Buying online w/o seeing in person or demo?

[joepro23]

Do you feel comfortable buying clubs online that you have neither seen in person nor demoed? Would you do so from a small manufacturer that you have never/barely heard of? These questions popped into my head when looking at custom milled putters online from small manufacturers. I ask because I am having a hard time even thinking of dropping $200-$300 on a custom putter (or any club) that I don't get to hold in my hands and try out beforehand.

I am someone who sticks with clubs for awhile. My irons are 6 years old, driver is 4, fairway wood and putter are 7+...you get the idea. I get attached to clubs and take my time when finding that next fit for my game. My only experiences buying clubs online are with wedges. Those are easy to me because I go with Cleveland, know what they are offering every year (well maybe before this groove nonsense), and I know I will like the club. I can also go look at the thing in the store and then go back on the computer later. I guess the same would go for any big name manufacturer. So, what about when the company is small and only sells online?

One answer I guess is flipping the club if I don't like it. I'm not really a big fan of that though. I don't like the hassle of selling clubs online. I also don't like the idea of clubs piling up in my trunk. I would rather test something out to make sure I will like it the first time around. Another reason I'm worried about buying a putter online is that it is such a feel club. I need to feel the feedback when it comes off the face and hear the sound it makes.

Let me know what you guys think!

[Danattherock]

What putter manufacturer are you looking at?

[andymane]

i wouldnt do it....unless its a replacement for one you already have!

[joepro23]

What putter manufacturer are you looking at?

I was looking at C&L; Hand Stamped and 06 Milled

http://www.350milled.com/ http://www.06golf.com/proshop.html Not ready to hit the purchase button, just browsing as a possible xmas idea or for a putter down the road. My current Scotty is holding up fine.

[Danattherock]

C&L; is well thought of and you can read more below on Puttertalk. That is a great forum about putters and putting in general. Much to be learned on that site. Below is the C&L; subforum...

http://puttertalk.com/community/index.php?board=50.0



Never heard of 06, but that doesn't mean anything. So many custom putter makers out there.


BTW, wife says **$*# as I am now lusting over the C&L; putters:)



-Dan

[jamo]

For a putter like a 350, you pretty much know what you are getting. I say go for it.

[joepro23]

C&L; is well thought of and you can read more below on Puttertalk. That is a great forum about putters and putting in general. Much to be learned on that site. Below is the C&L; subforum...

Haha. Thanks Dan. Weird thing about 06 Milled is that they were apparently a Golf Digest Hot List Finalist in 09 for their model that yr and finalists again for their Sunday series in 2011 (at least according to their website). If they are making that list how are they not getting more attention?

Thanks for the feedback from everyone so far.

[TourSpoon]

I would have no problem buying a putter online...if I didn't like it I would return it. Just don't bang it up. I would think that you would know if you like it or not in 5 minutes or less.

Ok, if it were a non-returnable custom order, I would really have to think about it.

[dave1269]

Reputation of seller and product guarantee are my main considerations. Many small companies have better customer service, they really do care and will do everything possible and reasonable to satisfy a purchaser. My experiences with Eidolon wedges are a great example of this.