To understand Sacks Parente Golf, we must first give a little backstory. Their resumes are storied. Rich Parente was the co-founder of Callaway Golf. Steve Sacks co-founded Goldwin Golf. “Playing on rival teams” for years, there was a level of mutual respect in design.
Sacks Parente doesn’t make putters. They make putting instruments. The company was born in 2018 with a simple, but demanding premise. Have no barriers in the way of creating equipment that will allow every golfer to have more fun.
Being unique for the sake of being unique is not new in the golf industry. From bright colors and odd shapes, it is not hard to find something that is “different”. Being unique with a purpose, one that identifies a brand and makes a difference, is what Sacks Parente is all about.
The redistribution of weight in putters putting instruments is something they are passionate about and have some unique designs that we will dive into shortly. The lineup consists of a number of shapes, and they are more than just a head, but rather an entire package re-imagined with that same goal we outlined earlier. The goal is no barriers to create something that will allow golfers to have more fun.
Before getting into the designs, it would be prudent to discuss Ultra Low Balance Point, or ULBP as Sacks Parente labels it. The best way to explain it is to pick up one of their putting instruments by the head and feel virtually nothing. ULBP is proven. It works, and their designs have taken it a step further due to the components that make up the entire package.
ULBP creates a natural release without the need to steer the head back towards your intended line. Think of anchoring a putter, but without any anchor at all. A pendulum if you will, and it’s natural flow of movement.
Because of the design of the Sacks Parente family, we will start from the top down with their grips. They’re different. Ranging from 30-35 grams, the weight is less than what is typically found on the market. ULBP all starts here, and they have 3 models to choose from.
The shafts…Oh the shafts. This will be the first thing you notice when you pick up a Sacks Parente. If you haven’t noticed already, the word to describe them would be unique. A departure from what you are used to in weight and balance, ULBP is most noticeable in the shafts.
Before getting into the shafts, it is important to note that they can be changed. Similar to a number of adjustable drivers on the market, some of the Sacks Parente putting instruments can be swapped out through a screw from the bottom.
Currently they offer three shafts, or as they describe them, three Amazing Shafts. A fourth is coming, but not available currently. Not unlike the grips, the shaft story funnels directly back to ULBP. Starting with what they call Graphite, which is their standard option, although very little about this shaft is standard.
When you unwrap one of their putting instruments, a big sticker stands out and catches you a little off guard. I found myself asking the question in my head over and over again, “Do I do this?” and the answer is yes.
Simple reminder gave way to getting used to not using it as a walking stick throughout the round or balancing myself on it as I scooped the ball from the hole. No issues, no breakage, but wanted to mention it, as it sets the tone for the shaft information.
We tested all three shafts with the putters, including the coming soon Tour GS shaft, and will get to each one, but first let’s go back to the standard option, Graphite.
Their most popular shaft option, the Graphite comes in at a weight of approximately 1 gram per inch. Yes, you read that right, 1 gram per inch. While you might be used to something more than 4 times this weight, it all comes back to what Sacks Parente is trying to accomplish (and did) with ULBP. With grip and hosel, our shaft weighed in at barely over 80 grams. For your comparison purposes, we took apart a Honma Beres putter with standard steel shaft and with a lightweight Super Stroke grip on it (with no hosel) and you can see below the nearly 2.5x difference in weight.
By design, composite materials handle vibration better than steel. Perhaps different is a better word than better. Dampening occurs, but not deadening. Which leads to a precise impact feedback, which defies the phrase “feel is sound” in a complete sense.
It is maddening trying to describe what is going on at impact with the Sacks Parente putting instruments’ feel, but going back to the original thoughts in this article…UNIQUE. The feel is pointed, directed, and maybe sharp, but it happens quickly.
Why is this happening? Lots of reasons, but a large portion of that is because of the Graphite Shaft.
The four shafts offered are the standard Graphite, which we discussed above. This is included in the price of the putter as you find it on their website.
The Tour CS Shaft, which is their most popular shaft for touring pros. It comes with an upcharge of $300. Made from Toray 1100G, which is a high strength and high modulus composite material. Used in a few premium metal woods shafts, such as UST Mamiya LIN-Q Gunmetal that gets rave reviews on the THP Forum, the material is not inexpensive and has the strength and durability to hold up to the standards necessary on tour.
The Tour CSX is what Sacks Parente calls the F1 of putter shafts, and with the $500 upcharge it needs to be. Manufactured using the tightest of tolerances in Japan by the Olympic Co. LTD, the CSX is a unique (there is that word again) beast. Using two exotic Toray fivers, tensile strength increases by about 30% with no loss in modulus. What does this mean to you? Strength and durability with no sacrifice in increasing weight.
