By now we all know that putters are seemingly the wild west of shaft design with everyone trying to get a piece of the growing segment. Well, some are definitely putting more heart and effort into it than others, and one who is arguably putting the most technology into theirs is KINETIXX.
Last year I was able to spend time reviewing their original foray into putter shafts, the TUNED, of which the article can be found here. In terms of pure performance, it stood tall, but the design was almost too outside the box with the butt end of the shaft itself being the round grip and a very hefty overall weight.
Fast forward to now, and KINETIXX has heard the feedback, and are out to prove they can keep all of the top tier performance of their first putter shaft but put it into a more traditionally accepted overall package. Did they succeed? Read on to find out.
Quick Take
The most stable putter shaft on the planet in the opinion of this reviewer. Practically no torque, but with a traditional weight and more acceptable shape as well as the ability to install a putter grip means one of the absolute most connected and precise putter shaft experiences out there. KINETIXX doesn’t do anything halfway.
KINETIXX TUNED – ZERO TRQ
While I don’t want this to turn into a one versus the other type of review, we really do need to dive deeper into the differences of the new TUNED ZERO TRQ compared to the TUNED Red and TUNED Blue options.
First and foremost, the shape is indescribably more traditional. It is still a bit thicker than a traditional steel putter shaft, but installed and in use it catches the eye comfortably, and beyond obviously being graphite, it looks normal. A big part of that is the change from the shaft itself being the grip, which was simply hard for some to overcome, no matter how much sense it made design wise (and it did). Now, any traditional putter grip can be installed onto the shaft.
The grip capability also means that the weight is different, where the TUNED has a 215g uncut weight, the ZERO TRQ version comes in at 118g making for a much more traditional install method. On that topic though, the ZERO TRQ is available in a .370 straight shaft only, and it will only install into inner-hosel designs. One exciting difference for me personally is that this one comes in at 34” raw compared to the TUNED at 33”, which means for golfers like me it’s much easier to hit playing lengths.
Aesthetically, the similarities other than a smaller size are striking, and that is a good thing in my opinion. Again, the trademark KINETIXX filament wound vacuum cured weave is there on the deep black finish and in hand it’s just a very cool look.
On the Greens
What matters most is performance, right? Well before I get into that, I wanted to mention that this shaft was installed into an Odyssey White Hot OG #1 putter for this review, and it was paired with a red Odyssey Winn AVS putter grip that quite frankly made for an absolutely jaw dropping and coordinated aesthetic between the head, shaft, and grip. Install was no different than a traditional putter shaft and the nice thing about the 34” raw length is that I could build it out to my preferred 35.5” with no issues. Worth noting too is that there was no problem installing the shaft logo down for a clean address look.
While I don’t have any crazy SAM Lab data to give you on this one, I can speak on my experiences of having reviewed almost every aftermarket putter shaft out there. Candidly, this is unlike any of those. The TUNED ZERO TRQ shaft actually has only 0.2° of torque, you read that correctly, it has almost no torque. This is something that needs to be shouted because the shaft also keeps a traditional weight, something other putter shaft companies have not been able to do. That torque combined with a super high CPM rating meant for me that it was by far the most stable and connected putter shaft I have ever experienced.
Through the stroke the stability on this one actually stands out where for others it has been something I feel like is mentally noted more than physically. Best of all, in the stroke there is nothing abstract or unfamiliar to it, I knew how unique it was, but it didn’t affect my mentality on the greens, and for me that meant a notably impressive proximity on putts. The other aspect which I felt was improved from the TUNED is that with the TUNED ZERO TRQ not having to rely on the end cap for vibration filtering, its audible and tactile feedback is super traditional and thus, comfortable.
This is a fantastic putter shaft option for those looking to upgrade, although as is the case with all graphite putter shaft options, the designs which they can be installed into are limited to straight shaft and inner-hosel designs. But, seeing as a plumber’s neck is the most popular straight shaft style out there, it won’t be a concern for most. The KINETIXX TUNED ZERO TRQ putter shaft is hitting fitting centers now and will be available very soon.
