2020 Official Member Review: Exputt putting simulator

[BMart519]

On 6/1/2023 at 5:51 AM, OHgolfer2 said:

I agree that Exputt is a great tool - it saves me 2+ strokes per round.  My point was that it would be relatively easy for them to allow for randomization of, say, uphill/downhill slope in practice mode on the RG since they already do it for distances.  The benefit to those who use it is obvious - lag putting practice that more closely replicates what is seen on a course.   At least for random distances + random uphill/downhill slopes, the user would have to make a distance adjustment similar to on course.

All of what you ask for is in Play 9 mode... Every hole starts from a new distance and break. If you want your practice to be that random, might as well practice holing out also!

[Golfspy_CG2]

On 7/25/2023 at 10:51 AM, BrockportGolf said:

I had the camera below the TV.  Even though it "found the mat" and allowed me to play, it was about 3-4" lower than the specs called.
Once I mounted it higher than the TV, it worked perfectly.
So, I hate to admit it was a user-error this whole time.

Mounted that high over the TV was a bit difficult.  I used the box on its side plus about 6-books and the stand.
It was like a house of cards back there.
The "TV mount" that came with it is an absolute joke.  I dunno how that would clip to any TV.
It was great to get the full-use of the system and really allowed my to dial-in.
I actually developed a whole new putting stroke.

Thanks for the help!!

Hmh.  In my most common setup. I have the camera on a stool that sits about 38 to 40” off the ground.  The main TV it’s hooked to is about 7 feet off the ground on a wall mount   And the camera right below it. It is aimed more toward the putting end of the mat than the bumper end.   But yet I think it detects the whole thing in setup. 
 

I’ll be using it frequently during the upcoming EVNROLL forum testing. 

[Vgwizardx]

I really wish they would create something for the mod community. Allow us to create new maps and mods and integrate with other launch monitors. I do see there is a GSPro connector now for Mevo+ and MLM2PRO which is awesome. But they are missing out on a making this something that could be used a lot more. Mini golf mode to get kids and family into it. If they open this up for modding I can only imagine. Just think using the AR mode of Quest 3 to or something.

[cksurfdude]

1 hour ago, Vgwizardx said:

I really wish they would create something for the mod community. Allow us to create new maps and mods and integrate with other launch monitors. I do see there is a GSPro connector now for Mevo+ and MLM2PRO which is awesome. But they are missing out on a making this something that could be used a lot more. Mini golf mode to get kids and family into it. If they open this up for modding I can only imagine. Just think using the AR mode of Quest 3 to or something.

Not a bad idea considering the lack of good putting on most golf sims.

If you've seen the unit, though, it's a very small self contained tube - cam, power connector in, HDMI connector out - so I'm assuming the software is very purpose specific / limited..?

Not to say that couldn't be extended, however... Send feedback to the company!

[gavinski91]

1 minute ago, cksurfdude said:

Not a bad idea considering the lack of good putting on most golf sims.

If you've seen the unit, though, it's a very small self contained tube - cam, power connector in, HDMI connector out - so I'm assuming the software is very purpose specific / limited..?

Not to say that couldn't be extended, however... Send feedback to the company!

I think if they created an interface that would output data someone could design their own software to piggyback on the tracking system relatively easily. 

From what I can see, there are only 5 data points

• Putter speed
• Putter face angle
• Putter face path
• Ball speed
• Ball angle

If they built in a software to output that data in a basic format, it would be easy for modders to splice that data into other software, in much the same way that mods allow you to run GSPro with a SkyTrak.

[Rearviewmirror]

Does anyone know of any discount codes for the Exputt at present? All the old ones I've found are dead.

[cksurfdude]

19 minutes ago, Rearviewmirror said:

Does anyone know of any discount codes for the Exputt at present? All the old ones I've found are dead.

Sorry, no. Keep hunting around .. maybe try Bing? .. have not myself but Microsoft claims it searches however many millions or billions of websites to find deals...

[cksurfdude]

Update: got an email about Google's Bard AI is now Gemini .. so asked it for info...

[Rearviewmirror]

Sadly it sounds like they've discontinued coupon codes as they are low on inventory

[cksurfdude]

3 hours ago, Rearviewmirror said:

Sadly it sounds like they've discontinued coupon codes as they are low on inventory

Oh well. IMHO it's way worth the money for indoor, year round putting practice. The next best thing that I'm aware of is Putt View .. which comes in at around $50 (yes fifty) thou for the home version!

