A Quick Overview of Tour Edge Putters

Let me be blunt here: you might want to look into Tour Edge putters if you want a low-cost putter that has many of the same features as the more expensive brands. Tour Edge doesn’t have the same name recognition as PING, Scotty Cameron or Odyssey, but its putters use innovative technology and they can be cost-effective.

There are four current models, and there’s a good chance you haven’t heard of any of them. One of the ways Tour Edge holds down the cost of its clubs – including Tour Edge putters – is by not spending millions on marketing. That means its golf equipment isn’t as widely known as the equipment made by many of its competitors.

Knowledge is power, and power abhors a vacuum. So, I decided to fill this particular "knowledge vacuum" with the information in this quick overview of Tour Edge putters. This way, you’ll at least know these putters exist.

The Tour Edge Backdraft GT+ Putter

This low-cost putter (the MSRP is only $50) comes in seven different blade and mallet versions, but they all feature a high Moment of Inertia ("MOI") design, an oversized grip, and a high-contrast, white finish similar to that being used by TaylorMade Ghost putters.

According to Tour Edge, the contrast between the putter’s white color and the color of the green helps golfers focus on the putter’s leading edge and alignment aids, improving both alignment and confidence. To me, the white finish is more distracting than helpful, but TaylorMade is going down the same path with many of its clubs, so maybe there is something to it. And speaking of distracting, the Tour Edge Backdraft GT+ putter has seven (!) alignment marks on its head. One or two would be plenty, I think.

The high-MOI design of the Backdraft GT+ putter is intended to keep the putter face square throughout the stroke – a characteristic which probably means these particular Tour Edge putters would be best for golfers with straight-back-and-through putting strokes, as opposed to arcing strokes.

Tour Edge also makes a big deal about the jumbo grips that come standard on these putters. In theory, an oversized grip prevents the wrists from "breaking down" during the stroke, minimizes club head twisting so the putter releases down the line, and promotes grasping the club with less pressure – all of which can enhance putting accuracy significantly. I have to agree with this one; I’ve been using an oversized grip on my putter for over a year now, and it really does help.

Unfortunately, I thought the face insert was overly hard and took away my feel, especially on longer putts. Good feel is one of the most important characteristics a putter can have. All in all, though, this is a solid putter – especially for $50.

The Tour Edge Backdraft GT Putter

At $40, these Tour Edge putters are even cheaper. They’re also available in seven different models, including mallets and traditional blades. Each one features an alignment aid that’s the same width as a golf ball. A sight line centered inside this wide alignment aid is intended to promote additional help and confidence when aiming. These Tour Edge putters also have a deep center of gravity and high MOI to resist twisting and promote a proper release, along with a face insert intended to improve feel.

The Tour Edge T-Balance Putter

Available in four different standard-length models and four belly-length models, these high-MOI Tour Edge putters can be purchased with either white or black heads for around $120, which is still less than most name-brand putters. The shaft has a unique (and patented) 90-degree bend just before it meets the putter head, and Tour Edge claims it provides unprecedented feel and control. A "stability bar" built into all Tour Edge T-Balance putters places additional weight directly behind the sweet spot. Tour Edge says this design promotes accuracy and consistency by providing maximum club head stability and resistance to twisting.

The David Glod Tour Proto Putter

Branded as high-end Exotics models, the three David Glod Tour Proto putters are finely crafted designs created to meet the demands of highly skilled players. According to the company, these Tour Edge putters are milled from a single, solid block of "the most responsive soft steel available for a milled putter" and provide unequalled feedback. A patent-pending "X-grip" pattern milled into the face is said to grip the ball gently at impact and then release it down the target line with a smooth initial roll. I wasn’t able to get my hands on one of these babies, but they look lovely in Tour Edge’s promotional materials. They’re priced at $220, but like all Tour Edge putters, they come with a lifetime warranty and a 30-day "playability guarantee."

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