Are you ready to jump into the upgraded putter shaft world? Plan on giving the new KINETIXX design a go? Be sure to let us know your thoughts either way either on the THP Community or in the comments below!
[QUOTE=”baylrballa, post: 10358301, member: 52381″]
Yup, and then sand it to .355
Time to learn new things on an expensive shaft.:LOL:
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scary?
[QUOTE=”TheLutesMamba, post: 10310790, member: 45789″]
Putting is so personal and everyone’s preferred feel is so different. Stinks that there’s not a better way to trial different shafts without spending the money on them. With that said, here’s my review of some because I’ve tried most the big ones.
KINETIXX Zero TRQ
This one just didn’t agree with me much. Looks very cool. It’s the stiffest putter shaft I’ve ever felt and you can tell when you putt. I had mine installed in my Olson putter (Newport 2 shape). Not sure what the culprit was (putter, grip, shaft?) but the weighting was completely off. It also gave the putter a bit harsher feel.
KBS CT Tour
Great shaft. Nothing crazy but can tell it’s more stiff than a traditional steel shaft. I like the feel and balance. Definitely my go-to if I want a more traditional look.
KBS One Step
Feel like this one is severely underrated. Doesn’t seem like it gets much talk but I love the feel. Switched my Olson putter from the KINETIXX shaft to the One Step and the difference is night and day for me. Super stable with a much softer feel out of the middle than the KINETIXX in my experience. But can tell when the ball isn’t out of the middle. I don’t love the “step” if I focus on it but when actually putting, I’m not looking at the putter shaft so the step has no influence.
Stability Tour
I have the blackout Stability tour in a Scotty Circa 62 and a Scotty X5.5. Love it in the X5.5 but not as big of a fan in the Circa 62. Similar to the KINETIXX, I think it’s a weighting problem with it in the Circa 62, which I believe is a lighter head. I can’t feel the head through the stroke as well with the Circa. Now with the X5.5, the head is heavier and the feel is awesome. Can see the difference between this shaft and a regular steel shaft big time in the X5.5. I know where the head is and it seems I find the middle of the face more often and am more square at impact. And the black out look is ?.
LAGP one35
This one is by far my favorite off the putter face. Installed this one in my CT T22 and man it felt like butter off the putter face. So so smooth and stable. Was my gamer for the majority of the summer. My only complaint is the weight. It’s on the heavy side and I felt like I couldn’t feel the putter head through the stroke as well. I had the shaft pulled and the original steel shaft put back in because I am sending it to the custom shop for some work. It’s crazy how much better I could feel the putter head in the stroke with the steel shaft back in it. But it certainly wasn’t as smooth or buttery off the face as it was with the LAGP shaft. Would love to see how it feels with the LAGP one05 shaft in it since it’s lighter weight. Could be a winning combo but haven’t decided what I’m going to do after I send it to the custom shop.
Hope this helps someone as I know it’s tough to test different putter shafts without purchasing first.
I just realized this is under the KINETIXX shaft thread and not the “Putter shafts” thread from the other day. I’ll probably copy and paste on to the other thread too.
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This has given me so much to think about (& be supremely scared about). It seems based on your experience and testing, it’s not just a a shaft thing but a full head weight, shaft weight, grip combination.
& as you say, a rather expensive testing period no matter which way you go.
Interesting that the combo you seemed to love the most was the LAGP, others have come down hard on the Kinetixx. Based on price alone the Kinetixx retail is better with the reviews but the LAGP really intrigues me.
So impatient but should be g2g soon.
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A bit thicker than what it replaced, lol
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[QUOTE=”baylrballa, post: 10362150, member: 52381″]
So impatient but should be g2g soon.
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This looks sick
[QUOTE=”baylrballa, post: 10362151, member: 52381″]
A bit thicker than what it replaced, lol
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LOL, just a little bit thicker, right!! And impressive how freaking stiff it is too. It the stiffest golf related carbon fiber thing I think I’ve put my hands on.
