Cobra Optica SL-01 putter

Cobra Optica’s distinctive alignment aid

I wrote recently that prior to winning the 1970 US Open Tony Jacklin, had received a putting tip that encouraged him to look at the hole, rather than the ball or the putter head at address. If Cobra’s latest putter had been around then that would be almost impossible.

As I align this putter I can’t take my eyes off it. It’s a spooky sensation but at least it helps keep my head down and still, my eyes almost transfixed by the line of fibre optic pinpoints which act as an alignment aid.

It’s a neat gimmick – manufacturers tend to call it ‘superior technology’ - which helps you focus on your alignment as light catches the bright green points and is amplified.

Stainless steel back weighting

I’d liken it to the lines in the aisle of an aircraft, to which your attention is drawn during the cabin staff’s pre-flight safety lecture.

Part of the problem with back-weighted putters is that as amateurs we are apt to allow them to waver in the backswing causing inconsistency in the strike and the ball to veer off line.

A benefit with the heel-shafted Optica – a centre shafted SL-02 version is also available - was that my eyes were so concentrated on the thin, dotted line that I felt confident I could swing back and through pretty consistently. It was then just a matter of getting the pace right.

Milled aluminium face for soft feel

However, over three rounds I have putted very tidily with this putter and quickly felt an affinity with the forged aluminium milled face which generates a soft feel from the premium balls I tend to use. It also gives me a good roll on greens which are getting rapidly faster under the current drought conditions.

The Winn V17 Multi-texture grip with its distinctive green black and silver styling also encouraged a light touch. It also comes with a robust and stylish headcover

	The Golfmagic Verdict
Rating: 8.5/10 Summary: At £130 it’s probably more than most would want to pay for a putter. But if it’s distinctive alignment aid can help keep your eyes focused in the back and through swing, it’s a worthwhile investment.

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