Nike Unitized Putters

[TRAV1]

at Golf Galaxy

Just went to Golf Galaxy to try out the Nike Unitized putter. They did not have the Retro model. I was really expecting to like these, and planned on making a purchase, but changed my mind after trying them out.

There is definitely more vibration going to the hand (the Winn grip is pretty good btw)... the problem is it doesn't tell me anything more than that. It just vibrates more, that's it. It doesn't tell me where on the club head I hit the ball. I make the stroke, I feel vibration, ball rolls like any other putter.

I pulled down the TaylorMade putters to compare, and I was hitting them MUCH better than the Nike. So, instead of paying $250 for a putter that wasn't going to add anything to my game, I just left the store.

YMMV, and they are a good putter, but for me there is a reason I stay away from the Scotty Cameron's, etc. That style of putter just doesn't help me at all. I love insert technology!

[AcesAZ]

I saw them in a new catalog. I kinda figured they would be a little crappy like the other Nike putters I've tried. Thx for the input though. :)

[the_krulatz]

Why are you getting the vibrations is the question...Are you not finding the center of the putter face? I'm not trying to insult your expertise in any way whatsoever, but I want to know if the only reason vibrations are being felt is because the "sweet spot" on the putter is not being struck with the ball. I mean, everybody strokes a bad putt, and yes, the feel is substantially different in comparison to a dead center strike. I'm just left being puzzled by the fact that there is no difference in the vibration feed back from a dead center hit, compared with a off-center strike.

 

Answer me this please, was the weight of the putter decent? Heavy or light?

 

Eager to learn more!

[pitbull808]

Per Nike......addressing vibration and the Unitized putter...........

Human hands are most sensitive to vibrations from 100 Hz to 300 Hz – an optimal range that allows for the most tactile feedback. Traditional bonded putters generate a dominant vibration far outside the optimal sensitivity range. Unitized construction creates a powerful and sustained response within the optimal range for pure feedback. Better feedback means better distance control.

[choeppner]

Nope.....Still don't like them. LOL

 

-CHRIS-

[Sakman]

Answer me this please, was the weight of the putter decent? Heavy or light?

 

Believe it or not they're pretty heavy. The 33" I was playing around with was right around D0 and felt really nice. It rolls the ball very true and has a distinct feel, but I'm not sure if it's any better than other milled putters that are also available. Either way, a great putter by Nike for sure.

[the_krulatz]

Sakman, would you say that there are different weights to the putters based on the length you order?

[the_krulatz]

Another question, what is the average swing weight of a 33" Cameron? Anybody know where to find all the info on that matter?

[Hairpie]

I think Nike is misgauging the market here....I don't see many pulling the trigger at $249, not unless El Tigre himself goes to it and I seriously doubt he will......I can see these going the way of the Callaway tour Blue, a pretty decent putter priced way to high.....If Nike truly wants to make inroads in the premium putter market they need to work there way up. Just throwing a putter out there with some fancy verbiage and a $250 price point isn't going to get it done....

[cmarkmyers]

I think Nike is misgauging the market here....I don't see many pulling the trigger at $249, not unless El Tigre himself goes to it and I seriously doubt he will......I can see these going the way of the Callaway tour Blue, a pretty decent putter priced way to high.....If Nike truly wants to make inroads in the premium putter market they need to work there way up. Just throwing a putter out there with some fancy verbiage and a $250 price point isn't going to get it done....

 

What Nike is counting on (and I will bet it works) is the die hard uber Nike fans. There are tons of people that just love the brand and try to keep everything in their bag Nike. I mean no disrespect to the brand or its fans, they make some nice stuff and they really do have a club for every skill level and type of player. Nike fans wanthing a premium putter, especially those tired of the Scotty Mystique, will buy these.

[Hairpie]

I think Nike is misgauging the market here....I don't see many pulling the trigger at $249, not unless El Tigre himself goes to it and I seriously doubt he will......I can see these going the way of the Callaway tour Blue, a pretty decent putter priced way to high.....If Nike truly wants to make inroads in the premium putter market they need to work there way up. Just throwing a putter out there with some fancy verbiage and a $250 price point isn't going to get it done....

 

What Nike is counting on (and I will bet it works) is the die hard uber Nike fans. There are tons of people that just love the brand and try to keep everything in their bag Nike. I mean no disrespect to the brand or its fans, they make some nice stuff and they really do have a club for every skill level and type of player. Nike fans wanthing a premium putter, especially those tired of the Scotty Mystique, will buy these.

