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kfarkle
USA
248 Posts |
 Posted - January 31 2009 : 5:35:35 PM
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Have wondered off and on about the round putter grip that came with the scoring machine putter. A while back someone posted that it was a good idea, it would accommodate any kind of grip. Makes sense.
About a year or so ago I picked up a superstroke oversized grip on ebay that was intended to go on a ping putter. Sold it before it was re-gripped and it's just been stored since.
http://www.superstrokegrip.com/
It's taken a while to get the nerve up, but after toying with the idea for a couple of days...off came that fancy symple grip and on went the superstroke. Good way to mess up the feel of the putter as the grip is way to heavy, it really changed the balance.
Added some magnets along the alignment line to get the balance and feel back, and have adjusted the paddle around to where it seems most comfortable. Actually started rolling 'em in again, even though this baby feels like a splitting maul. Not for the feint of heart.
Just tightened it on without running in the self-tappers, and have been playing on the carpet with it for a couple of days now. Pretty sure I want to go with a jumbo paddle of some kind, it's purely a feel thing that feels comfortable to me. But I'm gonna drag this monster out to the course Monday to put some pressure on it and give the guys a laugh. Better take a couple extra bucks...
Best,
kb
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mikeoleary
535 Posts |
Posted - February 01 2009 : 11:51:58 AM
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kb
we did a lot of testing before we decided on 'regular' grip/ we found that a regular grip allows for 'any' kind' of hand position, with the most important factor being able to execute the hinging so the stroke is solid, repeatable, consistent etc/ all the putter grips and other styles should be personal preference but we found the feel of that grip very adequate. we decided on the fancy kind - clear so we could put our name on it to help with the marketing and visual promotion - we did a lot of research at the pga show past week finding other potential grips to use that will enhance the feel of symple putter.
most important we found the grip size and weight does change the balance of the putter thus detracting from the 'perfect' head weight that insures pendulum swing, so let me know how good or bad the new weights and the feel of well struck putts.
we do not recommend changing grips unless it is for a slightly thicker size or thinner size to fit finger length.
so sense you are now commissioned as 'extreme' beta tester for symple putter please let us know your results, good or bad asap/ lol
good luck and look forward to update
mike o |
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kfarkle
USA
248 Posts |
 Posted - February 01 2009 : 5:35:24 PM
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quote:
sense you are now commissioned as 'extreme' beta tester for symple putter please let us know your results, good or bad asap/ lol
Thanks Coach,
I relish the opportunity, it is indeed an honor...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/There%27s_a_sucker_born_every_minute
When stuck between the notion of 'leaving well enough alone' and 'doing something, even if it's wrong' I generally lean towards the latter. The folks tried their best.
Here's a sneak peak at ver 2.0...Woody's video is pretty good, and I've been using a similar grip. It just doesn't leave my leg. This has the right weight, just hope it doesn't feel like a beer cooler.
http://www.biglitegrips.com/index.php
The superstroke is so doggone heavy (229 grams to 85 for the Biglite) that it really threw the Scoring Machine way out of whack. Once I got some weight added to where it felt balanced again, it actually feels pretty good. It's just a beast though, I'm sure I'll probably rip my bag open trying to get it out or lose my balance and fall into a bunker while packing it. Trust me, this has been a way of life.
Best,
kb
Go Steelers! I need you guys to help pay for this! |
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kfarkle
USA
248 Posts |
Posted - February 03 2009 : 12:15:38 AM
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Surprisingly, the 1.0 beta test went pretty well once I got going with it today. Managed an 85 with 30 putts, what I had hoped for but didn't really expect. Due in part to a real nice afternoon that topped out about 60 degrees...oh that felt good.
This putter is big, heavy and slow. A different tempo that crept into the rest of my game and I got relaxed for a change. It got pretty effortless there for a while, that felt great.
I like Woody's Biglite video clip, his explanation of the feel and his grip. I tried to copy it, but I like to put my left hand on first and walk into the putter as Mike demonstrates. Line everything up and then place the right hand on.
As an extreme beta tester, I can't recommend this grip modification either. But I think I'll have some fun with it for a while. Here's a look at her...kb
http://vimeo.com/3061096 |
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kfarkle
USA
248 Posts |
Posted - February 06 2009 : 4:46:31 PM
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Waiting for the Scuti grip to show up to start comparing, but in the meantime I seemed to have developed a good feel for the superstroke and am beginning to think it may not be a bad alternative at all, particularly if you are accustomed to these jumbo grips.
