Sizemore XM
Key Feature: Interchangeable optical alignment aids (parallel or perpendicular) so the golfer can choose the one that best fits his or her eye.
What We Like: The use of aluminum and copper is unique, but the ability to tinker with the look of the putter was a lot of fun. Also, the IND-X cross-milled face felt great at impact.
Who It’s For: Golfers who want to customize not only the feel, but the look of their putter as well.
Specs: Comes in either a heel-shafted or center-shafted mallet.
sizemoregolf.com | $349 |
Slotline SL-500 Series
Key Feature
 If you’re in the mood for a new flatstick, this is a good year to find one—’08 brings forth a slew of new shapes, sizes and materials that are visually appealing, feel great and are often adjustable for your specific needs. Speaking of which, whether it’s mallet, blade, movable weights or specific inserts that you’re looking for, there’s a putter for you. The question really shouldn’t be what type of putter do you want, but rather what kind of putter are you? The best way to learn what putter is going to work best for you is to start by simply analyzing what kind of stroke you have. If you arc a lot, a heel-toe blade is the best choice. If you putt with less opening and closing of the putterface, try a mallet. If you tend to come up short on a lot of putts, try a heavier-weighted model. Finally, if you want to concentrate on putting a better roll on the ball, try a putter with an insert or a textured putterface. Both are designed to impart a truer, faster roll. Then again, if you’re a player who wants all the above, there’s a collection of adjustable putters in ’08 that are right up your alley.
Understanding Our Charts
Key Features: What distinguishes this putter from the rest.
What We Like: We have our preferences, too. Basically, what impressed us in our review.
Who It’s For: The type of player putter was made for.
Putterhead: The material used for head construction.
Putterface: Indicates the material used for the strike area.
Weight: There are three general categories: heavy, standard or adjustable.
Designs: Indicates the putter’s general shape, as well as the other models available.
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Adams DiXX Blue
Key Feature: The detachable computer terminal provides immediate feedback on swing path, impact position, tempo, face angle and a swing’s “speed balance.”
What We Like: The DiXX told us where we needed to improve immediately after we made a stroke. That’s invaluable. The “Blue” is a much cheaper version of last year’s version.
Who It’s For: Although it’s a little pricey, it’s great for people who don’t have access to high-tech putting studios.
Putterhead: Aluminum ” Putterface: Same
Weight: Std. ” Designs: Heel-shafted, face-balanced mallet with a detachable computer
adamsgolf.com | $399 |
Cleveland VP Series
Key Feature: Using Dual Axis Alignment, the VP series ensures the golfer that he’s set up directly over the ball and the face is aligned properly.
What We Like:When aligned perfectly, the alignment lines fall into place, making it easy
to get in the right place and make a confident stroke. Also, the three lie options is a huge plus in our book.
Who It’s For: Everyone, especially those who want to make sure they have a good, sound setup position.
Putterhead: Steel ” Putterface: Elastomer Weight: Standard ” Designs: VP1, VP2 blade; VP5 mallet
clevelandgolf.com | $109-$129 |
Cleveland VP Milled Series
Key Feature: Much like the VP Series that uses Dual Axis Alignment, the VP Milled has the same technology but in a precision-milled form.
What We Like: The milled design is generally preferred by better players who want the utmost in feel, consistency and weight. The low price tag (for a milled putter) is awesome; so too is the choice between three different head designs and three different lie configurations.
Who It’s For: Although better players will love them, these putters perform well for everyone.
Putterhead: Carbon steel ” Putterface: Same Weight: Standard ” Designs: VP1, VP2 blade; VP5 mallet
clevelandgolf.com | $149 |
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Dead On Series III
Key Feature: The dual material (stainless steel and aluminum) construction. Not only does it provide an optical alignment aid, but it helps increase the Dead On’s MOI.
What We Like: Expertly balanced mallet that’s hard to swing off line. Also, the club’s Rear Wing features easy-to-align arrows.
Who It’s For: Players who dig space age putterheads and are looking for a high MOI offering that’s perfectly weighted.
Putterhead: 17-4 Stainless steel and aircraft grade aluminum ” Putterface: Stainless steel Weight: Std. ” Designs: Series III—Center Shafted Mallet, Offset Shaft
elitesp.com | $369 |
F2 Hamilton
Key Feature: Its MicroDome face insert ensures players will make better contact and hit straighter putts. Its perimeter back weighting increases the putter’s sweet spot and keeps mis-hits online and rolling the right distance.
