120 replies to this topic

[Allen Robertson]

Just curious as I'm running through soft spikes like crazy since i play 4 days a week and wanted to try out some metals for better traction and longevity. I also played baseball through college and love that sound and feel... so who wears metal still and where do you play most often?

[jldavis73]

You're going to have difficulty finding a course that will allow you to play in metal spikes...

[mozgolf]

+1 I also thought it would be tough to find courses that permitted spikes. I havent used them for something near 20 years. I dont miss them. I used to play plenty of courses without fairway watering- like concrete in summer and those old spikes felt like they went more into the sole of your foot than the ground after 18 holes.

[BNich0622]

I believe they are no longer allowed in the state of CT

[pga43]

CNergaard, on 07 March 2011 - 03:40 AM, said:

Just curious as I'm running through soft spikes like crazy since i play 4 days a week and wanted to try out some metals for better traction and longevity. I also played baseball through college and love that sound and feel... so who wears metal still and where do you play most often?

Try not to walk on concrete/asphalt cart paths very often.  Don't leave your shoes in the trunk of your car (hot and cold temps are not good on plastic spikes).  Have at least two or three pairs of shoes to alternate wearing (also good for the shoes as they will get a chance to dry out).  Try a different brand of spike.  Not saying you do this but people who shuffle their feet when they walk will wearing out their spikes and shoes quicker as well.


Greg

[brentk14]

Two of the local courses I play allow metal during the winter. Up until this current winter, I would wear the Champ Stinger Pros in a pair of Nike SP-8's. Loved them because they had fantastic traction in the wet slop. But this last year I got a the new Black Widow Tours, and they are almost as good, and I don't have to worry about slipping on concrete steps as much. And I can wear them inside the clubhouse.

[Jimmy Mac]

Yeah, you won't find many places encouraging metal spikes anymore. It's amazing how much damage those things did to course facilities. I play at a course with old wooden steps that are all chewed up from the metal spikes back in the day.

I don't know that metal gave all that much more grip than some of the aggressive soled shoes on the market now.

And I really don't miss feeling like I'm on ice skates every time I hit the tile floors in the locker rooms.

[BkgolferNH]

Not allowed at any clubs near my house. I have a friend who plays like 2 rounds a year (shoots about 130 every time out) who uses metal spikes that were given to him.

[Noonan]

Where I live and play, there aren't any clubs that allow metal spikes.  The only club I know of that still allows them is Champions Golf Club in Houston.

[andrewchrisitan]

I don't think there is a course today that will let you use metal spikes, with the technology in soft spikes there is really no reason to anymore.

[LagunaLove]

I don't know if it still like this, but when I worked at Spyglass (2007) they allowed people to use metal spikes.  By no means was it encourage, but I had several people walk into the shop with metal spikes on and at first I asked the Head Professional and he said they were allowed, I was shocked to be honest.

[nando]

How many pros use metal spikes?

[golfbum9]

I haven't for years. Nowadays I wear spikeless shoes for the most part with only my "dress shoes" and Bandons having cleates.

With that said, I sure do miss the sound of metal spikes....

[DH48]

nando, on 08 March 2011 - 12:00 PM, said:

How many pros use metal spikes?

Based on looking at Pro's feet at the Masters for a couple years and as a marshall at another tour stop for two years I would say 15% or less.  Most regularly play on courses that don't allow it and they don't want to feel different.

Our superintendant said it goes beyond the damage you see on greens.  Metal spikes pick up weed seeds from the rough and fairway and other courses and act as a seed drill planting them on greens.  Even seeds that are on the greens from wind and such get pushed in and planted and are difficult to contain.

[Allen Robertson]

nando, on 08 March 2011 - 12:00 PM, said:

How many pros use metal spikes?

I'm not sure a percentage, but in the only two groups i followed at the Farmers (Tigers group, phils group) Tiger had metals in, and Fowler had metal spikes in as well.. thought that was interesting... Anybody recommend a solid softspike? The ones that came stock on my cell fusions had great grip, but didnt last very long

[TriBrand]

I know some pro's wear a hybrid cleat, which consists of a metal rod in the middle of a soft spike.  The only region I know that still allows metal spikes like these is the UK.  Courses in SoCal just won't allow it.

