Nickent’s Pipe Dream

2009-06-22

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By Steve Pike
 
Nickent Golf is extending it popular Pipe putter line with its Pipe Dream putter that begins shipping in late July. The Pipe Dream, according to Nickent President and chief club designer John Hoeflich, is a "technology driven putter'' that is designed to have a high MOI (Moment of Inertia). The MOI increase, according to Hoeflich, was accomplished by adding wings on the side of the club that shifts discretionary weight to the sides and to the back of the head.

"All five models of the Pipe were such a success and we never dreamed that we could improve them much," Hoeflich said. "But sometimes dreams become reality. Once we determined that the only way to improve the Pipe II was to create a putter with a higher MOI, we knew that wings were the only way to achieve that goal."

The Pipe Dream (suggested retail price $149) features Nickent's Alternate Groove Technology face technology. The face insert, Hoeflich said, is milled from anodized 7075 aluminum to create a better softer feel, and features a unique alternating groove design that lifts the ball at impact for a truer roll. Hoeflich said the 3D cylinder Pipe, which is the same diameter as the golf ball at 1.68 inches, helps the golfer to line up the ball with much greater percentage of accuracy in terms of directional control.

"We figured out a couple years ago with the first Pipe that alignment is more important than any other factor when putting," said Hoeflich. "The Pipe Dream stays true to that thinking, but with the new wings raising the MOI as much as they do and the AGT face creating less skid, we have a putter that is aimed straight and rolls straight. All you have to do is get the speed right.''