New Titleist Scotty Cameron Select and GoLo Putters Preview

January 21, 2014, 1:04 pm

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Modern Blade, Mid Mallet and Mallet Models Deliver Tour-Proven Performance in New Silver Mist Finish FAIRHAVEN, Mass. (Jan. 21, 2014) – Master Craftsman Scotty Cameron, inspired by the world’s best golfers and driven by an unparalleled attention to detail, introduces the new Select and GoLo putters – high performance, tour-proven models with precisely crafted looks, sound, feel and balance. Every Scotty Cameron creation is rooted in decades of craftsmanship, putting research and testing with the best putters in the game, both inside Scotty’s state-of-the-art Putter Studio in California and on putting greens around the world. On the PGA Tour, Scotty Cameron putters have been the choice of more players since 1997 and counting. New Scotty Cameron Select putters feature precision milled, highly refined shapes with tour-validated balance and stability. The new line includes three modern blade designs from Scotty’s tour-proven Newport family (Newport, Newport 2 and Newport 2.5) and two modern mid mallets (Fastback and Squareback) with innovative new crisscross sight lines for improved alignment. New Scotty Cameron GoLo mallet putters feature an elegant rounded profile, with soft lines and necks for players that want to rid themselves of technical thoughts and produce a stroke with a natural flowing arc. Four models (GoLo 3, GoLo 5, GoLo S5, GoLo 7) with different size and neck configurations allow players to choose their preferred appearance and toe flow. Select and GoLo putters use a deep-milled face to deliver tour-proven feel and soft sound. Select weights in the heel and toe are perfectly matched to the shaft length to provide balance and stability. Each model features striking new cosmetics, accented by a new Silver Mist finish with framed and double milled red-dot graphics and double beveled weights.

“My team and I are focused on one simple goal, designing and producing the finest putters in the world. The new Select and GoLo families, in addition to our high-MOI Futura X models, take us to the next level of performance and pure putting confidence,” said Cameron. “Every day, we strive to learn more about how the ball, the putter and the golfer work together, and how we can improve that connection. We’re continually experimenting with new designs, new materials and technologies. “After using one of our putters, golfers sometimes tell me, ‘I don’t know why I like it, I just like it.’ That’s where the attention to detail comes in, making sure there is complete harmony between how it looks, how it sounds and how it feels.”

New Select putters are available in golf shops beginning March 14. New GoLo models are available beginningApril 18.

SCOTTY CAMERON SELECT: The new Scotty Cameron Select putters are precision milled to meet the performance requirements of the world’s best players for looks, sound, feel and balance. The new Select line enhances the tradition of Scotty’s Newport family, a longtime tour favorite, while introducing new Fastback and Squareback mid mallets with advanced weighting and alignment technology. The new Select Newport, a soft, modern blade with a plumbing neck, features a shorter blade length with back surfaces that round and roll elegantly into the ground. Select Newport 2 is a longer blade with crisp back angles, a plumbing neck and a single black sight line for refined precision. Select Newport 2.5, a new addition to the Select family, features the same crisp, modern blade as Newport 2, but with a short flare neck for increased toe flow.

“The Newport is roly-poly, with softer corners, while the Newport 2 is boxier and more square. Same performance, it just depends on which visual you like better,” Cameron said, “We’ve added a Newport 2.5, which is the same head as a Newport 2 but with a smaller, flare neck and a hair less offset. Visually, when we shorten that neck, the blade looks longer. By shortening the neck, the shaft axis also comes more toward the heel, which creates more toe flow for more of a swinging gate versus the more mechanical look of a plumbing neck.”

The new Select Fastback and Squareback are modern mid mallet designs with a single bend shaft that promotes minimal toe flow for players that want, or need, less arc in their putting stroke. The Fastback is round and soft like a Newport; the Squareback is crisp and boxy like a Newport 2.

Each have a short blade length and an extended back with a new, red aluminum soleplate that allows for a thicker steel face for solid feel. Vertical and horizontal “pop-through” sight lines on the back flange are positioned directly between a player’s eyes, providing a visual reference to help square the face.

“The new aluminum red sole plate allows us to take some weight and put it where we want it and need it most. We’ve grown the back, pulled in the heel and toe, thickened up the face and the top line. As a result, we’ve enhanced everything from the shape to the feel to the sound,” Cameron said.

“The red, crisscross sight lines are a continuation of the sole that pops up through the head. We’ve found through years of research at the Studio that the best players in the world putt with the ball slightly up in their stance, under their left eye. This places the crisscross sight lines, which are located on the back flange, directly under their nose and between their eyes.

“Whether you prefer a horizontal or vertical sight line, the crisscross makes it easier to square the face, putting your eyes in the right position to execute a proper arcing stroke. If you set the putter too far forward, the crisscross will make the face appear closed. If you put it too far back, it will look open. Alignment is more and more becoming the talk of the tour, and the feedback out there has been fantastic.”