What We Like: The adjustable heel and toe weights make it easy to adapt to different green speeds. Comes in two different models.
Who It’s For: Players who like the latest face and weighting technology.
Putterhead: 17-4 Stainless Steel ” Putterface: Proprietary Polymer ” Weight: Adj. ” Designs: HM1—Offset-style hosel blade; HM4—Offset-style hosel mallet, heel-shafted.
f2golf.com | $129 |
Fisher Talon Tour Series
Key Feature: The TS-1 face insert features different contact materials on each of its four sides, from extra-soft to extra-firm, allowing the user to adapt to different green conditions.
What We Like: The TS-2 and TS-3 models feature reversible inserts, but are no less prone to twisting on off-center hits.
Who It’s For: Golfers who like the stability provided by the high-MOI design, and adjustable weighting using three different metals.
Putterhead: Stainless Steel (milled) Putterface: Kevflex polymer ” Weight: Adj. Designs: TS-1, TS-2, TS-3—Heel-shafted, face-balanced mallet (available LH)
fishergolf.com | $179 |
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Gel Golf Hurrion Signature Series
Key Feature:Gel Golf’s Groove Technology insert eliminates backspin and skid, so the golf ball gets on line quickly.
What We Like: Dr. Paul Hurrion, a noted biomechanic and putting coach developed his Signature Series over the past 10 years and he’s delivered four unique models.
Who It’s For: There are a number of options; anyone who wants to putt better can find one.
Putterhead: Stainless Steel ” Putterface: Same ” Weight: Standard ” Designs: Rego (Center Shafted Mallet), Sedo (Heel-Shafted Mallet); Scindo (Center-Shafted Blade), Sedo II (Heel-Shafted Blade)
clevelandgolf.com | $165 |
Heavy Putter DF Series
Key Feature: Standing for “Deep Face,” the new DF Series weighs in at a total of 900 grams, which makes it a lot easier to put a smooth stroke on the golf ball.
What We Like: The deep-faced design is a good one, but so too is the unique face texture that imparts a quick roll.
Who It’s For: Those of you who have the yips, use your hands too much and/or want to groove a smooth, silky stroke.
Putterhead: Stainless steel ” Putterface: Same Weight: Heavy! ” Designs: C2-DF Blade; D1-DF, D3-DF Camelback; E1-DF, E3-DF mallet; F3-DF Stealth, G3-DF Rake
heavyputter.com | $169 |
MacGregor DCT
Key Feature: Bobby Grace designed the DCT (“Distance Control Technology”) series with mis-hits in mind. By incorporating a DCT face insert, distance lost on off-center ball contact is significantly minimized.
What We Like: The Series features classically shaped flatsticks with modern technology.
Who It’s For: Players who struggle to make solid contact and want a traditionally shaped blade to help hole more putts.
Putterhead: Stainless Steel ” Putterface: Same (with DCT insert) ” Weight: Std. Designs: Sunset, Palma Ceia, Captiva, Bellaire, Sanabel, Saratoga, Lakewood
macgregorgolf.com | $129 |
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Macro Golf Sq Stroke Mallet
Key Feature: A 14-inch BlackVelvet forward onset MACRO_â_¨ Grip that’s long, wide and flat. Despite asking you to alter your normal putting grip (and putt with your dominant hand), we think players will gravitate to the unique design.
What We Like: The MACRO grip, of course. It was engineered to balance the putterhead.
Who It’s For: Golfers who have a hard time keeping the face square through the stroke. (And like to putt with their dominant hand.)
Putterhead: Stainless steel ” Putterface: Same, plus a CNC milled aluminum insert Weight: Standard ” Designs: Blade; Square Stroke Mallet
macrogolf.com | $159 |
Mizuno Bettinardi C Series
Key Feature: Bob Bettinardi’s patented Honeycomb face encourages consistent ball-striking, not to mention each model comes with four degrees of loft and a 71-degree lie angle.
What We Like: It’s hard to beat Bettinardi’s handiwork. It’s so well made, we can’t decide if we want to play with it or frame it.
Who It’s For: Players who dig traditional head shapes over unorthodox looks—a distinct advantage for purists.
