Nike CounterFlex putter system revealed

The Nike CounterFlex putter is Nike's answer to the anchored putter ban using a 75-gram sliding weight inside the grip to change the putter's feel and improve tempo

With the anchored putter ban fast approaching, Nike Golf have unveiled their method for golfers to overcome it.

So far, many manufacturers have release counter-balanced putters that feature a heavier clubhead and a weight in the top of a longer, thicker grip. But from their own research, Nike discovered that not all golfers necessarily putt best with the weight in the top of the grip.

“Our research tells us that only 30 percent of golf athletes found his or her best match of rhythm and tempo when the weight was locked in the top of the slide as is the case with most fixed mass counter-balanced putters. The remaining 70 percent played better when the 75 grams were located in the middle or bottom position,” said David Franklin, Nike Master Modelmaker.

“With Nike CounterFlex we have infinite positions for the weight so athletes can actually tune it to get their delivery and timing smoothed out and perfect at impact.”

The Nike CounterFlex system joins the Method Matter putter in the line and uses a 15-inch carbon fibre rod housed inside the grip. On this rod is a 75-gram weight that can be unlocked, slid up and down and then fixed again in position depending on the golfer’s preference to calibrate the putter's weight balance.

CounterFlex technology changes the club’s moment of inertia and the overall swing weight, ensuring anchor-like stability, adjustable to any stroke. It essentially alters the feel of the putter to help golfers improve the rhythm and tempo of their stroke.

“One of the key components to putting is stable stroke and delivery at impact,” Franklin said. “Whether you’re a tour player or an amateur, CounterFlex offers adjustability to tune the putter to get the most stable delivery at impact.”

It has been paired with Nike’s Method Converge putters, specifically the mallet b101 and bladed s112 models, and incurs a £40 upcharge on the original £129.99 retail price. It is available in both 35in and 38in shaft lengths.