Talk to me about Cody James Custom Putters...

[BirdieBirdieX]

Looks like beautiful craftsmanship, great options and the ability to build. Has anyone gamed one? Let get some feedback from the masses on feel, response and overall playability. 

[MattM97]

I have one, ordered a custom last year as a gift to myself. I can go more into the build process if you want but seeing as you're asking more on course feedback I'll provide that.

 

Feel: Cody has a multiple options for material and milling so that will vary on what you decide to go with, factor in the weight and shaft/grip you play as well. For me I don't like an overly soft putter so as much as I love the look of his medium and deep millings I opted for a skim mill/fly cut on a carbon head almost as a last minute decision after scrolling his feed a few hundred times. I will say I'm extremely happy with that choice, while maybe not as pretty as some others it feels great. To me it has a medium-firm but very crisp feel off the face which is in that range I was shooting for and really enjoy in a putter

 

 

Feedback: I guess this plays back into feel unless you mean something else. But with the putter having the feel I was after the feedback for me is great, I know a good and bad putt when it hear it off the putter. But this also helps me the most with my speed which has been a struggle lately and lag putts as well. If you meant something else by feedback let me know.

 

Playability: As nice and expensive as they are Cody makes them to be played. He kinda joked that mine doesn't have enough patina on mine yet I kinda have been babying it a bit last time I posted it during my round. But it sets up so well, I plop it down and it sits square, it feels great to me, it rolls the ball so well. You can definitely see Cody is probably a top 5 machinist in golf probably top 3 honestly at least in my opinion. It also helps that I fully designed the details on this putter so it's mine and made for me so I have the confidence using it. I should really bring it out more when I play but putter ho life I guess. 

 

I will say my whole experience with Cody and the end result really have me wanting to do another one with him in the future. Yes his putters are expensive depending on what you see as expensive but again his skill and work are worth it for a putter that will stand out and perform. 

 

 

I really should let the patina take over on this but I want it to happen slowly so it's extra nice. 

[BirdieBirdieX]

Thank you so much for taking the time to write out and provide pics of your flatstick. It's beautifully done! 

 

What is the offset on that neck? Looks like a straight-in shaft but flow neck set up?

[MattM97]

2 hours ago, BirdieBirdieX said:

Thank you so much for taking the time to write out and provide pics of your flatstick. It's beautifully done! 

 

What is the offset on that neck? Looks like a straight-in shaft but flow neck set up?

 

The offset on this neck is 1/2 but Cody can bend it to whatever you ask for. The neck is his Flow-Slant neck so bit of a mash up between a flow neck and slant neck. Little unique and gave me the option to put in a graphite shaft in the future if I wish. 

[italianstallion]

This is a super relevant topic as I’m currently working with Cody on a full custom putter. I can’t comment on the feel/playability yet but I will say working with Cody has been great so far. I started off by sending him an IG message along with full illustrations and the specs of what I was looking for. He was super receptive to my ideas and we were off to the races. Refreshing stuff in this space as of late.

@MattM97 your putter looks great! I’m going to try the standard milling on mine. To try and replicate the feel of the putter I had previously the milling depth might be between standard and his deep mill. I like slightly softer but think the fly mill looks fantastic. I agree with your assessment on Cody being a top 3 machinist in the golf putter world right now. I’ve seen a lot of putter makers and his quality/finish exceed just about all of them, so I don’t understand how he doesn’t have the hype of other brands. At the same time, maybe that’s a good thing given the sour experience I had with my prior putter’s brand. 
 

I’ll post some pics when it’s finished. 

[MattM97]

2 hours ago, italianstallion said:

This is a super relevant topic as I’m currently working with Cody on a full custom putter. I can’t comment on the feel/playability yet but I will say working with Cody has been great so far. I started off by sending him an IG message along with full illustrations and the specs of what I was looking for. He was super receptive to my ideas and we were off to the races. Refreshing stuff in this space as of late.

@MattM97 your putter looks great! I’m going to try the standard milling on mine. To try and replicate the feel of the putter I had previously the milling depth might be between standard and his deep mill. I like slightly softer but think the fly mill looks fantastic. I agree with your assessment on Cody being a top 3 machinist in the golf putter world right now. I’ve seen a lot of putter makers and his quality/finish exceed just about all of them, so I don’t understand how he doesn’t have the hype of other brands. At the same time, maybe that’s a good thing given the sour experience I had with my prior putter’s brand. 
 

I’ll post some pics when it’s finished. 

