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They come with the big billing and the big price tag, but are the AutoFlex shafts worth the investment. Jack Backhouse tested them to find out
Few golf products have generated as much intrigue in recent years as the Autoflex shafts. Wild colours, mysterious “Korea Hidden Technology,” and bold claims of free speed have made them one of the most talked-about components in golf. But do they actually work?
Well we managed to get our hands on all three Autoflex models, the SF505X, AutoPower Flex, and AutoPower Snipe. We tested them against my gamer LA Golf shaft and the results were far more surprising than I was expecting…
AutoFlex Golf Shafts Review: Summary
NCG SUMMARY
The AutoFlex SF505X is one of the most surprising and effective aftermarket shafts I have tested. It delivers real, measurable swing-speed gains while offering impressive stability and consistency. This is all evident, even though it feels far softer than any traditional extra-stiff model.
The AutoPower Flex and Snipe provide similar distance performance with more conventional feels, but the SF505X remains the standout option in my opinion. The high price makes this a big purchase but the performance speaks for itself. For those looking for consistent results, I think you should definitley consider giving AutoFlex a try.
PROS
Autoflex offers multiple profiles, giving golfers different levels of flex and feel while retaining the same core technology
The most striking aspect of the AutoFlex shafts is how light and flexible they feel. The SF505X, which is recommended for players with a swing speed over 110 mph, bends dramatically during a simple waggle and feels nothing like a conventional extra-stiff shaft. I found it initially difficult to believe that something this soft can deliver the clubface consistently at impact. However, it becomes clear after a few swings that this is not just a lightweight ladies’ shaft. I think the shaft does feel unusual but surprisingly stable.
On-course performance
The SF505X stood out clearly thanks to its bright pink finish and extremely lightweight construction. For me, during my testing it felt exceptionally laggy, and it produces a sense that the clubhead is late to catch up before impact. Despite this, the overall sensation is one of ease. I felt like the shaft was working to create speed without needing any extra effort from me.
On the other hand, I thought the AutoPower Flex model offered a more subdued appearance and a noticeably more traditional sensation. Although it was still light and lively, it did not feel anywhere near as flexible as the SF505X. I can best describe it as a middle-ground option for players who want the benefits of AutoFlex technology without the extreme, whippy profile.
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Finally, the AutoPower Snipe by far feels the closest to a conventional extra-stiff shaft. It is firmer, heavier, and more stable than the other two Autoflex models. It delivers the familiar sensation of a traditional performance shaft but still incorporates the brand’s hidden technology.
Speed
My data showed a clear performance advantage for the SF505X in this area. It delivered an average clubhead speed of 110 mph, which was impressively a gain of 2 mph over my LA Golf gamer shaft. The AutoPower Flex and Snipe models produced speeds of 108.7 mph and 108.3 mph respectively, which were more similar to what I usually get from the LA option.
Ball Speed and Distance
The SF505X also produced the highest ball speeds during testing, regularly reaching 160–162 mph. My carry distances consistently fell between 270 and 278 yards. What is more impressive long term was that I was able to repeat these distances. With the exception of a single mishit, every one of my strikes carried within approximately ten yards of the previous one. Pretty remarkable stuff, if I do say so.
Both the AutoPower Flex and the AutoPower Snipe delivered similar carry distances to the SF505X, despite producing slightly slower swing speeds. It just shows how much work the tech is able to do in providing efficient energy transfer even in the stiffer and heavier versions.
Dispersion
I’m going to be honest. I expected the SF505X to produce large offline misses due to the extreme flexibility. Instead, I found the opposite happened. After a short adjustment period, the shaft delivered straight, predictable shots with very little variance. This basically contradicts the common assumption we all have that whippy shafts produce erratic dispersion. It just isn’t the case and, in fact, suggests that AutoFlex has achieved something genuinely unique with its internal shaft design.
On-Course Practicality
I couldn’t get over how easy the SF505X felt to swing. It didn’t require any sort of aggressive effort, and it seemed to deliver plenty of speed with minimal strain on my behalf. This could be a positive during the later stages of a round, when fatigue often contributes to lower swing speeds. A shaft that allows a player to maintain speed without working harder has clear potential benefits during competition play.
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NCG Verdict
The AutoFlex SF505X exceeded my expectations in almost every measurable category. It produced the fastest swing speeds, the highest ball speeds, and some of the most consistent carry distances of the entire test. It also provided an unexpected level of accuracy, which was especially surprising given the extremely flexible profile of the shaft. The AutoPower Flex and AutoPower Snipe models also performed very well and will appeal to players who prefer a more conventional feel while still benefiting from the funky AutoFlex design.
Overall, the SF505X is the standout performer of the three, there is no question in my mind about that. For me at least, it delivered the most significant speed increase with the least effort.
