Project X EvenFlow Riptide LX Shaft
The original. highly regarded, EvenFlow Riptide shaft was a big fan favorite across all of golf. Following its success, Project X set out to evolve their Riptide line to be more stable while keeping the signature smooth feel. What I think they delivered is one of the most widely playable low-launch, low-spin, and low-torque shafts they’ve ever produced. That shaft is the Project X EvenFlow Riptide LX. It’s a shaft that will keep your spin and launch down, still feel good, and you don’t HAVE to be a monster to hit it well.
The Looks
Of the two new EvenFlow Riptide shafts, the LX version looks similar to its original predecessor. Project X kept the black/grey base layer which I feel looks like open water at night under a bright moon. The difference between the LX and original is that the “seafoamy” filling of the Riptide logo is red and there’s an LX logo next to it.
And once again, I will gladly use this opportunity to pause this review, and share “Surfwax America” by Weezer here because there’s something about the Riptide shafts that make me think of this song…and kind of the movie Jaws.
How Does it Feel?
The way I understand the whole purpose of the Riptide LX was to maintain the smooth bend and general feel of the original Riptide, BUT to make it feel more stable via its lower torque. All I can say is that I think Project X nailed that exactly. Of course, that’s somewhat of a subjective claim, but I found the LX to feel a lot like the original Riptide, but quite a bit “tighter”. I’m not kidding. The Riptide LX feels almost identical in a general sense, but I felt like I had much more control of the LX and could hit a ball down a long hallway.
Given the LX is a low/low shaft, there’s a more noticeable kick point than its predecessor. At least, that’s what I feel. Though the shaft loads and unloads very smoothly, there is a point about 20 inches up from the tip where I felt like the majority of the energy transfer took place. The response/feedback in the hands is excellent and makes for a great shaft.
On-Course Performance
| Club Speed | Ball Speed | Launch Angle | Spin | Carry (Yds) | Total (Yds) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 115 | 172.5 | 9.9º | 2265 | 283 | 310 |
I started alluding to it in the previous “Feel” section, but the Project X EvenFlow Riptide performs as billed. It’s easy to hit a lower piercing shot off the tee with a nice rise, but you can still find the carry to keep the ball in the air. The spin stays down so you get a good roll once it hits the ground, but you’ll also have an easier time controlling the ball because it doesn’t want to spin sideways too much. That lower torque and kickpoint keeps the side spin down so you aren’t spraying the ball everywhere. Again, see my point above about feeling like I’d be able to hit the ball down a long hallway.
While the Riptide LX is “billed toward” a more moderate swing tempo, I feel it sits in a nice versatile position. I wouldn’t say my swing tempo is moderate by any means, and I’m still able to maintain strong control off of the tee and get the low/low benefits. Admittedly, I can’t speak to the likes of Rory, Dustin, Brooks, etc, but as a mortal who has a quick swing, the Riptide LX holds up well. The stock shot is lower, but I can easily control the flight and adjust trajectory as necessary.
Final Thoughts – Project X EvenFlow Riptide LX Shaft
I was a big fan of the original Riptide, but the EvenFlow Riptide LX is easily my favorite Project X graphite shaft to date. The Riptide LX is stable, but not stout and “boardy” as often comes along with the low launch/spin territory. The feel is more “friendly” than the mighty stout HZRDUS models, and I’m a sucker for smooth bend profiles that are easy to hit. I didn’t feel like I had to be super human to hit the LX, but the low torque still allowed me to really get after it while still keeping everything under control. The LX is really a nice addition to Project X’s EvenFlow Riptide lineup and I imagine it will be a pretty popular option.
PS. While writing this review, Vance Joy’s Riptide came on the station I had playing. You want to talk about weird transcendental events??? I wonder if Vance golfs?
I’ve been looking to buy one of these for a while now and can’t find one anywhere. Is it too new to find still?
I don’t think they’re too new to find necessarily, but they are pretty new and demand is high so they may be getting snatched up quick. I would also go on a limb and assume they’re having the same logistics struggles as the rest of the golf industry in terms of getting their components. So it’s possible the stock hitting retail is moving pretty quickly.
Thanks. I currently have an Evenflow Green 6.0 and love the energy transfer, just hit it really high. Looking for something with the same feel that gives me a bit lower trajectory and some more roll out. Any other suggestions that fits that bill to try?
I’ve never hit the EvenFlow Green honestly, so I couldn’t really tell you. I’m not sure how closely the new LX or MX would relate to that, nor could I really compare anything on the market to it since I haven’t hit it. I believe the EvenFlow Green is a made for EF for Callaway, no? It would have likely compared to the EvenFlow Blue or Black at that time, so maybe check those out? Black is the lower launching option which we covered here.
It is a Callaway exclusive. I can’t find any details on it since its not offered in the new clubs. I have it in my Flash. I’ll take a look at the Black, though. Thank you!
Prima, maar wat is het verschil met 50 of 60 e de T 800 55
I’m not sure what you’re asking, but high level, if I understand correctly – 50 & 60 are different weight profiles.
What is the difference between the previous generation evenflow 70g 6.5 driver shaft and the newer grey/black color 70g 6.5 shaft?
Different materials, improved feel.
Hey Bill,
First off thanks for your detailed review on shafts. They are very informative to me and others for sure.
My question is, since you’ve reviewed both, which one would you game, like the feel of better, or just performs better? The linq gunmetal or this one being the evenflow riptide lx. Or even the mid/mid of the riptide mx/ling gunmetal
I also have similar CHS numbers to you and a semi aggressive transition.
Thanks
That’s pretty tough, honestly. They’re all pretty good and I could probably get along just fine with any of them. I suppose if I HAD to pick one of the three, I’d probably go Riptide LX assuming we’re talking driver.
Why did project x retire this shaft lineup already?
I picked up a 60g proto tx on eBay after reading your review and breaking my driver shaft the other day. You’re review was bang on, it’s smooth but very stable.
That’s a good question. I have no clue, but maybe some sort of replacement for it is on the way?