Upgrading Putter Shaft - Who's done it?

displayname · November 11, 2015

Here's the question - Can anyone provided detailed comparisons to any of the shafts listed below? Specs, feel, balance points, weight, Etc. The more info the better. Thanks everyone!

Odyssey Stock

True Tempter YSC

Nippon N.S. Pro

Others to consider?

Why:

With short days and colder weather slowly moving in, I'm already getting the "winter tinker time" itch. My plans this winter are take my putter to the next level. I might possibly experiment with a second option/back up as well, but that's undecided. In the process I'm also considering changing the shaft. Because these custom putter shafts seem to be less accessible then most other equipment, I'm resorting to internet feedback to help make a decision. I do plan on keeping the stock shaft just in case something doesn't work out.

The main two putter shafts I've heard about are the Nippon N.S. Pro Putter Shaft (two weights), & the True Tempter YSC (no idea on specs). I've also heard about several graphite options and the UST Frequency Filtered shafts, but I just seem to have less interest in those. The shaft that is currently in putter is whatever came stock with it - Odyssey ProType 7 (330m). I'd assume that's some type of TT shaft, but I'm unsure.

I also know part of my initial build after my fitting involved adding weight to the tip of the shaft to increase the swing weight/head weight. Part of the project will be having that weight removed from the shaft and replaced with Tungsten plugs to bring the weight up to 365(+/-). I'm doing this because although the putter currently preforms well, I feel like the balance/feel could be slightly improved.

TPDawnPatrol · November 11, 2015

I use UST frequency filtered shafts. Having graphite upper sections, they are slightly tip-heavy, which could help you in your quest to increase the effective headweight.

displayname · November 11, 2015

[quote name='TPDawnPatrol ' timestamp='1447276744' post='12585596']
I use UST frequency filtered shafts. Having graphite upper sections, they are slightly tip-heavy, which could help you in your quest to increase the effective headweight.
[/quote]

Thanks for the input. I'm not strongly considering the UST because I know I like the 365 weight on the head, and I'm having that done. I think the UST might take the swing weight a little too high with that change. From what I understand, the Nippon and YSC don't change the balance point, which makes them better candidates for this potential project.

avguy · November 11, 2015

When changing out stock putter shafts for another, is the build intent same as irons? Butt cut for keeping flex similar, tipping it to make more of a flex change, tip weights? I wonder how much feel change can be induced with shaft change vs. irons, where you can do a lot.

KBS apparently has a stepless design for the putter, as indicated with the Guerin TS line of putters he offers. Wish I could find the specs on it, not available on the KBS site.

TPDawnPatrol · November 11, 2015

I would not tip trim a putter shaft.

The KBS putter shaft is actually the FST step less putter shaft

TPDawnPatrol · November 11, 2015

[quote name='displayname' timestamp='1447277239' post='12585628']
[quote name='TPDawnPatrol ' timestamp='1447276744' post='12585596']
I use UST frequency filtered shafts. Having graphite upper sections, they are slightly tip-heavy, which could help you in your quest to increase the effective headweight.
[/quote]

Thanks for the input. I'm not strongly considering the UST because I know I like the 365 weight on the head, and I'm having that done. I think the UST might take the swing weight a little too high with that change. From what I understand, the Nippon and YSC don't change the balance point, which makes them better candidates for this potential project.
[/quote]

You need to confirm what tip size shaft the Odyssey takes.

displayname · November 11, 2015

[quote name='TPDawnPatrol ' timestamp='1447283549' post='12586150']
[quote name='displayname' timestamp='1447277239' post='12585628']
[quote name='TPDawnPatrol ' timestamp='1447276744' post='12585596']
I use UST frequency filtered shafts. Having graphite upper sections, they are slightly tip-heavy, which could help you in your quest to increase the effective headweight.
[/quote]

Thanks for the input. I'm not strongly considering the UST because I know I like the 365 weight on the head, and I'm having that done. I think the UST might take the swing weight a little too high with that change. From what I understand, the Nippon and YSC don't change the balance point, which makes them better candidates for this potential project.
[/quote]

You need to confirm what tip size shaft the Odyssey takes.
[/quote]

Good point. Does anyone know what size tip the Odyssey ProType takes? Or most plumbers neck Odysseys?

naws-golfer · November 12, 2015

MY C&L was fitted with the Nippon shaft. I'm not sure about an upgrade, but I like it just fine

Fade to Black · November 12, 2015

So, I claim naivete here, what is the purpose of using aftermarket shafts in a putter? With such slow "swing speed", I can't imagine the shaft deflecting all that much ... so steel characteristics that I normally think of in irons like bend point and flex don't really matter?

So aside from weight, why would you change a putter shaft?

displayname · November 12, 2015

[quote name='Fade to Black' timestamp='1447337378' post='12588646']
So, I claim naivete here, what is the purpose of using aftermarket shafts in a putter? With such slow "swing speed", I can't imagine the shaft deflecting all that much ... so steel characteristics that I normally think of in irons like bend point and flex don't really matter?

So aside from weight, why would you change a putter shaft?
[/quote]

Weight and feel would be the main points I'd imagine. Seems worth it to give it a shot while I'm doing some other tinkering. Some people say they can't feel the difference at all. Others say it's night and day. Which person are you? I guess you don't know until you try. But I know I've seen several irons shafts perform very similarly, but feel massively different. That's the main reason I'd like to give it whirl.

RobClarke · November 12, 2015

FWIW- I get Stepless TT UST on most all of my custom builds.
Absolutely Love them!
RC

5hort5tuff · November 12, 2015

[quote name='displayname' timestamp='1447345812' post='12589282']
[quote name='Fade to Black' timestamp='1447337378' post='12588646']
So, I claim naivete here, what is the purpose of using aftermarket shafts in a putter? With such slow "swing speed", I can't imagine the shaft deflecting all that much ... so steel characteristics that I normally think of in irons like bend point and flex don't really matter?

So aside from weight, why would you change a putter shaft?
[/quote]

Weight and feel would be the main points I'd imagine. Seems worth it to give it a shot while I'm doing some other tinkering. Some people say they can't feel the difference at all. Others say it's night and day. Which person are you? I guess you don't know until you try. But I know I've seen several irons shafts perform very similarly, but feel massively different. That's the main reason I'd like to give it whirl.
[/quote]

Throw a 25 cent tip weight in a regular putter shaft and there is your weight. Now. Feel. That's personal. Some people feel better having a $50 putter shaft. Others think it's crazy. To each his own.

mackepa · November 13, 2015

I have no idea what the differences on paper are but I hate the new stepless shafts in recent Cameron putters. My Newport 2 has been resthafted with the old YSC stepped shafts. It just feels better. It's like I can feel the weight down by the head now. It's not as harsh feeling as those stepless shafts that are currently in them. I know it's a freakin putter but the current Scotty shafts feel really firm like I'm hitting all the putts in the heel.