When it comes to putters, the Astral Putters Blade stands out from the crowd with its unparalleled adjustment capabilities. Founded by putter enthusiast Blake Callaway, Astral Putters aims to bring the level of customization found in drivers and irons to the realm of putters. The unique system of adjustable hosels and adapters allows players to fine-tune the lie, offset, and toe hang of the putter across a wide range. In this article, we will explore the design, performance, and overall potential of the Astral Putters Blade.
Upon first glance, the Astral Putters Blade may appear to be a standard Anser-style putter. However, a closer look reveals unique proportions and shaping that set it apart from traditional designs while still being recognizable. At address, the putter features a thick top line and narrow space between rounded shoulders, with the sight line serving as the only alignment aid. The clean design in the bag showcases the Astral Putters logo on the sole and minimal branding on the face and cavity. While the fit and finish may not match top-tier brands, the Reserve Series offers unique materials like Damascus Steel and Tempered Steel for those seeking something different.
Sound and feel play a significant role in the performance of a putter, and Astral Putters offers two face options – brass and copper – for the Blade and Mid-Mallet putters. The brass face provides a firm feel with a sharp “clink” at impact, reminiscent of classic PING putters. In contrast, the copper face offers a softer feel with a muted impact sound, closer to a “thud.” The feedback through the hands varies between the two faces, allowing players to choose their preferred sensation during putting strokes.
The standout feature of the Astral Putters Blade is its extensive fitting possibilities. The Fit Kit includes the putter body, two faces, and three hosels, each with ten reversible positions. This allows for a total of sixty possible hosel configurations, giving players the ability to experiment and find their ideal setup. Astral Putters offers a self-fitting web page with recommendations based on player preferences and remote or in-person fittings to help fine-tune settings. The Blade caters to golfers who seek precision in their putter fit, offering a wide range of combinations for toe hang, offset/onset, and lie adjustments.
Despite the overwhelming number of options, the Astral Putters Blade provides a solid performance on the green. The forgiveness on mishits is present, but center-face strikes are crucial for long putts and mid-range accuracy. The adjustability of the putter allows for quick experimentation with different configurations, offering a mix of wild possibilities and potential game-changing setups. Overall, the Blade is a refreshing option for players who want to break away from traditional putter designs and explore new fitting techniques.
In conclusion, while mainstream putters offer quick solutions for most players, the Astral Putters Blade stands out for its innovative adjustability and customization options. For those seeking a precise combination to enhance their putting performance, the Blade provides a world of opportunities to experiment and find the perfect fit. While not suitable for everyone, the putter-obsessed will appreciate the endless possibilities for fine-tuning their game. If you are looking for a unique and customizable putter experience, the Astral Putters Blade could be a game-changer on the greens.
