Golf equipment enthusiasts are likely familiar with TPT Golf, a Swiss-based company that specializes in composite materials, specifically golf shafts.
TPT Golf is established as one the innovation leader in the axle industry. Their wood shafts have been played by prestigious names, including Jason Day, and the company boasts four major champions since its inception in 2016.
The company’s recent achievements include being an exclusive rubber shaft option for LAB Golf putters, one of the most recognized names in the golf market. Building on this success, TPT Golf is changing its approach to give consumers direct access to their driving shafts, leading to the creation of TPT Pulsating shaft.
Why the TPT pulse axis?
Success speaks for itself. TPT was a hot commodity with LAB golf merchandise and what better way to build on that success than by making a TPT shaft available at retail?
But what makes TPT Pulse unique? For starters, it is created through TPTs automated production process without human error. It’s 100 percent precision-built graphite to ensure feel and repeatability are present throughout. The highlight in the creation is the precision four-layer construction. This enables premium repeatability, goal no. 1 of the TPT pulse axis.
Three shaft models, three distinct sensations
The key technology of the TPT Pulse is its four-layer Precision construction. TPT claims this construction “provides identical power transfer, stability and durability in every shot,” allowing for three distinct shaft designs:
- Pulse 50 bpm
- Pulse 60 bpm
- Pulse 70 bpm
Although each shaft is structurally identical, each offers a very different flex and feel. The only way to really understand the changes is through testing, which is the fun part.
So enough chatter and let’s talk TPT pulse shafts.
TPT Pulser Shaft Testing
By leveraging the capabilities of PuttView, we now have multiple testing options. I decided that the most effective approach to evaluating three different visible axes was a direct head-to-head comparison, which is exactly what I undertook.
To maintain consistency, TPT provided each spindle pre-installed in identical heads. I put each shaft through our established Most Demanding Shooting Protocol to determine their relative performance.
Here are the results.
| Firing shaft | PV HCP | Short PV | Secondary PV | Long PV | make % | Ms. Average (in) | Spd Dev | Dear Giant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pulse TPT 70 bpm | -9.1 | -9.9 | -2.0 | -14.6 | 53.1 | 15.1 | -0.471 | 0.39 |
| TPT pulse 60 bpm | -7.2 | -8.3 | -3.0 | -9.4 | 50.0 | 17.0 | -0.315 | 0.55 |
| Pulse TPT 50 bpm | 2.4 | 13.3 | -12.6 | -4.5 | 37.5 | 18.6 | -0.377 | 0.47 |
Pulse TPT 50 bpm
TPT pulse 50 bpm is “soft and flowing” model according to TPT. It is the lightest option of the three models.
However, I have to admit, it was my least favorite of the three models. I’m a competent shooter and the performance at 50 bpm was atrocious. My speed and distance control were erratic and my putts tended to be long. My control on shorter shots was terrible.
Our most demanding putt protocol involves taking 32 putts from four, eight, 12 and 20 feet. From there, it is scored using a PuttView Handicap. The more negative the number, the better. A positive number is not ideal.
At 50 bpm, I had a PuttView handicap of 2.4, very poor by my standards. This was mostly influenced by my performance from the four and eight feet.
TPT pulse 60 bpm
This model is the “balanced” option. It offers more smoothness and precisionboth of which were immediately noticeable when I went through the protocol according to the 50 bpm pattern.
I felt more comfortable using this shaft option. My speed control was the most obvious improvement, leading to better results overall. My winning percentage increased and my proximity to the hole improved.
With Pulse 60 bpm, my PuttView handicap jumped to -7.2 over 50 bpm. This was helped by better performances in short and long throws.
Pulse TPT 70 bpm
TPT Pulse 70 bpm, the strongest option, offers instant feedback and exceptional stability– to call it simply “strong” is an understatement.
This model was by far my best performer. My putting stroke is characterized by relatively quiet hands, which perfectly matches the design of the Pulse 70 bpm, as described by TPT.
With a Heart Rate of 70 bpm, I achieved a PuttView Handicap of -9.1. Long shots lead the way with a PuttView Handicap of -14.6 and I ended up with an overall winning percentage of 53 percent.
Consequently, my PuttView metrics improved, getting closer to my typical, expected numbers. The 70 bpm pulse instilled confidence and offered better speed control. This overall increase in consistency, which I consider the most critical element in deployment, resulted in reliable results.
Which TPT Pulse Shaft is Right for You?
Choosing the right golf equipment, including a golf shaft, is a very personal decision with no single “correct” answer. Every golfer has unique needs and preferences regarding performance characteristics and a one-size-fits-all approach simply does not work.
Based on testing, I found the Pulse 60bpm and Pulse 70bpm shafts to perform well and feel comfortable. However, the slightly better feel and performance of 70bpm would be my personal choice.
Here’s a simple guide to choosing the TPT Pulse Putter shaft that might be right for you:
- Pulse 50 bpm: Consider this if you often struggle with distance control and need more “pop” to get the ball into the hole.
- Pulse 60 bpm or 70 bpm: These are good options if you prioritize greater stability, a firmer feel, and already have reliable speed control.
