Project X Even Flow Riptide CB Golf Shaft Review

Let's talk about what counter-balancing actually means here, because Project X has done something different with the Riptide CB. Unlike traditional counter-balanced shafts that simply add weight to the grip end, this shaft uses what they call Torsional Stability Optimization throughout the entire profile. What I noticed immediately was how the weight distribution doesn't feel artificial; it's not like someone just slapped a heavy grip on a regular shaft and called it a day.

The CB model ranges from 40g to 70g, and I tested the 60g version in 6.0 flex. Here's what's clever: the torque values actually change with the weight. The lighter 40g version has 5.0° of torque, while my 60g tester measured 3.9°. That's a significant difference that tells me Project X actually engineered each weight class differently rather than just scaling up the same design.

During my testing, I found the counter-balance effect most noticeable at the top of the backswing. Where I'd normally feel the head wanting to drop behind me (especially as I get quick), the Riptide CB kept everything in position. It's subtle; we're not talking about a dramatic difference, but it's there. My changeover improved almost immediately, and I stopped having those days where I'd fight a flip at the bottom.

The real benefit showed up in my dispersion patterns. Over 100 drives tracked on my launch monitor, my left-to-right dispersion tightened by about 15% compared to my gamer shaft (a Ventus Blue 6S). That might not sound like much, but as you're trying to hit a 30-yard wide fairway, every bit helps.

If you've played any of the EvenFlow shafts before, you know they have a distinct feel, smooth, progressive, almost buttery through the swing. Project X managed to maintain that DNA in the Riptide CB, but with a twist that took me a few sessions to fully appreciate.

The mid-kick point creates what I can only describe as a two-stage loading sensation. You feel the shaft load in the changeover (stage one), then there's this secondary load as you approach impact (stage two). It's not harsh or jarring; think of it more like shifting gears in a sports car with a really good transmission. Everything flows together, but you can feel the distinct phases of energy transfer.

I was particularly impressed with how the shaft maintained its smooth feel despite the counter-balanced design. Usually, CB shafts feel boardy to me, especially in the mid-section. Not the Riptide. Even on off-center hits (and trust me, I had plenty during testing), the shaft never felt harsh. There's enough feedback to know you missed the sweet spot, but it doesn't send shock waves up to your hands like some ultra-stiff, low-torque shafts do.

The 46-inch raw length gives you plenty of room to work with for tipping. I ended up playing mine at standard length with no tip trim, but I did experiment with different configurations. Tipping 0.5" definitely firmed things up and lowered flight slightly, while going to 45.5" playing length made the counter-balance effect more pronounced. It's nice having those options.

Here's my biggest pet peeve with shaft marketing: everyone claims "mid" flight, but half the time you get something that launches like a rocket or stays so low you're hunting for your ball in the first cut. The Riptide CB actually delivers on its mid-trajectory promise, and the numbers back it up. Interestingly, Project X's other CB offerings, like the Hzrdus Red CB Gen 4, also target mid launch characteristics, suggesting they've really dialed in this flight window across their counter-balanced lineup.

With my typical delivery (slightly positive angle of attack, around 105 mph swing speed), I was seeing launch angles between 12-13 degrees with around 2,400 RPM of spin. That's textbook mid-launch, mid-spin performance. For reference, my Ventus Blue launches about a degree lower with 200 RPM less spin, while my backup shaft (an Aldila Rogue Silver) launches nearly two degrees higher.

What really stood out was the consistency. Project X claims a 97.5 out of 100 consistency rating, and while I can't verify their exact testing methodology, my experience supports this claim. Over multiple range sessions and rounds, my launch conditions stayed remarkably stable. Even when I was tired at the end of a bucket, the shaft kept producing similar numbers. That's not always the case. I've tested shafts that perform great when you're fresh but fall apart when your swing gets sloppy.

The trajectory shape is what I'd call "strong boring." The ball flight peaks about 2/3 of the way to its apex, then holds that height before gradually descending. There's no ballooning, no dramatic fall-off. Just a predictable, penetrating flight that handles wind reasonably well without being a total line drive.

One thing I really appreciate about the Riptide CB lineup is the thoughtful weight and flex combinations Project X offers. They haven't just thrown every possible combination at the wall; each weight class has specific flex options that make sense for the golfers who'd choose that weight.

The 40g version only comes in 4.0 and 5.0 flexes, which is smart. If you need a 40g shaft, you're probably not swinging 115 mph and needing TX flex. The 50g offers 5.0, 5.5, and 6.0, covering most average swing speed players. The 60g (my test shaft) gives you 5.5, 6.0, and 6.5 options, while the 70g includes a 6.5TX for your animals who compress the ball like Bryson.

I spent some time hitting the 50g version in 5.5 flex just for comparison. The weight difference was immediately noticeable, not in a bad way, just different. The lighter version felt more "whippy" through impact, and I gained about 2 mph clubhead speed but lost some stability. For someone with a smoother tempo than mine, it would probably be perfect. The 60g suited my somewhat aggressive changeover better.

The 0.335" parallel tip means this shaft will fit pretty much any modern driver head without adapters or special considerations. I had no issues installing it in my TSR3, and it previously lived in a Callaway Paradym for a few weeks without any problems.

Look, I know aesthetics shouldn't matter regarding performance, but let's be real, we all want our equipment to look good. The Riptide CB delivers with its black base color accented by blue and white lettering. It's understated but distinctive, professional without being boring. The graphics have a slight texture to them that catches the light nicely at address.

Build quality is what you'd expect from Project X, absolutely flawless. The paint is smooth and even, the graphics are perfectly aligned, and there's no visible seam where the layers come together. I've had this shaft in and out of different heads multiple times for testing, and there's not a single chip or scratch in the finish. That's not always the case with aftermarket shafts.

The counter-balanced design isn't visually obvious, which I appreciate. Some CB shafts have a noticeably thicker butt section that looks weird at address. The Riptide CB maintains normal proportions throughout its length. Unless someone picks up your club and tests its waggle, they probably won't even know it's counter-balanced.

Absolutely, while the Project X Even Flow Riptide CB Golf Shaft is a great product, there are a few pros and cons that you need to be aware of:

Pros:

• Excellent stability without sacrificing feel, a rare combination in a CB design

• True mid-launch, highly consistent mid-spin performance

• Wide range of weight and flex options to fit most golfers

Cons: 

• The counter-balance effect might not suit players who like to feel the head.

• Price point around $350 puts it in the premium category.

• Limited availability might make it hard to demo before buying