I like it. Seems like each bring something fun to the table, so i'll be looking forward to your feedback
Astral Putters Review
Or @Hawk will just have to jump in here and be the official mallet tester
I said I was willing to test the mallet but Blake said everything we talked about pointed him to the mid mallet for me
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I wonder what percentage of people who get fitted end up with the mid mallet? Seems to me it would be the most versatile setup.
I agree. I didn’t ask during my consultation but Blake did say it was the most versatile
When I went in for my fitting @BC.Astral said the mid mallet is the most popular head when people do fittings. Mallets are 2nd and the blade is the least common.
looks like your up to bat again! Let me know if there is a good time Thursday to meet in office or perhaps Friday afternoon at my club for the fitting. My club will be a little closer to you (on Quincy between Sheridan and Wadsworth).
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UPS delivered the putter last night. I took some pictures while unboxing it and hit a few putts on my Sim. I was hoping to get out to the putting green today but unfortunately the weather is not cooperating so I will plan to do all the testing and review this weekend.
Initial thoughts on the whole package.... It is very well thought out and complete. More importantly, the putter looks and feels great.
Initial thoughts on the whole package.... It is very well thought out and complete. More importantly, the putter looks and feels great.
I’ll email you to get something figured out
Not going to lie im a little jealous
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A few sneak peek pics.
Very cool that it includes the putting gate too
Received my putter last night and wanted to give some initial takes.
First of all, the packaging did leave a little to be desired. When I open the box of a putter at this price point, I would like to see a cleaner presentation. That said, that will never be a deal breaker for me. I do love the little touches with the canvas bag and other accessories that were included. I don't love the headcover. It's a bit of a niche design and while I appreciate how unique it looks and functions, I would definitely change it. I do really like their logo, font style, and the Tiffany blue color so I would happily choose a different, more traditional shape cover from Astral if it was offered.
My putter came with the carbon steel insert installed. I explained to Blake from Astral my current putter and setup, as well as grip preference and he said he would send the putter as close to that configuration as a starting point. Here's what I told them: "Current putter is an Odyssey 1W with a double bend shaft. It's pretty close to face balanced but has just a hair of toe hang. So whatever setup gets me close to that as a starting point but I'm looking forward to tweaking to see if I can get a better fit for the way my stroke moves." They totally nailed it. Initial practice strokes and the 10 putts I hit on my putting mat felt very comfortable right out of the gate and minus a bit of offset, it was very similar to what I'm used to. All 10 putts were bang on line immediately. Feel was nice, a low thud and medium firmness, but not too firm for me even though I generally prefer a soft insert putter. Changing the face out was very simple. Just take the two screws out with the included tool, align the new insert, and screw it in until the screws stop turning. The tool is a 3D printed handle which was a little uncomfortable in the hand, but is small and handy.
I then changed to the copper insert which would be my preferred face choice, and it didn't feel as soft as I would like, but knowing that it wasn't going to feel as soft as a synthetic insert, I dig the feel. The sound to me is again pretty muted, but a tight, pleasing medium pitched thud. Not clicky, but nowhere near marshmallow. Again, every ball came off right on line.
So next steps: I need to setup my consultation with the Astral team. What I'd like to do is try a couple other configurations, but I could go play with it right now out of the box and putt well.
- I'd like to try a similar config but with a bit more offset. (not sure of loft so would like to see how it rolls with a little less loft at impact)
- I'd like to try a similar config with NO offset (not sure of loft so would like to see how it rolls with a little more loft at impact)
- I'd like to try the virtual Zero Torque configuration. (I've tried some LAB putters and color me interested)
More to come. Once I get the consultation I'll take this outside and try the various configurations out and report some results.
First of all, the packaging did leave a little to be desired. When I open the box of a putter at this price point, I would like to see a cleaner presentation. That said, that will never be a deal breaker for me. I do love the little touches with the canvas bag and other accessories that were included. I don't love the headcover. It's a bit of a niche design and while I appreciate how unique it looks and functions, I would definitely change it. I do really like their logo, font style, and the Tiffany blue color so I would happily choose a different, more traditional shape cover from Astral if it was offered.