[Rearviewmirror]

45 minutes ago, cksurfdude said:

Oh well. IMHO it's way worth the money for indoor, year round putting practice. The next best thing that I'm aware of is Putt View .. which comes in at around $50 (yes fifty) thou for the home version!

I'm still very tempted, I just can't justify $450 at the minute having just bought a new driver! If it was $300 it would be close to a no brainer.

[cnosil]

14 minutes ago, Rearviewmirror said:

I'm still very tempted, I just can't justify $450 at the minute having just bought a new driver! If it was $300 it would be close to a no brainer.

You could search for a used one; which you should be able to obtain in the price range you are seeking

[Rearviewmirror]

Managed to pick an Exputt RG up for just under $300 off Ebay. I've got to say, I think I'm converted. I've been playing around with it switching from 9 stimp to 11 stimp (the typical range in my area) as prior to this I've had a lot of issues leaving my lag putts short (I think down to deceleration with fear of going long).

Played my first round yesterday after three days of Exputt and I was putting so much better. It was my lowest SG putting in ~3 months (-1.6SG off my target hcap), despite being on really slow shaggy greens (which has been a real struggle for me in the past). That also included 3x slightly silly three putts (one I clipped the ground behind the ball on a 50ft putt and it stopped way short, one I absolutely hammered 10ft past on the second hole, and one I left the ball ~6 inches short on a short putt) It felt like every lag was finishing within 2-4 feet of the hole for an easy two putt. I literally didn't have a second putt over 4 feet absent those two mistakes.

I would say the biggest difference was having a "feel" for the distances - for example if I had a severely uphill 20ft putt I would think "20 feet, plays like 26 feet" - and more often than now I would be within 1ft of distance estimate.

This is definitely going in the practice routine. I think the main thing I've loved is the ability to quickly set it up in ~2-3 minutes and roll 20-30 putts, versus unrolling and setting up the BirdieBall mat which is a bit of a hassle. 

I'm also really enjoying seeing immediate feedback on face angle at impact - I'm basically only working on that and distance control and it really simplifies having something to immediately work on. It's funny - 1 week ago I felt like hitting a barn door from 50ft away was a challenge, whereas now I'm mildly annoyed when I hit a putt that's to within 2 feet but with 0.7 degrees impact angle so I know it's going to miss!

I know this is an older thread, but I'd be interested in hearing how other people are using the stats in Exputt for longer term improvement. It's a bummer you can't export/view historical data from some sort of web portal ala Arccos.

Edited February 19 by Rearviewmirror

[cksurfdude]

1 hour ago, Rearviewmirror said:

Managed to pick an Exputt RG up for just under $300 off Ebay. I've got to say, I think I'm converted.

Good find, and great to read it's helping you!!

There was a post earlier about being able to export data to look at trends, but for now that still falls under the "Nice To Have" wish list.

Like you I also tend to focus on face angle .. typical miss is also slightly open .. and also usually use it in Practice mode at random distances on 10 or 11 stimp (tho I should also add in a slower speed). 

Really is a useful gadget!!

[cnosil]

2 hours ago, Rearviewmirror said:

Managed to pick an Exputt RG up for just under $300 off Ebay.

I would say the biggest difference was having a "feel" for the distances - for example if I had a severely uphill 20ft putt I would think "20 feet, plays like 26 feet" - and more often than now I would be within 1ft of distance estimate.

 

Distance control was definitely where I felt it helped me the most.  Like you said,  just building those feels helped immensely on the course.  

[gavinski91]

5 hours ago, Rearviewmirror said:

Managed to pick an Exputt RG up for just under $300 off Ebay. I've got to say, I think I'm converted. I've been playing around with it switching from 9 stimp to 11 stimp (the typical range in my area) as prior to this I've had a lot of issues leaving my lag putts short (I think down to deceleration with fear of going long).

Played my first round yesterday after three days of Exputt and I was putting so much better. It was my lowest SG putting in ~3 months (-1.6SG off my target hcap), despite being on really slow shaggy greens (which has been a real struggle for me in the past). That also included 3x slightly silly three putts (one I clipped the ground behind the ball on a 50ft putt and it stopped way short, one I absolutely hammered 10ft past on the second hole, and one I left the ball ~6 inches short on a short putt) It felt like every lag was finishing within 2-4 feet of the hole for an easy two putt. I literally didn't have a second putt over 4 feet absent those two mistakes.

I would say the biggest difference was having a "feel" for the distances - for example if I had a severely uphill 20ft putt I would think "20 feet, plays like 26 feet" - and more often than now I would be within 1ft of distance estimate.

