The Heavy Putter Company produces putters that live up the company name, putters that are up to 90-percent heavier than most other putters on the market.
At the PGA Show later this month, Heavy Putter is introducing several new models, new models it hopes will help the company capitalize on word-of-mouth buzz that has been building about its new approach to putter design.
The three new models awaiting introduction are the A3, a blade-style head with a heel-mounted, double-bend shaft configuration; the B1, a mallet-style head with a center-mounted shaft; and the B3, a mallet-style head with a heel-mounted, double-bend shaft.
The models come in standard, mid- and long-putter lengths, for both men and women and in both right- and left-handed version. MSRP is $239.
So what's the company's "new approach" to putters? It's in the name: Heavy Putter.
Its models combine heavier clubheads with what the company calls the "Weight Management System" (or WMS). The WMS consists of a weighted insert in the upper part of the shaft, and interchangeable tip weights in the clubhead. The combination creates a balance point 75-percent higher than that found in conventional putters.
The weight properties of the three models add up to the heaviest putters that are USGA conforming, according to the company. The standard Heavy Putter total weight is 885 grams, or approximately two pounds, compared to an average weight in conventional putters of 490 grams (or approximately 1 pound).
What's the point of that extra pound? Let's quote from the company's pre-PGA Show news release explaining its technology:
"Heavier head mass: Greater weight – 450 to 550 grams in the Heavy Putter; 75 to 225 grams more than standard putters – better utilizes the human elements in the putting stroke, as it disengages golfers' small wrist muscles and engages larger muscles of the upper body, promoting a pendulum effect. Furthermore, head stability is increased throughout the impact zone, causing a more consistent swing path and constant acceleration throughout the stroke for improved accuracy. This is especially beneficial on today’s smoother greens. The heavier mass also produces a softer feel by dampening vibration at impact.
"Balance-point technology: The Heavy Putter has a patented balance point 75 percent higher than conventional putters. Raising the balance point of the putter brings the center of mass of the putter closer to the center of mass of the golfer. This increases the stability of the putter throughout the stroke. The higher balance point also creates a tighter end- over-end roll of the golf ball. Changing the available Tip Weights alters the balance point to accommodate each golfer’s unique release. It also encourages lighter grip pressure that creates a smoother stroke, more solid contact and improved distance control.
"Weight Management System: There are two components exclusive to the Heavy Putter: (1) in all putters, a 250-gram insert in the upper shaft (handle of putter) raises the balance point and protects against wrist breakdown through impact and an uncontrollable putter head; and (2) a tip-weight kit allows golfers to customize head weight by adding aluminum and copper tungsten weights (20 g to 70 g) to putter heads, with recommended weight changes for golfers missing right, left, short and long."
The fact that various of the company's models are in use on professional tours is touted by the company, although it can't name names since the golfers using its clubs are usually under contract to other companies (the company website does run down finishes by golfers using a Heavy Putter, by placement only). The company quotes the Darrell Survey's findings of more than 60 Heavy Putters in use on the professional tours during the last three months of 2004.
Heavy Putter models are made with 303 Stainless Steel and feature extreme heel-toe weighting for high MOI, and are face-balanced. Parallel and perpendicular lines, plus the "Surround Sight" semicircle behind the clubface, help with alignment.
The putters come with two 45-gram tip weights already installed in the putter head, plus a Tip Weight Kit that contains two 20-gram weights and two more 70-gram weights, plus an Allen wrench. The combination of interchangeable weights allows golfers to adjust the clubhead's weighting to fit their swing characteristics, or to help overcome swing flaws.
For more information, visit the Heavy Putter website at www.heavyputter.com.