My putter came with the carbon steel insert installed. I explained to Blake from Astral my current putter and setup, as well as grip preference and he said he would send the putter as close to that configuration as a starting point. Here's what I told them: "Current putter is an Odyssey 1W with a double bend shaft. It's pretty close to face balanced but has just a hair of toe hang. So whatever setup gets me close to that as a starting point but I'm looking forward to tweaking to see if I can get a better fit for the way my stroke moves." They totally nailed it. Initial practice strokes and the 10 putts I hit on my putting mat felt very comfortable right out of the gate and minus a bit of offset, it was very similar to what I'm used to. All 10 putts were bang on line immediately. Feel was nice, a low thud and medium firmness, but not too firm for me even though I generally prefer a soft insert putter. Changing the face out was very simple. Just take the two screws out with the included tool, align the new insert, and screw it in until the screws stop turning. The tool is a 3D printed handle which was a little uncomfortable in the hand, but is small and handy.
I then changed to the copper insert which would be my preferred face choice, and it didn't feel as soft as I would like, but knowing that it wasn't going to feel as soft as a synthetic insert, I dig the feel. The sound to me is again pretty muted, but a tight, pleasing medium pitched thud. Not clicky, but nowhere near marshmallow. Again, every ball came off right on line.
So next steps: I need to setup my consultation with the Astral team. What I'd like to do is try a couple other configurations, but I could go play with it right now out of the box and putt well.
- I'd like to try a similar config but with a bit more offset. (not sure of loft so would like to see how it rolls with a little less loft at impact)
- I'd like to try a similar config with NO offset (not sure of loft so would like to see how it rolls with a little more loft at impact)
- I'd like to try the virtual Zero Torque configuration. (I've tried some LAB putters and color me interested)
More to come. Once I get the consultation I'll take this outside and try the various configurations out and report some results.
- Staff
- #191
Nice!!!
Love this mid-mallet head style. And the brass insert with the matte finish looks phenomenal with the black putter head. Such a good looking set for a lifelong New Orleans Saints fan.
Putting gate wasn’t in the package. It shipped separately and will be here in a few days.
The putter head has some weight to it, which I really like. I’ve got a few home duties to attend to tonight but I’m gonna get started on a self fit as soon as I can.
Putting gate wasn’t in the package. It shipped separately and will be here in a few days.
The putter head has some weight to it, which I really like. I’ve got a few home duties to attend to tonight but I’m gonna get started on a self fit as soon as I can.
Looking forward to getting you fitted!
If you are looking for something to try in the meantime, give the offset changes a try. Putter was sent to you in White B1 (paint side down, first slot forward of the face). Try White A2 (paint side up, first slot you can find forward of face), which will give you that additional offset. Go back to White A1 (paint side up, at 12 o'clock), which will give you no offset, then try White B10 (paint side down, first slot back of the face).
More offset will increase dynamic loft, less or negative offset will decrease dynamic loft. Blue B10 will be very close to torque free.
Looking forward to connecting!
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Finished my putter fitting consultation with @BC.Astral yesterday, and completed the initial process today. No photos since that has been covered in-depth by others, and the house in a mess in prep for an upcoming camping trip. I will post review photos on the putting green after returning from camping, which will allow time for my hand and face to heal a little and not bias what I am (think I am) seeing.