This is definitely going in the practice routine. I think the main thing I've loved is the ability to quickly set it up in ~2-3 minutes and roll 20-30 putts, versus unrolling and setting up the BirdieBall mat which is a bit of a hassle. 

I'm also really enjoying seeing immediate feedback on face angle at impact - I'm basically only working on that and distance control and it really simplifies having something to immediately work on. It's funny - 1 week ago I felt like hitting a barn door from 50ft away was a challenge, whereas now I'm mildly annoyed when I hit a putt that's to within 2 feet but with 0.7 degrees impact angle so I know it's going to miss!

I know this is an older thread, but I'd be interested in hearing how other people are using the stats in Exputt for longer term improvement. It's a bummer you can't export/view historical data from some sort of web portal ala Arccos.

I had three big takeaways from using the Exputt. One is the importance of face angle - learned pretty quickly that path is pretty much irrelevant when it comes to putting, and you should just focus on face angle and speed. The second takeaway, related to that, was that I learned that I need a face balanced putter. I compared two similar mallets - one with 20° of toe hang, and the other face balanced, and my face angle distribution was waaaay better with the face balanced putter. The final takeaway was developing a system for distance control by maintaining the same tempo with every putt stroke and just varying the length of my backswing and follow through.

Definitely feel you on the change in expectations though - I feel like my putting has been pretty bad over the past year, but when I pull up my Arccos data this is what it says:

Think I'm gonna pull the Exputt out and get some practice in before the season really kicks off!

[Rearviewmirror]

I would kill for your putting stats @gavinski91 ! I'm hoping I'll see similar improvements over the next few months. For comparison here's my last 15 rounds vs yesterday:

[gavinski91]

11 minutes ago, Rearviewmirror said:

I would kill for your putting stats @gavinski91 ! I'm hoping I'll see similar improvements over the next few months. For comparison here's my last 15 rounds vs yesterday:

3.5 strokes gained over your averages though, that's a crazy improvement right off the bat!

[Rearviewmirror]

9 minutes ago, gavinski91 said:

3.5 strokes gained over your averages though, that's a crazy improvement right off the bat!

Agreed - hoping I can stick the landing on my next few rounds. Had a phenomenal round recently where I hit 9/18 GIR but proceeded to log a 3 putt per GIR total. Painful.

[Rearviewmirror]

Second round post ExPutt (I would say the hype is real!). Also jarred two putts from 23 feet! Note this is vs a 9hcap which is my actual target:

Edited February 22 by Rearviewmirror

[mgustin]

The EXPUTT is a good idea, but in practice fails consistently. The unit picks up putter path and angle maybe five to ten percent of the time.  Customer service is slow to respond and offers simplistic solutions that have not worked. I have worked on my own solutions including areas of lighting, types of lighting, angle of lighting, sticker placement, ball placement, back stroke, fore stroke, nothing provides consistent results. Results not in my putting, rather simply in the unit providing any metrics. 
 

The cost of the EXPUTT is fairly steep at $469 and I expected comparable value and performance for the cost. I recommended against the EXPUTT for both its very poor performance and the customer service. At $50 this would be a decent value. At almost $500, value is nowhere near cost. Good potential, poor implementation. 
 

mgustin

[cksurfdude]

8 hours ago, mgustin said:

The EXPUTT is a good idea, but in practice fails consistently. The unit picks up putter path and angle maybe five to ten percent of the time.  Customer service is slow to respond and offers simplistic solutions that have not worked. I have worked on my own solutions including areas of lighting, types of lighting, angle of lighting, sticker placement, ball placement, back stroke, fore stroke, nothing provides consistent results. Results not in my putting, rather simply in the unit providing any metrics. 
 

The cost of the EXPUTT is fairly steep at $469 and I expected comparable value and performance for the cost. I recommended against the EXPUTT for both its very poor performance and the customer service. At $50 this would be a decent value. At almost $500, value is nowhere near cost. Good potential, poor implementation. 
 

mgustin

Sorry to read that.

I have the prior version unit, which came with pretty specific guidelines on camera placement vs its location relative to the mat.

Once that was established and, after powering on, the unit checked it could properly sense the mat .. then it was set and you're ready to go.

Question for mgustin: Does the newer unit have the same sort of placement guide and power-on test..?

[Preeway]

10 minutes ago, cksurfdude said:

Sorry to read that.

I have the prior version unit, which came with pretty specific guidelines on camera placement vs its location relative to the mat.

Once that was established and, after powering on, the unit checked it could properly sense the mat .. then it was set and you're ready to go.

Question for mgustin: Does the newer unit have the same sort of placement guide and power-on test..?

