Custom Kingston KP2

[oneaugusta]

Got this one to try out from Kyle at Kingston putters a few weeks ago and thought I'd give a report.

 

Never really had much success with the plumbers neck putters on short putts but with the reduced offset of this design I seem to be able to line up much more consistent than with the full offset I previously tried. Distance control is really good so far, I think the headweight is just perfect for me, feels very balanced

 

This one is a raw tour version with a custom finish and I'm telling you it is very soft yet very solid, I really feel connected if you understand what I am describing.

 

As far as looks goes it's a very simple design but really looks great with the dark blue sapphire finish. The face milling is top notch and puts a really tight roll on the ball. Overall I'm really impressed with the putter design and quality.

 

 

[IrishGolfer14]

Looks amazing. Who did the finish?

[oneaugusta]

[quote name='IrishGolfer14' timestamp='1414094036' post='10340137']
Looks amazing. Who did the finish?
[/quote]Send Kyle a pm, I'm sure he can answer that.

[IrishGolfer14]

Thank you. Also I love the way that you described the feel, I couldn't say it any better myself. My KP1 definitely has the best feel of any putter that I've ever used.

[oneaugusta]

Possible there may be some new finish options for the Kingston line in 2015?

[alanmonty10]

I love that finish. Great looking putter. I just ordered a KP1 yesterday. I am so excited.

[IrishGolfer14]

[quote name='oneaugusta' timestamp='1414238050' post='10348199']
Possible there may be some new finish options for the Kingston line in 2015?
[/quote] I don't know, but from the sound of it, I think next year's putters will be GSS not carbon steel

[oneaugusta]

[quote name='IrishGolfer14' timestamp='1414250455' post='10348785']
[quote name='oneaugusta' timestamp='1414238050' post='10348199']
Possible there may be some new finish options for the Kingston line in 2015?
[/quote] I don't know, but from the sound of it, I think next year's putters will be GSS not carbon steel
[/quote]Maybe both options?

[alanmonty10]

GSS would be amazing

[linkerpan]

I'd go different versions every year, meaning 2015 and 2017 GSS and 2016 and 2018 carbon. Only would break that cycle for special orders. Being Kingston a craft puttermaker, that would make it more special. Like for now I am very happy with a first edition Kingston raw head. And that could allow you to vary the designs and start having dedicated followers.
It all depends on what the company midterm approach will be, of course.

[IrishGolfer14]

If you are able to offer both carbon and GSS I think that would be best from a customer perspective. I think that offering GSS at a reasonable price is an awesome concept, especially with the classic shapes that Kingston offers. However, I would have a hard time taking the current carbon models out of the lineup as they are great putters, and I feel like they have been getting nothing but great feedback here( I definitely love mine). Then again I would think that the more putters in the lineup with more finishes would just lead to higher costs, and I know that the lower prices with the same boutique putter quality is a hallmark of the Kingston brand. In the end I think that just expanding the offering to just the KP1 and KP2 in carbon steel and GSS would be a great middle ground.

[oneaugusta]

I agree GSS at a reasonable price would be great in the line up. I do think that if the average guy were to try a Kingston in stainless and then the carbon he would have a tough choice to make. Obviously many prefer a low maintenance putter but it's hard to not like the feel and feedback of soft carbon steel. Would be great to have the GSS and soft carbon with a choice of finishes but still keep the pricing acceptable for the average budget.

[linkerpan]

Of course, Kyle will have to find out if GSS as a term has been really trademarked by titleist.

[oneaugusta]

Both Byron and Piretti stamp with GSS on their German stainless putters.

[altess27]

[quote name='Kingston Putters' timestamp='1414268464' post='10349935']
What do you guys think, should we go straight GSS, or offer carbon as well? We're open to suggestions. GSS is easier to work with as far as finishes and shaping, but definitely feels a little firmer than carbon.
[/quote]

A lefty GSS would make my day! Well, actually anything lefty would be really nice to see.

[alanmonty10]

So GSS is a firmer feel to carbon?

[Scotty1140]

[quote name='alanmonty10' timestamp='1414597347' post='10368061']
So GSS is a firmer feel to carbon?
[/quote]
GSS feels like American stainless steel which usually feels a bit firmer than carbon.

[nords21]

To the last comment I'd say it varies I'my experience.
I have had 2. GSS putters that give carbon a run for
The money.
Of course the ball is the biggest variable.
IMHO

[nords21]

Ps
I've literally fit a few hundred people for putters.
Offset I find is far and away the most important variable to a really good fit that helps player get the ball started online.
People think offset putters help some players with alignment
due to a dominant eye issue, agreed in part however I've found as a teacher most players need a better routine as far as stepping into the ball for aiming purposes - I'm getting myself off track. We all have our very own face angle at impact. We have remarkably consistent tendencies. The better the player and routine the more consistent this is. Better players are often a bit closed at impact. I'm " 1.2* on average. So my short putts tended to miss left and this is consistent so if you miss left z do you find less offset helps as I read above this is Lillely the cause. Naturally the more offset the more of a delay in strike, and the bigger the miss left.
When I finally figured this out a few years back I went to a slight onset putter. I started running the tables. I had used a full offset my entire Amateur career - back then diagnostics for putters were still in the future. My resume included 2 State Am Tiitles. So due yourself a favor and find out. The
Iping is the cheapest - it's a free app you just need the b backet. (I have an extra one for an iPhone 4 or 4s- $20) or a Tomi but now your getting into $$ and a Samm , I'd forget unless you play for a living. But to think my putting actually improved after the switch .,,
- ahhhh - I could have been somebody - LOL

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