Just to reiterate similar thoughts to others in the thread. What a weird, though not unpleasant, feeling with 6 footers. I could see how it might get a little harsh in certain setups, including center shafted.
Looking forward to get it out for longer putts to see how the distance control is. Though no red flags with the 6 footers like some other set ups I’ve tried.
Man, I’m shocked how much I’ve taken to this shaft. I’ve been pretty skeptical in general about after market putter shafts.
It kills any hint of yips in short range and distance control has been good if not improved. ?
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 10310020, member: 1579″]
Kineticlxx is 1. Stability Tour is 2. Then there is everyone else.
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Wow. That is a statement. I already loved Kinetixx but also rate my LAGP shaft highly. Can’t wait to try one of these out
Once I lock in a putter for 2022, I am absolutely going to put one of these in play to experience the hype.
[QUOTE=”baylrballa, post: 10460185, member: 52381″]
Man, I’m shocked how much I’ve taken to this shaft. I’ve been pretty skeptical in general about after market putter shafts.
It kills any hint of yips in short range and distance control has been good if not improved. ?
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That Swag Carbon looks outstanding with that Zero Torque. So, so good :love:
Based on this review, I’m hopping aboard and giving this one a try.
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[QUOTE=”JB, post: 10538511, member: 3″]
Based on this review, I’m hopping aboard and giving this one a try.
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I hope you enjoy it, looking forward to what you think. I was playing around with mine in the Handsome One a couple evenings ago.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 10538511, member: 3″]
Based on this review, I’m hopping aboard and giving this one a try.
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Excited to hear some more thoughts on this guy
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 10538511, member: 3″]
Based on this review, I’m hopping aboard and giving this one a try.
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Maaaaaaannnn, I selfishly wish you would have had this in play for our round!
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 10538511, member: 3″]
Based on this review, I’m hopping aboard and giving this one a try.
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What head? I ponder it every week but haven’t pulled the trigger yet.
[QUOTE=”shanewu, post: 10543975, member: 38120″]
What head? I ponder it every week but haven’t pulled the trigger yet.
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Odyssey 11
So, I have the Zero TRQ installed in my Toulon Austin.
It’s pretty wild.
[QUOTE=”Canadan, post: 10555335, member: 2320″]
So, I have the Zero TRQ installed in my Toulon Austin.
It’s pretty wild.
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Have you played a round yet! Did you use it on Thursday?!
[QUOTE=”Muchmore18, post: 10555343, member: 56094″]
Have you played a round yet! Did you use it on Thursday?!
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I have actually played THREE rounds with it.
[QUOTE=”Canadan, post: 10555357, member: 2320″]
I have actually played THREE rounds with it.
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Let’s go Dan!
[QUOTE=”Muchmore18, post: 10555372, member: 56094″]
Let’s go Dan!
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does that mean you want to actually hear about it?
I might need [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER] in here to validate my insanity.
[QUOTE=”Canadan, post: 10555404, member: 2320″]
does that mean you want to actually hear about it?
I might need [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER] in here to validate my insanity.
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?
You rang?
So, it’s pretty wild. I definitely think there’s a notable change from both a feedback in the hands and a sound perspective from a traditional shaft, which I am still trying to wrap my head around.
[QUOTE=”Canadan, post: 10555415, member: 2320″]
So, it’s pretty wild. I definitely think there’s a notable change from both a feedback in the hands and a sound perspective from a traditional shaft, which I am still trying to wrap my head around.
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This is part of why I’ve wanted you to dabble with some of these different options for so many years now!
[QUOTE=”Canadan, post: 10555404, member: 2320″]
does that mean you want to actually hear about it?
I might need [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER] in here to validate my insanity.
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Of course I want to hear about it. I actually want to be convinced. I am currently thinking about a Stability Polar. But Kinetixx is awesome
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 10555420, member: 1579″]
This is part of why I’ve wanted you to dabble with some of these different options for so many years now!
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Here’s a somewhat provocative question..