Finally, the coming soon Tour GS Shaft. This is the coming soon shaft that we got a chance to spend some time with and we will be revisiting it upon release.
Each of these shafts will come in at nearly 1 gram per inch, and as you move towards the Tour level, the weight restrictions of resting on them are not in place.
Continuing down the putting instrument, if you have made it this far, you are ready to hear about the heads. We have been spending time with three different models, but will limit the discussion to blade and mallet because the technology story is largely the same.
Center of Gravity (CG) stories have been around golf equipment for a while, but are fairly new to the putter world. Between Moment of Inertia (MOI) and CG, it is a lot to take in, but suffice it to say that with most putters there seems to be two schools of thought. One is back weight to reduce head twisting. The other is weight forward to reduce side spin from gear effect. Sacks Parente putting instruments have a face-forward Center of Gravity (CG).
The company tested this with robots and discovered that weight placed too far away from the face, resulted in gear effect. They are not the only putter on the market to move the weight, the Frontline lineup from Cleveland Golf did testing as well and came to the same conclusion, that weight forward will help more golfers make putts.
Sacks Parente has redistributed much of the weight in the head to create a pure roll, and it is pure. A large portion of the weight in their heads is up front, using high density tungsten keeping the CG closer to the shaft axis. In turn, this leads to less twisting, and according to the company, less side spin. The pictures above and below show the Tungsten placement extremely well.
Sacks Parente blends materials seamlessly to create their putting instruments using everything from stainless steel to brass, and everything in between to create what they feel are the highest quality tools one can putt with.
The Series 66 pictured below, is a blend of 7070 aluminum, AS370 brass, tungsten, and 6061 aircraft aluminum, and the finished package looks incredible. This is one of their models that does not offer shaft switching, but the plumber’s neck shape and style is familiar to fit many golfers’ eyes.
Switching gears to the other blade we tested, the Series 18 is incredibly unique (there is that word again). Made of 303 stainless steel, it is an iconic style that is made more playable with what Sacks Parente has done here. Between the black inserts on the heel and toe of the face, to the cavity (pictured below) the putter shows off the weight redistributed up front better than most illustrations.
We mentioned earlier that it was maddening trying to describe the feel at impact of the Sacks Parente putting instruments. It might be the hardest part of this rather lengthy article, but deserves the attention.
At impact, the sensation is quick with no lingering in the hands. It is slightly higher pitched than many other putters we have tested and that you have probably rolled. Not a “ting” or unpleasant sound mind you. The feeling is incredibly full and dense, just not as deep a tone as you might be used to, and definitely not a click.
The response is intoxicating. Maybe addicting is a better word. While none of these shapes are what I am accustomed to normally have in my bag, I found myself reaching for them to putt in the office nearly every day.
The roll on the ball is exceptional, and the feeling is unlike anything else on the market today.
Choosing a mallet is a different animal altogether. Currently, Sacks Parente offers the Series 54 Putting Instrument. From there, it gets pretty wild.
Mid Size or Large
Center Shaft or Heel Shaft
Standard Stripe or VA Three Stripe
You can get any combination of the above (seen below), but immediately if you have been paying attention to putters, you will notice what looks like a similar alignment story to another brand that features it on golf balls and putters.
Vernier Acuity is not new, nor was it developed in the world of golf. It may look like some simple lines, but there is more to it than meets the eye. The space between the lines matter. The thickness of the lines matter. The colors used matter.
Vernier Acuity is the ability of the brain to process subtle differences in alignment through the eyes. Similar technology is used to land planes on aircraft carriers and sights for guns to name a couple.
Who came up with the idea for golf is anybody’s guess. Callaway and Odyssey have had it in place since the ERC golf ball in 2018. Sacks Parente introduced it in a putter around the same time.
A properly designed mallet is more forgiving on mishits, and the Series 54 is made of 6061 aluminum with high density tungsten on the heel and toe. Despite the size, the weight still comes in at 365 grams including the hosel and follows their ULBP theory just as the blades did.
The black frame is striking and the red and blue VA lines accent it extremely well. The model we tested (heel shafted) also featured a white sight dot, and from a personal experience, I think it takes away a bit from the VA in causing the eyes to focus on the dot. Personal preference of course.
The sound of the Series 54 is a bit different than the blades above. It is a bit more full sounding, with a deeper impact note, but a similar satisfaction. As you move across the face a bit, you get subtle note changes that are still pointed, but you can tell where impact was made.
