Stroke Lab Pre Review

[GolfSpy_APH]

After getting chosen to test the Stroke Lab putter I was silly excited to get the ball rolling. I was fortunate enough to be chosen to do the testing and review for the i210 last year, but was having a difficult time finding ideas for how to make a putter review more exciting. So in a lead up to stage one I thought I would build a bit of hype and introduce the Challengers. This was admittedly heavily inspired by the Cobra Connect Pre Challenge Thread which has been a blast to read and see how they are all doing along the way. 

Over the years I have had many putters from a few different manufacturers. One of which was my first big putter purchase. This was the Nike Method Mod 60.

Isn’t she stunning? This putter is gorgeous and feels phenomenal. When it comes to simplicity and just pure aesthetics this one is pretty hard to beat. The big toe hang on it helps with a nice arcing stroke. As well as the RZN insert softens what could be a harder clicks sound.

All in all this is a worthy challenger and a absolute beauty to look at. How will she fair against the Stroke Lab ____________ putter? Almost gotcha didn’t I? 

 

The Second Challenger is another Nike Putter. However could not be any more opposite then Method Mod 60. This is the Nike Method S1-12 38” Counterbalance putter. 

Although maybe not as pretty, this baby is packed full of tech. With a unique counter balance grip that allows you to move the balance of the weight to any desired position you see fit. This was a great innovation by Nike and to my knowledge hasn’t been repeated in any other putter since.

When it comes to shaft technology which is a likely the key to the Stroke Lab putters, this one may be the best to give it a run for its money!

A bigger head (which allows for easy ball scoopage) is evenly balanced and makes squaring up the face a dream. The simple red T alignment is easy to pick up and one of my favourite features in this putter. 

Then we get the face itself. A Nike insert has a muted and soft feel that by no means pops off the face, but gives a good feeling at impact which is also silly forgiving. It takes a bit to get use to, but once you do it gives you great feedback.

Challenger number 2 is the real deal and may have the most tech of any putter in the lineup.

 

Third up is the Ping Ketsch Mid Cadence TR. Big long name for a pretty small putter!

 This simple putter has a small unique shape with decent head weight. Much like the Method Mod 60 this isn’t a flashy putter with a ton of bells or whistles, but simple groove face tech and some weight in the sole which allows for a sensational solid feel. 

A classic Ping grip is the only skinny grip in the line up, but is also has the lightest feel among all the putters in my opinion.

It’s simple alignment and squat head makes for a confident looking putter, which offers forgiveness, feel and good looks to complete the package.

The Ketsch Mid may be the most underrated putter amongst the four. 

 

Finally we have the current gamer, which has been pushed the whole way by the other three, never quite feeling too comfortable as there is always another putter in the closet waiting to dethrone her.

Here we have the Ping Sigma G Tyne. Another face balanced putter coming in at 36” with two long silver fangs.

Loaded with face tech and a unique Ping pistol grip, she may not have the most amazing feel and sound, but she makes putts. Pings truroll face is at its best here, with large fangs that help square up the face to the hole with ease.

The Sigma G Tyne would definitely be considered the favourite of the bunch to outlast any new challenger, but with the most head weight of any there is certainly a knack to fast greens with her. 

So there you have it folks, those are the challengers. Feel free to chime in with your thoughts as I’d love to hear them in lead up to stage one and beyond!

 

 

 

[MaxEntropy]

Nice work! I'm excited to get this going too!

Right now I'm taking a little break from a ton of yard work we need to get done to get our yard ready for a grad party in a few weeks- I'll add some stuff either tomorrow or Monday. 

[cksurfdude]

7 hours ago, Apolloshowl said:

With a unique counter balance grip that allows you to move the balance of the weight to any desired position you see fit. This was a great innovation by Nike and to my knowledge hasn’t been repeated in any other putter since.

Wow, that IS pretty smart and pretty cool! Personally, I'm not into CB putters but being able to adjust where the weight is makes good sense.

And great "teaser" for the upcoming review!

[GolfSpy_APH]

1 hour ago, cksurfdude said:

Wow, that IS pretty smart and pretty cool! Personally, I'm not into CB putters but being able to adjust where the weight is makes good sense.

And great "teaser" for the upcoming review!

It is! Had a lot of fun playing around with the weights and seeing how different it made the putter feel. Was drastic between top and bottom. Be curious to see if anyone comes out with something similar. 

[GolfSpy_APH]

For those who are looking forward to the stroke lab review here is a video done this evening with the tyne. There are 3 others on the channel with putting to give you a little idea of my stroke.

Hope you all enjoy! Let me know if there is more you want to see other then on course which will be coming! 

I'll also let you know it's not just putting, for those who watch you'll be in for a little suprose that should make you all laugh. 

[GolfSpy_APH]

One more with the Nike 

[sirchunksalot]

[/url] One more with the Nike 

Very good stroke with both putters, you're just smooth. It looks like the Nike is just dead on the hole. Plus, it's good to see you have an enthusiastic putting partner.

Sent from my SM-G955U using MyGolfSpy mobile app

[Nunfa0]

Love the videos Jamie and Apollo is looking happy

[GolfSpy_APH]

7 hours ago, sirchunksalot said:

Very good stroke with both putters, you're just smooth. It looks like the Nike is just dead on the hole. Plus, it's good to see you have an enthusiastic putting partner.

Sent from my SM-G955U using MyGolfSpy mobile app
 

It's been a while since I used the Nike, but you're right they were dead on. Not sure I'll make the switch for today round, but it may be there best to put head to head against the stroke lab

[MaxEntropy]

I have been negligent in adding to this thread, but my Stroke Lab putter arrived yesterday. Here are some teaser pics - there will be better ones when the review thread goes live....

I considering putting a strength of mine. For the past 2 years combined, I am averaging 1.9 putts per hole and this year I am at 1.6 putts per hole after around 100 holes played. A large part of this is my chipping has been better, but I am also making quite a few more putts in the 10 - 20 foot range than I have in a long time (forever?).

Old Putter: Ping Scottsdale TR Senita

* Image from Mygolfspy

New Putter: Odyssey Stroke Lab Marxman

I see some similarity in the visuals of both putters and I assume that's part of the reason it worked best for me in my putter fitting.

Let's get the show on the road....

Random thought: when I look at the weights in the bottom of these putters, I think of this....

[golfertrb]

I'm really interested in what each of the testers experience with using the insert. I struggled a bit with distance control but I will be watching the comments of testers. Great looking putters guys!


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