[SnapFade2]

this is a great topic, because most if not all golf courses don't allow them. the main reason is that they do most damage to the club house, or where every they are worn. the golf course its self dose not take any damage, and most people know that soft spikes do as much damage to the greens as do metal spikes.  i got into a really good argument with a a****** of a member at my last course and tried to explain to him the difference but he was so stubborn and all he knew was that soft spikes left no marks on a course. i would prefer metal over soft but i work and play on a resort course and i would catch hell. i have worked as a greens keeper for most of my life so i have seen the difference between them.

[golfinguy978]

i worked in the bobe hope for the last 2 yrs and all i heard was metal...talked to one pro in my group and said that he was slipping on avg 2 times per round and switching wasn't worth it...this was 2 yrs ago so he may have switched but i was suprised to see that much metal...champ pro stinger spikes for all of them

[justaman5]

Champ makes a hybrid type that has a metal tip, but then has the soft spike around it. I wear them in the winter time, or basically from the areation of greens in the fall, till areation of greens in the spring.

I only wear them on one pair of Nike's that I own, when its wet, and muddy for the added grip.

AND if you say that soft spikes and metal spikes grip the same. Then you never have teed up a balata golf ball, with a persimmon driver and had the pleasure of hearing that special clack that the spikes made as you walked down the cart path. There is quite a bit of difference in grip on a wet muddy course, vs a dry hard pan course.  

I asked the pro, and the greens committee at my club first. I don't wear them in the clubhouse. I put them on in the parking lot when I am ready to go to the first tee.

Beside the "OLD MEN" at my club, then basically I am the only one that has ever played with metal spikes. I have played golf or played at golf at least weekly for the last 27 years or so. SO I know how to pick up my feet when I walk.

A lot of the men members around my age,that belong to my club, came to golf fairly late in life.

I won't wear them after the spring areation, even if the ground is muddy. As I respect, the other members of our club. If you play in the months of Dec, Jan, and Feb, a good part of March in Kentucky, then you wont see many people out there.

I will be 51 years old this summer, and even though its been great for clubs, carpets hardwood floors, steps. I still lament the fact that metal spikes have gone by the accepted wayside.

I voted yes in this poll, so guess that makes me the Lone Ranger

edit: lament instead of laminate

Edited by justaman5, 10 March 2011 - 12:02 PM.

[brentk14]

CNergaard, on 08 March 2011 - 06:23 PM, said:

nando, on 08 March 2011 - 12:00 PM, said:

How many pros use metal spikes?

I'm not sure a percentage, but in the only two groups i followed at the Farmers (Tigers group, phils group) Tiger had metals in, and Fowler had metal spikes in as well.. thought that was interesting... Anybody recommend a solid softspike? The ones that came stock on my cell fusions had great grip, but didnt last very long

That surprises me that Fowler would use metal, since Puma has some crazy spikes already on their shoes. Crazy kids.

[Buddyjay]

This topic has been debated many times on this forum. I would wear metal spikes if allowed. I wore them back in the '70's, 80's and now wear soft spikes.
Soft spikes wear out too fast and they get clogged anytime the grass is wet. I have injured my back a few times slipping with clogged soft spike. And they are like walking on ice when going down wooden steps.

I do agree that they tore up golf cart floors and clubhouses but they had much better gripping power since they didn't clog like soft spikes. Plus the cost of replacement spikes is ridiculous.

Here's an ironic example. Soft spikes have much more aggressive gripping power than "nub" type shoes like Ecco Street Premiers and True Linkswear. Yet I have never slipped with my Eccos. Reason being is that they don't clog up like soft spikes. So even when wet, the nub type hold better than soft spikes (if the soft spikes are clogged). And there is no spikes to constantly replace. It's getting to the point that I may only wear nub style shoes.

[nickdanger]

Buddyjay, on 11 March 2011 - 06:32 AM, said:

Here's an ironic example. Soft spikes have much more aggressive gripping power than "nub" type shoes like Ecco Street Premiers and True Linkswear. Yet I have never slipped with my Eccos. Reason being is that they don't clog up like soft spikes. So even when wet, the nub type hold better than soft spikes (if the soft spikes are clogged). And there is no spikes to constantly replace. It's getting to the point that I may only wear nub style shoes.

I'm with Buddy on this.  I've been going the direction of the nub type shoe myself.  I was really suprised at the grip provided by the Street Premiers.  I play in the Pacific NW and the grass is usually wet in the mornings.  Absolutely no slip issues.  One thing I have found with soft spikes is if that golf shoes with 11 spikes per shoe and a flat sole like the Ecco World Class have way better grip than the shoes with 7 spikes and all of the ridges, grooves and bumps on the soles.  More spikes and they don't get nearly as clogged up.

