Vibram enters the disc golf business!

[JConnell]

NORTH BROOKFIELD, Mass., Jul 10, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The Quabaug Corporation, the North American manufacturers of Vibram products, long known for their high-quality shoe soles and other rubber products, is proud to announce the Vibram Disc Golf Putter. Marking their entrance into the disc golf market, the Vibram Disc Golf Putter is another example of Quabaug's never-ending desire to bring their high-performance products into new markets.

The Vibram V.P. is their first ever golf disc. The V.P. is a stable to slightly overstable putter that can withstand the force needed for long approaches while maintaining a true flight path. Engineered using the new Vibram X-Link polymer, the V.P. fuses the properties of rubber and plastic to offer excellent grip and chain sticking ability without sacrificing shot precision.

Celebrating their new endeavor, Vibram is proud to sponsor The Vibram Open at Maple Hill on July 25-27 in Leicester, MA. The Vibram Open represents the largest disc golf tournament in New England and the first PDGA National Tour event in Massachusetts.

Whole release here (http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/quabaug-corporation-debuts-vibramr-disc/story.aspx?guid=%7B704D8D7D-2120-4345-8128-3FA77A9DA669%7D&dist=hppr)

[mobster]

Awesome. Always happy to see the sport expanding.

[Midnightbiker]

Is it going to be PDGA approved?

[JConnell]

Since they are sponsoring a PDGA national tour event I would have to assume it will be PDGA-approved. That would be a very bad move on their part if it wasn't.

[Godard]

Odd to make a putter their first disc. You would think they'd try a specialty disc or a long driver, something that experienced players would want to pick up. Their description sounds like a rhyno to me.

[Cyrus333]

Has anyone tried this putter out? I ask be ause I want to aquire a few.

[peppermack]

I have 32 VPs, had 8 summits and am a tester for the new ridge that is coming out. You should get one, they are the best overstable putters out there.

[chiggins]

I have a couple, I like 'em. It is beeeefy, more overstable than a new Wizard. You can anhyzer it on a moderately high line and it'll flex all the way back to hyzer.

I don't have any scientific data to back this up, but it sure seems to grab a hold of the chains well, even on some that cross to the weak-side, and I haven't had any horrible roll-aways where it hits the ground and picks up speed.

The material feels great to me and it's nearly indestructable. I can't say what happens to stability once it "breaks in" because, even though it's been out for plenty of rounds (and field sessions) it still looks and feels like it's almost new.

That said, the Wizards aren't going anywhere, they still glide better and finish straighter, but they make a good team. (That could change depending on how the Ridge flies though :) )

[Vegan Ray]

VP is a fantastic overstable putter.
Summit is a great flippy putter.
So far (I've only thrown it a dozen or so times indoors), Ridge is a superb straight, neutral putter.
Kudos to Vibram!

[Daddy-O]

I'm diggin my Summit so far. I would rather have a little more stability in a putter, but I just can't deal with the bead on the VP.

[BrotherDave]

What do these putters feel like?

[Daddy-O]

What do these putters feel like?

Pretty darn close to the rubber used in a Vibram shoe sole. Different from any other disc that I've felt. I haven't had mine for a long time, but they seem very durable.

[BrotherDave]

Pretty darn close to the rubber used in a Vibram shoe sole. Different from any other disc that I've felt. I haven't had mine for a long time, but they seem very durable.

No kidding, sounds like a must for rainy day putting.

[bikinjack]

BrotherDave, you and your putter fetish.

[sirflicksalot]

shoes to putters thats odd

[billnchristy]

I love my VP.

[StevenDodge]

Hi All,

Steve Dodge here. I am now a part of the DGCR forums under my Vibram Disc Golf moniker. I'll be checking out this thread a few times each week. If you have any questions or comments about Vibram in the disc golf world, feel free to post them here.

Throw 'em straight,

Steve Dodge

[billnchristy]

Welcome Steve. I think there are a couple other vibram threads on here as well.

[Daddy-O]

shoes to putters thats odd

No, it was shoes, then disc golf shoes (Bite w/ Vibram soles), then on to putters.

Makes perfect sense! :)

[Cyrus333]

Hi All,

Steve Dodge here. I am now a part of the DGCR forums under my Vibram Disc Golf moniker. I'll be checking out this thread a few times each week. If you have any questions or comments about Vibram in the disc golf world, feel free to post them here.

Throw 'em straight,

Steve Dodge

Hey Steve,
It is very difficult to find any of the putters locally. Are they sold in any stores at all?

[JMONEY]

i bought mine online and have never seen them in shops.

[Vegan Ray]

OMFG! I am tingling. I just received an unexpected package from Vibram containing a RUBBER VOMIT SUMMIT!!!!!!!!!!! (Actually they call it X-Link Soft Eco. It is orange with the same flecks as the brown rubber vomit VPs) I just have to get the f out of my office & throw.

Letter with it lets me know that dgdave & Peppermack should expect samples shortly (I assume they will also be Summits), as well.