Putterhead: 11L17 Carbon Steel (milled) Putterface: Same ” Weight: Std. ” Designs: C-01, C-02, C-03, C-04—Heel-shafted, heel-toe-weighted blade (C-03 available LH)
mizunousa.com | $229 |
Mizuno Black Carbon Series
Key Feature: Its Feel Impact Technology Face_â_ã_ (F.I.T. Face). The milled face reduces the impact area to deliver an incredibly soft feel.
What We Like: Bob Bettinardi just keeps pumping out really beautiful putters that look and feel great. We’re techies, so we love how Bettinardi made a soft “insert-less” putter.
Who It’s For: Golfers looking for a soft insert feel without the insert. Bettinardi used a milled face with a punch pattern on the carbon-steel head. It’s also super easy to align.
Putterhead: Carbon steel ” Putterface: Same Weight: Std. ” Designs: BC1, BC2—Blade; BC3—Mallet
mizunousa.com | $250 |
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Never Compromise GM2 Exchange
Key Feature: The option to alter the headweight by up to 50 grams, a big advantage, especially when playing on different green speeds.
What We Like: The clean lines, butter-soft aluminum-infused weave face insert and, of course, the adjustable weights.
Who It’s For: Adjustable weight addicts.
Putterhead: Aluminum (milled) ” Putterface: Same ” Weight: Adj. ” Designs: Exchange
1—Heel-shafted mallet; Ex. 2—Center-shafted mallet (available LH); Ex. 3—Center-shafted mallet/blade fusion; Ex. 4—Heel-shafted blade; Ex. 5—Heel-shafted blade (available LH)
exchangeputters.com | $229 |
Never Compromise Milled Series
Key Feature: A tungsten sole weight that not only increases its MOI, but centers the sweet spot directly in front of the sight line.
What We Like: A lot of options and a lot of feel make for a classic flatstick.
Who It’s For: Golfers who crave high-MOI performance, plus the feel of a pure carbon-steel putter. Tinkerers who like to move weights
Putterhead: Carbon steel (milled) ” Putterface: Same ” Weight: Adjustable ” Designs: Milled Series 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7—Heel-shafted heel-toe blade; Milled Series 4—Heel-shafted half-mallet (available LH)
nevercompromise.com | $255 |
Nike IC 20-20
Key Feature: Its color scheme and alignment aid. The grip, shaft and clubhead are painted green to “suppress visual noise,” while the alignment aid and putter edge are white, making it easier to find and retain your line.
What We Like:The amount of care that went into developing an optically engineered putter.
It eliminates unnecessary “optical noise.”
Who It’s For: Golfers who struggle retaining an image of their target line while over the ball.
Putterhead: Aluminum ” Putterface: Same Weight: Std. ” Designs: 20-10, 20-10A—Blade; 20-15, 20-15A—Mid Mallet; 20-20—Large Mallet
nikegolf.com | $140 |
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Odyssey BS-i
Key Feature: A urethane-dampening layer sandwiched between tungsten and stainless steel layers that cuts down on vibration, as well as a multi-layer Tour insert that improves feel.
What We Like: The nickel-plated finish gives it an extra touch of class. The addition of the insert provides softer feel than previous models.
Who It’s For: Anyone who wants a traditional-looking putter with technological advantages that provide improved feel.
Putterhead: Steel ” Putterface: Urethane Weight: Std. ” Designs: 1—Heel-shafted, heel-toe-balanced blade (available LH); 7—Face-balanced mallet; 9—Heel-shafted blade.
odysseygolf.com | $299 |
Odyssey Sabertooth
Key Feature: A radical dual fang headshape that moves weight to the putterhead’s perimeter, thus ramping up its MOI. It may look crazy, but it works like a dream.
What We Like: How Odyssey constructed a “2 in 1” putter. The Sabertooth’s fangs increase the MOI and make for a nifty alignment aid. Not to mention, it’ll help you scoop your ball up.
Who It’s For: Players who prefer an unorthodox shape in their flatstick, like the soft feel of an insert and crave a balanced, high MOI mallet.
Putterhead: Stainless steel ” Putterface: Multi-layer White Hot XG insert ” Weight: Std. Designs: Heel-shafted mallet
odysseygolf.com | $170 |
Ping i-Series
Key Feature:A thick urethane insert and black, white and orange alignment aids make the
i-Series one of the most visually appealing and soft-feeling offerings from PING.