For the average golfer, do you think this shaft would be more ‘comforting’ in a deep milled head, or a shallow mill?
[QUOTE=”Canadan, post: 10555434, member: 2320″]
Here’s a somewhat provocative question..
For the average golfer, do you think this shaft would be more ‘comforting’ in a deep milled head, or a shallow mill?
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Hmm. That’s an interesting one.
For those who like a little more sharpness I think shallow mill will deaden it less and still give them what they like albeit on a different level. Deep mill gets REALLY deep, which I love.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 10555420, member: 1579″]
This is part of why I’ve wanted you to dabble with some of these different options for so many years now!
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It’s been a mental roller coaster. I didn’t expect the sound to change, but I totally expected the vibrations to change.
I made quite a few putts today as well, which only triples down on the insanity.
it was also only 50 degrees too, which of course changes things.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 10555445, member: 1579″]
Hmm. That’s an interesting one.
For those who like a little more sharpness I think shallow mill will deaden it less and still give them what they like albeit on a different level. Deep mill gets REALLY deep, which I love.
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this has me SUPER curious.
[QUOTE=”Canadan, post: 10555452, member: 2320″]
this has me SUPER curious.
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Graphite in a putter has a way of shortening the feedback if that makes sense, it’s not so much that it’s higher or lower, it’s shorter and depending on the milling it can make it seem much deeper, or a little sharper.
[QUOTE=”Canadan, post: 10555447, member: 2320″]
It’s been a mental roller coaster. I didn’t expect the sound to change, but I totally expected the vibrations to change.
I made quite a few putts today as well, which only triples down on the insanity.
it was also only 50 degrees too, which of course changes things.
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So what you’re saying is, you’re glad you did it.
[QUOTE=”Muchmore18, post: 10555470, member: 56094″]
So what you’re saying is, you’re glad you did it.
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I have said this for ages, I absolutely LOVE being surprised by things.
This has been a surprise – even with reading James’ feedback.
[QUOTE=”Canadan, post: 10555473, member: 2320″]
I have said this for ages, I absolutely LOVE being surprised by things.
This has been a surprise – even with reading James’ feedback.
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I want one. Now I’m just trying to decide if I want it more than a Stability shaft
[QUOTE=”Muchmore18, post: 10555484, member: 56094″]
I want one. Now I’m just trying to decide if I want it more than a Stability shaft
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I definitely think it’s important to read through what both will achieve, and I know James has experienced both so he’ll know what to say.
It just seems like this is on an island by itself from a feedback perspective.
[QUOTE=”Canadan, post: 10555488, member: 2320″]
I definitely think it’s important to read through what both will achieve, and I know James has experienced both so he’ll know what to say.
It just seems like this is on an island by itself from a feedback perspective.
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Yep I’ve read all of it. I believe he has it ranked the ZeroTRQ first. then Stability close behind. Then everything else pretty far after.
[QUOTE=”Canadan, post: 10555473, member: 2320″]
I have said this for ages, I absolutely LOVE being surprised by things.
This has been a surprise – even with reading James’ feedback.
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SOUND. IS. FEEL. ?
[QUOTE=”Muchmore18, post: 10555492, member: 56094″]
Yep I’ve read all of it. I believe he has it ranked the ZeroTRQ first. then Stability close behind. Then everything else pretty far after.
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Correct! ?
[USER=1579]@Jman[/USER] how do you think it will change the feedback of the microhinge star insert?
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[QUOTE=”Canadan, post: 10555415, member: 2320″]
So, it’s pretty wild. I definitely think there’s a notable change from both a feedback in the hands and a sound perspective from a traditional shaft, which I am still trying to wrap my head around.
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It’s delightfully direct, no? My first reaction was I had never imagined the directness I was sensing.
[QUOTE=”GraniteRoost, post: 10589535, member: 40185″]
It’s delightfully direct, no? My first reaction was I had never imagined the directness I was sensing.
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Was playing around today and I’m still trying to figure out how to explain why it feels different.
