Newton Golf Shafts - new technology or marketing hyperbole?

[tony@CIC]

Saw the ad for Newton golf shafts this week during the Hero PGA event. The technology is intriguing - especially how they categorize their shaft flexes. I didn't see a lot of shaft spec info, including shaft weight. Your thoughts? 

[cnosil]

3 minutes ago, tony@CIC said:

Saw the ad for Newton golf shafts this week during the Hero PGA event. The technology is intriguing - especially how they categorize their shaft flexes. I didn't see a lot of shaft spec info, including shaft weight. Your thoughts? 

I know it is officially Newton, but the discussion started under Sacks Parente since they are; I guess, the parent company for Newton. 

 

 

[GolfSpy_APH]

30 minutes ago, tony@CIC said:

Saw the ad for Newton golf shafts this week during the Hero PGA event. The technology is intriguing - especially how they categorize their shaft flexes. I didn't see a lot of shaft spec info, including shaft weight. Your thoughts? 

I pulled the trigger on one. I'll share my findings after I get it and test it out. 

Also going to have a call with SP and their main guy with Newton shafts to get some more info to share with all. 

[Josh Parker]

4 minutes ago, GolfSpy_APH said:

I pulled the trigger on one. I'll share my findings after I get it and test it out. 

Also going to have a call with SP and their main guy with Newton shafts to get some more info to share with all. 

Very interested in hearing more once you get it. 

[tony@CIC]

2 hours ago, cnosil said:

I know it is officially Newton, but the discussion started under Sacks Parente since they are; I guess, the parent company for Newton. 

 

 

Somehow I missed this. They have an interesting line of putters. But like Newton, there are some missing elements in their putter specs, like loft and in the case of Newton, shaft weight. 

[GolfSpy_APH]

9 minutes ago, tony@CIC said:

Somehow I missed this. They have an interesting line of putters. But like Newton, there are some missing elements in their putter specs, like loft and in the case of Newton, shaft weight. 

Interesting you mention loft. Sam from LAB had some great things to say on loft  in our community call. Basically in putters it was significantly overblown. 

I will ask about weight when I chat with them. 

[GolfSpy_APH]

16 minutes ago, tony@CIC said:

Somehow I missed this. They have an interesting line of putters. But like Newton, there are some missing elements in their putter specs, like loft and in the case of Newton, shaft weight. 

Scratch that the info is right there

https://newtonshafts.com/products/motion-driver-shaft

[Jim Shaw]

8 minutes ago, GolfSpy_APH said:

Interesting you mention loft. Sam from LAB had some great things to say on loft  in our community call. Basically in putters it was significantly overblown. 

I will ask about weight when I chat with them. 

so Sam is saying loft is overblown. I have always thought that loft on a putter helps get the ball "on top" of the green complexes, be that what it may, right away so the ball can roll not skid, that intrigues me, I will have to dig into that a bit more, I have always wondered if the best players in the world adjust their loft on their putters for different styles of grass, Poa, bermuda, fescue, etc. so they don't have to adjust their stroke. 

[GolfSpy_APH]

3 minutes ago, Jim Shaw said:

so Sam is saying loft is overblown. I have always thought that loft on a putter helps get the ball "on top" of the green complexes, be that what it may, right away so the ball can roll not skid, that intrigues me, I will have to dig into that a bit more, I have always wondered if the best players in the world adjust their loft on their putters for different styles of grass, Poa, bermuda, fescue, etc. so they don't have to adjust their stroke. 

Not to get off track, but there needs to be loft obviously, but differences in loft for putters are overblown. 

Head over the community call thread, in the red box there will be a LAB Community Call link. Check it out and give it a listen as I don't want to mislead what he was actually saying. 

[Jim Shaw]

9 minutes ago, GolfSpy_APH said:

Not to get off track, but there needs to be loft obviously, but differences in loft for putters are overblown. 

Head over the community call thread, in the red box there will be a LAB Community Call link. Check it out and give it a listen as I don't want to mislead what he was actually saying. 

not off track at all, thanks....

[cnosil]

4 hours ago, tony@CIC said:

Somehow I missed this. They have an interesting line of putters. But like Newton, there are some missing elements in their putter specs, like loft and in the case of Newton, shaft weight. 