Sacks Parente may not be a name you are completely familiar with, although that may change rather quickly with the quality putters putting instruments they have created. You are not going to find one in the bargain bin any time soon, but the craftsmanship makes you appreciate and understand a bit about the premium price tag.
Currently, the company is having a pretty big sale for the remainder of 2020. The mallet with Graphite Shaft we tested is discounted from $599 to $399. The blade models we tested are currently discounted from $599 to $479.
For more details check out their website at www.sacksparente.com.
These are interesting. The ultra low balance point reminds me of the Bridgestone putters from a while back. But these are far, far better looking.
[QUOTE=”mpeterson, post: 9453242, member: 17872″]
These are interesting. The ultra low balance point reminds me of the Bridgestone putters from a while back. But these are far, far better looking.
[/QUOTE]
And they really took it much further in the creation. As you can tell by the length and story, I very much enjoyed writing this because there is so much to tell.
[QUOTE=”mpeterson, post: 9453242, member: 17872″]These are interesting. The ultra low balance point reminds me of the Bridgestone putters from a while back. But these are far, far better looking.[/QUOTE]
And they lack the pool noodle grip haha
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 9453253, member: 3″]
And they really took it much further in the creation. As you can tell by the length and story, I very much enjoyed writing this because there is so much to tell.
[/QUOTE]
I really enjoy when someone takes a new/different approach. will It work for everyone? Probably not, but maybe there’s a subset of golfers it just clicks for. Really interesting stuff with moving the weight way down to the head and forward on the head.
[QUOTE=”ddec, post: 9453254, member: 782″]
And they lack the pool noodle grip haha
[/QUOTE]
As any putter should.
Great article and read.
They def put these putters together with attention to all aspects of the “instrument.”
At first I found the word “instrument” to be a bit stuffy, but after reading the article, I think I get what they are going for……the sound/feel. Like a musical instrument of sorts.
I’m a big believer in the sound/feel of a putter and its impact on one’s ability to control and enjoy it. I’ve found that if you give me a putter that produces a sound that doesn’t jive with me, my performance drops off. I struggle with distance control etc..
Would really be interested to try one of these some day.
[QUOTE=”DNice26, post: 9453262, member: 45706″]
At first I found the word “instrument” to be a bit stuffy, but after reading the article, I think I get what they are going for……the sound/feel. Like a musical instrument of sorts.
[/QUOTE]
I can completely understand that thought and I would tend to agree with you.
As you dive in (and hopefully this article helped do that), it really is about change.
Yeah. I need to roll one now. There’s much more going on than meets the eye. Great piece.
That is a lot of information to digest. Thanks for the very detailed review. These putting instruments certainly sound interesting and unique.
[QUOTE=”Sox_Fan, post: 9453311, member: 9583″]
That is a lot of information to digest.
[/QUOTE]
Haha. Yeah we got a bit longwinded on this one, but there is so much there, it just kind of flowed. :ROFLMAO:
Interesting back story for sure. Nice looking putters. Instrument is not going to stick in the market.
Pretty interesting look into the tech of those putters. The looks aren’t my style but if I saw one I’d pick it up and try it just based on what I read.
That might be the most informative article written on THP! What a great article! You really captured what Sacks Parente Golf is about! I really like the looks of the Series 54 mallet with the Vernier Acuity lines on top! It’s definitely pricey, but, still reasonable because of all the technology, R&D, and high-end components that were detailed in the write up!
Wow lots of info to digest on this one. There is a uniqueness about them for sure.
Great article, JB. Having bought the 66 model and having rolled it for awhile all I can say that it is one great putter. If it wasn’t for my Betti being just alittle better for me, I’d still be rolling the model 66 putter.
That was indeed a good read. Not a typical THP review, and very well written (so who actually wrote it, LOL). Definitely a high end putter with purpose. I wonder how well the vernier lines work with a triple track ball? This definition of vernier seems to really fit, “a small auxiliary device used with a main device to obtain fine adjustment.” I love the look of the blade covers, but could not find the look of the mallet covers, but I assume they are equally stunning?
[QUOTE=”ULEWZ, post: 9453382, member: 52804″]
That was indeed a good read. Not a typical THP review, and very well written (so who actually wrote it, LOL). Definitely a high end putter with purpose. I wonder how well the vernier lines work with a triple track ball? This definition of vernier seems to really fit, “a small auxiliary device used with a main device to obtain fine adjustment.” I love the look of the blade covers, but could not find the look of the mallet covers, but I assume they are equally stunning?
[/QUOTE]
I definitely wrote it.
There is quite a bit of feedback in other threads on the forum about VA on a putter and using a Triple Track golf ball. Most really like the combination.
There is SO much to digest in this article.