I too think there may be something more here than a bad product. I've only read good things about this unit and it is on my list of toys to consider later this year or perhaps this fall. @mgustin, can you walk us through how you get it set up and some more specifics regarding how it isn't working? There may be some people here who can help as well.

[mgustin]

Thanks for the responses. I am not giving up on the EXPUTT but am very frustrated. I really like the idea and even with the difficulties, the practice is improving my consistency. Just upset I cannot get readings consistently and unsure why it will read sometimes and not others. 
 

I have the camera on a chair, approximately 24” up. The mat has the backstop towards the chair, the mat running straight away. My light sits below the camera facing away down the length of the mat. The camera picks up the mat and quickly locks in. 
 

I have tried adding additional lights to the side shining away from the camera towards the putter head. I have also tried different lights in both places. 
 

I have tried changing the ball placement within the putting area from front to back and for a few minutes thought I had it figured out. Then back to nothing. 
 

One more issue probably every third day or so, the unit reads the ball path three to seven degrees to the left on every putt, resulting in significant misses. I shut it down, restart, and the ball path is reasonable again. The putter angle and path show no readings during this. 
 

Have watched videos online and have not found anything glaring as to what I might be doing wrong. If any of you have a link that is especially good, I will watch and try again. 
 

Appreciate the responses and ideas. Hopefully this is simply user error, but do far does not seem to be. 
 

Mark

[cnosil]

35 minutes ago, mgustin said:

 

Have watched videos online and have not found anything glaring as to what I might be doing wrong. If any of you have a link that is especially good, I will watch and try again. 
 

Appreciate the responses and ideas. Hopefully this is simply user error, but do far does not seem to be. 
 

I have occasions where the camera doesn't pick up the club data.   It has happened as the sun as moved and lighting in my room has changed.   There are no videos or advanced instructions on how to setup lighting; also 24" is right at the bottom of the height requirement.    I would suggest some LED lights pointing downward but above the camera and moving the camera a little higher.

Edited February 28 by cnosil

[cksurfdude]

19 minutes ago, mgustin said:

My light sits below the camera facing away down the length of the mat. The camera picks up the mat and quickly locks in. 

Sounds like you're set up well, so now I'm also wondering if perhaps you did get a defective unit... It's too bad you're not getting a better response from them - have you tried thru any of their social channels?

That's interesting about the light - fwiw I didn't use an extra one on the mat - have you tried without the light?

[mgustin]

I have tried with and without lights, with one and two. 
 

something new tonight: I cleaned the mat. Did not think it was dirty but maybe the shine was not right.  Used a lint roller and a soft brush. Best results I have had. Not sure if the soft brush picked up the nap a bit or what, but best results so far. Putted for about 30 minutes with probably half getting a reading! Still needs some tweaking, but much better. Ended the session with my last four made putts not registering any score. Figured that meant it was time to stop. 
 

Thanks again for the responses. Knowing others are having success and are happy gives me a bit more impetus to keep tweaking. 
 

Will try to move my set up a bit so I can try higher and will continue to try different lighting options  

 

[OHgolfer2]

18 hours ago, mgustin said:

Thanks again for the responses. Knowing others are having success and are happy gives me a bit more impetus to keep tweaking. 

I'm glad you were able to get it working.  I concur with you that their customer service is horrible.  And the EXPUTT RG (which I have) is crazy expensive. 

That said, it has helped my putting tremendously, to the point that I'll put up with the aforementioned drawbacks.  I use it mainly to practice speed control on 20-50 footers at different stimps.  When used consistently (e.g., 5 mins per day, ~5 days/week), I probably save 2-3 strokes from improved lag putting.  

[Rearviewmirror]

19 hours ago, mgustin said:

I have tried with and without lights, with one and two.

I don't think you said, but apologies if I missed it... What color is your putter face? There have been lots of issues for folks with white putter facers/face inserts etc.

 

In others news, my own journey continues to be massively positive! Third lowest SG putting today since restarting golf last summer. The three putts were a mixture of not hitting one putt hard enough to get over a ridge, and lipping out two putts from 3 and 5 feet with a slightly overzealous amount of speed. This has been absolutely revolutionary. I had 14 putts on the back nine (!).

 

[cksurfdude]

10 minutes ago, Rearviewmirror said:

I don't think you said, but apologies if I missed it... What color is your putter face? There have been lots of issues for folks with white putter facers/face inserts etc.

oh yeah... Good point!

Also @mgustin and just guessing, but the cam may not like a light shining directly on the putter face?