Puzzled by your statement about their putters specs not having loft.    All of them are standard at 3* and they say:  NON-STANDARD loft / lie are provided at no charge where possible.  As an example, the specs for the mallets are listed here: https://sacksparente.com/mallets

 

4 hours ago, Jim Shaw said:

I have always thought that loft on a putter helps get the ball "on top" of the green complexes, be that what it may, right away so the ball can roll not skid, that intrigues me, I will have to dig into that a bit more, I have always wondered if the best players in the world adjust their loft on their putters for different styles of grass, Poa, bermuda, fescue, etc. so they don't have to adjust their stroke. 

Yes, putters need loft to lift the ball out of the depression they sit in on the green.  Loft is also a factor based on your attack angle.  Also,   all balls "skid"; friction will start the ball rolling forward as soon as it hits the ground but will continue to skid for a period of time before pure roll.   You can read more about the 4 phase of a putt here:  https://www.paulhurrion.com/media/entering-the-drop-zone/.    No,  most professionals don't adjust the loft on their putters for different types of grass and they don't adjust their stroke other dialing in stroke length for speed, but their green speeds are pretty consistent.  This is why they practice their putting on the putting green prior to the tournament and their rounds.    I personally disagree with LAB that loft isn't important; just like I am not a huge believer the zero torque is all that big of a thing.  

[golfinnut]

I'll be interested in hearing your thoughts.  I saw this the other day and thought the same thing.  Hype or marketing?  

[Jim Shaw]

2 hours ago, cnosil said:

Puzzled by your statement about their putters specs not having loft.    All of them are standard at 3* and they say:  NON-STANDARD loft / lie are provided at no charge where possible.  As an example, the specs for the mallets are listed here: https://sacksparente.com/mallets

 

Yes, putters need loft to lift the ball out of the depression they sit in on the green.  Loft is also a factor based on your attack angle.  Also,   all balls "skid"; friction will start the ball rolling forward as soon as it hits the ground but will continue to skid for a period of time before pure roll.   You can read more about the 4 phase of a putt here:  https://www.paulhurrion.com/media/entering-the-drop-zone/.    No,  most professionals don't adjust the loft on their putters for different types of grass and they don't adjust their stroke other dialing in stroke length for speed, but their green speeds are pretty consistent.  This is why they practice their putting on the putting green prior to the tournament and their rounds.    I personally disagree with LAB that loft isn't important; just like I am not a huge believer the zero torque is all that big of a thing.  

thanks @cnosil, I agree that green speeds, in general are consistent however green complexes are very different. Normally where you grow up and learn the game is where you are the best at putting ie. if you grow up on the west coast you putt better on Poana, if you grow up on the east coast on bent you putt better on bent and if you grow up on the coast playing links courses you are really good on fescue, the thing that gets me is the "greats" are good on all surfaces. Blows me away actually... Now Agusta National has always had faster greens than the week to week everyday tournaments and that is an advantage to the Masters, but now with more scientific agronomy and new grasses being grown every year all areas of the country can emulate greens as fast as they want. Of course most courses don't want anything over 11 because the everyday golfer would be 4 putting and slow down the round. 

[tony@CIC]

On 12/3/2023 at 4:38 PM, cnosil said:

Puzzled by your statement about their putters specs not having loft.    All of them are standard at 3* and they say:  NON-STANDARD loft / lie are provided at no charge where possible.  As an example, the specs for the mallets are listed here: https://sacksparente.com/mallets

 

Yes, putters need loft to lift the ball out of the depression they sit in on the green.  Loft is also a factor based on your attack angle.  Also,   all balls "skid"; friction will start the ball rolling forward as soon as it hits the ground but will continue to skid for a period of time before pure roll.   You can read more about the 4 phase of a putt here:  https://www.paulhurrion.com/media/entering-the-drop-zone/.    No,  most professionals don't adjust the loft on their putters for different types of grass and they don't adjust their stroke other dialing in stroke length for speed, but their green speeds are pretty consistent.  This is why they practice their putting on the putting green prior to the tournament and their rounds.    I personally disagree with LAB that loft isn't important; just like I am not a huge believer the zero torque is all that big of a thing.  

My bad - I'm going to have to wear my eyeglasses more often. 