SCOTTY CAMERON GOLO: The new Scotty Cameron GoLo mallets feature an elegant but modern, easy to align, rounded profile and racy soleplate design with Select weighting technology for increased stability. The balanced GoLo design helps reduce the tendency to manipulate the face and allows the stroke to flow naturally. Each of the four models – GoLo 3, GoLo 5, GoLo S5 and GoLo 7 – has a clean, tour-preferred appearance that flows from the shaft down through the top line, continuing down through the curved back, which flows to the ground. The refined mallet shape with a single black sight line helps square the face, while the triple-angled sole with a slight camber allows for smooth takeaway. A slightly asymmetric back with a shaved heel promotes the ideal flowing stroke along an inside to square arc, with the 6061 aluminum sole plate and Select weighting technology providing exceptional balance, stability and roll. GoLo 7, the original GoLo model, offers the largest head design with a clean, flowing single bend shaft for near minimum toe flow. The GoLo 5 features similar construction and performance, with a 10 percent smaller head size. The GoLo S5 is built with a straight-in, near-center shaft for a clean setup with no visible offset. The newest addition to the GoLo line, the GoLo 3, has the smallest head shape with a heel-shafted flow neck for maximum toe flow, a unique combination for a mid mallet-style putter.

“GoLo 5 and GoLo 7 did very well on tour but we still had some guys asking for an even smaller head,” Cameron said. “It’s very difficult to take something larger and get the same design, looks and feel when you make it smaller. If you look closely at the GoLo 3, it has a pinched flow neck very reminiscent of our popular Del Mar model. I took the best parts of the Del Mar and the GoLo and started blending them together, shaving the heel to make it nonsymmetrical so the heel comes in and makes the toe look like it automatically wants to work. It comes around the back, pinches into the heel and flows up the neck into the shaft, promoting a generous open and close toe flow motion.”

REFINED COSMETICS: The new Select and GoLo putters return to the silver-and-red designs that have become synonymous with Scotty Cameron putters across the worldwide professional tours.

The new models feature a new, soft Silver Mist finish, with Scotty’s race-car inspired, framed and double-milled cherry dot graphics in the back and cherry dot weights in the sole to help create a modern but timeless appearance. Red Pistolero and Pistolini grips further enhance the look.

“We’ve optimized the paint process to produce this buttery, elegant Silver Mist finish,” Cameron said. “And I think the black sightline we’ve chosen for several of the models, as opposed to using white, gives it a richer, more elegant look. The entire look is very sleek, it’s industrial and mechanical and yet it has elegance.”

PISTOLERO/PISTOLINI GRIPS: The Scotty Cameron Pistolero and new Pistolini grips, featuring the dancing Cameron logo, provide a secure hold and great feel in golfer’s hands. The Select Newport, Newport 2 and Newport 2.5 blade models feature the smaller Pistolini grip, while the Fastback and Squareback mid mallets and entire GoLo family have the Pistolero.

“What the head looks like and how big it is, dictates a feel of what you expect to feel in the grip, so we try to match the grip size and what we feel. Pistolini is more of a standard size grip for a Newport or blade style head. Once we start getting into a mid mallet or larger, we need the larger Pistolero grip to accommodate that feel for the head size.”

PRICE AND AVAILABILITY: New Scotty Cameron Select putters are available in golf shops beginning March 14. New GoLo putters are available beginning April 18. Both models have an MSRP of $375 ($349 MAP). ON THE WEB: www.ScottyCameron.com PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS: Scotty Cameron Select

Select Models	Loft	Lie	RH Lengths	LH Lengths	Toe Flow	Offset	Stock Grip
Newport	3.5º	70º	33”, 34”, 35”	–	Medium	Full Shaft	Pistolini
Newport 2	3.5º	70º	33”, 34”, 35”	33”, 34”, 35”	Medium	Full Shaft	Pistolini
Newport 2.5	3.5º	70º	33”, 34”, 35”	–	Near Maximum	1/2 Shaft	Pistolini
Fastback	3.5º	70º	33”, 34”, 35”	33”, 34”, 35”	Minimum	Full Shaft	Pistolero
Squareback	3.5º	70º	33”, 34”, 35”	–	Minimum	Full Shaft	Pistolero

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS: Scotty Cameron GoLo

GoLo Models	Loft	Lie	RH Lengths	LH Lengths	Toe Flow	Offset	Stock Grip
GoLo 3	3.5º	70º	33”, 34”, 35”	–	Maximum	1/2 Shaft	Pistolero
GoLo 5	3.5º	70º	33”, 34”, 35”	33”, 34”, 35”	Near Maximum	3/4 Shaft	Pistolero
GoLo S5	3.5º	70º	33”, 34”, 35”	–	Minimum	None	Pistolero
GoLo 7	3.5º	70º	33”, 34”, 35”	–	Near Minimum	3/4 Shaft	Pistolero

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Ping Ketsch Putter I Quick Look Preview

January 27, 2014, 3:06 pm

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Well looks like the Ping R&D Department in Phoenix, Arizona is at it again. The PGA Show in Orlando must have been buzzing with the new Ping Ketsch Putter. Ping continues to help create and develop products for the green that will assist the golfer in touch, feel and building confidence. When it all comes down to it, the flat blade is one of the most important if not the most important club in the bag. I have said it before and I will say it again, putting is around 40% of all the shots you take on any given round, so it makes perfect sense to find a putter that will knock the balls in the hole. Choosing a putter can be daunting, but when you find the one that is forgiving and gives you the confidence you need to drop those knee knockers in...well that is priceless. Let's take a look at a putter that Ping is launching to the marketplace this Spring.

