$3.96 Black Putter Shaft

[tmaxxracer32]

If I saw that on the course I wouldnt think twice that it wasnt factory. great job!

[rocket21]

Just tricked up my #9 Black series this way. Great idea! Thanks! Agreed on heat gun. I actually was worried this stuff would melt but actually turned up to high half way through. I do think this coating will be durable. I installed new grip (heavier +15g) and new shaft (FST Stepless 130g uncut over stock stepped) and feeling is off but I did change a lot. I am thinking/hoping it is the shaft and overall increase in weight. I am planning at some point to remove black, test then re-install a stepped shaft and test.. Would be curious as to other inputs on feel for those who just added the coating? At 35" putter with sleeve 1/3 up grip weight was about 12g, on the search for a lighter/thinner version of this stuff.
[attachment=2140359:#9-2.JPG]
[attachment=2140361:#9-1a.JPG]

[OUZO Power]

That's slick

[Agent Jim]

Nice! I used some heat shrink today to fix the temples on some sunglasses today.

[rocket21]

Jim I am looking for alternative uses as well as this stuff is pretty neat. Updating my earlier post, I couldn't wait. Optimistic now! The combination of the shaft and grip (non tapered round, pretty thick material) was killing feel. I swapped out grip to Pingman felt much better but still dull, then pulled shaft and went back and forth alternating/shimming A) the black stepless shaft and B) an Odyssey Fluted shaft, no question far better with B. Everything was short and didn't feel lively or soft off face with A. Last test was to remove the black coating and hope it was in fact the shaft. Still same unresponsive feel off the face and leaving putts short. Frankly, a little shocked and this prompted me to look into putter shaft styles on here. I never imagined it might matter. Perhaps it's just this FST version, but many here seem to think stepped shafts are much better for feel. Per other posts, fluted shafts are thought to be firmer than stepped shafts anyways, so will likely try the stock stepped in next to test. Since the fluted was lighter I probably will probably blackout that one as it will bring it close to a normal TT stepped shaft weight. I am hoping this does the trick.

Side note: An easy way to evenly trip the excess at hosel is a small pipe cutter to score it lightly and peel as I am not good with the utility knife.

[Agent Jim]

Jim I am looking for alternative uses as well as this stuff is pretty neat. Updating my earlier post, I couldn't wait. Optimistic now! The combination of the shaft and grip ( round non tapered round, pretty thick material) was killing feel. I swapped out grip to Pingman felt much better but still dull, then pulled shaft and went back and forth alternating/shimming A) the black stepless shaft and B) an Odyssey Fluted shaft, no question far better with B. Everything was short and didn't feel lively or soft off face with B. Last test was to remove the black coating and hope it was in fact the shaft. Still same unresponsive feel off the face and leaving putts short. Frankly, a little shocked and this prompted me to look into putter shaft styles on here. I never imagined it might matter. Perhaps it's just this FST version, but many here seem to think stepped shafts are much better for feel. Per other posts, fluted shafts are thought to be firmer than stepped shafts anyways, so will likely try the stock stepped in next to test. SInce the fluted was lighter I probably will probably blackout that one as it will bring it close to a normal TT stepped shaft weight. I am hoping this does the trick.

 

Side note: An easy way to evenly trip the excess at hosel is a small pipe cutter to score it lightly and peel as I am not good with the utility knife.

 

I really didn't feel like sending these back to Costa, since I have heard stories about their replacement warranty.

The piece of heat shrink is behind my ear and not visible much at all. Costa used two separate materials on the temples. You can see the "good" side is starting to separate as well.

[bosoxfan]

So any reports on durability?
KH

[CallawayKid86]

Just tricked up my #9 Black series this way. Great idea! Thanks! Agreed on heat gun. I actually was worried this stuff would melt but actually turned up to high half way through. I do think this coating will be durable. I installed new grip (heavier +15g) and new shaft (FST Stepless 130g uncut over stock stepped) and feeling is off but I did change a lot. I am thinking/hoping it is the shaft and overall increase in weight. I am planning at some point to remove black, test then re-install a stepped shaft and test.. Would be curious as to other inputs on feel for those who just added the coating? At 35" putter with sleeve 1/3 up grip weight was about 12g, on the search for a lighter/thinner version of this stuff.

 

 

 

Did the same to my metal x #9 and I must say this was a hell of a lot easier and faster than painting the shaft. Ended up selling the putter on BST in favor of a Scotty, but once I refinish the Scotty, I may do the shaft with the extra I have left.

