Nike putters? Too much too soon or surging to the top?

sticky · February 3, 2007

I know preference is relative, but in terms of workmanship, balance, aesthetics, etc. are Nike's putters on the same level as Ping? Odyssey?others? even Cameron? Why or why not?

ckay · February 3, 2007

They have the craftsman "look" but that is about it. They lack the feel and the sound and while the "unitized" concept is great and all, it is just a marketing tool.

You can't beat a Scotty or a TP if you want a seriously crafted putter by the most recognized putter makers ever.

pitbull808 · February 3, 2007

As a person with many brands/styles of putters, I like the current group of Nike Unitized putters. I like the looks, feel, weight and craftsmanship. Like anything else as you mentioned though..personal preference. :)

sticky · February 3, 2007

I was sort of hoping that when Nike finally entered the club fray of the golf business that they would avoid the "me too" approach to marketing. A good example of what I am referring to is making a putter with a blue insert when everyone knows Ping has one out there. It really has nothing to do with colors or inserts anyway. Personally, part of the appeal of buying the implements of the game are enjoying and experimenting with the differences in design, function, and style of competing products and putting together a set of tools that we think best suit our ability and personality. You would think that a company that could design those ugly-a** Oregon football uniforms could at least come up with an original thought. You know that somewhere out there is a guy with a Cameronesque (sorry SC) mindset that could make a very good product and wouldn't mind having Phil Knight pay him to do his thing. If you can market a square driver...?

JTAmp32 · February 3, 2007

The Unitized line is very good with a little lead tape and the appropriate lie/loft adjustments.

sfdoddsy · February 3, 2007

I finally had a chance to check out the unitized range the other day. I was predisposed to Nike because for a while a T130 was my gamer.

However, I must admit I was disappointed (putter of choice was the Neo). The feel was OK, but nothing that made my heart leap from my shoes. But, and I hate to sound like a snob although I am, the finish just didn't befit a $250 putter.

The finish they spray on to cover the hosel weld looks cheap and tacky. It reminded me of anodized window frames.

The Ping redwoods look like they cost what they do. The Nike Unitized look like they come from a cereal packet.

kkhere · February 3, 2007

From my experience the Unitized were excellent putters. I just don't like where they are priced. Excellent quality but there are simply not as good as the other putters in that price range (Scottys and Redwood). In the end thought the quality is there and people should give Nike credit for putting out some excellent putters

SwingMan · February 3, 2007

I know preference is relative, but in terms of workmanship, balance, aesthetics, etc. are Nike's putters on the same level as Ping? Odyssey?others? even Cameron? Why or why not?

No.

Aesthetically - they are too angular for my taste -- they are something that the Borg (out of Star Trek) might putt with -- but a human?

They are still a notch below the makers you mentioned. I don't know why Nike feels they must be different. Sometimes, making a good old fashioned putter the right way - the right weight, shaft, grip, hosels, offset, with beautiful rounded looks and a little bit of unobtrusive technology -- is the best way to make a putter.

But it seems as if Nike enjoys shocking people with their designs.

On the other hand, some people like them a lot.

iscarter69 · February 3, 2007

I have been in the market for a new putter the entire winter and have seemingly tried almost everything. The unitized line look fairly well made, bit the feel and sound is really lacking IMO. I was told that the best characteristic of the one piece design was the feel. I didn't find that at all.

On the price issue, I didn't have a big problem with where they are at, but I think they are going to have a problem competing at their price point with the Scottys, Ping's Redwood line, etc.

HeadonaStick · February 4, 2007

I finally had a chance to check out the unitized range the other day. I was predisposed to Nike because for a while a T130 was my gamer.

However, I must admit I was disappointed (putter of choice was the Neo). The feel was OK, but nothing that made my heart leap from my shoes. But, and I hate to sound like a snob although I am, the finish just didn't befit a $250 putter.

The finish they spray on to cover the hosel weld looks cheap and tacky. It reminded me of anodized window frames.

The Ping redwoods look like they cost what they do. The Nike Unitized look like they come from a cereal packet.

It's interesting you say that because I was kind of intrigued by the one-piece welding technology from head to shaft and felt that it looked pretty good in the photos I've seen. However, as soon as I saw the "swoosh" I was turned off. I hope they come up with a different emblem for their high end putters in the future - the swoosh is one thing in shoes, but I think it cheapens the look in the putters.

Also, their putter line would get a great boost if they designed something that Tiger would actually use in tournaments. Nike definitely has the technology and the research, but now needs more emphasis on the more aesthetic, artistic component. The company and he kind of owe it to each other to make that effort - both sides would benefit, and so would the golfing consumer. With that said, however, I don't think he'll take the Newport out of his bag in the forseeable future - probably not ever. It's been too successful for him since day 1.

I doubt anyone could design a putter that Tiger would use right nowover his Cameron. He simply trusts it too much.

I also doubt that Nike will use any other emblem rather than the Nike Swoosh. It is a very internationally recognized corporate logo and they won't mess with that. If they make a high end putter (not an expensive putter, but a high end putter) the swoosh will look just fine on it.

502 to Right · February 5, 2007

I have no beef with Nike as a golf manufacturer but I was unimpressed with the unitized line. Nothing about the club stood out to me as special. If it was priced at $100-$125 that might not be a problem but at $250 you need to be special. Cameron has it. The Mizuno Bettinardi's have it. The Ping Redwoods have it and I would even say the Black Swirl has it. Unitized does not have it.

I'll also add that I think the "unitized" concept is a gimmick that only hinders the owner's ability to reshaft the putter if need be.