FreeFlex FF45 Watercolor Shaft Review

The FreeFlex FF45 Watercolor Shaft is a very light, very flexible driver shaft that FreeFlex says keeps accuracy through low torque. I played it for 7 rounds in my Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond driver. In my testing it raised launch, lowered spin and still went straight. It feels odd in a waggle, but it works once you swing it.

FreeFlex’s pitch is that you no longer have to trade accuracy for speed. If you’ve done a fitting, you know the usual trade-off. A more flexible shaft makes more speed but costs fairways, so you go stiffer to control the head. I tested this shaft on the course and in the IGR Office with Carl’s Place Golf.

Looks and finish

Every Watercolor shaft is painted, and none of the patterns are the same. It’s unusual, but not so loud that you’d be embarrassed swinging it, and it got compliments on the course. If you want a tamer look, FreeFlex also offers matte or glossy carbon blue.

The FreeFlex name is in block print with some subtle notes about the shaft model and parent company, all done in a clean way. A painted spine marking makes installation easy. I love the look.

Feel

I swing a stiff-flex shaft, and in a waggle the FF45 feels like a senior flex. The waggle test says it can’t be stiff enough for my swing. The feel in the swing doesn’t match the waggle, though.

The low torque keeps the feel normal, balanced and stable. You feel like you can swing for the fences. It’s unique, smooth and has a strong kick.

Performance and learning curve

On the course and in the Office, the results backed up FreeFlex’s claim that a shaft this light and flexible can still be accurate. There’s a small learning curve because the shaft is different. Everyone I played with wanted a test swing. They waggled it, gave a doubtful laugh and then hit a decent shot, walking away with a stunned look.

After a few swings my timing synced up with the feel and weight of the shaft. It even threw me for a loop when I went back to conventional weight and flex shafts.

Everything FreeFlex markets held true for me. Launch went up, spin went down and the ball went straight. I saw a slight speed gain too, but only after I trusted the shaft. When I was tentative, my speed showed it.

A shaft this flexible didn’t snap hook every shot. Swing with confidence and it launches the ball.

Should you buy it?

Yes, if you want more launch and a little more speed with less spin and no loss of accuracy, and you’re willing to spend a few swings getting used to it. The FreeFlex FF45 Watercolor Shaft did what FreeFlex says in my driver, and one range session should be enough to see it for yourself.

Skip it if you want a conventional feel or don’t want to re-time your swing. Our best driver shafts guide covers more mainstream options.

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