Home Baskets

[Michael-Tuohy]

What do people think about having a personal basket?
Do people end up really using them much? Or do yo put like crazy for 2 months and then let it rust? Seemed like there was a real need for the community to have good baskets at the ready for the last tournament.
I'm not getting anything anytime soon, but have been looking.

1. In-Step basket on e-bay. $80-100. Sick low price. Reviews say it's a little light duty, but feels real once extra chains are added ($15-20).
2. Umbrella style portables. $150ish. Very portable if you're setting up temporary courses, but apparently that's a no-no from now on. Do they catch realistically? Do they fall over with long puts or hero shots? Do they break if they get whacked? Is it any fun if you don't hear the clang?
3. "Real" baskets in home-owners versions. Discatcher, DB-5, M-14. $140-200. Is the heavier basket worth it? Is this taking things too far? Do your friends and family start looking at you funny? Does anyone really travel with one of these? (you can actually get an M-14 for $135 shipping included on e-bay!)

Bring it on!

[originalcracker]

I like to putt in my backyard, it definitely makes a difference. I putt for an hour at least twice a week. If you can spend the money go with Mach III, they are great. These you can either put in the ground or some have a stand(with a wheel is preferable). Can't really travel far with them but around town/just out of town, they are totally manageable. Mach Lite is the way to go for portables. They catch great, but not super durable. Show me a super durable port. and I'll be buying(hell I wouldn't mind buying anyways)! You can talk with someone at the Wright Life and see if they have some used Mach Lites, they typically run somewhere around $90+(they are usually a little worn but surely worth the money).

[storm_king]

IMNSHO, I say skip the Mach III and get a Mach V.

I have one in the backyard and I can attest that those chains are cushy. Way less spit outs than the Mach III, plus, the target area looks bigger visually.

For portables, the Mach Lite is probably the best I've seen. My only problem with portables for practice is the chains feel different than when the putter hits chains on a regular basket. I noticed I was putting differently at the portable, which seemed to result in more "sally" putts at that time.

[Michael-Tuohy]

With all due respect gentlemen; give or take a few bucks, those two options are roughly four times more expensive than what I was hypothetically planing to spend.

Do you mean to say that nothing other than what's on your standard permanent course is worth getting for the home?

[originalcracker]

No, it's just more helpful when you are on the course. A basket is a basket and no matter what type it will improve your putting, didn't mean to confuse you.

[Michael-Tuohy]

I don't confuse THAT easily.
Just bringing the thread back home.
Understandably, a "pro" would want professional practice conditions.
Your point is good about putting at anything being helpful.
Still wondering about cheap baskets though.....