What We Like: The lineup includes almost every putter style PING has ever offered: Anser, Zing, B60, Craz-E—they’re all here.
Who It’s For:Players who love the PING lineup and the soft feel of an insert. Some models feature raised alignment aids for better optics.
Putterhead: Stainless steel ” Putterface: Urethane insert ” Weight: Std. ” Designs: 1__ã2 Craz-E, 1__ã2 Craz-E B, 1__ã2 Craz-E L, 1__ã2 Moon, Anser, Anser 4, B60, Craz-E, Piper H, Zing
pinggolf.com | $160 |
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Ping Karsten Series
Key Feature: An elastomer insert in the cavity that helped the PING engineers move weight to the perimeter of the clubhead for a higher moment of inertia.
What We Like: They’ve retained a stainless steel clubface and an insert (located in the club’s cavity).
Who It’s For: Players who like a high MOI putter, but the responsiveness of stainless steel. Fans of classic putter design.
Putterhead: Stainless steel ” Putterface: Same Weight: Std. ” Designs: Anser, Anser 2, Zing—Blade; C67—Mid-Mallet; B60, Craz-E, Piper—Mallet
pinggolf.com | $120 |
Rife Two-Bar Hybrid
Key Feature: Two bars for enhanced aim, adjustable speed weighting for a custom feel and Rife’s RollGroove Technology that’s designed to provide a consistent, no-skid roll.
What We Like:Rife blended their two highly popular putters (Two-Bar and Barbados) into a unique hybrid putter.
Who It’s For: Golfers who like a putter to fit them to a “T.” Not only can you adjust the Two-Bar Hybrid’s weight, you can tweak its lie angle via Rife’s LieAline Fitting System.
Putterhead: 431 Stainless Steel ” Putterface: 6061 CNC milled anodized aluminum ” Weight: Adj. ” Designs: Heel-shafted mallet
rifeputters.com | $199 |
Sizemore XM
Key Feature: Interchangeable alignment aids (both parallel and perpendicular optical alignments) so golfers can choose the one that best fits his or her eye.
What We Like: Bruce Sizemore not only blended materials (aluminum and copper) but gave us alignment aids we can tinker with. We’re also suckers for the IND-X cross-milled face finish.
Who It’s For: Golfers who dig adjustability; mallet lovers who want the perfect alignment aid.
Putterhead: 6061 Aluminum ” Putterface: Aluminum and copper ” Weight: Adj. Designs: XM-1—Heel-shafted mallet; XM-2—Center-shafted mallet.
sizemoregolf.com | $349 |
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Taylormade Rossa Spider
Key Feature: Its so-called “wings,” in which weight cartridges can be added and subtracted, giving it a super-high MOI.
What We Like: This might have the best balance of any putter we’ve ever tried. It’s almost impossible to make a bad stroke. It sounds and feels great at impact, too.
Who It’s For: Players searching for a high-MOI putter with fantastic balance and who don’t mind an “out of the box” design. When we tested it, it felt like it was on a track.
Putterhead: Steel wire-frame; aluminum core ” Putterface: Polymer ” Weight: Adj. Designs: Heel-shafted mallet
taylormadegolf.com | $180 |
Taylormade Rossa Classic
Key Feature: Its Anti-skid Groove System Insert (AGSI+). With 14 tightly packed grooves, less backspin is produced at impact.
What We Like: The Rossa’s lineup doesn’t just improve the way you roll the ball, but their classy looks make them a joy to play with.
Who It’s For: Golfers who prefer traditionally shaped putters with modern insert technology; players looking for a smooth roll.
Putterhead: 304 Stainless Steel ” Putterface: Titanium (milled) ” Weight: Std. ” Designs: Daytona 1, Siena 4, Modena 8, Imola 8—Heel-Shafted, heel-toe blade; Monte Carlo 7—Center-shafted, face-balanced mallet
taylormadegolf.com | $119 |
Tour Edge GeoMax
Key Feature: The GeoMax putters feature a hollow-head design that moves weight to the outer edges of the club for a high MOI and deep CG.
What We Like: The “T-shaped” crown that makes lining up long and short putts a breeze. We’re also partial to the CNC milled T6 aluminum face; they help the ball roll off the face.
