Djay

another hearty vote for the Yes "Natalie" center shafted putter! The feel is soft and the semi circular grooves on the face seem to really start the ball rolling sooner rather than "jumping" off the face. I frequently battle alignment issues and the large T shape formed by the center bar helps a lot with alignment. Underneath the center bar is a hollow groove that provides a good place to modify the head weight with tape if needed. I always experiment with new putters but keep coming back to this solid putter.

Hybrids are a boon for this "young senior". Very happy with their high loft and soft settling (when I do my part). Also very pleased with their performance out of the rough. Carry both 21* and 24* Ping Raptures. And, I'll even confess to sometimes carrying the 29* and 32* Callaway Heavenwoods. Great fun for launching high and landing soft!

I have a similar dilemma. I have an R5 with a regular NVS that was a really good combo for me when I had a good swing during mid season. Currently trying a R7 460 that has the R re*ax. I'm finding the club face dead center mostly with the R7 but the shaft feels really soft even for my 90 mph swing. I will likely try the NVS in hopes of a higher launch as well as a bit more distance. With my loose Fall swing I've resorted to my old reliable, original HiBORE with 44" shaft. A real fairway finder but high trajectory and little roll out. Good luck ... I envy your 8 index!!!

My "bread and butter" driver is the original HiBORE with stock Fuji regular shaft. I can easily find the fairway with this hi launch short shaft (44") setup. But it is high launch and little roll. During the dry mid season and when my swing is grooved I move over to my R5 10.5* with Aldila NVS. A lower launch and much more roll. This Fall I am experimenting with the R7 460. Love the head (center hits) but the stock OEM shaft (regular) is a bit soft even though my swing speed is just less than 90 mph as a 61 year old senior. Look forward to trying the 2008 HiBORE XLS when it is released.