Jun 1, 2010

Zach Johnson Loves His SeeMore Putter & So Does Ottawa Golf - Si1 Putter Review

SeeMore Si1 Putter Review

Interesting how my SeeMore Si1 putter review is coinciding with Zach Johnson's awesome putting display on Sunday and win at the 2010 Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial. I've used SeeMore's new Si1 putter since the beginning of the season here in the Ottawa area and by far it's been the most consistent club in my bag. Very much like Zach Johnson's putting over the weekend I've made a lot of putts with this putter and it has instilled at least a lot of confidence in my putting game. I'm not saying I'm the second coming of Zach Johnson but for a 24 handicap golfer when I line up a putt I feel I'm going to make it or at least get it close for a tap in. I like this feeling, hey driver are you listening?

Zach Johnson Making Some Putts Final Round 2010 Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial


 SeeMore Si1 Putter Review

I had the pleasure last year to review one of SeeMore's putters, the FGP stainless steel blade putter and found it great for short putts but I really had a hard time judging speed/distance with longer putts. This year the Si1 has been a pleasant surprise so here's more on my review on this new putter offered by SeeMore Putters.





The chosen one
Ted Gallina at SeeMore was great as far as ordering to what specs I wanted and any questions I had. Here's the specs on the Si1 putter I've been reviewing since the start of the season:

Si1 Putter Specs
Loft- 3.5 degrees
Lie angle- 72 degrees(upright)
Length- 35"

Material: 303 Stainless
Construction: Cast/Remilled
Finish: Nickel Plated
Shaft Location: Center
Head weight: 330g


The Scoop from SeeMore's website about the Si1:
The new SiSeries combines the proprietary and proven alignment benefits of SeeMore RifleScope Technology (RST) in a new line of putters featuring thermoplastic face inserts for a softer feel and a slightly lower rebound characteristic preferred by some players. Si1 is a modern deep flange blade design with center shaft, near face balanced, and is only available at this time with straight shaft. The Si1 features 5% toe hang, near face balanced.
SeeMore RifleScope Technology (RST)
If you've never used a SeeMore putter they all have what's called SeeMore RifleScope Technology (RST). Line up your putter making sure you can't see the red dot and stroke the ball. It's pretty easy to tell if you are aligned properly or not. I love it, I pick my line make sure the red dot is hidden and stroke the ball. Being a high handicap golfer I love being able to know I'm at least lined up square to my target.



The finish
I've always been more prone to play putters with dark finishes and again SeeMore's nickel plated Si1 is a winner in my eyes. It frames the ball nice has very little glare and I've had no problems with the integrity of the finish. Nice and durable.

The insert
I've never used a putter with a insert so I was really interested in trying a putter with one. I've heard many people sing the praises of the inserts in their putters. Especially when it comes to softness and feel. The Si1 did not disappoint. I definitely felt the thermoplastic face insert that SeeMore has in the Si1 made the contact with the ball very smooth regardless of the type of ball (distance ball, low compression etc). A nice cushioning feel. Is it the main selling point of this putter. No for sure it's the whole package.

The head cover
The head cover with the Si1 is a nice black leather head cover with a Velcro closure and SeeMore stitched on the top. Pretty standard head cover, I definitely like it better than the sock head cover from last years FGP models. Has held up great over the beginning of the season.

The grip
The standard grip for the Si1 is the Winn AVS Red & Black Grip. A great all around grip that in both wet and dry conditions I've had no problems with. No wear issues either. No reason to change it here.

Conclusion
For me the two things that stand out for SeeMore putters is the fact they are great with customizing their putters. For anyone who hasn't ordered from Seemore, Ted is great to deal with, their customer service is second to none. Everything is fully customizable when it comes to their putters. Head weight, lie, length, and even custom engraving can be done to your liking.

Having my Si1 customized for my stroke was great the big one customization feature I think helped me the most was having the lie angle adjusted to being more upright (72 degrees) which seemed to help with my stroke and instill confidence in any length of putt.

Secondly the RST technology helps a high handicap golfer like myself insure I'm square to my target which is such a big part in making more putts.

The Si1 can be bought through SeeMore's online store at a suggested retail price of $165 USD. I suggest contacting someone at SeeMore if you have any questions regarding a putter that would fit your stroke. Here in Canada they also be purchased at your local Golf Town.

You can follow all things SeeMore on Twitter @SeeMorePutters
and on Facebook at the SeeMore Players Club


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