Blast, Arccos Putting, or SAM? I wanted data I would actually use.

I wanted data I would actually use. Blast versus Arccos Putting versus SAM PuttLab — I compared the one that survives a month, not a demo day.

Putting accounts for roughly 40 percent of strokes in a typical round, yet it’s the part most golfers practice least systematically. Three widely used tools: Blast Motion, Arccos Putting, and SAM PuttLab.

Blast Motion: Small sensor attaches to putter grip, communicates with smartphone app. Captures stroke mechanics: tempo, backstroke-to-downstroke ratio, impact angle, rotation. Real-time feedback after each stroke. Also works for full swing. Price: ~$130 sensor + ~$99/year subscription.

Arccos Putting: Shot-tracking system with sensors in all club grips. Records every shot automatically using GPS. Provides performance-based data (outcomes) rather than mechanics — putts taken from different distances, make percentage by range, strokes gained. Price: ~$230 full set + ~$99/year after first year.

SAM PuttLab: Studio/fitting center tool using ultrasonic sensors to capture 28 putting parameters. Face angle at impact, swing path, impact point on face, tempo. Used by teaching professionals. Per-session at facility: $75-150.

Blast Motion is best for practice-oriented golfers wanting real-time mechanical feedback — most practical for regular solo practice. Arccos Putting best for golfers wanting complete on-course performance picture and stat-based guidance. SAM PuttLab best as periodic professional diagnostic with a teaching professional.

There’s a reasonable case for using all three — Arccos identifies the problem, Blast Motion helps diagnose and improve the mechanics, SAM gives the deepest diagnostic when working with an instructor.