First the putter itself is beautiful in my opinion. I love the all black look with minimal markings and classic logo. The copper face makes for an attractive contrast to the black, and I might change the color if I end up with the steel insert. Thus far I am sticking with one insert until the settings are dialed-in. At Blake's recommendation I received a 33" length shaft, which is shorter than my Newport 2 length of 34". Interestingly, the Newport is still nearly an inch shorter than the Astral. I might take you up on the 32" shaft @BC.Astral The shaft is black composite and looks great. I read many discussions of graphite putter shafts yet never considered switching. As far as feel, it works well with the mid-mallet and there is no appreciable difference from the steel shaft that I notice. The grip that came on the shaft is the Winn NTP. This completes the all-black look and I think is actually preferable to the more oversize Sure Shot I originally requested. As far as putter head I went with the mid-mallet, which is wider, yet not as long as my Newport 2. It is also noticably heavier, which is appreciated in my case, especially for longer putts. The balance of the putter is perfect with no noticeable bias in either the toe or heel, as as mentioned before I really like the heavier feel.
On to the fitting. Blake recommended trying 7 settings starting with four offset settings that focus on amount of toe hang. Going through these settings I found that I was more consistent than I thought in terms of where my misses tend to go based solely on putter settings. I thought I tend to push if anything and that held but not nearly as much as I thought. I also found settings that were much more favorable to my eye and putts with this settings were much easier to line up correctly. Having found incremental improvements from the first four setting I moved to the zero offset settings. This was an eye-opener, game changer, HS moment, you call it what you like. It turns out, or at least seems so far, that I am a zero offset putter. Every zero offset trial was better than slight offset. More through the gate, and many more through clean. Still more work to do on the putting green and with a few specialty settings but definitely have something to work with here. I am starting with White A1 and will also run through more Blue A1 tests., and some specialty items Blake recommended or may recommend. I think it is wise to heal for a few days and then see if these conclusions are confirmed; then dial in further. The inserts also need to be tested and compared but the copper is pretty great so far as well. Fair warning Newport 2, my wife or possibly my daughter may have her wish.
First the putter itself is beautiful in my opinion. I love the all black look with minimal markings and classic logo. The copper face makes for an attractive contrast to the black, and I might change the color if I end up with the steel insert. Thus far I am sticking with one insert until the settings are dialed-in. At Blake's recommendation I received a 33" length shaft, which is shorter than my Newport 2 length of 34". Interestingly, the Newport is still nearly an inch shorter than the Astral. I might take you up on the 32" shaft @BC.Astral The shaft is black composite and looks great. I read many discussions of graphite putter shafts yet never considered switching. As far as feel, it works well with the mid-mallet and there is no appreciable difference from the steel shaft that I notice. The grip that came on the shaft is the Winn NTP. This completes the all-black look and I think is actually preferable to the more oversize Sure Shot I originally requested. As far as putter head I went with the mid-mallet, which is wider, yet not as long as my Newport 2. It is also noticably heavier, which is appreciated in my case, especially for longer putts. The balance of the putter is perfect with no noticeable bias in either the toe or heel, as as mentioned before I really like the heavier feel.
On to the fitting. Blake recommended trying 7 settings starting with four offset settings that focus on amount of toe hang. Going through these settings I found that I was more consistent than I thought in terms of where my misses tend to go based solely on putter settings. I thought I tend to push if anything and that held but not nearly as much as I thought. I also found settings that were much more favorable to my eye and putts with this settings were much easier to line up correctly. Having found incremental improvements from the first four setting I moved to the zero offset settings. This was an eye-opener, game changer, HS moment, you call it what you like. It turns out, or at least seems so far, that I am a zero offset putter. Every zero offset trial was better than slight offset. More through the gate, and many more through clean. Still more work to do on the putting green and with a few specialty settings but definitely have something to work with here. I am starting with White A1 and will also run through more Blue A1 tests., and some specialty items Blake recommended or may recommend. I think it is wise to heal for a few days and then see if these conclusions are confirmed; then dial in further. The inserts also need to be tested and compared but the copper is pretty great so far as well. Fair warning Newport 2, my wife or possibly my daughter may have her wish.
Ok. I started to tinker this morning.
I followed the fitting steps @BC.Astral sent on email.