 

I'm glad you're getting that going, I forget if it was you or someone else having a hard time getting in contact with Cody but he just did a massive putter drop so that was probably his focus lately. He definitely is very professional and patient especially after he sent me my initial quote I did take a lot of items off for cost reasons but I said rather than me asking every last item we just put them on and I pick from there. But a few things like milled bumpers and the grip I skipped but that basically paid for the Timascus insert which is a cool flair, but then after saw a few cool things I wish I did like a brass letter vs timascus.

 

As for the milling I'm sure either his standard or deep mill will get you the feeling you want depending on what you're trying to copy but also have to see how much of a difference both millings have which is an expensive test. I really did like when Cody was making mine he kinda did a behind the scenes in the shop of milling, shape, hand finishing, etc and you could hear the experience and attention to detail when talking about such minute things that the average joe may not notice. 

 

But yes definitely want to see pics when done. 

[5hort5tuff]

His work is top notch. It is top price is basically top aswell...so it really depends on your budget. 

 

Response, playability, feel, etc is all subjective, and there is nothing he can provide in those specific categories that another putter maker can't. Any custom maker from 500-1200 can alter feel and response based on your preferences. At the end of the day, this is a milled anser putter.  For me, his prices are too high.  I just don't see the value.  For many, it isn't. 

 

He definitely has some of the cleanest looking work around. I've seen it in person and he really does do amazing stuff.  Deciding to pay his price is all up to you. If you have the cash to burn, I don't think you will be disappointed. 

Edited September 23, 2022 by 5hort5tuff

[italianstallion]

On 9/22/2022 at 5:19 PM, MattM97 said:

 

I'm glad you're getting that going, I forget if it was you or someone else having a hard time getting in contact with Cody but he just did a massive putter drop so that was probably his focus lately. He definitely is very professional and patient especially after he sent me my initial quote I did take a lot of items off for cost reasons but I said rather than me asking every last item we just put them on and I pick from there. But a few things like milled bumpers and the grip I skipped but that basically paid for the Timascus insert which is a cool flair, but then after saw a few cool things I wish I did like a brass letter vs timascus.

 

As for the milling I'm sure either his standard or deep mill will get you the feeling you want depending on what you're trying to copy but also have to see how much of a difference both millings have which is an expensive test. I really did like when Cody was making mine he kinda did a behind the scenes in the shop of milling, shape, hand finishing, etc and you could hear the experience and attention to detail when talking about such minute things that the average joe may not notice. 

 

But yes definitely want to see pics when done. 

Yup that was me. Sorry I didn’t make the connection! Sometimes less is more in the custom world and I think yours has a great balance of it. I’m also incorporating Timascus into mine, it’s definitely one of his signature design elements so it had to be done!

[italianstallion]

Got my Cody James in today! For some background I’ve made the rounds through some of the more popular putter brands over the years, but I still wanted something that was truly custom and made for me. I have been watching Cody James’ work for a few years now, and when I decided move on from a different brand I knew Cody was the only person to call. 

 

Cody does most of his work on a milling machine, and what he’s able to do with it showcases serious skill. However I’m also really big on seeing the hand made mark of the craftsman on my putters such as bubbling around stamps and hand finishes. So I designed a putter that would allow Cody to showcase his skill with a milling machine while also incorporating some of that hand crafted look I like. 

 

Cody allowed me to design this putter from scratch. He was super receptive to all my design inputs and was patient with me when I made a few tweaks after the ‘final’ mock-ups. It took five months from mock-up to putter-in-hand, but I’m a patient person and I was just appreciative that Cody took my order.

All that said, this is a 350g Conway, stainless steel with a semi-polished finish. The bumpers are hand stamped and the cavity is hand-hammered. Milled in the cavity is his hammer logo with a Timascus insert. The face is his standard milling which makes the putter feel like my previous boutique brand anser. (For reference, deep milling is soft, no milling is hard, and standard is somewhere in between). The sole is completely blank with a logo “CJ” on the extreme toe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited June 8, 2023 by italianstallion

[MattM97]

35 minutes ago, italianstallion said:

Got my Cody James in today! For some background I’ve made the rounds through some of the more popular putter brands over the years, but I still wanted something that was truly custom and made for me. I have been watching Cody James’ work for a few years now, and when I decided move on from a different brand I knew Cody was the only person to call. 

 

Cody does most of his work on a milling machine, and what he’s able to do with it showcases serious skill. However I’m also really big on seeing the hand made mark of the craftsman on my putters such as bubbling around stamps and hand finishes. So I designed a putter that would allow Cody to showcase his skill with a milling machine while also incorporating some of that hand crafted look I like. 

