Heavy Putter™ Technology
A hot, relatively new putter may make those short putts a lot easier
Heavy Putter™ by Boccieri Golf uses, as the name implies, a heavier mass putter head and a weighted shaft insert, which it claims takes the nerves out of short putts.
Not only does it claim to make short putts easier, it also reportedly promotes a smooth, pendulum putting stroke that enhances feel from any distance.
The Technology
Heavy Putter™ and Boccieri may actually be onto something. Its claims make sense when applied to the technology and the putter reviews have been overwhelmingly positive.
The putter heads weigh between 450 and 550 grams, while conventional putter heads weigh between approximately 330 to 350 grams. With a lighter putter, the company claims, most amateur golfers are more prone to using the smaller wrist muscles in their putting stroke. This can often, especially on shorter putts, tend to cause jerky stroke leading to poor results. The heavier mass in the head of a Heavy Putter™ disengages those smaller muscles and forces the golfer to use the larger muscles of the shoulder. Boccieri Golf claims the use of these larger muscles produces a smoother stroke, which should be, if not a cure, a potent antidote for what is commonly called "the yips."
Their Weight Management System™ (WMS™) is made up of the heavier putter head and a 250 gram insert situated near the top of the putter shaft. The combination of the upper weight and heavier head places the weight distribution 75% higher than in conventional putters. Again, Boccieri claims that this distribution further promotes using the larger muscle group and results in a smoother stroke.
Another advantage, again the technology seems to match common sense, is in the "extreme" heel-toe weighting of the putters. The extreme heel-toe weighting produces a high MOI (moment of inertia) that prevents the putter head from twisting on off-center hits. As a result of the high MOI and heavier putter head, putts struck off center should not loose much distance and stay closer to the target line.
Models
The Heavy Putter™ comes in six models, in either a matte or original, stainless/chrome finish. The variation between models are seen in head design and hosel/shaft position. There is a putter style for every preference.
Price
Though not inexpensive, the Heavy Putter™ line is competitive with many other premium putters, such as the Titleist Scotty Cameron line, Odyssey and PING putters. A Heavy Putter™ can be purchased for $199.95 from the company’s website and at most other common locations.
Most professional golfers have the ability to consistently maintain a smooth, on-path putting stroke, as do many amateurs. Heavy Putter™ seems to have simply made it easier for amateurs to achieve the basics so integral to putting success. There are many merits to the technology and principles contained in the Heavy Putter™ concept.
The highly acclaimed Heavy Putter™ is certainly worth a try. Suite 101 Golf looks forward to testing the putter and bringing a first-hand review to our readers.
Update! Read Heavy Putter™ Review for the full Suite 101 Golf review and rating.
Update! Read the Heavy Putter Update (April 2, 2008) blog post.
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