The $199 Putter Shaft You Didn’t Know You Needed
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The $199 Putter Shaft You Didn’t Know You Needed

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The $199 Putter Shaft You Didn’t Know You Needed
“Why would any golfer, if they had a better option, trust their putter to a cheap steel shaft?”

stability-3-1200

The premise and the impetus are both simple; there has been no significant innovation in putter shafts in decades.

I’d wager that probably Matrix, definitely UST, and likely even Fujikura – who created a putter shaft for the Japanese market – might belabor the point, but the relevant bit is that Adams Golf founder, Barney Adams, has reentered the equipment market with a product he believes will make you a better putter.

Adams is confident enough that his new Stability Shaft is a breakthrough golf technology that he named his new company Breakthrough Golf Technology. How’s that for direct?

Stripped down to the proverbial nuts and bolts, the stability shaft, is a 4-piece, multi-material replacement for your apparently obsolete steel shaft. The butt section features 9-layers of zero taper, high-modulus carbon fiber. A 22-gram aluminum insert reinforces the structural integrity. Finally, an aluminum connector is used to bind the graphite portion to the stainless steel tip.

Sans the aluminum insert, it should be pointed out that, from a construction standpoint anyway, the Stability Shaft is at least similar to UST’s Frequency Filtered Putter shafts. Incidentally, UST bills their shaft as The First True Putter Shaft Technology in More than 70 Years. As I said, there may be disagreement about exactly how much innovation there’s been and how long it’s been since it happened. There is an apparent divergence in how the two technologies work.

For its part, UST claims the benefits are the result of amplified feel. Their shaft reduces vibrations, which allows the golfer to more accurately perceive where on the face impact occurs, which in turn, teaches the golfer to make centered impact more consistently.

stability-1200

The technology story of the Stability Shaft is a bit more robust. According to BGT, the Stability shaft is 25% stiffer and has a nearly 50% reduction in torque. The reasoning behind why this matters is that as putter heads have gotten heavier, the shaft has remained unchanged. There’s some legitimacy to this thinking. Just as with a driver shaft, a heavier head will make the shaft play comparatively softer, and that could have real-world consequences. How pronounced that is with the lower speed and transition force of a putter…I’m not sure.

As the story goes, when a lower torque and stiffer profile is combined with the vibration dampening benefits of the graphite-based design, the real-world benefits are a consistently square face at impact, tighter departure angle (starting line), lower launch, and a higher smash factor.

I’m not sold on the idea that a higher smash factor with a putter is necessarily beneficial. Launch angle is a fitting variable, and depending on the loft of your putter and how much shaft lean you have at impact, lower launch – without additional adjustments – could just as easily be a net negative as a positive. That said, the purported consistency benefits are intriguing. If a putter shaft can legitimately provide a more consistent starting angle and more consistent smash factor, then it probably will make you a better putter.

According to BGT, the Stability Shaft technology has been validated with high-speed cameras, Quintic, SAM putting lab, and Trackman. Additionally (and admittedly subjectively), 90% of golfers said the Stability Shaft has a more stable feel than their current shaft. stability-shaft-oscillation

Charts provided on the BGT website show less oscillation of the shaft post-impact, but given how long the ball is actually on the face, what happens post impact, doesn’t count for much beyond feel. Still, at the heart of the claims is the notion of stability, and in that respect, a shaft – even a putter shaft – that’s more stable at impact could potentially act as an MOI enhancer, reducing face twisting on off-center hits, resulting in more consistent ball speeds.

Despite being the very definition of new, the Stability Shaft has received some of that all-important tour validation. Both Justin Rose and PING staffer KJ Choi are using the shaft, and I suspect that if either has any appreciable success, you’ll see more than a few names you know putting it into play.

My gut reaction is that some of the claims are sketchy, but the putting game is one of millimeters and fractions of degrees, so it’s at least possible that Barney Adams’ new groundbreaking technology could live up to its name.

Specs and Pricing

The Stability shaft is available in a variety of different tip diameters and neck styles to fit a variety of putters. Minimum Advertised Price is $199. For more information, visit BreakthroughGolfTech.com.

stability-specs

What Say You?

Would you be willing to pay $199 for a putter shaft if it really could improve your putting? Should we put the Stability Shaft to the test?

For You

For You

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Tony Covey

Tony Covey

Tony Covey

Tony is the Editor of MyGolfSpy where his job is to bring fresh and innovative content to the site. In addition to his editorial responsibilities, he was instrumental in developing MyGolfSpy's data-driven testing methodologies and continues to sift through our data to find the insights that can help improve your game. Tony believes that golfers deserve to know what's real and what's not, and that means MyGolfSpy's equipment coverage must extend beyond the so-called facts as dictated by the same companies that created them. Most of all Tony believes in performance over hype and #PowerToThePlayer.