Was probably listening to putters for too long but I think the tactile feedback is sooner and shorter than a traditional stock steel shaft.
The tactile feel/vibration is over before the sound of the hit is over, which is not the case with steel. This almost makes it feel out of phase despite all of the feel still being there, it is just so…direct.
[QUOTE=”baylrballa, post: 10589556, member: 52381″]
Was playing around today and I’m still trying to figure out how to explain why it feels different.
Was probably listening to putters for too long but I think the tactile feedback is sooner and shorter than a traditional stock steel shaft.
The tactile feel/vibration is over before the sound of the hit is over, which is not the case with steel. This almost makes it feel out of phase despite all of the feel still being there, it is just so…direct.
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Welcome to my world when reviewing them. People want absolutes and easy to decipher words, but these are unique.
“Connected” remains the best word for it imo.
I feel weirdly comfortable calling the feedback from the Zero TRQ ‘weird’ and I do it in about as positive of a way as I can.
I should probably go into depth on it.
Maybe it’s madness, maybe it’s personal, but it’s definitely unique. In a sense where I’ve handed it to some folks, and they are absolutely enthralled by it, and others who are indifferent, and even more who want nothing to do with it (emotional, yeah).
Truth be told, I’d love to see some truly blind feedback at some point where we put together two putters that are identical in swing weight, grip, head, and setup, with one having a steel shaft and one having the Zero TRQ – and see how many we can fool with it – and here’s why; When I roll a putt poorly, I am pretty much immediately told so by the setup. It’s so brutally honest in how it connects via sound/hands that I just don’t think you can ‘get away’ with a mediocre stroke or contact.
I think I like that a lot. “Brutally honest”
[QUOTE=”Canadan, post: 10590240, member: 2320″]
I should probably go into depth on it.
Maybe it’s madness, maybe it’s personal, but it’s definitely unique. In a sense where I’ve handed it to some folks, and they are absolutely enthralled by it, and others who are indifferent, and even more who want nothing to do with it (emotional, yeah).
Truth be told, I’d love to see some truly blind feedback at some point where we put together two putters that are identical in swing weight, grip, head, and setup, with one having a steel shaft and one having the Zero TRQ – and see how many we can fool with it – and here’s why; When I roll a putt poorly, I am pretty much immediately told so by the setup. It’s so brutally honest in how it connects via sound/hands that I just don’t think you can ‘get away’ with a mediocre stroke or contact.
I think I like that a lot. “Brutally honest”
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I would think with some heat shrink tubing this test could be done
[QUOTE=”Canadan, post: 10590240, member: 2320″]
I think I like that a lot. “Brutally honest”
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I struggled to explain my experience with it but this is a good one. It felt like I noticed every little wobble in my stroke. Definitely unique, and your mileage may vary with that kind of response
[QUOTE=”Canadan, post: 10590240, member: 2320″]
Truth be told, I’d love to see some truly blind feedback at some point where we put together two putters that are identical in swing weight, grip, head, and setup, with one having a steel shaft and one having the Zero TRQ – and see how many we can fool with it – and here’s why; When I roll a putt poorly, I am pretty much immediately told so by the setup. It’s so brutally honest in how it connects via sound/hands that I just don’t think you can ‘get away’ with a mediocre stroke or contact.
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Sounds like a really fun comparison … too bad it’s so cumbersome to pull off true blind testing with golf equipment. The approach would make for a lot of fun comparisons.
this has by far been one of the most fascinating shaft experiences I have ever had.
I love that torque is a point of experience/preference on a putter, rather than raw power or speed which usually aligns with torque in a driver.
I love that when I put it in the hands of others, the perspective varies WILDLY between “wow that is cool” to “gross I don’t like that at all”
I’ve been trying to develop my perspective on it and it’s just been… Challenging. I went ahead and dropped my typical iLine on it for the most familiarized condition, so I can speak to the differences. Had an absolutely spectacular putting session on Sunday, and even spent some time walking through it vs a friend gaming a typical blade that same day. I really need to get his thoughts.