In the world of golf discs one company name to look for repeatedly is Vibram.
I have reviewed several of the company's discs over the past two disc golf seasons and frankly every one is a solid effort.
I generally carry about 15 discs on-course -- more because that's a full bag than out of need -- and last count five were Vibrams.
Now in the case of the Sole, to be discussed here today, and Ibex and Obex they are there to play test at present, and while I'll let you wait on the verdict of the other two, I don't see the Sole leaving the play bag any time soon.
As those with any knowledge of traditional golf will know, the putting aspect of the sport can be critical to good scores, and is also perhaps the most baffling part of the game.
That aspect of golf is mirrored in the disc game too.
Putting should be easy. You get with 20-30 feet of the basket. It's a big target with chains there to help slow a disc so it falls into the basket.
But I would be rich at a buck for every putt that has hit the chains and still fallen outside the basket.
And then there are those that go low and clunk off the basket, and others that the wind causes to flutter high.
So like any golfer you soon blame the putter and try a different one. In traditional ball and club golf that has led to a wide array of putter designs, from the simple to the outright bizarre.
The rules as outlined by the Professional Disc Golf Association are more restrictive on design, perhaps too restrictive in some sense, but that is a different discussion. What is does mean is there is less variation among disc putters, but we golfers still look to try different ones to achieve steadier success.
You will certainly not mind having the Vibram Sole as an option. It has a 'sticky' feel composition which is a grip bonus, and is quite traditional in design so it is immediately familiar in-hand.
From the company website "Vibram's first traditionally shaped putter, the Sole, is a stable putter off the tee. It is designed with a slight dome, a more rounded shoulder, and is our first putter with a bevel on the bottom of the wing. The Sole has a tad more glide than our line-up of flat-topped (great driving) putters, the V.P., Ridge and Summit. If you've been looking for a traditional putter, with great grip, in a highly durable material, get your heart ready for the Vibram Sole."
The Sole might be more traditionally designed, but with the grip afforded by the plastic, and at 174 grams, the disc I have is a straight flying putter, which while not landing in the chains every time, (my fault not the disc's), it is as reliable as any putter in my bag.
Will it be used exclusively? Nope, we golfers are fickle and change things up in hopes a different disc will change our poor throws, but I do expect it will be one of two-three putter options always in my play bag.
Check it out at www.vibramdiscgolf.com