Who It’s For: Those who like the benefits of a high MOI putter and a clean (mostly) non-wacky head shape.
Putterhead: 403 Stainless Steel ” Putterface: CNC Milled Aluminum ” Weight: Std. Designs: 01, 03—Blade; 02, 04, 05, 06, 07—Mallet
touredge.com | $69 |
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Titleist Cameron Studio Select
Key Feature: Already synonymous with the finest in putter craftsmanship, Scotty Cameron’s four new Newport shapes feature fixed, stainless-steel heel and toe weights that are calibrated to match putters of various lengths (33, 34 and 35 inches).
What We Like: A precision-milled stainless-steel body, bold red graphics and what is now a popular part of every Scotty Cameron putter, a red grip.
Who It’s For: Traditionalists, Cameron-philes.
Putterhead: Stainless steel ” Putterface: Same Weight: Std. ” Designs: Four Newport models are available.
scottycameron.com | $299 |
Yes! Valerie
Key Feature: Yes’ C-Grooves (found on all the company’s putters) feature a 20-degree upward slant of the C-Groove’s concentric edges that grip the ball and promote an end-over-end roll.
What We Like: The putter’s C-Groove technology, bevy of blade and mallet models, and clean design.
Who It’s For: People who struggle getting a good roll on the ball; those who prefer a more simplified look to the recent deluge of wacky looking high-MOI offerings.
Putterhead: Stainless Steel (Cast) Putterface: Stainless Steel (Milled) Weight: Std. ” Designs: Multiple styles
yesgolf.com | $190 |
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 If you’ve ever been humbled after having your stroke analyzed at one of those high-tech putting studios, you know why the adage “feel is not real” is, well, real. After all, when examined under a microscope, all the flaws of your stroke are magnified. Your path goes left, your clubface is open, you hit everything off the toe–the data doesn’t lie and sometimes all that bad news is enough to make you want to impale your flatstick into the monitor. What’s important to keep in mind, however, is that our strokes demand specific kinds of putters. Whether it’s mallet, blade, movable weights or specific inserts, there’s a putter for you.
High MOI
Drivers aren’t the only clubs incorporating high MOI in their designs. A number of putters, like the Odyssey White Hot XG, place the weight deep and low to promote a truer roll. Also, its unique and light textured-weave insert helps move weight away from the face.
Moving Weights
The newest offering from Never Compromise features movable weights in the club’s heel and toe, thereby creating a putter adaptable to specific course conditions and putting styles. The GM2 Exchange gives players the opportunity to alter the putter’s weight by as much as 50 grams.
Rollgrovin’
Some putterfaces feature a one-of-a-kind Honeycomb face, others opt to soften their feel via a polymer insert. Rife Putters, however, include “RollGroove” Technology, in which milled grooves actually grip the ball and lift it from its depression, thus imparting forward spin and a better roll.
Milled, Not Cast
PING putters of the ’70s and ’80s set the standard for all the heel-toe-weighted models that followed. Now they’re back with a few of these early classic models (like the Redwood Anser). But there’s a twist: They’re 100-percent precision-milled from 303 stainless steel.
Putter Shopping 101
Here at Golf Tips, we’re a fortunate lot. Over the course of the year, we get to test new putters regularly, rolling putts on the local practice green or, more commonly, down our office’s hallway. We know that’s not how most golf nuts find their new clubs; they see what’s hot on Tour, walk into their local pro shop, pick up a bunch of new sticks and make a couple of strokes. Based on the way it looks, feels or fits them (or all of the above), they decide whether it’s worth sticking in their bag. But that’s not the only way. When buying a putter, there are a number of technical matters to consider, such as whether your stroke arcs (blades) or is more straight-back/straight-through (mallets). Also, putters with heavy (good for slower greens) and oversized (straight-back/straight-through strokes) grips are coming on the market. The more you know about your game, the better your purchases will be.
Understanding Our Charts
Features: The primary design elements that make the putter noteworthy.
Advantages: How the primary design elements are meant to elevate the performance of the putter.
What We Like: We have our preferences, too. A quick description of what impressed us in our review and testing.
Lineup: The other models available from the manufacturer.
Putterhead: The primary material from which the body of the club is forged, cast or milled.
