BridgeStone's new True Balance Putters from Demo Day

[mr_divots]

The overall looks, aside from the grip, aren't bad at all. But a stand up putter? Why? I occasionally see little old ladies that set the putter down to align their putt and then scoot around to stroke it, but how is this helpful in any meaningful way? Color me a little confounded by B-stone as well.

[tiggah]

[quote name='mr_divots' timestamp='1390415249' post='8509905']
The overall looks, aside from the grip, aren't bad at all. But a stand up putter? Why? I occasionally see little old ladies that set the putter down to align their putt and then scoot around to stroke it, but how is this helpful in any meaningful way? Color me a little confounded by B-stone as well.
[/quote]

I once saw a pro use one of these stand up putters in a tournament. He would line the face, while crouched behind the ball, exactly to his intended target line every time and then setup to the putter. It was a bit weird looking...

EDIT: This was years ago, might've been a Ben Ross putter.

[bwrichmond]

The insert almost looks Bobby Grace-ish. Hope it's as good as Grace's insert. One of the only inserts I've ever gotten along with.

[Backspin9]

Hmmm. I like the mallet design but don't particularly care for inserts. Don't really care for the graphite shaft or the grip, either, but I'd have to try it to really judge it. I think a steel shaft and a Super Stroke grip might really help.

One concern I would have is that a 360g head with such a light weight shaft and grip would make the swing weight off the charts. It would seem like it might be difficult to put a smooth stroke on it being so head-heavy but again, it's tough to tell with out trying it. Maybe it would need a 100g Tour Lock Weight, too. LOL!

[Aragolf]

I'm interested in the conformity of this putter, if i can stand it up on it's own behind my mark or ball to perfectly align my putter before i take my stance wouldn't that make it illegal?

[MadGolfer76]

So, they could have had this:

[url="http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/topic/944297-kenny-giannini-g1-prototype/page__p__8332283__hl__+bridgestone#entry8332283"]http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/topic/944297-kenny-giannini-g1-prototype/page__p__8332283__hl__+bridgestone#entry8332283[/url]

...but decided to go with the yellow pos instead?

[Mikey Town]

Hold on... let me get this straight...

In an early morning round of golf, I walk up to a green that I just missed with a wedge and my putter. I go to set down the putter so I can hit my chip shot, but before I can put a tee in the ground to rest the grip on, to keep it from getting wet, the putter just stands up all by itself? So I don't have to fuss around with keeping my putter grip dry while playing a wet course anymore?

GENIUS!

[MadGolfer76]

[quote name='Mikey Town' timestamp='1390423895' post='8510945']
Hold on... let me get this straight...

In an early morning round of golf, I walk up to a green that I just missed with a wedge and my putter. I go to set down the putter so I can hit my chip shot, but before I can put a tee in the ground to rest the grip on, to keep it from getting wet, the putter just stands up all by itself? So I don't have to fuss around with keeping my putter grip dry while playing a wet course anymore?

GENIUS!
[/quote]

All fine until you turn to walk off the green and catch the handle right in your B330's. lol

[Skaffa77]

Okay...I gotta be honest...just from pure asthetics, I don't care for it (blade/Anser putter). The head shape, insert, shaft color, engravings/colors...just make it look like cheap no-name putter. I hate to say it since I like Bstone a lot, but that's my impression.

Perhaps the performance can over come my initial impressions, but sometimes the "art" of making a fine looking piece of equipment needs to match it's performance.

[mr_divots]

[quote name='MadGolfer76' timestamp='1390423208' post='8510875']
So, they could have had this:

[url="http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/topic/944297-kenny-giannini-g1-prototype/page__p__8332283__hl__+bridgestone#entry8332283"]http://www.golfwrx.c...ne#entry8332283[/url]

...but decided to go with the yellow pos instead?
[/quote]
That's pretty nice. Maybe they'll have more "GI" putters with these balanced putters and still do a more traditional design?

[quote name='Mikey Town' timestamp='1390423895' post='8510945']
Hold on... let me get this straight...

In an early morning round of golf, I walk up to a green that I just missed with a wedge and my putter. I go to set down the putter so I can hit my chip shot, but before I can put a tee in the ground to rest the grip on, to keep it from getting wet, the putter just stands up all by itself? So I don't have to fuss around with keeping my putter grip dry while playing a wet course anymore?

GENIUS!
[/quote]
That's a good point. Still, I'd be more concerned with how it rolls the rock than worrying about a wet grip.

[minimal45]

I don't mind the looks but I'm sure they won't have it in lefty.

[bp29]

[quote name='^m9' timestamp='1390408778' post='8509025']
Hmm, not quite sure I understand BStone and their releases.

Many on WRX going ape-sh1t for follow ups to the J40 CBs and DPCs (myself included), so what does BridgeStone do? "Guys, let's bring out some cool putters that stand up on their own, yeah that's it!!"

Don't get it.
[/quote]

+1

I'm with you. The mallet looks good. As for a stading putter? My buddies would laugh all the way to the bank on the first tee.