TECHNOLOGY Ping is staying with their innovative True Roll Technology (TR) in which the variable-depth grooves are created to equalize ball speed across the entire face of the flat stick. What is True Roll Technology? The variable-depth grooves are designed with the deepest in the center of the face and get gradually shallower toward the edges. This, Ping says, helps to make the ball roll the same distance regardless of where on the face the putt is struck. In addition, the precision-milled Ketsch offers extreme forgiveness and accurate alignment and its 17-4 stainless steel sole weight creats a high MOI. Three white, contrasting sightlines extend from the leading edge of the matte-black crown to make is easy on the eyes to aim. The Ketsch comes is variable length range with adjustable shaft: 31-38 inches with a head weight at 355g and lie angle range of +(-) 2 degrees.

RECOMMENDED FOR While we have not had the Ping Ketsch arrive at our testing center as of yet, I would have to suggest that this putter is for the player looking to improve his/her aim with very appealing set up lines and the a solid sole place to assist in your address position. I also feel that is putter would be a great choice for the golfer having difficulty with speed and distance control. Ketsch seems to be offering forgiveness on the greens for mishits. Final Thoughts Putting without doubt is so important to ones scoring. However, a player just can't go out and grad a putter that 'looks' good on the rack. We all need to find that putter that we feel is an extension of ourselves and gives us the utmost confidence when we stand up to the putt. Ketsch will be arriving at our testing center soon, but from the looks of it and research, I think this putter is going to fit well in the bag of many golfers looking to lower their PPR (putts per round). As soon as we get our hands on the Ping Kestch, we will do a hands on review and publish our thoughts. So stay here and get excited for the new Ping Ketsch Putter. 'keep smiling and always believe'

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Odyssey Protype Tour Series Two-Ball Putter | Quick Look Review

January 30, 2014, 4:49 pm

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Putting is a part of the game where feel is everything! A golfer needs a lot of feel and confidence on the green. Odyssey is known for some of the best feeling putters out on the market. Their Protype Tour Series was designed to promote feel and accuracy. These putters were created using feedback from Tour players all over the world. This line of premium putters are meant to make very golfer feel like a pro. These putters have a new milling pattern on the face that is sharper and deeper. With the deeper and sharper milled pattern on the face of the putter, the interaction between the ball and the face will promote a truer roll with consistency. These putters are also made from 1025 carbon steel which allow for a softer feel. Using a putter with a softer feel and a truer roll will definitely improve your putting from anywhere on the green. The Protype Series was crafted to make the putter head go along with the overall length of the putter. From Odyssey:

Subtle tweaks to the design allow us to optimize the putter head with the shaft length using slightly heavier heads for shorter models to optimize feel, control and accuracy.

Specs:

The #9 putter is available for both right-handed and left-handed players. This putter has a mallet head that comes in 33, 34, or 35 inches in length and has 3 degrees of loft with a lie angle of 70 degrees.

Final Thoughts:

This putter looks awesome! The polished steel gives this putter a classic look. Odyssey will also allow you to customize any putter in the Protype Series. You can select among six different colors for grips and putter head paint fill. I have always been a fan of the Two-Ball putter and I can’t wait to get my hands on this one! This putter is available, so choose your favorite color and go make some putts!

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SeeMore Putters FGP USA Special Tour Putter Review: Reward Your Game

February 10, 2014, 12:05 pm

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Putting is can be one of the most rewarding part of the game and can be the most disappointing part of the game. Players are realizing that one of the most important investments is in a putter because they will get the biggest return for the dollar. Why you ask? Because approximately 2/3 's of your score is on the flat plush surface we call the green. So the old saying, "Drive for Show and Putt for Dough" really means something. We can smash it down the middle of the fairway, hit all the greens in regulation, but if we can't sink even a three footer, there is no chance we will see our index drop at all. They don't give you a great handicap because you have split every fairway. You get handicaps based upon the score you post and the last, and arguably the most important, is the putt that drops in the hole. The Putter is your means to an end.

There are so many putters to choose from when you step into a golf shop. Offset this, two-ball that, long, short, grooved, smooth....but in the end what really matters is how it feels in your hands and most importantly is that it sets up squarely to your intended target. This is a marriage and you want something you can live with and be kind to. This is where the SeeMore Putter comes in. We had the chance at Bunkers Paradise to give the SeeMore FGP USA Special Tour Putter a real run for the money. The testing was grueling on the course, in a tournament and at the practice putting green and it kicked the 'putter butt' of all others. Let's take a closer look at what makes the SeeMore Putter stand out and give you a true internal smile. SeeMore FGP USA Special Tour Putter Technology [caption id="attachment_27562" align="aligncenter" width="740"]

'Hide the Red Dot'[/caption] Rifle Scope Technology (RST) 'Hide the Red Dot' All SeeMore putters have a very unique and unprecedented technology that will allow the putter to 'Lock On' to his/her line. Each putter had a red dot just behind the bottom shaft of the putter and between two lines on the putter head. If the player 'Hides the Red Dot' by simply lining up the black bottom portion of the shaft between the two white lines and cover the signature red do on the heel of the top line, the golfer will set up more consistently every time in relation to the intended target. FGP Series Putters feature 'Face Balance' at impact: No matter the arc style you have in your putting stroke, you will see more square-to-square at impact.

