Reviewing a putter is a difficult enough business, even without getting wrapped up in the technology of how it works.

But on occasion, getting wrapped up in the world of technology is very much a good thing.

Baffling jargon aside here's all you need to know before reading on.

1) Grooves on a putter face have been scientifically proven to produce greater grip with the golf ball at the moment of impact. (*see footnote)

2) By enhancing a putter's ability to produce topspin roll you create a purer roll through the reduction of skid.

3) A ball exacting greater traction on the green will hold it's line more effectively - simple!

So, testing began in my lounge the night before (some might say annoyingly) playing with magnetic closing mechanism on the head cover while watching the TV.

This one of the best I have come across providing a snug fit, easy fastening without being so big it pins your other clubs to the edge of your bag.

The real testing began in earnest the following morning. Arriving early to allow for acclimatization to my new weapon I didn't bargain for the partial relaying of the practice green.

However, with technology seemingly on my side, and after a ramming home a 35ft par putt on the 1st - one of only 14 on the front nine - my concerns abated and I was on my way.

The first thing to notice about the Emerald is its sticky yellow and blue Winn grip. I tend to grip the putter loosely so any adhesive qualities are a plus and I was happy to find them present here.

Move down the shaft and you find a slender blade putter - somewhat of a novelty these days - with added weight attached to the rear.

The ease of alignment deserves special mention. Rest the head behind the ball it sits perfectly square due to centre weight and kink in the shaft.

The blue alignment line is clearly visible, and coupled with four grooved triangles it's easy to imagine executing a perpendicular backswing and the ball traveling perfectly on the desired line.

I liked the fact the putter is face-balanced which promotes an easy pendulum-like stroke. Imagine Newton's Cradle, the desk toy which any self-respecting business exective can't live without and you're about there.

In terms of feel the Emerald ticked all the right boxes. The spongy yet responsive feel from the aluminium insert gave me confidence from within 10 feet that I've always sought and being able to visibly watch the ball hold its line over the bumpy early season greens on longer putts gave added reassurance.

With six other models in the GEL putter range there's sure to be a something to suit all tastes.

All you need to do now as GEL proclaim is, "believe in the roll".

For more information on the testing behind the GEL range visit Quintic, an independent equipment testing consultancy company who have helped many professional sportsmen including Padraig Harrington.

(*Footnote)

The effectiveness of grooves is contested by Duane Engdahl of Quantum Putters

You say that it has been scientifically proven that grooves impart topspin - not true! At the Fifth World Scientific Congress of Golf a study was presented that showed grooves do nothing to promote ball roll - groves and ungrooved putters performed statistically the same.

Topspin and backspin is a function of loft angle and that is a law of physics. You need to look at negative loft putters if you want the benefit of bounceless topspin roll.