[tony@CIC]

On 12/3/2023 at 11:45 AM, GolfSpy_APH said:

Scratch that the info is right there

https://newtonshafts.com/products/motion-driver-shaft

Thanks - that's interesting and even more compelling since after trying several different shafts over the years, I've ended up with 49g & 6.5 t shaft. Yes I know there's more to shaft specs than that - but it's still a good reference point. Looks like I know what my next big golf purchase may be. 

[tony@CIC]

I see John Daley has a 6 dot in his driver. Wonder if he'll be using it this weekend. 

[GolfSpy_APH]

13 hours ago, tony@CIC said:

I see John Daley has a 6 dot in his driver. Wonder if he'll be using it this weekend. 

Yup I believe he is. 

Still waiting on mine to arrive, but very excited to get it installed so I see what the fuss is all about!

[cnosil]

13 hours ago, tony@CIC said:

I see John Daley has a 6 dot in his driver. Wonder if he'll be using it this weekend. 

Changing topics a little…..JD is also playing Sub70 clubs.   

[tony@CIC]

7 hours ago, GolfSpy_APH said:

Yup I believe he is. 

Still waiting on mine to arrive, but very excited to get it installed so I see what the fuss is all about!

 

A 6 dot 

 

7 hours ago, GolfSpy_APH said:

I see John Daley has a 6 dot in his driver. Wonder if he'll be using it this weekend. 

 

[Josh Parker]

7 hours ago, GolfSpy_APH said:

Yup I believe he is. 

Still waiting on mine to arrive, but very excited to get it installed so I see what the fuss is all about!

Can't wait to see what you think!  I have been very tempted to purchase.  

[MIGregB]

8 hours ago, GolfSpy_APH said:

Still waiting on mine to arrive, but very excited to get it installed so I see what the fuss is all about!

There's more than a couple of us eagerly awaiting your thoughts!!

[GolfSpy_APH]

Just now, MIgregb said:

There's more than a couple of us eagerly awaiting your thoughts!!

As soon as I have it in hand there will be photos and first impressions!

[tony@CIC]

9 hours ago, GolfSpy_APH said:

Still waiting on mine to arrive, but very excited to get it installed so I see what the fuss is all about!

Jamie,

I sent them a note basically saying that my Fuji Speeder NX R Flex has a similar profile to their 2 dot - what's the difference or benefit of the Newton. Here's their response:

"Thank you for your interest in our Newton driver shafts.   The key to our shaft is the elongated bend profile.  Think of it as a long bow versus a short bow; so our shaft allows you to store more potential energy and release the energy with less effort than other shafts. It is really a great feeling to feel like you are not having to work so hard to get a great ball flight."

Not very technical or detailed so I'll wait for your "unofficial" test. 

 

[cnosil]

I went to MGS HQ today and saw the Newton shaft but didn't get an opportunity to hit it.  We did talk about it some;  will be interested in hearing your thoughts @GolfSpy_APH

[Josh Parker]

9 minutes ago, cnosil said:

I went to MGS HQ today and saw the Newton shaft but didn't get an opportunity to hit it.  We did talk about it some;  will be interested in hearing your thoughts @GolfSpy_APH

It is super interesting to me.  

[cnosil]

14 minutes ago, Josh Parker said:

It is super interesting to me.  

The report I got was high spinning and wide left to right dispersion.   

[Josh Parker]

25 minutes ago, cnosil said:

The report I got was high spinning and wide left to right dispersion.   

Hmm... originally I thought maybe an autoflex type of shaft.  Weights are heavier but the build description made it sound similar. 

Sounds like it may be slightly whippy and not as stable. 

[tony@CIC]

18 hours ago, Josh Parker said:

Sounds like it may be slightly whippy and not as stable. 

That sounds like a Helium Light 3 wood shaft that I mothballed a couple of years ago. I replaced it with a Riptide CB - with much better results. BTW on my earlier comment that Daley has it on his driver, he also put it on his 3 wood as well - but I believe that one is a 5 dot.  I'm still interested in the results from either HQ or Jamie. 

[cnosil]

56 minutes ago, tony@CIC said:

 I'm still interested in the results from either HQ or Jamie. 

Probably won't hear much from HQ for a while based on the information I was provided yesterday.  

[tony@CIC]

35 minutes ago, cnosil said:

Probably won't hear much from HQ for a while based on the information I was provided yesterday.  

Figured you'd be first in line to test it at HQ