With every SeeMore model, the putting stroke follows a perfect arc backward and forward where the putter releases perfectly as the it squares to the target line and on a slight upstroke, promoting a consistently perfect roll. The SeeMore RST helps the golfer stay on the perfect path throughout the stroke.

100% Milled in USA with Carbon Steel and Stainless Steel and cast 303 stainless steel heads with precision milled faces. Center Shafted with black shaded lower portion to assist player in target alignment, squareness at address and confident stroke from start to finish.

LOOK/FEEL Placing the SeeMore Putter in my hands was like finding a long lost friend. It has been a long time since I have had a putter in my hand that really feels good in my hands and good in my mind. Before my first putt, I took a long hard look at the design and how it really felt lining up a putt. It felt like a true extension of my arms and hands -- the putter felt as one with my grip and set up. What I was impressed with is the 'Rifle Scope Technology'. You see, I am not one to research any products before I get my hands on them so that I am not swayed any one way or another or have too much information so that it may take me away from how it truly looks, feels and performs. I noticed the 'Red Dot' and bold white lines perfectly positioned in relation to the shaft and it felt natural standing up and addressing the ball. I found myself 'hiding the red dot' naturally before I really knew why. Overall the look and feel was perfectly matched...like adding a new family member who you enjoy the company of. I especially like the black head and the black painted lower part of the shaft--really made me feel strong and confident over the putt. PERFORMANCE http://youtu.be/hObf9PaX1H8 Without a doubt the SeeMore FGP USA Special Tour Putter sets up squarely as they promise and I found that my overall stroke and arc improved in just a few putts. The "Refile Scope Technology' is hands down one of the best I have ever seen or had the opportunity to play with. The golf ball just rolls off the milled face without any jumping. I think that result is in part associated with a more squared-up face to the intended target from the 'Rifle Scope Technology. I was a little hesitant at first after examining the putter and seeing that it was what I call toe-weighted (balancing putter shaft on one finger and the toe of the putter head turns down). I am known for looking around for a 'face balanced' putter (one where balancing as mentioned earlier and the face is pointed to the sky). I stand corrected now as I have had great success with the SeeMore FGP USA Special Tour Putter. I played one competitive round and only had 30 putts total in 18 holes. The sound off the putter is solid and the feel in the hands is compact and effortless. The result is one of confidence building as putt after putt either dropped or just rimmed the edge. I tried all various lengths and still found the putter to react similarly and with consistent near sweet spot impact. PROS Their are a number of pros associated with the SeeMore Putter: 'Rifle Scope Technolgy'; grooved hitting area for more consistent control; solid weighted putter head; and easy to address all around from head to grip. Nicely Priced. CONS If you really are set on an off-set head, then this would not be the putter for you, but I would give it a try...it changed me. Final Thoughts This really truly is an amazing putter and I can see how SeeMore is making waves in the golf world in amateur golf and professional golf. It is so easy to set up and give you the sense that you are spot on with your target. With that kind of feeling, you can truly give the putter a nice stroke with the ball just rolling off the face and down your intended target line. 'keep smiling and always believe'

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2014 Bettinardi BB32 Counterbalance Putter Review: Made in the USA

February 17, 2014, 10:51 am

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No, I will not get into the commonly brought up topic of anchored stroke ban and the subsequent release of counterbalanced putters to offset the impact the decision has on the game. I will, however tell you about how awesome it is that a high-end putter company like Bettinardi has come out with a counterbalanced version of their popular "BB" line of putters. As I say often about my wife "beauty + functionality = a better Bruce", can be directly related to the BB32 counterbalanced putter by Bettinardi. From Bettinardi.com

The Bettinardi counterbalance models are offered as another alternative to the anchored putting stroke. The purpose of our counterbalanced putters is to move the overall balance point of the club closer to the hands of the player. The weight is added by extending the shaft and grip by 3 inches which adds 37 additional grams. We then increase the putter head by the same amount, 37 grams to 395 grams, in essence countering the weight on each end of the putter. This weighting technique boosts the club’s overall moment of inertia (MOI), so that it swings and feels more stable than ever. The three models available in counterbalance are the BB1 for traditionalists, the BB32 for mallet lovers, and for those looking for the most forgiving head we suggest the BB55, a distinctive MOI putter.