The shaft you can’t lean on (would be guilty lmao)
The audible presentation on contact.
The unique ‘their take’ shaping of familiar head styles.
Also, the price really surprised me. I expected it to be more.
WOW!! That was extensive. Thanks! I have peaked at these putter for a little over a year now. I think they are very interesting, just a bit too much $$ for me. The thought process behind them seems very sound though.
Could I see myself playing one of these? No.
Could I see myself wanting one of these? Yes.
They almost look to expensive to play.
[QUOTE=”NVGOLFER80, post: 9453413, member: 53139″]
WOW!! That was extensive. Thanks! I have peaked at these putter for a little over a year now. I think they are very interesting, just a bit too much $$ for me. The thought process behind them seems very sound though.
[/QUOTE]
Thank you. There was a lot to dive into, and I really wanted to make sure everybody had the full story of the tech. From the weighting to the forward CG.
[QUOTE=”Canadan, post: 9453391, member: 2320″]
There is SO much to digest in this article.
The shaft you can’t lean on (would be guilty lmao)
The audible presentation on contact.
The unique ‘their take’ shaping of familiar head styles.
Also, the price really surprised me. I expected it to be more.
[/QUOTE]
The price was the most surprising to me (though if you go with one of the upcharge shafts you do start to veer into crazytown for prices). I will say that the shapes look really nice on the rack/behind the ball. They had a few in Club Champion and I was really impressed.
[QUOTE=”mpeterson, post: 9453473, member: 17872″]
The price was the most surprising to me (though if you go with one of the upcharge shafts you do start to veer into crazytown for prices). I will say that the shapes look really nice on the rack/behind the ball. They had a few in Club Champion and I was really impressed.
[/QUOTE]
Were you able to pick a few up and roll them?
[QUOTE=”Nappy, post: 9453418, member: 2407″]
Could I see myself playing one of these? No.
Could I see myself wanting one of these? Yes.
They almost look to expensive to play.
[/QUOTE]
^ this LOL
Would love to game one, but I can only be so broke LOL
Great read [USER=3]@JB[/USER], and for a guy that started most of his military career in the Medical field, the word ‘instrument” means a lot to me…i am genuinely intrigued
[QUOTE=”donny475, post: 9453662, member: 4683″]
Great read [USER=3]@JB[/USER], and for a guy that started most of his military career in the Medical field, the word ‘instrument” means a lot to me…i am genuinely intrigued
[/QUOTE]
Thanks [USER=4683]@donny475[/USER]
I believe that the word means a bit to them too.
I like [USER=3]@JB[/USER] equipment reviews. Well written, and this one really conveys an interesting review approach with a lot of useful background. I especially like the interest and excitement. To me, connecting equipment and opportunities in a meaningful and tangible way to real golfers looking to improve together and better enjoy golf is what makes THP special. As to these putters, I am intrigued. Putting is where I need to improve, and finding my putter has not been as simple as I expected. And, yes, indian – arrow stuff blah, blah, blah. I still want that putter that feels right to me. I hope to meet one of these in the wild someday.
I am going to need to spend some more time with the 18. Its a shape that I love the looks of, but has always been a bit on the unforgiving side of a putting spectrum. With a bit longer heel to toe length and a different hosel, I was not struggling with this at all.
Great article [USER=3]@JB[/USER], that’s a really deep dive into their history and technology!
Awesome review. I’m intrigued about the sound… it sounds <--:D undescribable.(y) And the light weight shaft? 1 gram per inch! How much do the putters weigh in at? And how much do the putter heads weigh in? The styling is "similar" in that it they resemble other designs but are different enough to notice they're a new take. They're out of my budget though.
[QUOTE=”Scorpion12, post: 9454155, member: 22025″]
Awesome review. I’m intrigued about the sound… it sounds <--:D undescribable.(y) And the light weight shaft? 1 gram per inch! How much do the putters weigh in at? And how much do the putter heads weigh in? The styling is "similar" in that it they resemble other designs but are different enough to notice they're a new take. They're out of my budget though.
[/QUOTE]
Keep reading and we discuss and show an example of how much others weigh. 😀
Seems that moving the weight towards the face is a popular thing these days…. 😉
[QUOTE=”DNice26, post: 9454178, member: 45706″]
Seems that moving the weight towards the face is a popular thing these days…. 😉
[/QUOTE]
We discussed that in the article, that the Frontline from Cleveland has gone this route as well. There are also some smaller companies, but many still go a different route in design theory.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 9454157, member: 3″]
Keep reading and we discuss and show an example of how much others weigh. 😀
[/QUOTE]
a little reading past the putting instrument porn and I see the weight now. Heavy putter instrument!