 

 

I think Callaway thought much the same thing...that brand loyalty would bring die hard Cally guys to the Tour Blue and it just didn't happen....They seemed to go with 2balls and other, less expensive putters within the brand....I also think a majority of the "uber-Nike" fans are there because of Tiger, rather than the brand....I know I didn't see many Nike drivers or FW's in play until Tiger bagged them.....I don't see this putter as any different.....If I'm going to go $250 for a putter, there are many better ones out there....my .02......

[RobotDoctor]

That Techno is one Fugly putter. Hideous, gross, yuck! The only one I would consider is the Retro. However, I would rather have a David Mills Professional One.

[Asleep]

...Believe it or not they're pretty heavy. The 33" I was playing around with was right around D0...

D0 is light for putter SW, imo. Cameron 34"/350 gm. is D8.

[KingOAces]

Theres no possible way a stock weighted 34" Putter sw's at D8.

 

KinG

[Asleep]

Theres no possible way a stock weighted 34" Putter sw's at D8. KinG

Cameron 350 grams/34"=D8, ace. :)

[RobotDoctor]

Asian Circa OTR @ 350g.

[Sakman]

...Believe it or not they're pretty heavy. The 33" I was playing around with was right around D0...

D0 is light for putter SW, imo. Cameron 34"/350 gm. is D8.

 

I realize that, but it feels heavy and extremely solid.

[Sakman]

Sakman, would you say that there are different weights to the putters based on the length you order?

 

There are no custom specs like the Cameron Newports.

 

Another question, what is the average swing weight of a 33" Cameron? Anybody know where to find all the info on that matter?

 

My 33"/350 Cameron is right around a D4 SW.

[nikemike]

I got to our local ProGolf yesterday just in time to give the Tiempo and Retro a try. I thought they were leaps and bounds better than the Blue Chip. I see these as a progression in their lineup vs. a direct competitor with Scotty, Mills, etc.

The short putts did have a small vibration to them that gave more feedback as the length progressed. It's definitely not the "mushy" feel of my White Hot I've had for 5 yrs. I thought these two putters were very solid. I'd be willing to bet a blind folded person wouldn't know the difference between one of these and a Scotty Cameron of similar design.

The grip was very comfortable and unique. I wonder if Winn will bring this to the market or be a Nike only product?

Now about price. I can agree with several statements that you just can't come out of nowhere with a $250 price tag. I'd easily grab one of these for $150-175. Which is probably what I'll do when they start hitting Ebay or getting discounted.

With that said, these are a step in the right direction for Nike's putter lineup. I can't speak for the Neo or the other mallet, but the Retro had my eye from the beginning and now it easily proves to be a replacement for the White Hot currently throned. Now I just need to find one at a price I'm willing to pay.

[Mapleleaf14]

We got all different lengths in, 33" - 35" and the weights do seem different for each length - I haven't thrown them on the swngweight scale, but I'll try to remember to do so next time I'm at the shop.

 

We have already sold a few Tiempos and Retros, one Neo, but no Technos yet. (Got them in Friday morning.) I took a Tiempo 34" for myself as well - already had the 33" Retro. I'm part of the group that thinks these are wonderful. I think the feel is absolutely great. The finish is very nice too IMO. I do think that the retail $ is a bit high, and if I had to pay for them I would be wary too, but after putting with them, I wouldn't hesitate.

 

EDIT: I threw my personal 33" Retro on the scale and it was JUST a hair under D1. When putting with it, it has a nice, heavy feel though and I continue to love both my Retro and Tiempo. Scotty snobs (and other "premium" putter lovers) may snicker at a Nike putter, but I have alot of other putters and the Unitizeds seem very nice to me. To each his own I guess!!

[stevemac]

I picked up a Tiempo and it is really a solid putter. It felt OK at the store, in fact not quite as good as some of the other stuff. But I always make everything in the shop. I took to the course and it worked very well-gives good feedback and is a solid stick. I don't like soft inserts, so if you do I don't think this will be a winner. Steve

[MikeJohnson]

I guarantee most people that play Scotty's putters could tell the difference between the Unitezed and Cameron's. The feel of the two brands is completely different. And if they cant feel it they can certainly hear that ping noise. The design is nice but the feel isnt for me. JMO

Mike