Weight: 395 grams Standard Length: 38″ Material: Mild Carbon Steel Finish: Satin Silver Grip: Red WINN 17” (135 grams) Headcover: BB Series Red/White/Blue Dexterity: Right Handed Loft: 3° Lie: 71° How does it look? I can't help but gush over how beautiful the BB32 is. I am pretty much in love with every aspect of it. From the mid-mallet pear-shaped head to the red/white/blue paint fill scheme. There is a sense of serious quality when looking at the BB32. It is simple, yet loud enough to scare away a small animal. The honeycomb milled face provides a lovely sense of craftsmanship that leads to the no-nonsense sole of the putter which displays its namesake as well as its weight in grams and the ever popular "Made in the USA", all in red, white, and blue.

How does it feel? The BB32 is a pretty straight forward putter in terms of feel. It is soft, slightly denser than other milled putters, and clickier as well. The carbon steel used to make the head is going to feel a bit different than other high end milled putters and some may imply that it is an "acquired taste" that you may love, or hate. Miss hits, like all putters, aren't going to feel as awesome as center strikes. To me, I felt as if misses felt empty and a little frustrating. It is probably a stigma associated with knowing you are rolling such a high end putter. In any case, the feedback wasn't harsh, but denser than normal. It certainly made me try much harder to focus on hitting the sweet spot.

How does it perform? It is in my opinion that the ability of the golfer to adapt to a counterbalanced putter will directly affect performance. There is no such thing as "auto pilot" in this putter. I, personally, had a tough time finding a groove with it as I requested that the putter be a 35" model (I like my hands hanging low) so I could choke up to about 33" but I believe there isn't enough weight in the butt end of the grip to fully counterbalance the 400g head (Bettinardi designed the putter around 38" to add extra weight in shaft length). In regards to the heel/center/toe performance, the results were quite simple. The BB32 was an extremely accurate putter on all accounts. Toe and heel strikes kept a level of forgiveness that allowed minimal distance loss and dispersion. Essentially, on a mishit with the BB32 you are still going to have a great shot at staying close to your intended line. Final Thoughts: I look at this putter every day and marvel at how nice it looks. Yes, a lot of this is subjective to my tastes, but I can honestly say that this may be one of the finest crafted putters I have seen to date. Lining up for a putt is a joy and full of confidence. I am still not sold on carbon steel as the feel is a little too dense for me but this putter will definitely appeal to the golfer that enjoys a little more "click" at impact. The Bettinardi BB32 is a putter to put at the top of the "must try" list for anyone serious about their putters. You can find more information about the BB32 Counterbalanced putter at Bettinardi.com.

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Nead Custom Putters AS10 Putter Review: Wants and Neads Custom Putters

February 20, 2014, 4:59 pm

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The crew over at Nead Custom putters were kind enough to send us over their AS10 model putter to test out and review. I first met the crew of Nead Custom Putters on Twitter @wantsandneads. I kept seeing photos of these beautiful putters that I couldn't take my eye off of so I had to reach out to them. Once I contacted the crew, I knew right away they were a class act company. Very cordial and respectful but professional as well. I was immediately impressed with how they conducted their business. After some brief discussions, they decided to send over their AS10 model for a review and lucky you, a giveaway after. So let's break this down. Here are the Specs of the AS10 Putter they sent over for me to review. Carbon Steel Nickel Plated Roll Groove Face Plumbers neck Site line 35” Coppertone shaft Royal Grip

Looks:

As you can see by the photos, this putter is a looker. The AS10 has beautiful lines and a classy look made with carbon steel. As a surfer you sometimes will look down a new surfboard at the lines and sometimes are very impressed with the clean look. If the AS10 model from Nead Custom Putters was a surfboard, I'd be waxing it up right now and hitting the waves.

Looking down at a putter and having confidence is a big part of golfing. Yes you need to practice, practice and practice your putting, but a solid putter that is appealing to your eye is important as well. Very impressed with the looks of this putter. One of my favorite things about the AS10 is the shaft. The shaft has a bronze color to it that shines to let all other putters know that they are inferior. Love that!!

Feel:

Ahhh the ever so important topic for a golf club. As golfers if the club doesn't "feel" good, then we might as well pack up and head home. I have done a lot of reviews on putters in the last two years and I always stress the weight of a putter and I will again. A good putter can't be too heavy and it can't be to light. Too light and there is no feel to what you are doing. Too heavy and your ball goes flying across greens like a bat out of hell. Finding that optimal weighting is key to making a good putter in my opinion. The Neads Custom AS10 putter falls into the "very good weighting" category for me. I loved how I could feel the club head through the impact zone of each putt but was no overwhelmed by the club head.

Performance:

My favorite part of every review is the performance section. After all, what good is a good looking and feeling golf club that can't perform? I'll first talk about how the AS10 has what they call the "Roll Groove Face" to create a consistent rolling golf ball off the face. Most putters these days have some sort of grooves on the face to keep the ball on the putting surface for a true roll. This is Neads Custom Putters version. I noticed that nearly every putt, even the long putts would stay fairly well on the putting surface. As you know, when you have to hit a long 60 foot putt up hill you might have to give the ball a good stroke. Sometimes a putter can't handle that and the ball will lift up off the turf and lose it's momentum and line that you originally had. The AS10 putter was able to withstand some longer and harder hit putts. The AS10 Model also was very solid across the face which helps with mis-hits. When I review a putter, I like to hit off the toe and heel to see how the putter reacts. Obviously most golfers are not hitting off the heel or toe but there are mis-hits with putters, trust me. The AS10 did a nice job on those mis-hits allowing for a pretty solid putt without losing too much distance and direction.

