Project X EvenFlow Riptide MX Shaft

Project X updated their popular EvenFlow lineup in 2021 with the new Riptide X series. These shafts are designed to be extremely low torque but without the usual harsh and boardy feel that typically coincides with extreme stability. We previously reviewed the Riptide LX, which is the low launch/spin option of the series. In this post, we’re reviewing the Project X EvenFlow Riptide MX which has a mid-launch profile that’s easier to load but still has an extremely low torque.

The Looks

Like the Riptides that have come before it, the MX has the same EvenFlow script with a red sea foam bubble-filled Riptide logo. The Riptide MX differentiates itself with its red base that’s more reminiscent of the ocean under a red sky. There’s an old seafaring saying, “red sky at night, sailors’ delight. Red sky at morning, sailors take warning.” Well played, Project X, that happens to capture my golf game perfectly.

In case you want a little background on that saying, I borrowed this from the Library of Congress:

When we see a red sky at night, this means that the setting sun is sending its light through a high concentration of dust particles. This usually indicates high pressure and stable air coming in from the west. Basically good weather will follow.

…

A morning sky that is a deep, fiery red can indicate that there is high water content in the atmosphere. So, rain could be on its way.

And you thought this was just a golf shaft review…

How Does it Feel?

Achieving an extremely stable profile without the typical harsh and boardy feel that accompanies low torque shafts was Project X’s main goal for the EvenFlow Riptide X shafts. The MX is the “lowest torque Project X graphite shaft in the 60g weight class”. Knowing that going to into these reviews, I expected to still get a little bit of that “telephone pole” feel but perhaps with more feedback in the hands. In reality, the experience was quite different. Project X used a straight taper design which has a smooth and gradual bend to it so the MX loads easily. Then they used a 40-ton fiber to reinforce the lower 20″ of the shaft for added stability and to control the launch. The end result is an easy release with a gradual mid-kick point, effortless control, and reliability.

For whatever it’s worth, between the two Riptide X shafts, the MX’s feel stands out the most to me. A medium-launch shaft just shouldn’t feel this stable and firmly under control, but somehow it does. It’s weird because you can tell there’s a certain rigidity helping you control the club, but it has a sweetness to it that you just don’t normally see in a golf shaft like this.

On-Course Performance

Project X geared the Riptide X line for players with more moderate swing tempos. My swing is definitely more aggressive and I was able to get away with it with the low/low LX design, which I discuss in detail in that review. With the EvenFlow Riptide MX, however, I felt like the moderate swing tempo design came through a lot more. With a smoother tempo, it was easy to launch the ball right in that medium sweet spot for my swing. If I got a little quick in the tempo, I saw my launch angle creep up a bit with a slightly higher spin rate. This didn’t kill me as the spin was just enough to reasonably keep the ball in the air for enough carry. Thought not optimal, it was certainly a miss I could live with.

By design the Riptide MX, as a medium trajectory shaft, should spin a little more. That said, the reinforced lower portion for that lower torque seemed to make a big difference in spin control for me. I only spun the medium MX 100 rpms more than the lower spinning LX shaft. Other players may experience different results, but in my case, it was nice to find a couple of extra degrees of launch, but still have low enough spin for reasonable roll out and wind control.

Final Thoughts – Project X EvenFlow Riptide MX Shaft

I think the EvenFlow Riptide X series shafts both accomplish what Project X set out to do with them. From what we’ve come to know over the years in the golf industry, low torque shafts just shouldn’t feel like this. We’ve become so used to muted feels and rigidity that we equate them to rebar in the name of stability. In very recent years, the shaft industry has started to show signs of improving in this area, but the Project X EvenFlow Riptide MX has an impressively sweet and smooth feel with an incredibly firm and stable profile.

For my game, I find the two Riptide X shafts to compliment each other nicely. I’m able to let loose and swing for the fences with the LX in my driver knowing I’ll be able to control it and get long distances. In my 3 wood, the Riptide MX has been a treat off the deck. It makes getting the ball in the air a little easier, but the low torque allows me to still swing away and keep control of the ball. Frankly, I’m bombing my 3 wood now unlike anything I’ve seen in quite some time. So much so, it has replaced my beloved HZRDUS Smoke Green in my gamer fairway wood.

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