GEL Emerald Putter review

	GEL Groove Emerald putter
Contact: www.gelgolf.com Technology: Blade putter with back-weighted head. Head weighs 400g with standard loft of 2° and standard lie of 72°. Made from 431 stainless steel with a black nickel finish. Available right and left-handed and in ladies model. Price: £95

GEL Groove Emerald putter Reviewing a putter is a difficult enough business, even without getting wrapped up in the technology of how it works. But on occasion, getting wrapped up in the world of technology is very much a good thing. Baffling jargon aside here's all you need to know before reading on. 1) Grooves on a putter face have been scientifically proven to produce greater grip with the golf ball at the moment of impact. 2) By enhancing a putter's ability to produce topspin roll you create a purer roll through the reduction of skid. 3) A ball exacting greater traction on the green will hold it's line more effectively - simple! So, testing began in my lounge the night before (some might say annoyingly) playing with magnetic closing mechanism on the head cover while watching the TV. This one of the best I have come across providing a snug fit, easy fastening without being so big it pins your other clubs to the edge of your bag. The real testing began in ernest the following morning. Arriving early to allow for acclimatization to my new weapon I didn't bargain for the partial relaying of the practice green. However, with technology seemingly on my side, and after a ramming home a 35ft par putt on the 1st - one of only 14 on the front nine - my concerns abated and I was on my way. The first thing to notice about the Emerald is its sticky yellow and blue Winn grip. I tend to grip the putter loosely so any adhesive qualities are a plus and I was happy to find them present here. Move down the shaft and you find a slender blade putter - somewhat of a novelty these days - with added weight attached to the rear. The ease of alignment deserves special mention. Rest the head behind the ball it sits perfectly square due to centre weight and kink in the shaft. The blue alignment line is clearly visible, and coupled with four grooved triangles it's easy to imagine executing a perpendicular backswing and the ball traveling perfectly on the desired line. I liked the fact the putter is face-balanced which promotes an easy pendulum-like stroke. Imagine Newton's Cradle, the desk toy which any self-respecting business exective can't live without and you're about there. In terms of feel the Emerald ticked all the right boxes. The spongy yet responsive feel from the aluminum insert gave me confidence from within 10 feet that i've always sought and being able to visibly watch the ball hold its line over the bumpy early season greens on longer putts gave added reassurance. With six other models in the GEL putter range there's sure to be a something to suit all tastes. All you need to do now as GEL proclaim is, "believe in the roll". For more information on the testing behind the GEL range visit Quintic, an independent equipment testing consultancy company who have helped many professional sportsmen including Padraig Harrington. The Golfmagic Verdict Rating: 9/10 Summary: A putter with the kind of weighting and feel to make even inconsistent putters like myself start to feel in command. There's something rewarding about wandering after a putt knowing you've made a good connnection and I certainly did plenty of that. At £95 the Emerald represents great value considering the groove technology it employs. Go and get yourself one and give it a go! *Tell us about the clubs in your bag - as well as the balls, shoes, waterproofs - by submitting a user review And if you've got equipment to buy or sell second hand you can do that too, in our popular classified section.