Had another solid round (for me) over 9 holes yesterday, a decent 5 over with 14 putts. Miss hit one long uphill putt into the grain and wound up 3 putting, but really felt like they were online all day.
It's kind of funny too as they are supposed to help take your wrist break out of the stroke. I have large hands, but not long fingers...can't palm a basketball for sure. As bulky as it is, and I am for that matter, it's just a very relaxed feel...like smoothly swinging a child in a swing. I push it back with the pad of my left index finger and hold the finish with the pad of my right index finger.
quote:
That is why I teach if you can 'own' 3 parts of swing or stroke your results will be 'perfect' .. this applies to swing or putting stroke
1- correct address position - putter face is at 0 degrees on target line
2- top of backswing (whether straight back or slight arc putter face has not opened or closed - still at 0 degrees)
3- finished position is still at 0 degrees - you hold position to check it and it becomes habit to hold, then result is ball HAS TO go on intended target line.
I've practiced enough now that this has kind of translated into a swing thought for me (1/big-2/heavy-3/slow) as I'm putting, the tempo I've been searching for. This also seems to have a nice effect on the rest of the game.
quote:
I suppose this is the irony of golf, in so much as my brain knows exactly what it wants my body to do.....but my body aint listnin!
I don't know, Dorro...maybe that's the cure for the irony...tempo.
Best,
kb |
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kfarkle
USA
248 Posts |
Posted - February 10 2009 : 2:35:28 PM
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Managed to wrestle on the Scuti Biglite grip last night, and hope to get out for 9@noon this week with the guys. I followed their instructions ( http://www.biglitegrips.com/intallation-guide.php ) and figured the best method would be the 2" top wrap with the full single tape over it as this grip doesn't stretch much and it looked like it was going to be tight starting out.
Once it got started on (not easy) and it began to spiral down the shaft, it tapers to the point I think two full tape lengths would work. This single layer seems to give it a bit of 'waistline' where the double would be a bit fuller.
Haven't worked out an average using the superstroke, but it's been close to 30 putts a round. I like the fit and feel of this grip, but I'm sot sure about the extra weight. Results were encouraging.
The Biglite is similar in size and length, it tapers unlike the superstroke and after a few careful test putts this morning seems to have pretty much restored the original feel of the putter without using the added weight. Very comfortable for me. It's not about hand size, it's all about feel.
Just my .02 here, and maybe I'm being fickle as Woody suggests. The practice first and now the jumbo grip seem to be elevating my level of play on the putting green. Don't be afraid to demo one of these if possible to see how it feels, you may be pleasantly surprised as I have been.
Best,
kb |
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kfarkle
USA
248 Posts |
 Posted - February 13 2009 : 8:01:19 PM
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And the winner is...Scuti Biglite. Just my .02, but the deciding factor for me is the balance and feel. Seems to work with the Scoring Machine without altering the balance and I like the feel of both of these jumbo monsters. Really relaxes my hands, and the feel seems consistent. My hands feel different every day, but these grips seem to feel the same no matter what. Big. I just prefer a large grip, and my irons have mid-sized grips with double tape as well.
That being said, it was a bear to get on. I used Golfsmith solvent with some two-sided masking tape, and maybe that's not the best choice. It just doesn't stretch much at all and I had to work to get it started. The material it's covered with feels good and it seems like it should last awhile, might even float me up if I go swimming like Woody...funny he doesn't mention that.
Best,
kb |
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Rusty
Australia
8 Posts |
Posted - May 06 2009 : 9:39:32 PM
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KFARKLE just my 2c, if you find yourself getting bored, and decide to go for Grip Experiment 3.0, you can try "Jumbo 10" putter grips from Karakal http://www.karakalgolfgrips.com/jumbo10_putters_new.asp . 79 grams, though pretty similar to 85g. i've found the best place to buy was through http://www.bestbuygolfsupply.com/ . full range of Karakal's. i love their X-Tack grips for my clubs (i've got "keyboard" hands).
MIKE (or KFARKLE) do you know roughly how much the Symple Putter grip weighs? i love the putter. having bought it recently, i'm still in the early stages of testing what minor variations work best for me. i too am looking to put a slightly fatter grip on, and want to attach the same weight or a lighter grip. |
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kfarkle
USA
248 Posts |
Posted - May 07 2009 : 1:56:52 PM
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Hi Rusty,
You came on board at just the right time, good to meet you. I like your idea...so I ordered a Jumbo 10! I'm probably more nuts than bored, but what's been itching me is I've been having a little problem with the Scuti Biglite. There's a lengthwise seam in the material that covers the grip that has been seperating on me. I've had glue it together a couple of times now. It's been out in a lot of rain with me and I use a stand bag that doesn't have a tube for it, but I haven't seen that in a grip before.