Start with the red hosel in A2 (red side up) slight toe hang and some offset. It should cause some pulls but I was mainly missing on the right with small pushes. Not by much, but it was consistently right.
Next step is Red B1 (red side down) same toe hang but less offset. I didn’t see much difference here. Still mainly missed right.
The next position was white hosel in B1. Same offset as Red B1 but less toe hang. Here is where I saw some improvement. Still a couple of misses right but more success hitting the line.
The next suggested position was blue hosel in B1 same offset but more face balanced. Because I liked the feel of the white in B1, I decided to adjust it to B2 before moving on to the blue hosel. Same toe hang with more offset. Way more offset than I’ve ever used. This setting was like a switch went off. Almost everything was down the middle and dead on line. The ones that didn’t hit the line were user error.
So I stopped here. I have a tee time at noon and will see how this does on the course today. I will come back and try the rest of the settings this afternoon.
I followed the fitting steps @BC.Astral sent on email.
Start with the red hosel in A2 (red side up) slight toe hang and some offset. It should cause some pulls but I was mainly missing on the right with small pushes. Not by much, but it was consistently right.
Next step is Red B1 (red side down) same toe hang but less offset. I didn’t see much difference here. Still mainly missed right.
The next position was white hosel in B1. Same offset as Red B1 but less toe hang. Here is where I saw some improvement. Still a couple of misses right but more success hitting the line.
The next suggested position was blue hosel in B1 same offset but more face balanced. Because I liked the feel of the white in B1, I decided to adjust it to B2 before moving on to the blue hosel. Same toe hang with more offset. Way more offset than I’ve ever used. This setting was like a switch went off. Almost everything was down the middle and dead on line. The ones that didn’t hit the line were user error.
So I stopped here. I have a tee time at noon and will see how this does on the course today. I will come back and try the rest of the settings this afternoon.
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As for the assembly process, it’s pretty straightforward forward. The pieces fit well together and it doesn’t look like multiple pieces when standing over the ball. At first I struggled puting pieces together and getting the screws started because I was worried about forcing parts together and damaging them. Once you get the hang of it and realize the parts are sturdy and snap right in, you aren’t worried as much. But, I would still take care not to try and force anything. Make sure the parts are aligned and they will go together with little effort.
If you get the screws just snug, the shaft, hosel and putter fit nicely together with no “play” or wiggle between the parts.
The tools come in handy. They are small but have to be. A screw driver won’t fit between the hosel and putter head when securing the shaft to hosel.
The only negative I have is after multiple assembly with the red hosel, some of the red paint started coming off. Not a huge problem because once you find the right setting you won’t change much, and if you understand the fitting positions, you really don’t need the paint to determine the “A” side or “B” side.
If you get the screws just snug, the shaft, hosel and putter fit nicely together with no “play” or wiggle between the parts.
The tools come in handy. They are small but have to be. A screw driver won’t fit between the hosel and putter head when securing the shaft to hosel.
The only negative I have is after multiple assembly with the red hosel, some of the red paint started coming off. Not a huge problem because once you find the right setting you won’t change much, and if you understand the fitting positions, you really don’t need the paint to determine the “A” side or “B” side.
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Love the process, and this is exactly what I would do. See if i can bring my miss to th3 center if the hole. Enjoy the round, and good luck on the greens!
In regard to the putter. It feels great. I love the weight. I’ve always liked a heavier putter.
I’m really pleased with the brass insert. Nice solid feel with good feedback on mishits (a little different sound and some feel difference). The ball rolls end over end and comes off the putter face nice and clean and gets rolling quickly.
More to come after my round today.
I’m really pleased with the brass insert. Nice solid feel with good feedback on mishits (a little different sound and some feel difference). The ball rolls end over end and comes off the putter face nice and clean and gets rolling quickly.
More to come after my round today.
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Fitting scheduled for this afternoon. Then I will be able to start testing/tinkering. Tee time scheduled for tomorrow morning to do some real life testing.