The Curious Case of the “Otto Phlex”

You read it correctly… “Otto Phlex”. I’m sure there’s not a person on the internet who hasn’t heard of (or seen) the AutoFlex shaft. For those of you who have been living under a rock for the past couple of years, AutoFlex is a South Korean company that has basically branded their flagship shaft as a very flexible, high-performing, high-tech, and somewhat “magic” shaft made with “Secret Hidden Korean Technology”. The concept lends itself to the idea that a specific flexy profile can help increase clubhead and ball speed, while increasing launch and keeping spin relatively low, and improving dispersion and forgiveness, therefore yielding results of long, straight, towering bombs… I mean, who doesn’t want that, right? Another claim is that while keeping the profile relatively soft, tempo improves, and the overall risk for injury can be reduced.

Well, I’ll be one of the first to admit it. I was NEVER enamored by the claims and especially the price of the AutoFlex. Oh, and let’s not forget about the color scheme.. Ultra Hot Pink? Not my jam, Sam. As a sole provider trying my best to balance a decent golf game on a budget with my family life, spending $800+ on a hot pink golf shaft just isn’t something that interests me… regardless of the claims.

Well, over the past year or so, there have been a few YouTube channels that have showcased the AutoFlex Hack… or as I like to call it, the “Otto Phlex”. It has been somewhat theorized that the secret sauce to the AutoFlex is based on the following basic profile characteristics: 2-3 flexes lighter than your preferred flex or frequency, at least 1 or even 2 weight classes lower than your preferred weight, a swingweight between D0 and D2 depending on the flex, and a mid/high launch profile. It has also been debated that the AutoFlex works best when it’s at least 46″ or longer. I tried starting at 46.5″ and just didn’t like the length. I then tried shorter 0.5″ increments and I ended up at 45″ and I’ll explain how I got there in a bit.

Putting the “Otto Phlex” to the Test

Okay, before anybody sounds the alarm, I realize that all of these characteristics are subject to each shaft company’s interpretation and that there is no such thing as a standardized R, S, X, etc., flex shaft. All of these characteristics are based on broad generalities, and this experiment has quite a bit of wiggle room, so don’t get your plaid golf knickers in a twist. (There, got that out of the way.)

I’ve been playing the MotoreX F1 6X for the past 2 years. It’s an XS shaft according to Fujikura, and it weighs in at about 68g uncut. I’ve played it at about D5 swingweight, but the shaft can take the extra head weight with no issues. Up until very recently, this was supposed to be my “Forever” shaft. It just works, and up to this point, I just couldn’t find anything better. This is, however, going by conventional wisdom standards that with a 110+ mph swing speed, I need to play either a hefty stiff or XS profile shaft, and my preferred weight has always been sub 70g in a driver.

The Discovery of the “Otto Phlex”

As I stumbled upon some videos showcasing the “Otto Phlex” hack, I couldn’t help but be intrigued. The idea of taking a shaft that’s 2-3 flexes lighter than my usual, and 1-2 weight classes lower, sounded a bit counterintuitive to everything I thought I knew about shaft fitting. But the claims of increased ball speed, launch, and forgiveness were simply too enticing to ignore.

After doing some more research on the forum, I learned that the key to the “Otto Phlex” is finding the right combination of flex, weight, and launch profile to complement your swing. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, and what works for one golfer might not work for another. But the potential benefits were too good to pass up.

Putting the “Otto Phlex” into Practice

So, I decided to give it a shot. I went to my local golf shop and started experimenting with different shafts that fit the “Otto Phlex” criteria. I tried a Mitsubishi Tensei AV Raw White in a regular flex and 55g, as well as a Project X HZRDUS Smoke iM10 in a stiff flex and 60g. Both shafts felt surprisingly smooth and responsive, with a noticeable increase in launch and ball speed compared to my trusty MotoreX.

After a few range sessions, I settled on the Mitsubishi Tensei AV Raw White in a 45-inch length. The lower flex and weight, combined with the mid-launch profile, seemed to be the perfect combination for my swing. I was hitting the ball longer and straighter than ever before, with a noticeable improvement in both feel and forgiveness.

Spying on the Competition

Now, you might be wondering, “How does this help me spy on my competitors?” Well, my friends, that’s where the real magic happens.

By using the “Otto Phlex” hack, you can gain a competitive edge over your rivals without spending a fortune. Not only will you be hitting the ball farther and more accurately, but you’ll also be able to analyze their equipment and strategies more effectively.

For example, let’s say you notice your competitor is using a driver with a stiff shaft and a low-launch profile. By experimenting with the “Otto Phlex” and finding a setup that works best for your swing, you can start to understand the nuances of their equipment and how it might be impacting their performance.

Armed with this knowledge, you can then make informed decisions about your own equipment choices and strategies, giving you a significant advantage on the course. And the best part? It’s all completely free to implement, as long as you’re willing to put in the time and effort to experiment with different shafts and setups.

So, if you’re looking to gain an edge on your competitors without breaking the bank, I highly recommend giving the “Otto Phlex” a try. Who knows, it might just be the secret weapon you need to take your game (and your business) to the next level.