[QUOTE=”Scorpion12, post: 9454195, member: 22025″]
a little reading past the putting instrument porn and I see the weight now. Heavy putter instrument!
[/QUOTE]
What do you mean?
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 9454184, member: 3″]
We discussed that in the article, that the Frontline from Cleveland has gone this route as well. There are also some smaller companies, but many still go a different route in design theory.
[/QUOTE]
Yep, I read it. Taylormade are also getting in this game….
[QUOTE=”DNice26, post: 9454202, member: 45706″]
Yep, I read it. Taylormade are also getting in this game….
[/QUOTE]
The TM model of weight placement is actually quite different.
Edit: Unless you mean the coming soon…Which I am not at liberty to discuss, but does follow their recent follow model :ROFLMAO:
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 9454198, member: 3″]
What do you mean?
[/QUOTE]
Down at the bottom of the review… (I can’t quote pictures. My work proxy sucks and won’t load them)… where you’re talking about the mallet head and hosel being 365 grams. That’s heavy for a mallet. Aren’t most putter heads around 330-335 grams or so?
[QUOTE=”Scorpion12, post: 9454368, member: 22025″]
Down at the bottom of the review… (I can’t quote pictures. My work proxy sucks and won’t load them)… where you’re talking about the mallet head and hosel being 365 grams. That’s heavy for a mallet. Aren’t most putter heads around 330-335 grams or so?
[/QUOTE]
No sir. In fact I just weighed 7 mallet heads here in the office and all were between 350 and 365.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 9453570, member: 3″]
Were you able to pick a few up and roll them?
[/QUOTE]
I only noticed them on the way in while I was waiting – it turned out the SAM pretty much told me that my current putter was about perfectly fit, so we ended up spending some more time on some other parts of the bag.
I’m going back to do some more work with irons in the near future because my swing was trash so I’ll see if I can roll a few while I’m there.
Forward weighting makes a ton of sense but that price point is at a stark difference from the other player in that space. The discounts make it mildly more palatable though.
[QUOTE=”Molten, post: 9454513, member: 22040″]
Forward weighting makes a ton of sense but that price point is at a stark difference from the other player in that space. The discounts make it mildly more palatable though.
[/QUOTE]
You are definitely right about the pricing difference, but I would add that that is only a single piece of what they are touting. If you agree with their technology or not, that is a different discussion of course. Add a light weight composite putter shaft into the mix and upgraded grip and you start to get closer.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 9454375, member: 3″]
No sir. In fact I just weighed 7 mallet heads here in the office and all were between 350 and 365.
[/QUOTE]
It’s cool that you’ve got 7 mallet heads to just throw on the scale… to see what they weigh.:D
[QUOTE=”Scorpion12, post: 9454586, member: 22025″]
It’s cool that you’ve got 7 mallet heads to just throw on the scale… to see what they weigh.:D
[/QUOTE]
Yeah a few pieces of equipment lying around, but happy to help.
Holy hell the 66 is gorgeous!! Whole lot to digest in the article but the looks are very nice. I’m currently dropping hints to my wife that I need one of these….
[QUOTE=”jlew2144, post: 9454720, member: 40346″]
Holy hell the 66 is gorgeous!! Whole lot to digest in the article but the looks are very nice. I’m currently dropping hints to my wife that I need one of these….
[/QUOTE]
If I can answer any questions to make digestion easier, happy to do so.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 9455594, member: 3″]
If I can answer any questions to make digestion easier, happy to do so.
[/QUOTE]
Nope read the article a couple times now, and believe I’ve got the jist of it. Appreciate it though!
Great review JB! Tons of great information in that one. The 66 is a beautiful [S]putter[/S] putting instrument. I was expecting to get to the end of the article and just see an ungodly price point for everything that goes in to these. With their sale, these are pretty palatable all things considered. If my Chicago wasn’t such a beautiful performer right now, this would have been a hard ponder. The description of response and feel alone makes me hope to try one some day!
[QUOTE=”Muchmore18, post: 9455803, member: 56094″]
Great review JB! Tons of great information in that one. The 66 is a beautiful [S]putter[/S] putting instrument. I was expecting to get to the end of the article and just see an ungodly price point for everything that goes in to these. With their sale, these are pretty palatable all things considered. If my Chicago wasn’t such a beautiful performer right now, this would have been a hard ponder. The description of response and feel alone makes me hope to try one some day!
[/QUOTE]
Thank you. Hope you get to try one as well. Chicago is a heck of a putter too.
A lot of good and interesting info in the article…hard not to be even more intrigued after reading!
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