that was a thing. Shortly followed by how awesome the shaft looks, but I'll get more into that in the next section. A couple days later I got the shaft gripped at the almost 47" length, and finally got to swing it for the first time... this thing is an absolute noodle! I filmed a short video below to give you an idea of what the "Korea Hidden Technology" looks like. also, to be fair, at almost 47" the swingweight was too high causing additional deflection.

Swingweight be damned however because I saw immediate gains with the shaft on my first session compared to the old shaft:
Before/After

• Club Speed: +4.9mph
• Ball Speed: +11mph
• Carry: +27.1yds
• Total: +28yds

There is definitely something here... no complaints, 10 out of 10!

Aesthetics (20 out of 20)
Like I mentioned in my first impressions, this shaft is a looker. The color alone is stunning, they have it labeled as green but I'd probably call it teal... no wait, maybe aqua? Either way, whatever it is it's awesome. Then you get to the graphics which are equally awesome, with flower petals, rainbow logo, and cats I definitely see the dream-like motif they were going for. I actually like the design so much, that I ended up having a headcover made to match the shaft! Featuring the cats in my life: Benjamin (grey) and Hank (black), and the neighborhood cat Callie (brown). Shout out to Brenda at Geau Golf who worked with me, seriously check her out she does awesome work! Easy 20 out of 20.

The Numbers (18 out of 20)
In every Trackman session I've had since receiving the autoFlex it has dominated my previous shafts in every measured metric. I am seeing more carry, more distance, more club speed, more ball speed, less spin, and etc. Seeing those numbers translate to my Trackman rounds as well as my average driving distance and fairway hit percentages have ticked up (note: driving average also includes all non-par 3 tee shots not taken with driver). However, I will concede that the Tensei White (stiff flex) shaft did result in the tightest dispersion in the head to head test and for that reason I will deduct two points from the autoFlex score.


Head to Head link

On the Course (20 out of 20)
Playing with the Dream7 driver shaft has instilled a new level in confidence in me off the tee-box. With my previous shafts, I felt like I had to work really hard to get the ball to go anywhere which resulted in me hitting A LOT of bad shots. Whether it's going OB constantly or hitting that low-runner that doesn't even reach the fairway, struggling off the tee-box is a sure-fire way to have a tough round. I've even gone so far as completely removing driver from my bag, and that's how I played half my rounds last year. In juxtaposition, now that I have the Dream7 shaft I am looking for any excuse to pull driver, which might be a problem in it's own right. However, it's more than just a feeling, and I am seeing it translate to better scoring rounds and more fairways hit. Since I've received the shaft my handicap has gone from 20.4 to 18.9, and my fairway hit percentage has gone up from 32% to 38%. No points deducted, 20 out of 20.

The Good, the Bad, the Inbetween (9 out of 10)
First, I'd like to address the elephant in the room, this shaft is enormously expensive. I am beyond thrilled and thankful to have been selected for this opportunity because likely I would never had the occasion to try this shaft otherwise. Even the very good/reputable fitter I went to who has a relationship with autoFlex does not carry shafts in stock to demo due to the price. However, now that I have used the autoFlex... I am not sure there is any going back, and that prospect fills my bank account with dread. I am docking a point for the price, but at this point if god forbid something happens to the shaft I would go out and purchase another. It's probably also worth noting that this shaft has not fixed my slice, that can absolutely still happen, but still less right than my Tensei Blue (regular flex).

Play it or Trade it? (20 out of 20)
Absolutely play it! I am going to try to hold on to this shaft as long as possible! I think I would be a fool to leave ~20yds on the table, and more fairways. Like I mentioned in the last section, there is definite sticker-shock to these shafts, but now that I have experienced it I am all on board for the autoFlex experience (even if I had to hide that receipt from my wife). As for who would benefit the most from this shaft... I feel like the golfer that struggles for distance or getting off the tee-box would absolutely love this. That being said, there are golfers far better than me in this testing that are getting a long very well with this shaft, so I think it could suit just about anybody willing to try this pricey experiment.

Conclusion (97 out of 100)
"Nothing happens unless first we dream." Carl Sandburg
Have to agree with Carl here, I had to get ahold of the Dream7 to change my driving game for the better!

Finished my review, check it out!

Finished off testing with a bang on Sunday, shooting 89 (43 front/ 46 back) at Shoal Creek from the white tees (Par 71, 67.2/120, 5571yds). Fairway percentage wasn't the highest (38%), but for a new to me course I was pretty pleased and distance all day was great, may have hit the longest drive of my life on hole 7 (2nd swing in the video). My wife joined me this round to capture some swings for the review:

Also, to wrap up my review the driver cover I had made to match the shaft finally arrived. I think it turned out awesome, and shout out to Brenda at Geau Golf who helped me make it!

Edited June 11 by BallsLeon
link for geau golf

[BallsLeon]

I don’t know about the rest of you testers, but I am looking forward to taking a break from practicing driver multiple times a week. Wearing my arm out!

[Autoflexusa]

Wanted to pop in and thank everyone that participated in the testing of the Autoflex Dream 7. It has been a pleasure following the threads and receiving all the honest and legit feedback. You guys are some GOLF JUNKIES!!!!!

Looking forward to seeing what’s coming up next…maybe some Dream 7 Iron shafts??? Hmmmm….

Again, thank you all for the hard work, it is very much appreciated on my end!!! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me anytime.

Now get back to your day jobs!!!!!  

 

 

[Rearviewmirror]

8 hours ago, BallsLeon said:

I don’t know about the rest of you testers, but I am looking forward to taking a break from practicing driver multiple times a week. Wearing my arm out!

Really great review! I guess I should start limbering up now, eh?