All the money spent on PROTO putters -

[pwrfade]

has this ever been discussed

in my field a prototype means it is still in the design phase - and we may not have it actually "right" yet - and we are testing it to refine it further - if this is the case with putters why in the world would someone pay huge money on something that may not be at its best final design configuration for optimal use?

[Gxgolfer]

In golf, proto = Tour Only = designs not normally available to the public. Either for lack of demand for a mass production run or for experimentation purposes. Either way, its something most other people will not have. These words get abused by marketing folks but besides a circle T stamp, I really don't know anything else that will add extreme $$$ to a putter.

[xxio]

It still comes down to supply and demand.

 

You can stamp tour all you want on a putter but you still have to get demand. Some puttermakers can create that demand on name alone. When that happens they will of course keep $$upply down.

[59Bassman]

Not that I own or plan to own a "Proto" putter, but buying a prototype putter is a bit different than say a prototype car - not much to go wrong with putters, and not much new technology creating changes. If the weight or balance changes from the "proto" to the OTR version, you might prefer the way the "proto" swings more. It's not like putters are prone to failure, right?

[jick]

Even shafts, driver heads, and other golf stuff have been stamped "proto" even if they are production, mass-market models. It's just the new buzzword now, just like "tour" used to be the buzzword of yesteryears.

[HeadonaStick]

[...]

 

It's not like putters are prone to failure, right?

Really? You should have been with me this morning. Failure? How about "catastrophic failure?"

[JDorfler]

Interesting little thought about the whole "tour" and "proto" name stamping on putters and other golf equipment. To be honest, I use what works and looks good to me. Heck, I used to use a SUMO^2. How's that for a name? Sumo, a big fat guy that runs as fast as he can into another big fat guy after throwing salt on the fighting surface. Gotta use what works.

[Rollitin]

Prototype is a progressive metal/thrash metal band from the United States, with at least two of its members from Los Angeles.

[tariq]

this is my take on golfs' "protos"

 

there are times when a design may 'infringe' on another design, but the tour player may request a putter/itons they used prior.

these never see production cos then IT WILL be a copy

 

this is just my opinion...does not have any truths at all

[jtitleist12]

I'd rather have a putter that is 1/10 or 1/5 ever made that doesn't say "Tour" or "Proto" anywhere like this one!

 

 

 

 

[choeppner]

I own a few Prototypes. The reason I collect them, is that I know there won't normally be anyone else with the same putter. Some makers are different, but I know for our company, for a putter to get the prototype stamp there will never be more than 5 of them, and each one of those 5 is just a little different. I hate having the exact same putter as someone else. Just one of my pet peeves.

 

-Chris

[frozen_rope]

Loads of money is wasted on golf equipment. In the old days it used to be called $1,000 bag and .10 cent swing, though I haven't heard that one in awhile.I put the big spenders in three categories.

 

1) the guy who mistakenly thinks he can improve his game by buying different equipment, including reshafts.

 

2) the guy who likes to spend money for instant gratification, the new club arrives and he gets a high for a few minutes when he holds the new club and gives it a few swings.

 

3) the guy who gets off on having something different from anyone else, including marking up a putter head with engravings and, or, adding weight.

[cbrian]

Loads of money is wasted on golf equipment. In the old days it used to be called $1,000 bag and .10 cent swing, though I haven't heard that one in awhile.I put the big spenders in three categories.

 

1) the guy who mistakenly thinks he can improve his game by buying different equipment, including reshafts.

 

I average 6 or 7 more fairways hit since I put the 6Z in my 905R (Kwokd).. I improved my game to say the least.

 

 

Then there was the T.P Mills purchase... I've never putted this well in my life..

 

The list goes on...

[bucklomein]

[...]

 

It's not like putters are prone to failure, right?

Really? You should have been with me this morning. Failure? How about "catastrophic failure?"

 

LOL! We've all been there, bro'.

 

:fool:

[sharkhark]

I think someone should jump on this as an idea...come out with a model called 'the prototype'....put the word proto all over it and nothing else...no brand name....just proto proto proto..