Byron, C&L, Slighter??

[MadMike4]

all good?

There seems to be more discussion on Byron and C&L here. Not much of Slighter or Sunset Beach. If you had to rank them in terms of quality of product and ease of process, how do they rate? Thanks

[mshills]

All of them are very nice putters. One is not superior to another. It's all about what gives YOU the confidence over a putt.

 

If you feel confident standing over a 5' putt that you must make to break 80 for the first time and you have a $3,000 "circle T" Cameron in your hands, it's worth it, because you have the confidence that you will make that putt.

 

If you feel confident standing over a 5' putt that you must make to win a $200 bet, you have $25 in your pocket, and you're looking down at a $12 Bullseye from the early 1970s with which you've been draining putts for years, then you're also in a pretty good place.

 

You're rolling a ball with an irregular surface over a section of grass with an irregular surface. Will precision milling and custom stamping make it more likely that the ball will go in? Not in terms of the physics, but if it makes you feel more confident, that's what counts!

 

Putting is all about confidence. Anyone have some confidence for me? I need some confidence on the greens right now. :D

[MadMike4]

Your $50 MacGregor Lakewood can outperform a $500 Cameron if you like it and have confidence in it, I know. Some of the best putters I have ever seen use older Ping models, Bullseye designs, or no-name $35 putters. IT'S ALL IN-BETWEEN YOUR EARS, I know.

 

............ but I would still like to hear opinions and feedback on Byron, C&L, Slighter, Sunset Beach, etc. Thanks

[kitsoasis]

I have a Byron and C&L, so here are some comparisons between the two.

 

Aesthetics: Both putters possess high quality hand stamping, and despite this they still have the character hand stamps.

 

Design: Comparatively, C&L is more of a stereotypical Anser style. However, the Byron 006 and 007 are more unique styles of the Anser head. It is clear that Byron put a lot of effort in perfecting his interpretation of the Anser.

 

Feel: This is very subjective. I own stainless models of both putters so it can present a fairer comparison. The C&L had a more solid feel compared to the Byron, which was crisp and direct. Despite their differences, both putters have considerable feedback to allow for precise distance control.

 

Custom Options: Both makers offer a large array of finishes for their carbon and stainless steel putters, but Byron would have the edge since they offer copper plate, cold star and mystic pearl finishes which C&L don't. In terms of stamps, C&L will go to all lengths to stamp the putter to satisfy your requests, though Byron also has nice stamps like griffins and clovers.

 

Service/Ease of process: Communication with C&L is easier because you talk directly with the owners. Whereas Byron is represented by Steve (Z-Man). Even though Steve does an excellent job, the extra 'barrier' still makes queries less efficient because messages need to be relayed. Having said that, I have read many reports of buyers talking directly with Byron about their putters, though I have not done so myself.

 

Hope this helps, these are just some of my thoughts about the two putters.

[MadMike4]

You chose stainless over carbon. Did you make this choice for feel, appearance, or ease of maintenance reasons? Thanks

[kitsoasis]

At the point of order, I chose the stainless on the C&L because I loved the way it looks with high-polish. Whereas the mystic pearl is only available for stainless on Byrons.

 

In hindsight, I would still have chosen a stainless because of the ease of maintenance. I enjoy the convenience of gaming it on a wet day, drying it and putting it back in the cover without worry. Although plated finishes on carbon would also have lower maintenance needs than oil can or black oxide.

[kinneywhat]

They're all nice putters. I own a Byron, but still hope to get myself a C&L and Slighter someday....... as well as a Machine, Bettinardi and Sunset Beach. I have a couple Sizemores and an assortment of Pings as well. They all feel pretty descent. It's just a matter of taste I suppose. The Bryon has a sound slot in it, and none of my other putters do, so it does give it a little different feel, but I like it.

 

Speaking of Sizemore, I haven't heard much out of them in a long time, anyone have any info?

[TM golf guy]

I have 2 Slighter's, 2 C&L's, and 4 Byron's. They are all great feeling putters, and you can't go wrong with any of them. Of the group, I didn't care for the stainless Slighter I have. It didn't feel as good as C&L's or Byrons. His carbon steel putters are really nice though. I don't have a SSBeach to compare.

