I had an “express” (ha ha) intro to AimPoint Express and then read up on it - just that basic knowledge has really helped me on the greens!
Based on Jon’s article (he linked to above) I’ve scheduled a clinic with the same instructor mentioned … definitely looking forward to getting all the in-depth info!!
I got a 12” one from Home Depot. Don’t need a big one.
BRB…devouring this article.
I picked one up from Amazon that was 4inches. Just make sure it has percent slope. I bought the DVD off amazon as well. I found that once you start to feel the percent slope correctly then you just have to get the speed right.
Works especially well on courses smooth slopes no matter the steepness. A little less well on flat subtle breaking greens, but still great.
My putting has improved immensely because of it.
Using it for about 2 years now.
thanks for the feedback!
You can get digital levels as apps on your smartphone, one is even made specifically for golf. Break meter. It’s awesome!
When in doubt I spread my feet and throw some fingers Up!
I broke down and spent the $50 for the AimPoint express program and another $25 for the percentage slope level. Looking forward to trying this out. The technology seems very sound. I made a list of the highlight for quick reference. I feel like they’re the most critical part of the program and whilst learning, instead of stopping pulling out the video and figuring out what I need to do, it’s right there in my yardage book for ease. Update to come after a few weeks of training.
Awesome, interested to see what you think. Like I said I’ve been using it for years and never looked back.
So first use update of AimPoint express. I took the crash course and best guessed my calibration as I’m still waiting for my percentage slope level to calibrate well. I know it will take a lot of work but yesterday I had no three putts. I did only have one 1 putt. Now the greens were really slow (8 or less, they just over seeded). With that said I was pretty close on most of my lines and only missed two putts low. I think I over did the slope and of course I have a lot to learn but I can see how this is going to be life saving.
How much effort did it take you to learn to feel the slope with your feet? I really struggle with this, which has made it difficult for me to use Aimpoint. At this point I’m an old school plumb bobber.
Took only one session for me. I think the bulk of it is identifying a 1 or 2 slope which I don’t think I’ve had too much trouble doing over the years. You don’t have to get it perfect, you just want to be close and trust it.
That being said, I have heard of a lot of golfers who do struggle feeling the slopes, and perhaps it might not be the best system for them if they are spending too much time before putts doubting whether or not they’ve gotten the slope correct.
My buddy says I need to get a level and train myself. I do pretty well with plumb bobbing getting close but I still feel like I could be a better greens reader.
I’d highly recommend getting the level. I really think a few sessions on the green with the level testing yourself on slopes will pay some big dividends down the road.
The beauty of the AimPoint system is you don’t ever have to read a green again. It takes all of the guessing away and honestly takes a lot of pressure off of your putting. You don’t have to stand behind the ball thinking did I read this right. What speed did I read for this break. You just feel it and hit the speed for the day. It’s liken magic.
I’m another Aimpoint user, and I believe its a great way to go for many players. Yes, you really should get the level to calibrate yourself. If possible, you should take an in-person class. As @jon says, some people struggle to feel the slope, a good Aimpoint instructor can help you figure out a method that works for you. My personal method is to stop at a spot, close my eyes, and rock left and right just slightly. I’ll feel like its easy to “fall” one way or another, and I’ll have that read in a second or two.
Aimpoint is really good because you’re only evaluating the piece of the green between you and the hole. The slopes beyond the hole, the edges of the green, the horizon in the background, you see them all, and its really hard to eliminate their influence in how you read a putt visually. Aimpoint eliminates all that visual clutter. Plumb-bobbing can provide a reference for a vertical line, but you’re still seeing all of that background.
Well said! When you’re predominantly using your eyes, as you said, a lot of extraneous information can enter the equation that really won’t help you determine the break.
I can’t tell you how many times my feet (gravity) told me one thing, and my eyes were seeing another. Gravity usually wins the debate!
What you just said here makes the most sense. I’m on the AimPoint train and I’m going to try and convince others to get onboard.
Gravity - it’s the law.
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But on a serious note - I have an AimPoint clinic scheduled for later this week … will come back here and update with my impressions and experience.
great! Excited to hear what you think