Pricing/Standard Specs:

RH AS10 Price $450.00 + S&H Model: AS10 Finish: Raw/None Weight: 350g Shaft: 35 in. steel Grip: Red Iomic Headcover: Whiite Wantsandneads.com Material: Aluminum Bronze Description: Roll groove face, black paint fill and sight line For more information on Wants and Neads: Nead Custom Putters click HERE .

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Wilson Vizor Level 2 M4 Putter Review: BP Guest Reviews

February 27, 2014, 9:55 am

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I am climbing up a mountain to scream and let everyone know about a new line of putters by Wilson Golf. Last month, before the Wilson Staff Vizor Level 2 putters were released to the world. I was recently selected to be part of a mallet putters testing process. After going through numerous putters, I have to say that other than my Cleveland SmartSquare, the one that has stuck out more than all the others was Wilson’s new Vizor 2 putters. So please continue along and discover how great these new putters are by Wilson. (I tested the M3 and M4 models) Product Details:Vizor 2 M4 Materials: Steel construction with urethane insert. Shaft: True Temper Steel RH Models Available: 4 LH Models Available: Model 2 Grip: Made from a proprietary X-Tack , synthetic material Grip Size: Midsized is standard; oversized and undersized also available Insert: Urethane (10-15 durometer points softer than previous Vizor model) Price: $149.99 US Release Date: January 17, 2014 An improved frosted silver head finish coupled with refined edges and detailing provide a modern, appealing look.

I-LOCK TECHNOLOGY I-Lock Technology provides a visual reminder when the eyes are over the target line for a more consistent setup, alignment and stroke. It is easy to understand and transfer from the practice green to the course. SOFT FEEL The new urethane insert is softer for improved feel and roll off the face, and is tuned to accommodate the hardness of a golf ball. PREMIUM GRIP Made from proprietary X-Tack synthetic material for soft feel in all weather conditions, the new Wilson Staff putter grip is available in three sizes: midsize paddle (standard), oversize paddle and smaller pistol (both custom).

Product Review: Look 10/10:

I don’t know about you, but the Wilson Vizor M4 has to be one of the best looking putters in 2014. The modern-looking mallet putter comes in a frosted silver head with visor-level-2-model-3-heroblack, white and red colored details. The aggressive look to this putter is filthy especially with the wings on the sides. This putter head reminds me of Batman’s Batarang that will deliver mass punishment to anyone that stands in its way. The best feature to the look is their I-Lock aiming system. Draining putts with both the M3 and M4 couldn’t be any easier. Just align yourself. See a solid black line knowing you are correctly aligned and just let it rain birdies. Even the smallest details of this putter were made in an excellent looking grip and headcover. I give the overall look a 10/10.

Roll 9/10:

Nothing makes me happier than a putter with a excellent feeling face insert. Wilson delivers a knock out punch with a pure rolling machine with a super soft feel. It’s a way of giving you instant feedback on your putting stroke to keep improving your game. I had no problem rolling putts with this club, and I believe you will feel the same. Wilson is giving you a great tool–all you have to do is not screw it up since they have taken care of the rest. Now that you are making more birdies (and taking all your buddies’ money) you can invest in an Aimpoint lesson and get even better. (Review coming soon on Aimpoint. It’s legit, and I am already seeing great results). Make sure to follow Peter Brown who taught me this revolutionary putting system. If you are in the market for a new putter, and you are big about roll, then make sure to checkout Wilson Vizor 2′s. I give the overall roll a 9/10.

Weighting 8/10:

The Vizor 2 line in both the M3 and M4 models both felt great when testing them at Haggin Oaks with Dave from MyGolfSpy. The weighting for both these mallet putters feels great. If I had a choice on purchasing either model, I would go with the M4. I felt that model helped elevate my game compared to M3 but still had just as great of results. I give the overall weighting an 8/10.

Performance 9/10:

When testing all the mallet putters this year, I had an open mind going in on what putter will perform best for myself. Out of the huge bag of shiny clubs I tested I still visor-level-2-model-4-frontcan’t get over on how well the Wilson Vizor line performed. These are high performance putters that you can tell have been given a lot of thought and tinkering to get something Wilson appreciates on putting their name on. The amount of putts I was able to drain with both the M3 and M4 compared to all the others, makes this a serious contender for one of the best putters on the market. Congratulations Wilson R&D! I wish I could shake your hand on a great product line. I give the overall performance rating a 9/10.

