MOI Pioneer Back in the Game - New Owner, New Putters, New Website

Slotline, the brand, is back with a whole line of putters and a spanking new website.
In the 1980s, Slotline was a company known for using multi-metals and heel-toe weighting systems in putter design to achieve a high moment of inertia (MOI).  In fact, they were also the first company to tout the importance of MOI.

A McDonnell-Douglas, aerospace engineer named Clovis “Duke” Duclos started the company in 1972.  Because he was frustrated with his putting, he came up with an alignment aid that utilized a SLOT (located on the back edge of the top-line) and LINE (located directly beneath the SLOT).  If the LINE was completely visible in the SLOT, then your eyes were positioned correctly over the ball and you had a better chance of making the putt.  If the LINE wasn’t completely visible in the SLOT, then you weren’t in the proper position.  Thus, SLOTLINE was born.

The incorporation of aluminum (one of the lightest metals) and lead (one of the heaviest metals) were key to being able to dramatically improve MOI readings in the original Inertial series putters.  Slotline strategically placed lead in the heel and toe areas to concentrate the weight on the outer edges.  They balanced things off with aluminum to significantly reduce the weight of the putter body.  Using light and heavy material in this manner created the most accurate putters available at that time.

Many golfers from decades ago still think fondly of their Slotline putter.  Those taking up golf in this millennium most likely are unfamiliar with the company since the original Inertial putter has been off the market for over seven years. Slotline was purchased by Dynamic Brands, the parent company for the Bag Boy® Company, the Baby Jogger^TM Company, and AMF® Golf, in 2007.   The brand was re-launched in 2008 and has just unveiled their revamped website.

Staying true to their roots, Slotline still designs putters with an emphasis on MOI.  One of the main changes is that the company has significantly upgraded the materials and the manufacturing processes while striving to bring the consumer, some of the most accurate and consistent putters available on the market today.

Yesterday and Today: Slotline has replaced the aluminum die-cast bodies of yesterday with either 100% CNC milled 6061 aluminum (found in the 700 Series), or Forged 6061 aluminum (found in the 500 Series) or cast 431 Stainless Steel (found in the 300 Series).  Rather than using lead for weighting, Tungsten, which is even heavier than lead, is now used.

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What is MOI (Moment of Inertia)?
MOI by definition is the ability of an object to resist changing direction.  This is important in ALL golf clubs, including putters, especially on shots that are miss-hit either on the heel or toe of the club.  The higher the MOI the less the club will twist on off-center contact, resulting in a straighter more accurate shot.
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Dynamic Brands reintroduced the Slotline brand with 14 new designs featuring the signature SLOT and LINE alignment aid as well as an emphasis on high MOI properties. With three separate models (SL-700, SL-500, SS-300), Slotline offers a wide variety of putters, in prices ranging from $100-$200, to suit the unique preferences of today’s golfers.

All three models of putters share common characteristics:

• SLOT and LINE alignment system guarantees proper position on every stroke
• Tri-milled face reduces contact surface area providing true loft and flat face, getting the ball rolling faster to keep your putts on line
• Proprietary mid-size Winn Grip that absorbs vibration while still enabling feel
• “Radiused” edges to ensure a smooth stroke and provide soft flowing lines at address
• Tri-milled faces were designed to reduce the surface area that contacts the ball, and are engineered to produce a solid, crisp feel at impact.

• Loft 3°, Lie 71°, 340g head weight
• Available in 33″, 34″, and 35″ lengths

The SL-500 Series ($159.95)
The SL-500 Series uses the original Slotline Inertial Putter design with updated materials and technology. There are four putters in this series, with weight plugs ranging from 132 grams to 206 grams.
> Forged first and milled to final shape from 6061 aircraft grade aluminum
> Aluminum body provides soft feel at impact
> Hosels are forged and milled separately to provide strength and consistency
> Anodized black finish reduces glare and keeps the putter looking like new

The SL-300 Series ($99.95)
The SL-300 Series features updated classic profiles. The putters are made from cast 431 stainless steel, with each utilizing 30 grams of tungsten weighting.

• Cast from 431 stainless steel
• Tungsten weights significantly increase MOI
• Black-chrome finish provides non-glare surface at address

The SL-700 Series ($199.95)
The “premiere collection” of the Slotline series, the SL-700 putters are CNC-milled from 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum, and all use tungsten to reposition weight and target higher MOI.

• 100% CNC milled 6061 aircraft grade aluminum for incredibly solid feel and uncompromised quality and consistency
• Aluminum body provides soft feel at impact
• Tungsten weights significantly increase MOI
• Anodized black finish reduces glare and keeps your putter looking like new
• Models include Super Moment, Mallet, Stealth, and Raider

Website launched:
The redesigned website has many helpful features, including a whole section that talks about how precision weighting and design makes for consistent accuracy.  You’ll also get a better understanding of why Slotline believes they have come up with a unique approach to helping golfers make more putts.

Register to win!
To celebrate the launch of the new site, visitors can register to win one of three customized, tour exclusive Slotline putters from May 1, 2009 - May 31, 2009.  The winners will be able to choose from four tour exclusive heads (SS-381T, SS-384T, SS-385T and SS-386T), four proprietary Winn grip designs and five lengths from 32 inches - 36 inches.  Winners will be chosen on June 1st and announced on the web site.  For more information and a chance to win, register at www.slotlinegolf.com.

Conclusion:
The timing is definitely right for Slotline to get back into the game, so to speak.  It is clear that Dynamic Brands is throwing some marketing clout behind this line, finding Slotline putters to try out shouldn’t be too difficult.  Anyone carrying Bag Boy products will most likely carry the Slotline family of putters.

The fact that Slotline has budget priced putters (the 300 series at $99) is quite favorable too.  You may be able to step up without making too much of a dent in your wallet.

So if you are in the market for a putter, I highly recommend that you don’t pull the trigger on your purchase until you try the grand daddy of all MOI putters - Slotline.

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More information about Slotline, call 800.955.2269 or visit www.slotlinegolf.com.

4 out of 5 stars