| Model: GEL Ruby and Sapphire Web: www.gelputter.com Price: $165 each;$299 each (Paul Hurrion signature series) |
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| Description: Groove Equipment Limited (GEL) Putters incorporate groove technology, essentially the use of grooves both flat and angled to impart topspin to the ball. Independent research has shown that GEL putters impart topspin roll on a ball almost immediately after impact. This helps eliminate the skid or hopping that a golf ball takes when struck by a flat-faced putter. |
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| Developed with input from Tour Pros, GEL putters are constructed with a unique aluminum insert with precision cut CNC grooves that are proven to promote a quicker and straighter roll on the ball. Therefore, with a grooved putter, you are increasing your chances of the putt holding its intended line. Your distance control will also improve because of the more consistent roll you are putting on the ball. GEL (Groove Equipment Limited) putters incorporate the following technology features:
– Approximately an ounce heavier heads than most standard putters |
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| Review: We reviewed the GEL Sapphire and Ruby putters. Both putters feature a rich black nickel finish. The Sapphire is a mallet style putter whereas the Ruby is similar to a classic heel toe weighted styled “Anser” putter. The GEL putters visually command your attention when you first see them. The insert is an ocean blue color that stands out immediately without serving as a distraction. An advantage of the insert that we noticed is at address, you can tell if the face is set up square by looking at the insert. If any of the insert is visible then the putter face is open. Another aspect of the putter that is noticeable is its weight. Each putter is made of 431 stainless steel with a head weight of 400 grams for the Sapphire and 360 grams for the Ruby. Each has a lie angle of 71 degrees and the loft is standard at 2 degrees. The heavier head weight provides a much smoother stroke and solid feel at impact than many lighter weight putters. We found these putters to be very forgiving with shots slightly off-center, something we attribute to the heavier head. | |
The Sapphire, a face balanced putter, has excellent visuals as far as alignment goes with a small site line on the top of the face as well as two lines on the flange of the putter. These assists in framing the ball and making it easier to align to the target. We also noticed the distinct sound that this putter made. Many players believe sound is a direct reflection of feel and how solid you’ve hit the putt. This putter has a slight “ping” sound to it which several reviewers preferred. The Ruby as mentioned is for those golfers that prefer the classic heel-toe design look. It has one small sight line on the top of the putter and features a more muted sound than the Sapphire while producing a very solid feel. Finally, we concluded the GEL groove technology does indeed work as we noticed when the ball comes off the face, there was minimal skidding, attributed to the insert as well as the low 2 degree loft. The putters are finished with an ocean blue and yellow colored Winn AVS grip and matching yellow headcover that is well-made. Both of these putters are priced at $165 each with the Paul Hurrion Signature Series available at $299 each. Dr. Paul Hurrion is a biomechanics expert and golf instructor that has worked with the likes of Padraig Harrington, David Howell, Lee Westwood, Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley. The high-end line features four models that were designed with input from Hurrion. We give the GEL putters high marks for it’s engineering, looks, weight and feel. For more information on the entire GEL line of putters go to www.gelputter.com.
 Additional information on our review methods can be found here. |