 

[gardemyr]

Great thread! Decided I wanted to try this cheap blac shaft thing. THe result came out like this.

 

 

 

 

Looks pretty good I think :)

[TheInfidel]

Enjoyed reading the posts on this thread and the pics of the DIY work.

This is a look I was also trying to get when I refurb'd a TPA XVIII, though I went for an Apollo Acculite Gun Smoke shaft which was £11.

http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/topic/901523-wilson-tpa-xviii-the-quest-for-the-new-excalibur-updated/

I appreciate that it's not the flat black that most of the guys on here were looking for, but I never had the foresight to think of this.

The stepped iron shaft in regular still gives plenty of feel and still provided the desired look.

Nevertheless - good work here and some sick looking flat sticks.

[Ish]

Anyone try this with 1/2" tubing? They don't have anything bigger at my local stores.

Thanks

Edit: nevermind granger has a bunch...

[TheDominator273]

Those all look great!

[yaz75]

Jim I am looking for alternative uses as well as this stuff is pretty neat. Updating my earlier post, I couldn't wait. Optimistic now! The combination of the shaft and grip ( round non tapered round, pretty thick material) was killing feel. I swapped out grip to Pingman felt much better but still dull, then pulled shaft and went back and forth alternating/shimming A) the black stepless shaft and B) an Odyssey Fluted shaft, no question far better with B. Everything was short and didn't feel lively or soft off face with B. Last test was to remove the black coating and hope it was in fact the shaft. Still same unresponsive feel off the face and leaving putts short. Frankly, a little shocked and this prompted me to look into putter shaft styles on here. I never imagined it might matter. Perhaps it's just this FST version, but many here seem to think stepped shafts are much better for feel. Per other posts, fluted shafts are thought to be firmer than stepped shafts anyways, so will likely try the stock stepped in next to test. SInce the fluted was lighter I probably will probably blackout that one as it will bring it close to a normal TT stepped shaft weight. I am hoping this does the trick.

 

Side note: An easy way to evenly trip the excess at hosel is a small pipe cutter to score it lightly and peel as I am not good with the utility knife.

 

I really didn't feel like sending these back to Costa, since I have heard stories about their replacement warranty.

The piece of heat shrink is behind my ear and not visible much at all. Costa used two separate materials on the temples. You can see the "good" side is starting to separate as well.

You can also purchase heat shrink that has a sealant layer on the inside of the tubing. I use it for waterproof splice connections. When you heat the tubing up, the material on the inside becomes liquid and will flow like a thick adhesive that hardens when cool. In the case of your sunglasses it would offer another level of strength to the repair.

[Hateto3Putt]

[Hateto3Putt]

I just did this to my 20 year old black Anser 2.

Turned out fantastic. Thanks for the idea and Ebay link OP!

I have more than enough left to do my two green side wedges, this way the 3 clubs I usually bring to a missed green will match nicely.

[thecraw]

Over here when I buy it gives me the option of a shrink ratio of 1:2 and 1:3 what should I buy?

Also my TPM putter is the pencil shaft 0.281 tip what size of tubing would you recommend for this shaft???

Thanks in advance for anyone who can help.

[lsf_21]

I have thought about plasti dip. I dont want to ruin the shaft band though.

[prestiege]

some of the putter wells on these cart bags leaves your putter shaft vulnerable to dings from your iron heads smacking back n forth, this stuff would be great for that. i never new they made it in lengths that long lol, i use the stuff at work every now and then but the home depot packages of 5" lengths works fine for what i need it for at work

[Hateto3Putt]

[quote name='thecraw' timestamp='1403474606' post='9553031']
Over here when I buy it gives me the option of a shrink ratio of 1:2 and 1:3 what should I buy?

Also my TPM putter is the pencil shaft 0.281 tip what size of tubing would you recommend for this shaft???

Thanks in advance for anyone who can help.
[/quote]

I bought the 16 mm, 2-1 shrink for my Ping Putter. If your shaft is very thin (pencil) I would get the 3-1 shrink ratio. At these prices you can get both and experiment. The Ebay seller above ships very fast, and admit it, you've spent more than $4 for snacks at the turn.

By the look and feel of the finished shaft, I think the durability will be very good. When the stuff shrinks, it gets a little thicker so minor scratches won't even make it to the level of the shaft.

I've used much thinner versions of this stuff for it's intended use (electronics wiring) and I've never had an issue with it coming undone. Of course I've also never putted with electrical connections, so there's that.....