Overall Rating 36/40:

Wilson for most people just think “Oh that’s the company that makes basketballs and tennis rackets. What do they know about golf?” Actually quite a bit considering they have more Major Championship victories then any other golf company in the business. Looking at this year alone, I think a lot of companies should watch out because looking at what came from the PGA Show this year, Wilson is pulling out the big guns with some spectacular looking golf clubs. Just the Vizor 2 line deserves a high-five from a solid lineup of putters. I believe you will be taking one home this season if you give them a chance. Guest Review by Sean Rivers For more from Sean Rivers check out his website HERE.

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Bridgestone True Balance Putter Preview | Quick Look

February 28, 2014, 3:21 pm

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Bridgestone has been making great forged irons for quite some time now. This year they will make the leap into the putter industry, with the True Balance Putter. The putter was introduced at the 2014 PGA Merchandise show, and it was a hit. The putter will be available in March. Let's take a look at some of the technology that went into Bridgestone's first putter.

Technology:

The most important technology about this putter is that it is counter-counterbalanced. The True Balance putter utilizes an industry-first counter-counterbalance design that removes weight by incorporating an ultralight graphite shaft and 100% EVA grip. This proprietary design counters the heavier steel shafts and rubber grips typically found in putters on the market today.This means that unlike the other companies that are moving the weight to the grip and head, the True Balance is moving as much weight to the sole of the putter as possible. This moves the balance point less than 5" from the sole of the putter.

While developing this product we consulted with some of golf's leading putting experts, as well as a variety of amateurs and Touring professionals. Feedback and testing confirm that when you can feel the head, you can control the head. That has been the guiding principle for every True Balance design decision we've made. We're confident golfers will have an easier time squaring the putter up, judging speed, and controlling distance. -Josh Kinchen, Golf Club and Accessories Marketing Manager - Bridgestone Golf, Inc

Specs:

-Lightweight 100% EVA grip -Graphite Shaft -Dual Layer Grooved Insert -Stainless steel head -There will be 2 models to start with, the TD01 and TD03. One is a face-balanced mallet, the other a Blade. -Initially the putter will only be available in 34" -Loft is 4* and lie 70*

Recommended For:

I would recommend this putter for anyone that has trouble judging the speed on long or short putts. This putter weighs in at about 125-130 grams less than other putters on the market, so I really believe this will help have consistent speed.

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Bettinardi Studio Stock 15 Putter Review: Get Rolling

March 1, 2014, 2:59 pm

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I've said it before and I'll say it again, a putter is the most personal and investment-worthy club in the bag. It will be with you in good times, and in bad. More often than not when there is cash burning a hole in your golf-addicted wallet a driver is the first thing looked at to upgrade. But why? A putter is used for over 50% of your strokes in a round while a driver is used maybe 5-7 times a round (not including the club length measurements it is good for when you drive the ball into a hazard).

Today's putters can reasonably be separated into two categories, insert vs. milled. At the top of the list of the best in the milled category is the Bettinardi Studio Stock 15 putter. From Bettinardi.com:

A double bend and face balanced mallet, the Studio Stock 15 is one of our most forgiving models yet, with just the right amount of weight displacement towards the perimeter. The four swooping flanges along with a half oval shaped head make it easy on the eyes, helping you focus on the task at hand. The lively, energetic orange paint scheme on the Studio Stock Series is sure to impress; giving you the poise and confidence needed to make that crucial putt to win it all.

Weight: 358G Material: Mild Carbon Steel Finish: Corona Black Grip: Orange/Gray Pure Grip (Standard or Midsize) Headcover: Standard Studio Stock Series Corona Dexterity: Right and Left Handed Loft: 3° Lie: 71° How does it look? Right out of the gates, the Studio Stock 15 is a punch in the face with refreshing change of pace than most traditional mid-mallet putters. It has a wonderful size to it with an unusual and great looking flange design to the cavity. The all-black head is wonderfully accented by an orange honeycomb-B in the cavity that matches the color of the sole of the club where the full name of the club is displayed in full across the club. The SS 15 is just visually stunning. A real winner and a beauty to look down at while putting.

How does it feel? The Bettinardi line of putters are mostly made out of mild carbon steel which is a little different than other milled putters with 303 stainless steel. While very soft, the SS15 is a "different" kind of soft. The best way to describe it is a little more dense with a stronger feel at impact. Soft and strong? Yes, it seems as if it is possible. This is largely in part to the FIT face milling that provides an extra amount of softness on top of the native feel of the carbon used in the putter. With good, there always is the chance of bad. While center strikes are quite enjoyable and addictive, toe and heel strikes are a much different animal. Off center hits gave an unpleasant feedback that left me baffled. Feedback is never a bad thing, but this was very detailed, to a fault.

How does it perform? The SS15 is easily one of the best putters I have ever rolled in terms of accuracy. I have had such an easy time finding the bottom of the cup. Between the balance and alignment of the putter, I was able to accurately put a good stroke on the ball 90% of the time. As I said in the "feel" section, there is an abundance of feedback with off center hits. While the feel of these strikes was not pleasant, I was still able to get a very detailed idea for where the stroke went wrong and why the putt was off line. Toe hits had decent dispersion and minimal distance loss while heel hits were uncontrollable and fell short. Final Thoughts: I really do love this putter. Solid strikes will put an unmatched roll that will accurately find the bottom of the cup (if you are aiming correctly of course). I, however, am not in love with the feel. I am a lover of all things milled but the carbon steel is just not my cup of tea. That being said, feel is such a subjective part of golf. "To each his own" has never been a truer statement. Do yourself a favor and find a Bettinardi Studio Stock series putter to try. Chances are you are going to fall in love and never want to let it go. Keep in mind that you will also have to pay for the quality of the putter. The Studio Stock 15 putter retails at $399. You can find more information at Bettinardi.com.