Tony Covey

Tony Covey

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      chris

      5 years ago

      I try to get up to date on the latest technology and how/why it works, but i haven’t really seen a good measure of how good this shaft actually is, only people’s personal experience with it – which like anything in golf varies and is extremely subjective.

      Having installed one of these shafts, I can say for sure it’s a little “Mickey mouse”. It would seem the shaft is the same for both .355 double bend and .370 straight putters, as one of each were selected when ordering and the exact same shaft came – same measurements and all – so not really sure what the “tip diameter” differences are all about. The company “does not send the lower part of the shaft” with the stability portion.

      I’m also not quite a fan of a $200 shaft that looks like it can’t be removed once installed. other club shafts can be pulled easily by a good builder, but getting this one out seems to have destroyed it (as i tested), even at a painstakingly low heat – so it seems if you don’t like it, you need to sell it to someone who has the same head. The shaft inserts about 3 inches into the carbon fiber area – and even heating the steel portion of the shaft, there’s enough radiant heat to make me believe something is going to be off in the shaft if its removed and reused.

      On top of all this, once installed, it seems like the shaft helps to align the club face for some reason. The size of it, being non-tapered, just kind of fits my eye and as someone who struggles with initial alignment, that’s a huge help. Not a fan of how it feels though… Couldn’t find the center of the putter at all with this shaft – at least not by feel. Everything felt like it vibrated directly into my hands and nothing had that solid, well-stroked putt feel. The ball rolled well and in the proper direction, which is the name of the game, but i just couldn’t get into it since everything sort of felt like a mis-hit and distance control was a little sketch.

      Reply

      Nocklaus

      6 years ago

      Yes, wild oscillation with the steel shaft, AFTER IMPACT. So What…?

      Reply

      glenn

      6 years ago

      My putting is pretty reasonable for a 13 handicapper – normally less than 30 putts a round, and probably only 3 putt once every 2 or 3 games if playing my local course. My current putter is a cheap(ish) centre shaft Cleveland TFI2135, but in an average round I must shave or lip out the hole at least 4 or 5 times (I’ve acquired the nickname “The Brazilian”…and if you can’t guess why I’m not going to explain it…). If I could be a couple of millimeters more accurate I could shave 2 or 3 shots of my handicap. with limited funds, would I be better off testing a putter that has acquired a better reputation (ie Rife..), or spending more on a new shaft than the putter cost me? The latter is definitely still the cheaper option.
      Obviously as a 13 handicapper there’s a lot of other factors in my game that need work, but one step at a time!

      Reply

      David C

      6 years ago

      Would absolutely pay $199 if the shaft saved one lip out a round and I am not a person who buys clubs very often. Please test it.

      Reply

      steve c

      6 years ago

      I particularly like the observation of the guy who claims he reduced his HDCP 3 strokes…from a 17 to a 14. Uh, this guy has bigger problems than a bit of putter shaft twist. I imagine the few positive results only come from the idea of using a new product. That has happened to ALL OF US!

      Reply

      Reid Thompson

      6 years ago

      Anybody know what the torque is on the UST? They don’t say in website. Shows 1.0 for BGT. Would be interesting to see difference. Also, what is torque for a stock putter shaft in most putters today?

      Reply

      Nick Aquilino

      6 years ago

      I am using a Stability shaft on my EVNROLL putter. The best of both worlds. Very solid…….

      Reply

      Tee

      6 years ago

      I’ve tried it. I have it in my high-end putter right now. I don’t think it makes a difference at all. If anything it actually makes my putter feel worse; a little harder and more clicky…

      Reply

      Dave

      6 years ago

      Seriously guys….200 bucks for a putter shaft!!! If you can’t putt now, you probably never will….without doing many hours of supervised practice anyway. However, I must add that it looks really cool, but can’t see it making much of a difference. That being said, if you can justify the money, makes you THINK that it works, well, that can lead to more confidence…..so, what the hell, give it a go. Just don’t let “she who must be obeyed” find out how much it cost.

      Reply

      Andrew Han

      6 years ago

      Seems like the guys from TXG is going to test and validate Adams. Seems like Ian validated it already and liking it. It’s at the 21:50 mark.

      https://youtu.be/7Ea4fA8ZCGI

      Reply

      Michael

      6 years ago

      TXG just posted their review of this shaft. It looks intriguing and they really talked it up. https://youtu.be/bIuUHrnUDiU

      That being said without comparing it statistically to other putters with a standard shaft hit at multiple distances by multiple golfers it just comes off a bit fluffy. I’d really like to see MGS do one of their reviews with this shaft.