 

Cody allowed me to design this putter from scratch. He was super receptive to all my design inputs and was patient with me when I made a few tweaks after the ‘final’ mock-ups. It took five months from mock-up to putter-in-hand, but I’m a patient person and I was just appreciative that Cody took my order.

All that said, this is a 350g Conway, stainless steel with a semi-polished finish. The bumpers are hand stamped and the cavity is hand-hammered. Milled in the cavity is his hammer logo with a Timascus insert. The face is his standard milling which makes the putter feel like my previous boutique brand anser. (For reference, deep milling is soft, no milling is hard, and standard is somewhere in between). The sole is completely blank with a logo “CJ” on the extreme toe.
 

I didn’t want anything super over the top but at the same time I also wanted something that looked interesting and unique.  I’m extremely pleased with the result. If you’re in the market I highly recommend working with Cody, his craftsmanship is absolutely top notch. 

 

 

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Hell yeah glad to see it finally arrive and Cody did an awesome job bringing your drawings to life. 

 

That's also an awesome putter, hope it rolls well for you. 

[jonradus]

49 minutes ago, italianstallion said:

Got my Cody James in today! For some background I’ve made the rounds through some of the more popular putter brands over the years, but I still wanted something that was truly custom and made for me. I have been watching Cody James’ work for a few years now, and when I decided move on from a different brand I knew Cody was the only person to call. 

 

Cody does most of his work on a milling machine, and what he’s able to do with it showcases serious skill. However I’m also really big on seeing the hand made mark of the craftsman on my putters such as bubbling around stamps and hand finishes. So I designed a putter that would allow Cody to showcase his skill with a milling machine while also incorporating some of that hand crafted look I like. 

 

Cody allowed me to design this putter from scratch. He was super receptive to all my design inputs and was patient with me when I made a few tweaks after the ‘final’ mock-ups. It took five months from mock-up to putter-in-hand, but I’m a patient person and I was just appreciative that Cody took my order.

All that said, this is a 350g Conway, stainless steel with a semi-polished finish. The bumpers are hand stamped and the cavity is hand-hammered. Milled in the cavity is his hammer logo with a Timascus insert. The face is his standard milling which makes the putter feel like my previous boutique brand anser. (For reference, deep milling is soft, no milling is hard, and standard is somewhere in between). The sole is completely blank with a logo “CJ” on the extreme toe.
 

I didn’t want anything super over the top but at the same time I also wanted something that looked interesting and unique.  I’m extremely pleased with the result. If you’re in the market I highly recommend working with Cody, his craftsmanship is absolutely top notch. 

 

 

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Really nice stick here. What’s the offset and what does it “feel” like? I had a Toulon and a Tad Moore that were both full offset and it felt like it was even more than full. I’ve had others that were full shaft and felt like they were more like 1/2-3/4. The overhead pic you show makes it feel like 3/4. It looks like it sets up very well. Just curious…

[italianstallion]

45 minutes ago, MattM97 said:

 

Hell yeah glad to see it finally arrive and Cody did an awesome job bringing your drawings to life. 

 

That's also an awesome putter, hope it rolls well for you. 

Thanks! At the minimum it’ll make me look good doing it. 
 

30 minutes ago, jonradus said:

Really nice stick here. What’s the offset and what does it “feel” like? I had a Toulon and a Tad Moore that were both full offset and it felt like it was even more than full. I’ve had others that were full shaft and felt like they were more like 1/2-3/4. The overhead pic you show makes it feel like 3/4. It looks like it sets up very well. Just curious…

 

Good question. If it’s under a full shaft it’s probably not by all that much. Here’s a side view: 

 

 

[MattM97]

5 minutes ago, italianstallion said:

Thanks! At the minimum it’ll make me look good doing it. 
 

 

Whole point of my collection 😂😂

 

But I definitely think I need to do a Conway with Cody at some point. I have/had an idea for one but always could change. 

[italianstallion]

21 hours ago, MattM97 said:

 

Whole point of my collection 😂😂

 

But I definitely think I need to do a Conway with Cody at some point. I have/had an idea for one but always could change. 

Best to sleep on ideas for as many nights as possible before pulling the trigger. Anything in particular you’re looking to do? 

[MattM97]

18 minutes ago, italianstallion said:

Best to sleep on ideas for as many nights as possible before pulling the trigger. Anything in particular you’re looking to do? 

 

I just put a deposit in with another maker today so no rush to do another with Cody maybe end of year. 