[golfbum9]

Buddyjay, on 11 March 2011 - 06:32 AM, said:

This topic has been debated many times on this forum. I would wear metal spikes if allowed. I wore them back in the '70's, 80's and now wear soft spikes.
Soft spikes wear out too fast and they get clogged anytime the grass is wet. I have injured my back a few times slipping with clogged soft spike. And they are like walking on ice when going down wooden steps.

I do agree that they tore up golf cart floors and clubhouses but they had much better gripping power since they didn't clog like soft spikes. Plus the cost of replacement spikes is ridiculous.

Here's an ironic example. Soft spikes have much more aggressive gripping power than "nub" type shoes like Ecco Street Premiers and True Linkswear. Yet I have never slipped with my Eccos. Reason being is that they don't clog up like soft spikes. So even when wet, the nub type hold better than soft spikes (if the soft spikes are clogged). And there is no spikes to constantly replace. It's getting to the point that I may only wear nub style shoes.

I've come to the same conclusion. Although rather than Ecco's, mine are Etonic G-Sok's.
The True Linksear have my attention and likely my next pair this season.

Edited by golfbum9, 11 March 2011 - 06:53 PM.

[JOHN GOLIA]

Shame on you if you use metal spikes.

I do miss them BUT no need anymore.

[Buddyjay]

nickdanger, on 11 March 2011 - 11:22 AM, said:

Buddyjay, on 11 March 2011 - 06:32 AM, said:

Here's an ironic example. Soft spikes have much more aggressive gripping power than "nub" type shoes like Ecco Street Premiers and True Linkswear. Yet I have never slipped with my Eccos. Reason being is that they don't clog up like soft spikes. So even when wet, the nub type hold better than soft spikes (if the soft spikes are clogged). And there is no spikes to constantly replace. It's getting to the point that I may only wear nub style shoes.

I'm with Buddy on this.  I've been going the direction of the nub type shoe myself.  I was really suprised at the grip provided by the Street Premiers.  I play in the Pacific NW and the grass is usually wet in the mornings.  Absolutely no slip issues.  One thing I have found with soft spikes is if that golf shoes with 11 spikes per shoe and a flat sole like the Ecco World Class have way better grip than the shoes with 7 spikes and all of the ridges, grooves and bumps on the soles.  More spikes and they don't get nearly as clogged up.

Another example like I made above. Thursday we had 24 hours of heavy rain.  A lot of courses in my area, were closed. I did find one course open and played there. The fairways were very wet where it was flat. Not ONCE did I slip with the Ecco Streets. And not once did they clog up at all. I have a pretty hard swing and they held with no problem. Even on the tee box they didn't slip at all.

[Man In The Miura]

I have the option of wearing metal spikes at my home course from mid-October through mid-April.  I did so last year, but not this year.  I think the soles of golf shoes have changed, and when you put metal spikes in them, one really feels the pressure points.  I really like the traction of metal (Stinger Pro) but my feet were killing me.

[J.P.]

I haven't found any courses in the TN/KY area that allows metal spikes, regardless of season.  Then again, I can't afford to play super nice courses, so that might be why.

[sooner66]

I've had some older greenskeepers tell me that soft spikes bring more disease and weeds on greens and the metal spikes actually provided mini aeration basically, which would help keep the greens in good shape.  Theyt did say that the con of people tearing stuff up outweighed the pros.

Edited by sooner66, 14 March 2011 - 05:38 PM.

[eddieM]

Crazy how metal was the only way and now its definitely a thing of the past.

[labillyboy]

I keep a pair of shoes with metals on them and use them any time I find a course that does not specifically prohibit them.  Last survey I saw for the tour, it was almost 50% still wearing steel spikes.  I gave up on trying to convince anyone that industry created conventional knowledge is way off on softspikes.  The industry saves a lot of money in reduced facility maintenance with softspikes and have sold the lie.  I LOVE wearing steel spikes... hate playing golf in sneakers, which is what most of today's golf shoes look and feel like.  Footjoy Classics with goofy looking softspikes hanging off them make me sick... that smooth leather sole with 11 pin sharp spikes still just looks good to me.... and does not leave big dents in the green.  Give superior traction and supports better footwork, and you don't ever slip when it's wet or on hard pan.  And worst of all, I just miss that sound of steel spikes on cement at dawn.