Putter Talk

2008 Sizemore Lineup

admin — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:36:04 +0000

Below is a sneak-peak at the 2008 line of putters from Sizemore The new center-shafted mallet sets up REAL nice. The addition of the less- expensive “Palyers” series putters should get them into more hands. Collectors will love the new finishes that Bruce has come up with. The Gold looks REAL cool in person. I think of it as the “C3-PO” of putters!

Tiger Shark Putters

admin — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 15:56:02 +0000

Tiger Shark wants you to take them seriously. Why not you say? I mean they have a wide variety of putters, a great alignment system, cast putters, milled putters, adjustable weight putters, it just seems they have everything. What is the price for all of this you ask - $59.99. Wait where are you going? Come back here.

In a world where putters go for thousands of dollars it’s hard to take a price point like 60 bucks seriously, well Tiger shark wants you to try. We weren’t going to review the putter or even go to the booth but one of their reps stopped us in the halls and pleated with us to visit. So we did, and we have to say were pleasantly surprised. For the guy out there that should spend more on lessons and less on clubs this makes a good flat stick.

We’ll have a full review later but for now some details. Tiger Shark has 3 levels of putters: Great White ($59), Green Speed ($79), and Optix ($149), represented by the colors yellow, green, and orange respectively. All feature their oversized grips and custom head cover that can include different weights or ball markers. Visit www.tigersharkgolf.com for more details.

Heavy Putters 2008 lineup.

admin — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 15:26:03 +0000

A few years back when Heavy Putters hit the scene, they were seen as a bit of a gimmick. It was tough to take a 2 pound putter seriously. Caddies everywhere cringed. But something funny happened. People started making putts with them!

Over the next few years Heavy Putters kept refining their design, and eventually won over enough players to have themselves taken seriously, and people started making more putts.

This year, Heavy Putters brought out 5 new designs. Each one unique…and still very heavy. If you play an Anser head, there’s a putter for you. If you play an old Zebra, there is a putter for you. If you are a fan of stealth fighters, they have one for you too!

Maruman

admin — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 22:58:02 +0000

Not new to the industry, but Maruman may be new to you. Making their presence know again in the US with the Conductor and Majesty series.

We hit a few and really liked what we felt. The soft feel of the irons is said to be a result of using Maraging steel on the face. While the price may be too much for some ($1,200 for the conductor series and $5,000 for the Majesty prestige irons) others will love the exclusivity that comes with having them in the bag.

Conductor Series comes out in April. More details to come.

Kevin Burns Kustomized

admin — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 22:44:02 +0000

Well this is certainly one of the more innovative ideas I’ve seen here at the show. Kevin Burns has spent the past three years designing his system for ordering customized putters, and I have to say it’s pretty cool. Kevin has designed every aspect of not only the putters, but the software and the actually fitting station.

The idea is that a pro shop would have one of his fitting stations and help the customer with the right fit and design. First the customer chooses the look of the putter. There are a 6 different heads to choose from. (3 heads in either right or left handed) Then the customer picks whether or not they want a sight dot or line. Want two lines, no problem. Want all three, why not. You can have a name stamped on the face, and even choose the colors for all these items.

After you have selected all that the really cool part starts. An image of that very putter is placed on the “virtual putter” screen. This screen lies on the floor underneath a mounted grip, and even adjusts the look of the putter depending on the angle I am holding the grip at. The grip is mounted to a measuring device for the fitting. Kevin has me grab the grip and take the stance that is comfortable for me. He has me do this three times and then shows me the average. I get the lie, height and weight for my putter. (see the picture for my stats) All the putters are milled one piece heads. An insert can be added and reduces the noise by 50% according to Kevin.

If this were an actual fitting in 10 or so days I would receive my new totally custom putter. Kevin is launching his product at this show and we are very excited for him. Some additional stats are below.

Lie angle is from 80-63 degrees, head weight is from 310-360 grams. Retail will be around $599-$649. Retailers will be posted on their website when available. www.kbgolf.com

2008 Solus Wedges

admin — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 22:04:02 +0000

Now distributed through HEavy Putters, the new Solus wedges were released this week. The finish is more durable, and there are more options on lofts. 61* wedge anyone?

Callaway Booth

admin — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 22:00:06 +0000

C&L Prototype Mallet

admin — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 20:56:02 +0000

No THIS is something special. PutterTalk is the first place you’ll see this prototype.
C&L has been working on a mallet for a while. This is the first plastic test-version ever seen. There are a few things that need to be changed, but the symmetrical qualities will remain. Lefty or Righty…it’s the same head.
There are great things to come from C&L.

C&L CL-2 Prototype Head

admin — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 20:54:02 +0000

First, I’ll show you the new C&L Anser style putter. The lines have been refined, the milling pattern improved. A nice “Version 2.0″ if you ask me. Check out the new “C&L” on the heel!

SeeMore Putters for 2008

admin — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 18:54:03 +0000

2007 was certainly a great year for SeeMore Putters. When I spoke with Jason Pouliot earlier today, you could tell he was still riding a high from the 2007 Masters…and rightfully so. He and his partner have taken SeeMore putters to a different level, while keeping the traditions of their predecessors.

The new line features a mallet head, an Anser style head, and a better manufacturing process that lets them adjust the shaft by incorporating an inner-hosel into the head.

We’ll look more at SeeMore in the coming weeks, but this should give you an idea of the great things to come in 2008.

Ping nFlight system

admin — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 18:46:02 +0000

This February, Ping fitters will have a new tool at their disposal. The nFlight system talks directly with several types of Launch Monitor to make suggesting on-the-fly for optimum performance. This will help fitters dial the perfect length, loft, lie and grip for every club in the Ping arsenal. With their new fitting system, they can switch to any combination of head/shaft in seconds. This is really great stuff for golfers of all abilities.

Ping Putters for 2008

admin — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 18:40:03 +0000

Our major critique of the RedWood series was the glare on the finish in direct sunlight. This year, we find the same great heads, along with three finishes available. Nickel Plated, Star-Shot, and now Black Satin finishes are available on the Redwood series.
The I Series offer some new and old heads that have elastomer inserts. Overall, it is refreshing to see Ping with an impressive lineup again.

2 New Balls from Top Flite

admin — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:08:02 +0000

The D2 Was so successful last year, they decided to one-up themselves at Top Flite this year. With a re-designed logo, and some fresh ideas, they released the first 3-piece ball under $20 with the “Gamer” and the longest 2-piece ball ever in the “Freak”
We’ve got a few dozen balls to tear into when we get back to the lab, but here is a sneak-peek.

New Putters from Odyssey

admin — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:02:03 +0000

Here are some quick pics of the new additions to the Black Series and White Hot series putters from Odyssey.
The new #9 and #7 feature the same Tungsten weighting, with the addition of a soft insert. The Sabertooth putter offers extreme parameter weighting, while giving you something to fend off bears and deer with if you are ever hunting for a ball in the woods!
More in-depth reviews forthcoming.
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PGA Show Bird’s Eye View

admin — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 23:30:02 +0000

For those of you that would like to know the scope of the show. Please note this is only about two-thirds of it as it does not include the apparel section. Yeah….it’s a big show.