Someone above inquired about Plasti-Dip (yet another amazing invention), I've used that in automotive applications and it's great stuff as well. However, I think this shrink tubing is a better (cheaper, easier to apply, more durable) alternative for this application. BUT, if you've already got the spray can of Plasti-Dip sitting there, give it a shot and please report back.

[Hateto3Putt]

So I played with my putter yesterday on a bright sunny day. I REALLY liked the look and new anti glare feature of the shaft.

 

I just did two of my wedges (my "take to the missed green" set) and they turned out great. I had a chipped ferrule on my Vokey, so I extended the wrap to cover it up. After doing a putter and two wedges, I still have enough left over to do a driver.

 

 

 

It's in the running for the best $4 I ever spent.

 

I did get a little rambunctious tightening up the vice when reinstalling the grip. The material pinched a little, all I did was reheat it and it melted smooth again.

[thecraw]

[quote name='Hateto3Putt' timestamp='1403531449' post='9556801']
[quote name='thecraw' timestamp='1403474606' post='9553031']
Over here when I buy it gives me the option of a shrink ratio of 1:2 and 1:3 what should I buy?

Also my TPM putter is the pencil shaft 0.281 tip what size of tubing would you recommend for this shaft???

Thanks in advance for anyone who can help.
[/quote]

I bought the 16 mm, 2-1 shrink for my Ping Putter. If your shaft is very thin (pencil) I would get the 3-1 shrink ratio. At these prices you can get both and experiment. The Ebay seller above ships very fast, and admit it, you've spent more than $4 for snacks at the turn.

By the look and feel of the finished shaft, I think the durability will be very good. When the stuff shrinks, it gets a little thicker so minor scratches won't even make it to the level of the shaft.

I've used much thinner versions of this stuff for it's intended use (electronics wiring) and I've never had an issue with it coming undone. Of course I've also never putted with electrical connections, so there's that.....

Someone above inquired about Plasti-Dip (yet another amazing invention), I've used that in automotive applications and it's great stuff as well. However, I think this shrink tubing is a better (cheaper, easier to apply, more durable) alternative for this application. BUT, if you've already got the spray can of Plasti-Dip sitting there, give it a shot and please report back.
[/quote]

Thank you very much. Appreciate the help.

[Schick]

So how easy is this to get off? Say I mess it up or want to take it off, will it be a difficult process?

[Hateto3Putt]

[quote name='Schick' timestamp='1403717091' post='9575337']
So how easy is this to get off? Say I mess it up or want to take it off, will it be a difficult process?
[/quote]

It's attached by friction, nothing sticky. Like peeling a banana.

[Schick]

[quote name='Hateto3Putt' timestamp='1403718588' post='9575625']
[quote name='Schick' timestamp='1403717091' post='9575337']
So how easy is this to get off? Say I mess it up or want to take it off, will it be a difficult process?
[/quote]

It's attached by friction, nothing sticky. Like peeling a banana.
[/quote]
Awesome. Thanks!

[FuzzyKnuckles]

I bought an 8 foot tube earlier today! Can't wait to apply!

[RenoHack]

Was gonna plasti dip my metal x9 shaft but I pulled the trigger today and got 8ft of this to try. Also picked up a black / red midnight 3.0 ss grip to match the shaft. My OCD wouldn't allow me to re use the white ss 3.0 grip it that's on it currently. Pics next week ...

[thecraw]

Shrink wrap ordered, once it arrives I'll have a go and post the results!

[Cochese23]

I just got a new spider mallet and want to do this as well. Been putting really good with it though, so kinda scared to pull the grip and mess with the mojo.....

[dotcodotuk]

[quote name='lsf_21' timestamp='1403476157' post='9553177']
I have thought about plasti dip. I dont want to ruin the shaft band though.
[/quote]

Plasti Dip shouldn't ruin a shaft band as it's not going to soak in to the material, but it's going to be a right PITA to work with - you'll need to use the aerosol can to get even coverage and the nozzle isn't particularly useful for detail work.

Heatshrink is a far, far better option. Easier to work with and much cheaper!

[thecraw]

Guys, what size of tubing is everyone using?

I bought 16mm and it was too small. I'll use this for the pencil shafted TPM which I hope to get back tomorrow from its refurb.

I've just ordered some more heat shrink in 19.1mm now but I'm scared it will be too big and not shrink enough at the bottom!