[James Ng]

Looks sharp! Anyone knows if major stores carry these? I want to try the true balance putters.

[TripleGrindSole]

[quote name='sergizmo' timestamp='1390413210' post='8509633']
The 35 gram graphite shaft and 20 gram foam grip will completely kill any impact feel. Goodbye distance control.
[/quote]

Pure speculation should not be presented as fact. As I always say with putters like this, give it a roll then offer your opinions.

I am not a fan of this putter's looks/design either. But I wouldn't comment on its performance or feel based solely on my expectations.

___________

Mad respect on the CNC though. I am a fan of your work.

[sergizmo]

[quote name='TripleGrindSole' timestamp='1390552829' post='8522113']
[quote name='sergizmo' timestamp='1390413210' post='8509633']
The 35 gram graphite shaft and 20 gram foam grip will completely kill any impact feel. Goodbye distance control.
[/quote]

Pure speculation should not be presented as fact. As I always say with putters like this, give it a roll then offer your opinions.

I am not a fan of this putter's looks/design either. But I wouldn't comment on its performance or feel based solely on my expectations.

___________

Mad respect on the CNC though. I am a fan of your work.
[/quote]

Thanks.

More of an educated guess than pure speculation. Impact feel is vibration transmitted through the club to the players hands. A super light graphite shaft and a foam grip will absorb a LOT of vibration.

Completely neutral here, not trying to slag any company.

They had one goal in mind, all the weight in the head. In my opinion how they have acheived this will have a very negative side effect.

[PJ72]

[quote name='tiggah' timestamp='1390417929' post='8510263']
[quote name='mr_divots' timestamp='1390415249' post='8509905']
The overall looks, aside from the grip, aren't bad at all. But a stand up putter? Why? I occasionally see little old ladies that set the putter down to align their putt and then scoot around to stroke it, but how is this helpful in any meaningful way? Color me a little confounded by B-stone as well.
[/quote]

I once saw a pro use one of these stand up putters in a tournament. He would line the face, while crouched behind the ball, exactly to his intended target line every time and then setup to the putter. It was a bit weird looking...

EDIT: This was years ago, might've been a Ben Ross putter.
[/quote]

Haha! Great idea. That could catch on.

[golferperson]

[quote name='sergizmo' timestamp='1390587408' post='8524405']
[quote name='TripleGrindSole' timestamp='1390552829' post='8522113']
[quote name='sergizmo' timestamp='1390413210' post='8509633']
The 35 gram graphite shaft and 20 gram foam grip will completely kill any impact feel. Goodbye distance control.
[/quote]

Pure speculation should not be presented as fact. As I always say with putters like this, give it a roll then offer your opinions.

I am not a fan of this putter's looks/design either. But I wouldn't comment on its performance or feel based solely on my expectations.

___________

Mad respect on the CNC though. I am a fan of your work.
[/quote]

Thanks.

More of an educated guess than pure speculation. Impact feel is vibration transmitted through the club to the players hands. A super light graphite shaft and a foam grip will absorb a LOT of vibration.

Completely neutral here, not trying to slag any company.

They had one goal in mind, all the weight in the head. In my opinion how they have acheived this will have a very negative side effect.
[/quote]

I disagree with your educated guess. Graphite will always deliver more feel than steel to the grip. Hit some iron shots with a steel and a graphite and see which has more feel. Plus how exactly would a 20 gram grip give less feel than a standard 60 or 80 gram grip? If a grip has more mass then more vibration will be absorbed.

[harry2580]

this is awesome

[sergizmo]

[quote name='golferperson' timestamp='1390611707' post='8526697']

I disagree with your educated guess. Graphite will always deliver more feel than steel to the grip. Hit some iron shots with a steel and a graphite and see which has more feel. Plus how exactly would a 20 gram grip give less feel than a standard 60 or 80 gram grip? If a grip has more mass then more vibration will be absorbed.
[/quote]

So if a golfer has arthritic or joint pain, what kind of iron shaft will they use? Graphite. Why, because it absorbs vibration and shock. This is not speculation, this is FACT.
A graphite shafted iron feels numb at IMPACT comapred to a steel shafted one. Yes I have swung a few. We are talking about impact feel here, not how the head feels during the swing.

With regards to the grip, it's not about weight but density. The 20 gram grip has a very low density with a lot of space (air) inside the material. If a grip were made of bubble wrap or a thin layer of insulation would it transmit a lot of impact feel? No.

I'm not completely disregarding the possible benefits of this putter. The design will achieve a very high swingweight will a low overall weight. The head will feel very heavy during the SWING which may help a lot of golfers to smooth things out. However, I stand by my statement that the feel at impact will be muffled which will hurt distance control.