The Karakal looks very similar in shape, I ordered the black and grey model and will give it a try. I'm thinking the weight will be fine, maybe even a little better as it's lighter. And the installation looks easy as well. I really like these jumbos, but some of them are so heavy you will need to counter balance them to adjust the feel.
I originally had a C-thru grip on my Symple putter, one of the tour models (#8?) that would come in about 50 grams probably. The Karakal looks like it comes in right around the normal putter grip weight and I think will work fine...just hope it holds up. Here's a link for C-thru specs:
http://cthrugrips.medialayer.net/shop/index.php?main_page=page_2&zenid=2578ecf74e5588fadc45374e27f998140
Thanks for your help,
kb |
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Rusty
Australia
8 Posts |
Posted - May 07 2009 : 8:41:20 PM
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| ah, Kb thanks for the link for the C-Thru grips. that puts me in the picture. i see, on close inspection of the top of the grip it's got "C-Thru Grips" "The Clear Choice" "5". wow, at around 50g that certainly is on the lighter side. |
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simpleswing
951 Posts |
Posted - May 08 2009 : 10:25:23 AM
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Hi kfarkle,
I'm still testing grips and I'd have to say I don't have a definitive answer yet.
I had a real big Two Thumbs grip (rectangular shaped) on my personal putter recently but that was just a bit too big and I just could not quite get used to the shape. (I've also tried the SuperStroke grip)
I'm currently testing a Scuti Big Lite. While it works I find it's so big I think I have a little less feel.
Right now my favorite grip is the round black Winn Excel Oversized. It's bigger than a normal grip which I like. It's also soft which constantly reminds me to keep a soft grip on the club especially with my bottom hand. I'm probably biased about that grip because it's what I have on the rest of my clubs.
I've tried a variety of grips and I definitely like some much more than others but I haven't found a statistically significant difference it the number of putts made. Last week just for a baseline again I went out and played with a stock Symple Putter. Yep, the grip felt small but I made a lot of putts.
Joe Davidson
Simple Golf |
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kfarkle
USA
248 Posts |
Posted - May 10 2009 : 4:42:18 PM
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Well, Joe...if I make it to a version 4.0 I might try that Winn Excel Oversized. But for now I'm pretty happy with the way the Karakal came out. Thanks for the recommendation, Rusty.
http://www.vimeo.com/4578921
I tried to show here how close the Scuti and Karakal are in size and shape. I can't really see a difference, if any the Karakal may be slightly slimmer. They appear to be the same length. It's also hard to show they both have a kind of rounded paddle shape to them, a bit flatter on top where the logos are. The Karakal feels a bit softer, spongier and I find the covering a little tackier as well. It feels and looks more 'upholstered', quite comfortable to me. A total feel thing.
The nose of it that starts on the shaft is softer as well, it was easier to get started and went on smoothly. I taped it just like the Scuti, put a 2" band around the butt and rolled a 2" wide strip around the shaft to length. Very easy to install. It now needs 24 hours to 'cure' per their instructions, but I tapped a couple quick putts and it feels fine.
Don't mean to knock Scuti here, I ordered it from Ebay knowing there was a newer version. Hopefully they have made some improvements as I did have a problem with the seam, tried to show where I've been gluing. And it was a bit of work getting it on as well, this was a lot easier this time. Also tried to show the seam on underside of the Karakal, it just looks to me like maybe it's made a little better and I hope it holds together. It will get the same treatment the Scuti got, but for now I think it sure looks snazzy!
Best,
kb |
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Rusty
Australia
8 Posts |
Posted - May 13 2009 : 10:57:23 PM
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| ah, nice vid KF. the only prob with these bigger grips is fitting them in the putter well! |
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1putt
Australia
3 Posts |
Posted - June 07 2009 : 03:18:20 AM
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Re; difficulty installing putter grips. As a keen golfer I get a lot of enjoyment out of changing my own grips on all clubs including the putter. Every grip I have ever put on has varying degrees of difficulty as to getting them on.
Some are downright ornery to get on especially some putter grips like the Scuti Big Lite. On method that I use makes easy work of even the most stuborn and seemingly impossible grips.
You need a home air compressor for this job. Start by levering the grip onto the end of the putter shaft just enough so the grip hangs onto the steel, insert the air gun into the butt of the grip and give a few light bursts as you slide on the grip under air pressure.
