Tiger and metal spikes?

[heronsghyll]

I heard on the BBC coverage over the weekend a comment by - I think - Peter Aliss that Tiger always wears metal spikes. He never wears soft spikes.

Did anyone else hear this and can anyone explain to me why? I have being using soft spikes for years now - the spider variety - which I find give much better grip and stability. Why would anyone choose to wear metal spikes these days especially the world number one?

Any comments?

 

[KeefG]

Personal preference maybe?

 

[Pedro_Wedgitos]

well I'm currently wearing champ pro stinger spike cleats (cleats with a metal spike in the middle) I find on soft ground they grip better especially climbing up and down hills.

I would guess Tiger with old knee issues would want to make sure he doesn't slip.

 

[freddielong]

I only use metal spikes I find they give me much better grip and dont clog up like cleats I think you will find that most of the pros use metal spikes again

 

[bobmac]

I only use metal spikes I find they give me much better grip and dont clog up like cleats I think you will find that most of the pros use metal spikes again

I hope you carry a spare set of soft spikes as well as some courses insist on them.

 

[freddielong]

yes I have a spare pair of shoes that I keep cleats in but find them hard to use

 

[heronsghyll]

I only use metal spikes I find they give me much better grip and dont clog up like cleats I think you will find that most of the pros use metal spikes again

Wow, that's very interesting, thanks for the information, I had no idea.

 

[Dodger]

How hard is it to use a pair of shoes with cleats in like? It's not like they are high heels FFS!

 

[KeefG]

How hard is it to use a pair of shoes with cleats in like? It's not like they are high heels FFS!

I was just about to post the exact same thing!!! lol

 

[freddielong]

I find my left foot slips out as i force my weight through with metal spikes its easier to hit into your left side

 

[medwayjon]

I cant see the advantage of metal spikes and the weight transfer argument is pony.

I am the thick end of 20st and those that have seen my swing will know that it is a fast and powerful thing with a lot of weight transfer.

I dont have trouble with cleats and I would be very likely to compared to most based on the above.

 

[Macster]

I use Metal - absolutely detest Soft Spikes, always clogging up and dont give anything like the same grip.

Luckily, my course allows it.

 

[Smiffy]

My Black AQL's are fitted with the pro stinger metal spikes as I prefer the feeling of security these give me on slippery grass at this time of the year.
But I always carry my other pair of shoes with me fitted with soft spikes just in case anybody hears me clattering up the path to the first and comes out to complain.

 

[OldWindy]

It's a matter of preference for Tiger but if I didn't know better he might wear spikes and conveniently forget to tap the marks down around the hole on occasion...hmmm.

 

[Pedro_Wedgitos]

How hard is it to use a pair of shoes with cleats in like? It's not like they are high heels FFS!

I was just about to post the exact same thing!!! lol

well I find they clog badly but it may be the extra traction I get from gravity.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I use the pro stinger in a couple of pairs of my shoes for the winter. I'm pretty sure most pros still use spikes as there isn't the same restrictions on needing soft spikes for tournament play.

I have to say on balance I'd prefer to keep spikes in all year but recognise that many courses would suffer with damage given the traffic on the greens. I've used softspikes for years and like MWJ my swing is a blur with a lot of movement and weight and I can stay balanced in cleats.

 

[HartleyHare]

I use spikes when they're allowed and bring spares just in case.
the cleats are great and I don't have any problem with their grip it's just that they do get clogged up very quickly and are not easy to clear when they are clogged.

 

[Herbie]

This is not strictly true as I am sure Tiger wore plastics in the early days of them comming out but slipped a few times at St andrews and went back to spikes.

I myself prefer spikes but get on equally well with the plastic stuff now.

 

[Cernunnos]

Not used metal spikes, yet at any stage, though if more clubs allowed metal spikes I would use them.

I like Stinger spikes, though not tried the pro version with the little metal spike. The soft spike branded soft spikes do clog up the worst & wear out quicker than standard stinger spikes.

 

[viscount17]

pro-stinger in winter, stinger in summer - I think they count as soft-spikes as no metal?
the new AQL's have the standard rubbish soft-spikes that clog up walking up the first and last about two days before the 'fingers' start to tear off. they will be retro-fitted with stingers.