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Odyssey Golf Metal-X Milled Putter: Quick Look Preview

March 11, 2014, 4:32 pm

≫ Next: Bettinardi Golf’s Queen B Model 3 Review: Royalty

≪ Previous: Bettinardi Studio Stock 15 Putter Review: Get Rolling

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Odyssey has long been one of the most trusted putters in everyone’s bag, from Tour Players to Amateurs. The first of the insert putters came in 1991 but really took off with the introduction of the Dual Force putters in 1994. Since that time the Odyssey line of putters has had many innovations from inserts to alignment aids. During 2012 Odyssey introduced the Metal-X Putter line. The face was different than most anything on the market and the technology (to be discussed later) was game changing for some. Now we come to the latest incarnation of the Metal-X line with some premium editions.

For those that don’t know, what makes the Metal-X face unique is their version of Roll Technology. From Callaway’s website they state that the oval depressions in the face maximize the mechanical lock with the golf dimples which creates fiction helping a more controlled and consistent roll. For anyone that’s rolled these putters or touched the face, there definitely is something unique to the face of the Metal X putters. What makes them different is they’re a combination of 3 of Callaway’s putters. The 3 main components are the precision mill process of the Prototype, the face of the Metal-X and adjustable weight of the Prototype IX. Milled out of a piece of carbon steel the Metal-X milled has 3 sets of customizable weights (10g, 15g and 20g) which provide a lot of different combinations you can try to find the right setting for you. There are six different head styles ranging from the ultra popular #7 style to the ever reliable Rossie Putter. Check out this from Odyssey Golf to see all the styles available. The video below also is a great source of information straight from the company themselves. http://youtu.be/1AiAf_wpSM0

Final Thoughts:

As these are a limited run you may want to run out as quick as you can and try these. As a former Metal X user I’m going to be really on the lookout to try one of these soon. My only issue with the previous was the head weight and seeing as there is a non evasive way to add weight, color me intrigued! These are available now but you should run out soon as they are considered a limited run. Check out the Bunkers Paradise forum for more thoughts on these as our forum members try them out! Till Next Time! By TMex

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Bettinardi Golf’s Queen B Model 3 Review: Royalty

August 4, 2014, 11:04 pm

≫ Next: Innovations Golf Clearball Putter Review: Align Your Putting Game

≪ Previous: Odyssey Golf Metal-X Milled Putter: Quick Look Preview

What is the most important club in your golf bag? It’s not your driver, your three wood, or your 8 iron. It’s your putter. You use your putter more than any other club in your bag. Why not get the best putter out there? Bettinardi is the best of the best. The best feeling and the best looking. I think Kuchar would agree!

All Bettinardi putters are milled in the USA. While other putter manufacturers have moved oversees, Bettinardi has stayed in America. The president and CEO of Bettinardi Golf, Robert Bettinardi is able to pay attention to every detail of every piece that is made.

I was lucky enough to receive the Bettinardi Queen B Model 3 putter. This putter is made for women golfers but is sold to mostly men golfers. Over the past month I have been playing with this unbelievable putter. I haven’t three-putted yet! My putting has been a major struggle in my golf game for the past year. I just didn’t have a lot of confidence standing over a putt. But this putter has changed everything.

Looks:

The overall look of this putter can be described in one word; beautiful. The cashmere bronze finish gives this putter a very sleek look. The Queen B also has a Micro Honeycomb face that is unique to Bettinardi that only their machines can produce. One huge feature that I look for in a putter is a good line. With a contrasting white line, this putter makes it so easy to line up a putt and set up with confidence.

This putter comes with a White Pure grip with Bettinardi in gold letters. The head cover follows this color scheme with gold, bronze, and white lettering and design.

Feel:

Feel is so important to me when I try a new putter. Does the weight feel right? Does it feel soft? Does it have a good sound? The feel of this putter is incredible. Short putts, long putts, this putter feels so soft and effortless. The roll off this putter is one of the best I’ve tried. When I try new putters, it is so hard to find the correct weight. I want a heavier head, but nothing too overwhelming. I need a little help staying steady and keeping my stroke smooth. On under pressure putts, this putter kept me still and helped keep my stroke on plane.

Performance:

Throughout this past month, I was able to play multiple rounds and even participated in a few one on one putting contests and I still haven’t three-putted with this putter. Putting is definitely the best part of my game right now. Even if I have a long putt, it feels easy and I have the confidence to hit it close. At first I was worried the honeycomb face would have a strange feel, but just like any other milled face it came off the face so pure and was very consistent.