The grip will now slide on fairly easily and in most cases no glue is required just a little water to help with slippage as you slide on the grip. Remember to set the compressor rate to fairly low as you don't want to over inflate the grip.
The Big Lite needs just a couple of light bursts as this grip does not have a lot of give to it. Give just enough air to help slide the grip on without too much difficulty.
The good thing about installing without glue is that the grips come off very easily if you want to revert back to another grip.
Hope this helps.
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kfarkle
USA
248 Posts |
Posted - June 07 2009 : 12:12:06 PM
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Think you make a couple of great point here, 1putt. I'm a ways behind the curve here as I don't have a home compressor or any air tools. Old school tape and solvent guy, but I like to re-grip at least once a season. That would make it a lot faster.
Don't usually have a problem putting them on, and after I have re-gripped getting them off isn't bad as well. But removing old grips can really be a chore sometimes.
I really liked the tacky feel of the original C-thru grip, just felt like it was not the right size/shape for me. Their installation video opened my eyes, but I didn't have the tools for the job. Hairspray?...that's cool!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFJuin9R-vg&feature=related
On a side note, I liked the feel of the Karakal grip on the putter so much I decided to give their x-tack grips Rusty recommends a try on the rest of my clubs. My tacky-macs were starting to wear and were about due.
They do have a tacky feel, I like that...but they also have an underside seam like the putter that I really don't care for. Think I prefer the seamless style grip.
And they are smaller than I like. Built the shaft up with two layers of tape (no problem getting them on) but they still feel 'skinny' to me. Great if you grip in the fingers, but I push the grip into the crease of my palm with the last three fingertips of my left hand to hold it and then apply a light pressure with the thumb and forefinger. The smaller the grip the more tension I feel. Will be going back to a mid-size with the double tape, just a better feel and fit for this duffer.
Thanks for bringing this up. Should be able to find something small and portable on the cheap that will make this job easier.
Cheers,
kb
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1putt
Australia
3 Posts |
 Posted - June 07 2009 : 11:25:56 PM
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Word of Warning: do not purchase a small hobby compressor as it will not have enough grunt to remove really tenacious grips. Or put them on for that matter.
A workshop type air compressor is not really that expensive these days and can be readily purchased at supermarket type hardware shops. These compressors also serve duty as a spray painter, tyre inflator, blowing up inflatable toys, dust blower and are great for blowing out dust from computer circuit boards and pc keyboards plus a 100 other applications.
I have also removed the stock grip from the Symple and replaced it with an over size flat fronted grip. I putt much better with the bigger grip as it seems to slow down the wrist break by making it a much smoother action. I found that the round Symple grip made my back swing too jerky but now it is nice an smooth.
But that is my way it may not suit others- by the way my hands are larger than average and it stands to reason that a bigger grip would benefit my grip on the putter more so. The most significant thing that I noticed was being able to put a smoother swing thru the ball using a larger grip.
As with all things: horses for courses.
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SATTHMNS
121 Posts |
Posted - June 08 2009 : 12:24:27 PM
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| I don't understand why you guys want to chnge the grip? |
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kfarkle
USA
248 Posts |
Posted - June 08 2009 : 10:13:25 PM
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Hi SATTHMNS,
For me it's like putting new tires on the car. Confidence, feel and fit. I don't care for gloves, and rarely use them with good grips. Rule of thumb is change them once a year if you play a round a week, which is about what I am able to play. I also carry my clubs, and the grips seem to take more of a beating in the light weight bags. Truly like the tacky feel of fresh grips and always look forward to getting them, usually in the fall here when the rainy season gets started. Not hard to re-grip at home and you can get exactly what you want for feel.
Best,
kb
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bogemstr
USA
6 Posts |
Posted - August 23 2009 : 04:03:45 AM
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| Anyone know the weight of the Symple Putter grip? I think this is important since changing the grip can affect the balance and feel of the putter. If someone wants to change grips they should look to using the basic same weight of the current Symple putter grip. |
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simpleswing
951 Posts |
Posted - August 25 2009 : 4:53:48 PM
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Hi bogemstr,
The putter grip is your anchor point for your stroke so the Symple Putter seems to be much less sensitive to the weight of the grip than traditional method putters.
I've tried all kinds of grips on the Symple Putter and I didn't find weight to be a problem. I putt with an oversized grip (black round Winn Excel grip 1/8 oversized) on my personal putter. I did try some of those new really super jumbo sized grips too but they were just a bit to big for me. I felt I lost a little feel with them.
Joe Davidson
Simple Golf LLC
www.SimpleGolf.com
203-798-8489
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Grip experiment 1.0