SPLOOGE!!!!!!!!!

Note to y'all: CE Rocs, 41D VP, or anything you can possibly think of is on the block if either of you receive a Ridge in this rubber.

[zenbot]

OMFG! I am tingling. I just received an unexpected package from Vibram containing a RUBBER VOMIT SUMMIT!!!!!!!!!!! (Actually they call it X-Link Soft Eco. It is orange with the same flecks as the brown rubber vomit VPs) I just have to get the f out of my office & throw.

Letter with it lets me know that dgdave & Peppermack should expect samples shortly (I assume they will also be Summits), as well.

SPLOOGE!!!!!!!!!

Note to y'all: CE Rocs, 41D VP, or anything you can possibly think of is on the block if either of you receive a Ridge in this rubber.
What does a Summit do?

Why do they send you stuff? I signed up on their website to test their equipment but haven't heard anything.

[Vegan Ray]

Summit is XD-like low-profile, understable putter.

I have a long-time relationship with Steve Dodge (college roommates, business partners, friends for over 20 years, he taught me the game of disc golf [twice]) and I have been a staunch supporter of his events & of Vibram Disc Golf since their infancy. As such, I got onto the tester list very early. My very vocal love of the various Vibram rubber blends probably puts me on Vibram's radar when they decide to test out a new blend, especially a hypersoft, floppy, & grippy one.

Shoot Steve an email (dodges<at>vibram<dot>us) & see what's up with your tester status.

[zenbot]

Summit is XD-like low-profile, understable putter.

I have a long-time relationship with Steve Dodge (college roommates, business partners, friends for over 20 years, he taught me the game of disc golf [twice]) and I have been a staunch supporter of his events & of Vibram Disc Golf since their infancy. As such, I got onto the tester list very early. My very vocal love of the various Vibram rubber blends probably puts me on Vibram's radar when they decide to test out a new blend, especially a hypersoft, floppy, & grippy one.

Shoot Steve an email (dodges<at>vibram<dot>us) & see what's up with your tester status.
Will do. Thanks for the info.

[biscoe]

I have a long-time relationship with Steve Dodge

do your wives know?

good thing those vomit putters are too soft to break the windows in your ride...

[Vegan Ray]

good thing those vomit putters are too soft to break the windows in your ride...

:clap:

[Vegan Ray]

http://www.tripledisc.com/preview/msdgc/summit1.jpg
http://www.tripledisc.com/preview/msdgc/summit2.jpg
http://www.tripledisc.com/preview/msdgc/summit3.jpg

[biscoe]

thank goodness he didn't post the photos of what he did next...

[billnchristy]

That last picture explains everything.

[Vegan Ray]

I would need a lid (or at least a Zephyr) made of that material to facilitate any onanistic use.:D

[StevenDodge]

Hey Steve,
It is very difficult to find any of the putters locally. Are they sold in any stores at all?

http://www.vibramdiscgolf.com/resources.html

Here is a list of our Pinnacle retailers. They should have every Vibram disc that is on the market. (note: the Ridge is still in field testing and should be released in the Spring if all goes well.)

[StevenDodge]

thank goodness he didn't post the photos of what he did next...

I should not laugh out loud at work. Thank goodness I was not drinking orange juice when I read that.

[biscoe]

I would need a lid (or at least a Zephyr) made of that material to facilitate any onanistic use.:D

idk, you seem to have the thumb and forefinger grip down pretty well...

[StevenDodge]

Regarding the question as to why some folks got the pre proto X-Link Soft material, we sent them to a select few because we want to get some reactions from folks that can give us some quick good feedback as to if we should continue down this road of production. We're not even sure we can make these on a larger scale yet. If we go forward with 'em, testers may get some, but maybe not, as it is simply a new material and not a new disc.

I'd prefer that we keep my relationships out of this professional discussion. ;)

[zenbot]

Regarding the question as to why some folks got the pre proto X-Link Soft material, we sent them to a select few because we want to get some reactions from folks that can give us some quick good feedback as to if we should continue down this road of production. We're not even sure we can make these on a larger scale yet. If we go forward with 'em, testers may get some, but maybe not, as it is simply a new material and not a new disc.

I'd prefer that we keep my relationships out of this professional discussion. ;)
This is probably the wrong place for a professional discussion. ;)

[Frank Delicious]

This is probably the wrong place for a professional discussion. ;)

That's what DGR is for.

[Vegan Ray]

Damn, I feel like Rachel Uchitel, busted for running my big mouth about my liaisons with the biggest (disc) golf celebrity on the planet. On the upside, I should be hosting parties at PURE Nightclub in Vegas very soon…

[biscoe]

can i get on the guest list?

[StevenDodge]

So everyone is on the same pages, you can follow us on Twitter to stay in the loop as we roll things out: http://twitter.com/vibramdiscgolf

That way you won't have to entrust Ray to get your Vibram disc golf scoop.