[golferperson]

[quote name='sergizmo' timestamp='1390670998' post='8529949']
[quote name='golferperson' timestamp='1390611707' post='8526697']
I disagree with your educated guess. Graphite will always deliver more feel than steel to the grip. Hit some iron shots with a steel and a graphite and see which has more feel. Plus how exactly would a 20 gram grip give less feel than a standard 60 or 80 gram grip? If a grip has more mass then more vibration will be absorbed.
[/quote]

So if a golfer has arthritic or joint pain, what kind of iron shaft will they use? Graphite. Why, because it absorbs vibration and shock. This is not speculation, this is FACT.
A graphite shafted iron feels numb at IMPACT comapred to a steel shafted one. Yes I have swung a few. We are talking about impact feel here, not how the head feels during the swing.

With regards to the grip, it's not about weight but density. The 20 gram grip has a very low density with a lot of space (air) inside the material. If a grip were made of bubble wrap or a thin layer of insulation would it transmit a lot of impact feel? No.

I'm not completely disregarding the possible benefits of this putter. The design will achieve a very high swingweight will a low overall weight. The head will feel very heavy during the SWING which may help a lot of golfers to smooth things out. However, I stand by my statement that the feel at impact will be muffled which will hurt distance control.
[/quote]

I see your point. No arguments here. I guess my definition of feel is a little different than what your saying. I spoke with the club manager for the new putter at the show and they did player testing and players were better with distance control with the BS putter. They felt awesome and not at all like you would loose feel. Wonder why people don't feel like you loose feeling with light putter heads and super heavy grips. I feel like I have no feel whatsoever with a counter balance putter.

[Vegaman]

The standing feature is a result of having a heavy head coupled with a ultra light shaft and grip. They didn't design a "standing putter" that's just a consequence of how it's designed. I personally don't like inserts though

[TechyHead]

These things are on the shelves now and everyone needs to give it a roll. All this Sht talk gets thrown out the window after you've rolled it and wonder why your distance control is so spot on. With all of these putter manufactures making the same deep milled crap, it's nice to see something new that actually works.

I have no idea why it works but your grip pressure will be light, the ball will roll without skidding, and you will stroke it the correct distance.

Give it a shot!

[studatnu]

Bridgestone is going to have a massive push into the mainstream market....Drivers, FW, irons, wedges and putters....coming in October for a full blown launch, bye bye tourstage.

[Par Fore]

I am seeing these putters on ebay, has anyone tried one yet?

[fore_life]

[quote name='Par Fore' timestamp='1398617242' post='9180993']
I am seeing these putters on ebay, has anyone tried one yet?
[/quote]

I rolled one at pgatss, not bad but the foam grip gives it a cheap feel, not as in poorly made but like a toy or something lol. It rolls it well but I think if they mde the head all black and the grip a different color, it'd be better. I just have a feeling the grip would get destroyed in and out of the bag, and dirt as well

[msd71]

I have to agree, the grip is a disaster. I can't even remember anything about the rest of the putter, it is that bad.

[bjwestner]

[quote name='Par Fore' timestamp='1398617242' post='9180993']
I am seeing these putters on ebay, has anyone tried one yet?
[/quote]

Yes, I bought one a few months back and use it. I got the TD-03 and ordered a TD-02 with a steel shaft that should be here next week. The problem is with the grip. I had to replace the yellow one because not only was it too big for my liking but was going to get filthy if I kept it on. Replacing the grip was not easy because the graphite shaft is wider especially towards the end of the club where the grip is, so getting a regular grip (I replaced it with a winn pistol putter grip) was tough and it ripped a little but that was okay. The added weight from the new grip is not an issue. The distance control with the putter is fantastic. I agree the graphite shaft and the insert feel cheap but I putt very well with the putter. The only reason I am getting at TD-02 is because I prefer a face balanced model and the steel shaft. While the insert appears cheap the ball rolls great and I really like the putter a lot. Also, they do not seem to be selling well so they are going for very cheap online currently.

The TD-02 that I orderd does not have that stupid yellow grip so hopefully I can keep the one that comes with it. The grip is just too big and would get disgusting after several rounds of use from dirt/wetness. I'm sure it would become a breeding ground for disgusting organisms to boot. Aside from that, the putter is great and the headcover is pretty nice too.

[MetalXMan]

[quote name='GoIrish17' timestamp='1390361648' post='8506293']
Ah, the amazing stand up putter trick.
[/quote]

Funny! When they did the infomercial for the Stand Up Putter, the people they used where our field technicians. Turns out a few of the guys were goofing around on the clock and stopped by PGA National for a round. The Stand Up people used them in the video and the field guys all got questioned! Not sure if they got in trouble, but note to self: Goofing off - no interviews or cameras!!!

[apprenti23]

Don't judge a book by its cover... This putter flat out performs!

[Markowelby]

On paper, I would have agreed with [url="http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/user/1545-sergizmo/"]sergizmo[/url]--light shaft and grip = no feel. But then I rolled some in the store today and was amazed by the feel and balance. Felt SO good in my hands. Weight promoted light grip pressure, buttery impact, true roll. Talked myself out of buying yet another putter, but now heading back to get one. I'll post back after taking it to the course tomorrow and checking distance control.