 

But my idea is Conway, flow neck, carbon, patina finish, smooth face. Then those other little details I'm stuck on and you know Cody can do a lot and you want to take advantage of that. 

 

Other is the same just 303 and Satin. I don't want to do too many putters in a similar way. I already have 2 Anser shape, carbon heads, black finish that could go rusty so do I need a potential 3rd? 

[williaza]

How long did guys wait to get emailed back and what is his current buIld time? Thanks! 

[italianstallion]

On 3/27/2023 at 7:50 PM, williaza said:

How long did guys wait to get emailed back and what is his current buIld time? Thanks! 

Back in July I emailed him on July 17 and his first email email back to me was on August 9. Putter was in hand by mid-January. I don’t think he checks his email frequently but he’ll get back to you at some point for sure. I do think he’s also getting married soon so he might have a lot going on right now. The timing of my build coincided with a general release of 10 or so putters on his website, some accessories, and the holidays, so it was a bit of a wait.

Edited June 8, 2023 by italianstallion

[williaza]

16 minutes ago, italianstallion said:

Back in July I emailed him on July 17 and his first email email back to me was on August 9. Putter was in hand by mid-January. I don’t think he checks his email frequently but he’ll get back to you at some point for sure. I do think he’s also getting married soon so he might have a lot going on right now. The timing of my build coincided with a general release of 10 or so putters on his website, some accessories, and the holidays, so it was a bit of a wait. At the same time, well worth it as I got exactly what I wanted. 

Ty for the info! Deposit due upfront? Or all due at time of order? Did you design every w Of yours? Or give him ideas and let him do his thing 

[LionGolfer]

Any Cody owners that also own an Olsen legacy?  PLs share your thoughts on feel differences.  Thanks

[italianstallion]

51 minutes ago, williaza said:

Ty for the info! Deposit due upfront? Or all due at time of order? Did you design every w Of yours? Or give him ideas and let him do his thing 

I paid in full up front when I sent him my design. As far as design was concerned I crudely mocked up three angles in MS paint of what I wanted (see below). Obviously he took care of the technical aspect of how to make all that work within the confines of the Conway head. Originally I had wanted to put a small CJ logo in the top left of cavity with an inlay, and then put the hammer on the toe, but he said if I wanted a hammered cavity the CJ logo would be far too small to put an inlay in. So I swapped the locations of both those logos and I think it worked out. 
 

If you have ideas, he’ll find a way to execute or tell you if something is not doable. I also think if you don’t want to be so involved in designing it, you can just tell him a general idea of what your preferences are and he’ll have no problems designing something for you. 

 

Edited March 28, 2023 by italianstallion

[Phabs]

16 hours ago, LionGolfer said:

Any Cody owners that also own an Olsen legacy?  PLs share your thoughts on feel differences.  Thanks

Feel difference in the wallet is about it

[MattM97]

3 minutes ago, Phabs said:

Feel difference in the wallet is about it

 

Cody is better on the CNC too. 

[UnderPar18]

On 1/18/2023 at 9:52 PM, MattM97 said:

 

Whole point of my collection 😂😂

 

But I definitely think I need to do a Conway with Cody at some point. I have/had an idea for one but always could change. 

I'm in for a lefty Conway. Tell him to get the mill ready for some lefties!

[MattM97]

1 hour ago, UnderPar18 said:

I'm in for a lefty Conway. Tell him to get the mill ready for some lefties!

 

Make it nice I need some inspiration, I'm between 2 different ideas for a build on a Conway and unfortunately I don't have the money to build out both as much as I wish I did. 

[williaza]

Picked this up..cool putter 

[MattM97]

50 minutes ago, williaza said:

Picked this up..cool putter 

 

Nice pickup, looks like his early work it has only gotten better since. But in gamer condition so definitely get it out on the course. 

[williaza]

2 minutes ago, MattM97 said:

 

Nice pickup, looks like his early work it has only gotten better since. But in gamer condition so definitely get it out on the course. 

Has really funky specs..hoping to get it bent to normal but got it for a good price 

[MattM97]

1 minute ago, williaza said:

Has really funky specs..hoping to get it bent to normal but got it for a good price 

 

That seems like an easy fix, get it bent to your spec and give your feedback after. I know you've been on a putter search for a while. 

[jh19]

I wanted to inquire about one, reached out 3 different ways, no response. So I bought another Mack lol

[williaza]

1 minute ago, jh19 said:

I wanted to inquire about one, reached out 3 different ways, no response. So I bought another Mack lol

When did you reach out?