Overview
Clovis “Duke” Duclos created Slotline Golf in 1972. Frustrated with his putting and looking to improve his short game, Duclos created a putter with a higher moment of inertia, which he believed to be pivotal in putting the ball more firmly and consistently. In 2009, Slotline launched a new line of putters.
Moment of Inertia
Slotline Golf was the first company to emphasize the importance of moment of inertia, or MOI. According to Slotlinegolf.com, MOI defines the ability of an object to resist changing direction. Duclos combined a lighter shaft with a heavier club head to create a greater MOI. Duclos also created the heavier club head by concentrating the weight on the heel and toe of the club face, creating a more accurate putter, according to Slotline.com.
2009 Putters
Technological advances have improved the quality of the Slotline putter. Slotline weights its putters with tungsten, which allows for a significantly greater MOI than the original lead. The body of the club contains 100 percent CNC-milled 6061 aluminum, forged 6061 aluminum or cast 431 stainless steel depending on the series of putter. These materials allow for a better feel than those of the original aluminum bodies.
Benefits
According to Slotline.com, “Average golfers consistently miss the sweet-spot of the putter; a putt struck 3/4″ on the heel or toe side of center will fall right (toe contact) or left (heel contact) of the target line and stop well short of tap-in range.” Therefore, the company designs its putters to help the golfer hit the sweet spot more consistently for more accurate putts. The emphasis on weighting in the heel and toe of the club head allows for a solid, more accurate stroke.
Awards
While Slotline’s popularity waned after its early success, its revamped putters released in 2009 garnered notice. PutterZone.com ranked Slotline’s SS-385 as one of its 2009 Best Buy Putters, noting the putter “went the extra mile.” MyGolfSpy.com reviewed the SS-691, 692 and 693 versions and gave the putters an overall score of 91 out of 100. “Golfing Magazine” awarded its Player’s Choice Award to the SL-584F Center Stroke Mallet in the best value category for mid-mallets.
How Slotline Helps
Duke created an alignment aid that utilizes a slot, on the back edge of the top line, and a line, beneath the slot. If the line is completely visible when you’re standing over the ball, then your eyes are positioned correctly over the ball. This creates a better chance for a solid putt, increasing your chances of making the putt. The combination of slot and line created the name Slotline Golf.