      Reply

      Andrew Han

      6 years ago

      Yeah, I watched it this morning. Part of it did come out fluffy, but I would say my interest grew. Not going to lie, I want to buy it. Need to talk to the boss.

      I would second the test. Can mgs put this through the ringer.

      Ted

      6 years ago

      This is the most idiotic waste of money. Probably the stupidest thing ive ever seen in the golf world. Seriously, a $200 putter shaft? Guys from the 1800’s were putting with wooden shafts and killing it. this is silly

      Reply

      Ray Gawlak

      6 years ago

      I’m with you, Monsieur Ted. I have a S Cameron putter with a slightly bent shaft (anger) which performs correctly when the PROPER swing is made. You mean to tell me that at the minimal speeds that putts are made that the shaft twists? A fairy tale concocted by the authors in marketing and sales.

      Reply

      Walt Pendleton

      6 years ago

      Small market but Mr. Adams knows that. I believe Barney’s passion to improve the game will always push the limitations on OEMs. It’s what passionate go’fers do! Thank God, because Big Box OEMs are only in it for the money and don’t invest in break thru products, like Barney produces, unless they come from their own R&D departments. But go’fers already know that…don’t we Mr. Adams! Wp in Augusta

      Reply

      Robert Parsons

      6 years ago

      If this said “Scotty Cameron” on it, there’d be a line down the street of people with fistfuls of money beating down the door to buy one!

      Reply

      Barney Adams

      6 years ago

      Re ; Stability Shaft. Let me cut to the chase! Any questions, ask . Any testing , have at it. One thing we are emphazing more. When you replace your steel shaft with ours there is NO adjustment. It will be more solid but you don’t have to learn a different stroke. This separates us from very wide or very heavy shafts and was a very difficult goal in our design process.

      Reply

      Andrew Han

      6 years ago

      Hi Barney,

      Thought you should know, the guys from TXG are validating your claims. At least they are about to. Seems promising and forward to it. Starts at 21:50.

      https://youtu.be/7Ea4fA8ZCGI

      Reply

      Marco

      6 years ago

      I would pay a looooot more if this thing works.

      Reply

      Travis

      6 years ago

      How do you define “works”? This shaft will increase stability, post-impact. As the graph shows, there’s no difference pre-impact and at impact which is all that matters as it pertain to hitting putts on line.

      Reply

      Johnny Penso

      6 years ago

      My SS with the putter is only 0.93 mph. Do I still need this shaft or can I get by with a standard Kurokage Fukishima 4.9 SDT Tour Edition pured and frequency matched for only $179?

      Reply

      Gary

      6 years ago

      $200 for a Putter Shaft? Good Luck with that, I’m all set.

      Reply

      Steve P

      6 years ago

      Barney Adams wasn’t even given the time of day when he tried to pitch the original Tight Lies to “industry experts” prior to his launch of the TL infomercial. I wouldn’t doubt that his latest product does exactly as he claims it does, just like he eventually proved with the Tight Lies.
      I’m rooting for you BA.

      Reply

      Leon

      6 years ago

      Nothing new. The same idea as the HOG putter, which is less than $20 on eBay

      Reply

      Eric S

      6 years ago

      I’ve been fortunate to have my gamer installed with this shaft. Not even close to “The HOG”. I don’t play as much as I want, but was better putter immediately without changing anything with stroke.

      Reply

      Barney Adams

      6 years ago

      I knew going in that we would be met with ( at the least) questions. The shaft was tested for a year, everything from precise Quintic measurements to side by side using SAM
      It returns a square face which produces better line and roll out. Make everything ? Of course not but if there’s s a club I want to be precise it’s the putter.

      Reply

      Damian

      6 years ago

      Where can we purchase this shaft??

      Reply

      Travis

      6 years ago

      Where’s the data that shows it delivers a square face more often than regular steel? I see a lot of data on stability post-impact, but haven’t personally seen anything that proves it delivers a ~0* square face more often than a ‘more flexible’ steel shaft. If you can prove it with data that shows a Stability Shaft delivers, say, a +/- .25* face angle at impact where a steel shaft delivers a +/- 1* face angle at impact then I would 100% buy it. That would be game-changing. Post-impact means nothing beyond feel.

      Reply

      Dan

      5 years ago

      You don’t think that the measured instability after impact is caused at impact? That means the face is twisting at impact…it’s basic science. It is more pronounced of full swings, but how much tolerance do you think there actually is in putting? Face angle is the primary driver of starting line, so if it twists even a little bit it is going to change the starting line relative the the target line and depending on the putter face my impart spin as well. On one hand you are right, who cares what the shaft does once the ball is gone…but it’s the moment of truth at impact that is vital.

