Graphite shafts for putters

[rcarat]

I'm surprised that we haven't been bamboozled with the benefits of graphite shafts on putters yet.

[SavvySwede]

I'm assuming you mean OEM's need to make them as a new gimmick to sell more putters. Or did you have a tangible benefit in mind?

[Mr. Desmond]

Tried the Fuji graphite shaft about 10 years ago.

It muted feel a bit more but was fine otherwise.

The reason for not offering them?

My guess is that graphite is very expensive and golfers do not see any performance benefits.

I have the UST fiilter shaft steel on bottom, graphite on top, and for me, the feel is more direct than a steel shaft.

[rcarat]

Savvy, it's amazing to me some of the hair brain stuff out there, especially at the PGA show. Did you see the $500 alligator skin cowboy golf boots that Paige Mac. gave air time to on Morning Drive?

[Mr. Desmond]

Savvy, it's amazing to me some of the hair brain stuff out there, especially at the PGA show. Did you see the $500 alligator skin cowboy golf boots that Paige Mac. gave air time to on Morning Drive?

Yes, ordered a pair....... not.

Did not keep up this year with the show. Morning Drive ... that's another topic.

[rcarat]

Yes if that show wants to draw more viewers they have to cater to the average golfer. For instance instead of talking about good deals on green fees for 150 bucks maybe they can bring in a rules official to mediate an alcohol fueled argument in which 65 dollars are on the line.

[RussUK]

Wouldnt a graphite shaft be a little too flexible for putter control? I suppose it would have to extra stiff at a minimum?

[dkolo]

Wouldnt a graphite shaft be a little too flexible for putter control? I suppose it would have to extra stiff at a minimum?

The advantages of graphite are they are lighter and generally come more flexible. Neither thing you want in a putter.

[Mr. Desmond]

Wouldnt a graphite shaft be a little too flexible for putter control? I suppose it would have to extra stiff at a minimum?

Today's graphite is not your Dad's graphite... or even 7 years ago graphite.

But shaft manufacturers recognize the function of a putter and control, and engineer accordingly.

[dkolo]

Today's graphite is not your Dad's graphite... or even 7 years ago graphite. But shaft manufacturers recognize the function of a putter and control, and engineer accordingly.

It's also more expensive in addition to not being as well suited. I just don't see that being a next frontier for putters.

[RussUK]

Today's graphite is not your Dad's graphite... or even 7 years ago graphite.

But shaft manufacturers recognize the function of a putter and control, and engineer accordingly.

True, i think its also a case of "if it aint broke dont fix it". Wh have had steel putter shafts for so long is there real need for graphite. I mean, its not an aggressive swing so we wouldnt need the assistance we get from Graphite shafted drivers etc.

On a sepeate note my Uncle builds his own putters. Uses a Lathe and mills them from a lump of Aluminium. Works pretty well. May asking hi to build me one

[dkolo]

True, i think its also a case of "if it aint broke dont fix it". Wh have had steel putter shafts for so long is there real need for graphite. I mean, its not an aggressive swing so we wouldnt need the assistance we get from Graphite shafted drivers etc. On a sepeate note my Uncle builds his own putters. Uses a Lathe and mills them from a lump of Aluminium. Works pretty well. May asking hi to build me one

Manufacturers try to fix what isn't broken all the time, haha. I think they just recognize this wouldn't help folks. Maybe for Jamie Sadlowski when he shows off he can hit his putter 280. But that'd be a niche market, haha.

[RussUK]

Manufacturers try to fix what isn't broken all the time, haha. I think they just recognize this wouldn't help folks. Maybe for Jamie Sadlowski when he shows off he can hit his putter 280. But that'd be a niche market, haha.

Niche market? dont let Taylormade hear that, they release a new putter that'll go "10 feet longer!!"

[rcarat]

From my experience with golf innovation, creation of a need is priority number one. They could market the graphite putter to walkers and stress the "less weight in the bag leads to less fatigue during the round. Add up the weight difference, bring in a chiropractor holding a spine model talking about disc compression and we have a need.

[dkolo]

From my experience with golf innovation, creation of a need is priority number one. They could market the graphite putter to walkers and stress the "less weight in the bag leads to less fatigue during the round. Add up the weight difference, bring in a chiropractor holding a spine model talking about disc compression and we have a need.

The difference in weight would be maybe 2 ounces at the most. That's about third the weight of an iPhone.

[SavvySwede]

From my experience with golf innovation, creation of a need is priority number one. They could market the graphite putter to walkers and stress the "less weight in the bag leads to less fatigue during the round. Add up the weight difference, bring in a chiropractor holding a spine model talking about disc compression and we have a need.

Or they could get a pushcart. Though I do believe the Bridgestone counter balanced putters had a graphite shaft to free up some weight and alter the fulcrum point.