You can follow us on Twitter to stay in the loop as we roll things out: http://twitter.com/vibramdiscgolf

[Vegan Ray]

That way you won't have to entrust Ray to get your Vibram disc golf scoop.
Good idea. I'm quite shifty.:cool:

[ejvogie]

Good idea. I'm quite shifty.:cool:

Oooh, I almost misread that last word. There is an 'F' in there folks :clap:

[ERicJ]

I should not laugh out loud at work. Thank goodness I was not drinking orange juice when I read that.
I had exactly the same reaction.

[dgdave]

Here's a video of how soft they are even in the snow

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFerUgpS_rw

[dgdave]

Here's a vid review of all 3 discs. Sorry for the bad camera angle and not being able to see the full flight.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYi57iatI7Q

[skottyb]

You need someone to help you shoot footage of the tests... can't really see much at all.

[dgdave]

Yeah, I know. Youtube compression doesn't help. You can see the flight much better on the original file. I will probably make another the next chance I get.

[peppermack]

All you really need to know is that Vibram discs rock....and you all need a VP:)

[NothinButChing]

like how floppy those putters are might have to try them out

[dgdave]

That plastic is in the prototype stage and may not be released. But there is talk that it will be ran, just a weeee bit firmer.

[Cyrus333]

I picked up two Summit and one V.P. Can't seem to find the "soft" anywhere online though, and that's the one I really want. Tomorrow I get to test them out.

[dgdave]

The regular is the softer x-link blend.

[StevenDodge]

I picked up two Summit and one V.P. Can't seem to find the "soft" anywhere online though, and that's the one I really want. Tomorrow I get to test them out.

The Softs are being tested in the lab and in production. Look for them late Spring early Summer. I tweeted about them last week I think: http://twitter.com/vibramdiscgolf

[Vegan Ray]

http://www.vibramdiscgolf.com/product-images/Discs/s008_sm.jpg http://www.vibramdiscgolf.com/product-images/Discs/s009_sm.jpg
http://www.vibramdiscgolf.com/product-images/Discs/s010_sm.jpg http://www.vibramdiscgolf.com/product-images/Discs/s012_sm.jpg

Gorgeous, gorgeous, and more gorgeous!

[zenbot]

Oh! Purdy.

[Vegan Ray]

Chunk VP, Summit, & Summit:
http://www.tripledisc.com/preview/msdgc/chunks.jpg

"Rubber Vomit" Ridge:

http://www.tripledisc.com/preview/msdgc/rvridge1.jpg
http://www.tripledisc.com/preview/msdgc/rvridge2.jpg
http://www.tripledisc.com/preview/msdgc/rvridge3.jpg
The "new" rubber vomit is quite a bit less soft & floppy than the pre-proto (Summit) version, but still extremely grippy & pliable.

[gkeberhart]

Was talking with Steve Dodge this weekend, and he let me feel some of the new marbazlized discs they are getting ready to release and they even feel better than the regular runs...plus they looks sweet. got my hands on two Firm Ridges that are marbalized. I also was able to get a sweet VP (best throwing putter IMO, Cubby aced a 300ft hole with it the day after I got it.) Steve also said that they are going to release the Soft discs in a few months. I am pumped, because the VP he switched out for me (first one I had wasn't trimmed up very well so he took it to show the QC guys) was pretty soft and grippy feeling more so than the normal x-link. Looks like they are going to make some strong pushes.

[zenbot]

"Rubber Vomit" Ridge:

http://www.tripledisc.com/preview/msdgc/rvridge2.jpg
http://www.tripledisc.com/preview/msdgc/rvridge3.jpg
The "new" rubber vomit is quite a bit less soft & floppy than the pre-proto (Summit) version, but still extremely grippy & pliable.

Grate some Monterey Jack cheese for a tasty after school snack.

[StevenDodge]

Was talking with Steve Dodge this weekend, and he let me feel some of the new marbazlized discs they are getting ready to release and they even feel better than the regular runs...plus they looks sweet. got my hands on two Firm Ridges that are marbalized. I also was able to get a sweet VP (best throwing putter IMO, Cubby aced a 300ft hole with it the day after I got it.) Steve also said that they are going to release the Soft discs in a few months. I am pumped, because the VP he switched out for me (first one I had wasn't trimmed up very well so he took it to show the QC guys) was pretty soft and grippy feeling more so than the normal x-link. Looks like they are going to make some strong pushes.

Thanks for returning that VP. We were able to show it to the folks on the floor and let them know it had been returned because it matters. It had an impression and served as a good reminder that their improved work is paying off.

[gkeberhart]

Thanks for returning that VP. We were able to show it to the folks on the floor and let them know it had been returned because it matters. It had an impression and served as a good reminder that their improved work is paying off.

no problem, I was just looking for an easy solution to the problem and you put a brand new disc in my hand, I walked away with a new putter when all I was looking for was the proper way to clean the over mold off. thanks again