[rymail00]

I have a Byron and C&L, so here are some comparisons between the two.

 

Aesthetics: Both putters possess high quality hand stamping, and despite this they still have the character hand stamps.

 

Design: Comparatively, C&L is more of a stereotypical Anser style. However, the Byron 006 and 007 are more unique styles of the Anser head. It is clear that Byron put a lot of effort in perfecting his interpretation of the Anser.

 

Feel: This is very subjective. I own stainless models of both putters so it can present a fairer comparison. The C&L had a more solid feel compared to the Byron, which was crisp and direct. Despite their differences, both putters have considerable feedback to allow for precise distance control.

 

Custom Options: Both makers offer a large array of finishes for their carbon and stainless steel putters, but Byron would have the edge since they offer copper plate, cold star and mystic pearl finishes which C&L don't. In terms of stamps, C&L will go to all lengths to stamp the putter to satisfy your requests, though Byron also has nice stamps like griffins and clovers.

 

Service/Ease of process: Communication with C&L is easier because you talk directly with the owners. Whereas Byron is represented by Steve (Z-Man). Even though Steve does an excellent job, the extra 'barrier' still makes queries less efficient because messages need to be relayed. Having said that, I have read many reports of buyers talking directly with Byron about their putters, though I have not done so myself.

 

Hope this helps, these are just some of my thoughts about the two putters.

 

 

Actually C&L have a copper finish now, and black ox that can be flamed w/ a blue tint. The both look good. I have to admit though that mystic pearl is one great looking finish.

 

I have to agrre w/ the cummunication w/ C&L is extremely easy. I also think they are working on a 006 model, and are about release their mallet too.

[8thehardway]

I demo'ed Byron's 006 and 007 for two weeks each and bought three used Slighters (Kirkland, Bellevue, and a second Needle in case something happened to my gamer). The quality was great for each of them. I only bought one new custom and that was from Tom Slighter.

 

Two years ago I ordered my first custom, a Slighter Needle, and was blown away by the experience and putter it's the one with a spider face and sight lines on his site). I wanted extensive graphics and handstamping and an open look at address, similar to the Futura. Other specs turned out to be non-standard but never having done this and being a bit shy, I didn't want to put him out by 'teaching me what I needed to know' so I could order intelligently, but he was so warm, friendly and interested in getting me EXACTLY what I wanted I ended up exchanging 30 - 35 emails and phone calls with no apprehension(I'd change my mind about lots of stuff or get ideas from something he said). Also, he confirms every spec, change and request so there's no misunderstandings.

 

Bottom line - imagine how Scotty treats Tiger both in attitude and workmanship... nothing's a problem, can't wait to make it, this is very exciting, here are some pictures, did you get it, what do you think of it. If you ordered it one way and changed your mind after trying it, send it back - Tom doesn't consider an order complete until you are satisfied.

 

I want to order more putters from him, but this one's too good. And I can't imagine how he took all that time with a nobody like me and made any money.

 

I love putters and putting. I have about 35 including a 1st Release Machine from Dave Billings, a Bettinardi 44 Magnum, a Tour WRX and its Prototype from Bobby Grace, a Gauge Design Pro Forged L, etc. I practice putting 200 - 300 hours/year and I'm good at it (rest of game? Don't ask.) I also read a lot about putters and read only great things, and lots of great reviews about putters from all the makers you mentioned. In fact, for more artistic, designer-styled putters Byron gets my vote. But I'm taking time to comment on my experiences with Tom because I'm convinced unless you're a touring pro, no one will guide you through the experience any better, and many not as well.

[MadMike4]

I have very little experience in this arena, but I am always VERY impressed by Tom Slighter. His communication is always prompt, friendly, and helpful.

[Z-Man]

Here is the story guys.. I would love to help everyone 24/7 but I can`t. A little thing called my job sometimes gets in the way. I no longer have access to the internet when I am at work.

 

My hours are 12 hr days or 12 nights, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday,Thursday is split 6-1 or 1-8.

 

 

My cell is 920-915-4320 .. I only use this for Byron Putters.. call me anytime

 

You can email me at steve@byronputters

or PM me here or at puttertalk

 

Thanks,

Steve