Putterface: Indicates the material used for the strike area or if it has otherwise been altered to enhance performance. Check for putters with a milled face, as the process, if performed correctly, ensures a flatter contact area, which is key for consistency.
Weight: The overall head weight of the model listed in grams. Most putters fall in the 325- to 350-gram range.
Designs: Here you’ll find a description of the general shape of the club and its hosel structure. We limit the descriptions to either heel-toe blades (Anser style) or mallets. Also, face-balancing is noted as is the hosel/head connection point. If a putter isn’t labeled as face-balanced, it’s considered toe-down.
Adams DiXX Training Putter
adamsgolf.com
(800) 709-6142 | $1,000
 The DiXX marks a technological breakthrough in the putting world. A tiny computer terminal attached to the putterhead offers instant feedback.
Features: The DiXX provides immediate information related to swing path, impact position, tempo, face angle and a swing’s “speed balance.”
Advantages: With the DiXX, you have an instructor with you wherever you go. Although it’s a little pricey, it’s cheaper than taking a lot of lessons at your local high-tech putting studio.
What We Like: Gadgets! Not only is it just plain cool, but the DiXX tells us where we need to improve immediately after we make a stroke. Also, it’s great for people who don’t have access to the latest in computer analysis. One other thing: Did we mention we love gadgets?
Lineup: DiXX Training Putter
Putterhead: Aluminum
Putterface: Same
Weight: Std.
Designs: Heel-shafted, face-balanced mallet with a detachable computer |
Cobra Optica Series
cobragolf.com
(800) 225-8500 | $159
 The Optica is the world’s first putter to employ Fiber Optic Technology (in this case, via Cobra’s TruGlo technology) to help golfers get their putts lined up.
Features: An efficient weight distribution in the Optica provides forgiveness while the putter’s tri-material construction produces soft feel and dampens unwanted vibration. The TruGlo actually looks illuminated.
Advantages: Connecting the aluminum clubface to the steel bar is a urethane section that minimizes vibration, perfect for golfers who play by feel.
What We Like: The TruGlo alignment aid makes lining up putts a breeze.
Lineup: Optica Series, IM Series
Putterhead: 6061 forged Aluminum with Forged Steel weight bar
Putterface: 6061 forged Aluminum
Weight: Std.
Designs: SL-01–Heel-shafted, face-balanced mallet; SL-02–Center-shafted, face-balanced mallet (available LH) |
F2 Hamilton Series
f2golf.com
(800) 683-2390 | $129
 From the company that designed the popular f2 wedge come the Hamilton Series putters.
Features: Its MicroDome face insert ensures players will make better contact and hit straighter putts. Its perimeter back weighting increases the putter’s sweet spot and keeps mis-hits on-line and rolling the right distance. But no face-forward tech here!
Advantages: The Hamilton Series combines all the latest in face and weighting technology to create a putter that’s both cutting edge and user-friendly.
What We Like: The adjustable heel and toe weights make it easy to adapt to different green speeds. Also, the Hamilton Series comes in two different models.
Lineup: Hamilton Series
Putterhead: 17-4 Stainless Steel
Putterface: Proprietary Polymer
Weight: Adj.
Designs: HM1–Offset-style hosel blade; HM4–Offset-style hosel mallet, heel-shafted, face-balanced mallet |
Fisher Talon Tour Series
fishergolf.com
(800) 465-3473 | $179
 A four-way insert and the ability to alter weight by as much as 100 grams? Yes.
Features: The TS-1 (pictured) face insert features different contact materials on each of its four sides, from extra-soft to extra-firm. This allows the user to adapt to different green conditions (or dial in feel) without altering the stroke.
Advantages: Customized feel is key, but so is the stability provided by the high-MOI design, complete with four different areas to adjust weight using three different metals.
What We Like: If this putter was any more trick, it would require batteries. The TS-2 and TS-3 models feature reversible inserts, but are no less prone to twisting on off-center hits.
Lineup: Talon Tour Series, Cobalt Series
Putterhead: Stainless Steel (milled)
Putterface: Kevflex polymer
Weight: Adj.
Designs: TS-1, TS-2, TS-3–Heel-shafted, face-balanced mallet (available LH) |
Goolie BGS Series
gooliegolf.com
(858) 699-4331 | $179
 A very sharp-looking and well-conceived design that earns
the title “game-improvement putter.”
