Balance Certified Golf

Ever wonder what the difference is between your clubs and the ones the pros use? Most everyone would guess custom length fitting is the major difference, but few take custom weight balancing into consideration. With a few hundred thousand dollars riding on every shot, do you think that the big boys gamble on clubs with an off the rack feel? If you have custom fitted clubs, you're really only halfway there, luckily for you the rocket scientists at Balance Certified Golf have what it takes to get you the rest of the way.

Balance Certified Golf uses a system of counterweights that fit into the shaft of almost any club: driver, wood, iron or putter. The theory is that not everybody has the exact same swing, so no off the rack club has the right balance for every user. The system puts you through a series of tests that help you decide which weight in which club is exactly right for you. The weight reduces shaft vibration and moves the focal "node" of the club back into the hands, resulting in more consistent striking and ball control. And it's USGA and RA approved.

Sounds neat, but does it work? If used properly, it really does. We tried the Pro-Balance System for putters. It started with a simple test where three balls were putted ten feet and the results were recorded on a simple chart. Then the same test was repeated with each of the weights installed. A pattern definitely emerged. Once the right weight was found, a ten-foot put was nothing to fear. By tuning the shaft, each shot felt more solid. And by moving the weight focus up into the grip, the desire to break the wrist was all but eliminated, resulting in predictable pendulum strokes each and every time.

Installation is a Breeze

The weights are also super easy to install. Simply use the provided drill bit to open the end of the grip, slip in the desired weight and tighten it down with the allen wrench and tightening tool (also provided). The whole process takes less than a minute. And since the weights are so readily interchangeable, it's not much of an inconvenience to swap them out on the go if course conditions call for more or less weight. My only complaint is that I wish that the kit came with a solid black plug to put in the grip for when you aren't using any weight. If you have two or more putters that you like to rotate, it'd be nice to have a cover or plug to keep moisture and bugs out of the shafts of the clubs you aren't using.

All in all, the Pro Balance System delivers what it promises. For those looking to fine-tune their game, this is definitely a step in the right direction. For about forty dollars, you can pick up a single drop-in weight, or a set of three for seventy-five dollars. To find a shop that offers custom balance fitting near you, visit www.Balance-Certified.com.