      Practical matters…a putt from 8 feet has a 1 degree margin of error (assume straight putt and target line in direct center for hole). So starting a putt + or – 1 degree will miss the putt.

      From 15 feet that margin of error drops to .55 degrees.

      Off center of stability shots will open or close the face, this is measure post impact as instability. Also keep in mind not all putter heads aim alignment of what appears to be the center of the face is the actual of stability so it is even more pronounced in those putters.

      So imagine when you don’t make a perfect stroke on a 15ft putt and your face angle is only .4 degree off (pro specs fyi) and you hit it slight off center and the shaft twists just .2 degress…that’s right…missed putt. The longer the putt the smaller margin of error and the greater twist that will occur because of speed.

      Dave

      6 years ago

      unless it solves the yips and/or can force the golfer to consistently make the same swing path it isn’t going to help most people

      Reply

      Dave S

      6 years ago

      You could use that same argument for the face technology in EvnRoll putters, but there’s objective evidence that it does help most people. Not saying this shaft tech is on the same level as the ER tech (it probably isn’t), but yours is not the best argument against it.

      Reply

      vogolak

      6 years ago

      is high school in America for hair to refill yours

      Reply

      baudi

      6 years ago

      So much good thinking and then come up with a model that only weighs 125gr-.

      Reply

      Krit tanatthakorn

      6 years ago

      I’m a senior amateur golfer.
      Quite sometime been looking for new suitable equipments for myself.

      Reply

      steve

      6 years ago

      looks similar to a putter shaft from about 10-15 years ago. i think it was the Aldila One. graphite upper, steel lower. was tempted but never tried it.

      Reply

      Donn Rutkoff

      6 years ago

      Are they making the shaft in enough different shapes angles bends etc to be fitted widely?

      Reply

      Duffy McHackster

      6 years ago

      Anything that proposes to save us a few putts per round is going to draw some interest, but for me at least, pushing $300 (by the time i pay shipping and exchange) is too much to justify trying it out. I will wait for some in depth testing by a trusted source.

      Reply

      Sluggo

      6 years ago

      I could put one in my Tommy armor, and still be cheaper than the most of the others, hehe

      Reply

      Mike Wales

      6 years ago

      Do any of the major OEM’s in any of the markets offer this upgrade, or would you have to purchase the putter and then take it to them to have the shaft replaced? Also how would the shafts work with one’s that are currently bent at the hosel? Would they be completely straight if we were to replace the shaft?

      Reply

      Scott H

      6 years ago

      I say test it, install this shaft in each of the top 5 blade and mallet putters of 2018 and rerun the test. Then give us the make percentages from steel shafts and the make percentages with these and lets see if there is any difference.

      Reply

      steve

      6 years ago

      i second the motion.

      Reply

      Mark

      6 years ago

      Absolutely

      Reply

      bob

      6 years ago

      make it so.

      Robert

      6 years ago

      I third it.

      Reply

      Dar

      6 years ago

      Yes — test it.

      Andrew Han

      6 years ago

      No, test it with the 5 worst performers and compare it. I don’t you will see much of a difference with the top 5.

      Reply

      ALex

      6 years ago

      Will MGS do a myth bust?

      Reply

      DL

      6 years ago

      I’m willing to let MGS do all the work on this one and reap the benefits (or lack thereof!). :)

      Reply

      labillyboy

      6 years ago

      I bet I can putt just as badly with a $199 shaft as those in all my putters now…

      Reply

      strokerAce

      6 years ago

      …hopefully optimistic…

      if it can help my putting — no matter what it is — I’m interested, but this seems a little…psychosomatic.

      Reply

      Justin

      6 years ago

      Pair this with an Evnroll and you will never miss another putt! (ha)

      Reply

      Jonathan

      6 years ago

      Interesting, but in a good way. This is one area of the golf club that has not been touched and I could see manfactures taking off with this part of the putter. I would just wander would it make a difference if you decided to change putters down the line

      Reply

      Roy

      6 years ago

      Yea, lets test this shaft!
      Because if my ball travels 30 feet ( approx 5-7 lb of force) and the reason I missed the putt is because of the flexing shaft , I want a new shaft.

      Reply

      Nick Aquilino

      6 years ago

      When a golfer is paying $300-400 for a putter why not pay another $200 for a shaft if it actually outperforms a conventional steel shaft. Definitely worth testing. If a tour player made just one more putt on average per tournament, that would mean many additional dollars. Serious amateurs can obtain similar benefits.

      Not for the once a month golfer who uses golf as an excuse to drink a few beers with his buddies but definitely will have a place if the data supports improved putting.

      Reply

      HDTVMAN

      6 years ago

      Something to seriously consider, but I would try UST first, which is under $40.

      Reply

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