Nike Unitized Quick Review

[localfitch]

These are great putters, but not worth $300.

I got the chance to putt with all the Unitized putters today, and wanted to share a few observations.

Over all the models, one thing was consistent, a very soft and muted feel. There is very little sound at impact which lends to this, and the actual feel is just as soft as their Ignite series... but without the insert.

The finish of all the putters is a dark gray, media blasted, nickel-looking finish which is carried up the entire shaft, in order to hide the laser welded seam. The finish looks great and appears to be low glare and low maintenance. The face and the sole are polished. The mill marks on the face are deep and even... reminiscent of a Scotty Cameron restored putter.

Neo: Interesting view from the toe (like the curl of a wave), possibly my favorite looking at address. Alignment was easy, but the lack of a sweet spot indicator took me a few strokes to realize it was closer to the hosel than the toe.

Tiempo: Two words... Tiger Woods. From the squared off bumpers to the sight dot, this putter was made for him. I didn't see any significant head-design changes from the Ignite 001, except for the lack of a weight reduction channel in the neck. I was the most comfortable with setting up with this putter as I prefer the plumber's neck and Anser 2 / Newport 2 style. This model may have had the most "feel" of the bunch, but it's so hard to tell since they're all so soft.

Techno: This putter sits wide open at address... at least one half degree. I had to check myself by re-bending my knees and letting the putter fall into my hands, but had the same result. I typically do not use the center shafted type of putters, and despite the open face, I manged to be the most accurate with this model. For a very large head it felt well balanced (if a little head heavy), possibly a D-3 or D-4 at 35".

Retro: Two more words... Justin Leonard. Almost certainly designed for his taste in putters... this model takes a very modern look at a very classic head shape. The bumpers are jagged and look cool. The sight dot is dead accurate to the sweet spot, but this pushes it off center and closer to the hosel. Lining up with the site dot makes you feel like you're not using the toe portion of the putter since it's so far away.

I didn't get to hit as many balls as I would have liked... but the softness was killing me. There is very little feedback, visually, tactilely, or aurally. There is little to no improvement in feel over the Ignite putters, and the Unitized head and shaft only present a problem if your shaft ever gets bent. These are great putters, but not worth $300.

local

[choeppner]

I could have told you that Scott and saved you $300.00

 

LOL :fool:

 

-CHRIS-

[bwg03]

YEa putted with one today and did not like it, wasnt bad just as you said...not worth 300

[GIRmaster18]

its 175 at gppgolf

[RobotDoctor]

First, I am not a Nike Basher. Second, I do not worship the ground that Scotty Cameron walks on. Now that we have this straight I will give my limited opinion.

 

Remember, my opinion is based on the 10 minutes of putting I did with a Tiempo in a store. I think the Tiempo lacks feel and looks not so good in my eye. For $300, I could have any Cameron OTR or a Mills Professional One (which would be a great pickup). I think Nike is making progress but the art of putting is not fancy packaging. There is a design aspect in terms of balance, shaft, grip that equates to feel. Without feel, and I think the Tiempo lacks this, a putter will not perform well and I will not be able to use it.

 

I have owned or still own at least 50-70 putters from a variety of manufacturers in my career (currently 8 putters as I am trying to get down to what I need to play). I have owned or still own such putters as a Wilson Designed by Arnold Palmer, an original Wilson 8813, several Scotty Cameron putters, Ping putters (Dalehead Anser, Scottsdale Anser Limited remake - 2, several Zing Black Band, early Cushin - not Scottsdale, and a few other models), 3 or 4 Cleveland blades including the original Designed by Cleveland Classics (large letters) and a Designed by Ben Crenshaw, and many many others. I know what I want in a putter in terms of feel and weight and the Tiempo does not answer what I want.

 

As not to offend the Nike players, I would rather take the $300 and get me a custom Mills "3X Oil Can" Professional One putter than spend it on this Nike product. Just my 2 cents.

[TRAV1]

local,

 

I agree with you. Great putter, but not $300 great.

 

However... at $175, I will consider getting one.

[localfitch]

I was trying to be as honest and unbiased as I can... I think they actually had them priced below MSRP at NY Golf (around $249.99).

 

These would be great putters in the low $200 range, but I think there will be a lot sitting on store shelves when inventory is done.

[johndeere10]

Scott if they had SC Jack-O headcovers would you buy one then? LOL!!!!

 

 

Andy

[localfitch]

I would buy two.

[AcesAZ]

My main problem with them was the weight. I like the 350 gram range and they feel closer to 330. Just felt too light.

[localfitch]

My main problem with them was the weight. I like the 350 gram range and they feel closer to 330. Just felt too light.

 

 

I think you're right about the weight... none of them struck me as being heavy. It's not as simple as pulling the head and weighing it anymore. :fool:

[NikeTaylormade891]

They did seem a little light. Between this and the redwood series, which did you prefer?

[localfitch]

I didn't even think to pick up one of the new Pings... I'll make sure to do that next time. I've heard they're a bit heavier though.

[Konklifer]

I tried the Techno today and thought it felt great and rolled the ball well.