Features: Goolie artfully combines an aluminum body with two nickel-chromium sections. The nickel has a specific gravity three times that of aluminum, which creates a high polar MOI.
Advantages: The resultant MOI and CG location (positioned directly in line with the strike area) successfully negates twisting during all segments of the stroke for more consistent contact. The CG also promotes more topspin for a truer roll.
What We Like: We really like the look and shape of the Goolie. If you need directional control on the greens, the BGS will help (especially the larger BGS-Ex model, pictured).
Lineup: BGS Series
Putterhead: Aluminum, Nickel Chromium (cast)
Putterface: Aluminum (milled)
Weight: Std. Designs: BGS-33, BGS-Ex–Heel- or center-shafted, face-balanced mallet |
Heavy Putter Matte Series
heavyputter.com
(800) 546-2952 | $199
 The “barbell of putters” now comes with a green aluminum plumber’s neck hosel and matte finish.
Features: Two models (blade and mallet) come with a plumber’s neck hosel that’s offset by one full shaft. Add to that a hefty 250-gram Winn grip and 475-gram putterhead, and you’ve got a putter that keeps the larger muscles engaged and the smaller muscles quiet.
Advantages: The heavy grip moves the club’s balance point 75% higher up the shaft than a conventional putter, making it easier to make a pendulum stroke.
What We Like: The weight, of course. It isolates the larger muscles and eliminates the yips. The nifty matte finish and green hosel ain’t too shabby, either.
Lineup: Matte Series, Original Series
Putterhead: Stainless Steel (CNC milled)
Putterface: Same
Weight: Adj.
Designs: A2-M–Plumber’s neck, full shaft of offset, face-balanced blade; B2-M–Plumber’s neck, full shaft of offset, face-balanced mallet (available LH) |
Izzo Black Mamba
izzo.com
(800) 284-1220 | $199
 Killing two birds with one stone, the Black Mamba putter from Izzo doubles as a training aid. Three pieces attached to its head cover easily affix to the putterhead. The head cover actually looks like a snake getting ready to attack. Plus, it conforms to USGA rules.
Features: The aluminum CNC-milled Black Mamba mallet features an offset shaft and, not surprisingly, is black in color.
Advantages: If your stroke is out of sync, you can get it back in line after using the training aid that comes attached to its head cover. If it’s working fine, then just let the snake roll.
What We Like: Outside of the bonus training aid, the name. The black mamba is considered to be the world’s deadliest snake. With a little practice, you could become the world’s deadliest putter.
Lineup: Black Mamba
Putterhead: Aluminum (CNC milled)
Putterface: Same
Weight: Std.
Designs: Center-shafted, face-balanced mallet (available LH) |
Louisville Earthwood Series
louisvillegolf.com
(800) 456-1631 | $159
 Handmade with over 100 precise hand operations, each beautiful Earthwood putter incorporates three perfectly matched exotic species of wood in its design. When finished, the putters are as specific as a fingerprint.
Features: The EW-FM1 (shown) uses a persimmon center with blood and cherry woods to create an unparalleled feel. Comes with name engraving.
Advantages: Its soft persimmon putterface provides a soft feel most insert putters would die for.
What We Like: In a world filled with synthetic materials and high-tech gadgetry, it’s nice to know a golf company is “keeping it real.” Did you know that persimmon has a modulus of elasticity that’s not too soft or firm? That makes for perfect feel on the greens, a quality we love in Louisville’s lineup.
Lineup: Earthwoods, 2601, Tomahawk 3, True Center, Louie3, AAW Mallets
Putterhead: Three-wood variety
Putterface: Persimmon center
Weight: Std.
Designs: Heel-shafted, face-balanced mallet |
MacGregor Response
macgregorgolf.com
(800) 841-4358 | $199
 Manufacturers have long tried to increase their other clubs’ sweet spots, and MacGregor is applying that philosophy to putting.
Features: MacGregor’s Distance Corrective Technology (DCT) places energy in the putterface’s heel and toe so mis-hits don’t equal loss of distance and accuracy.
Advantages: Straightens (and lengthens) mis-hits, so hitting the sweet spot isn’t always necessary. The dual-insert system affords golfers a chance to adapt their putter for different green speeds.
What We Like: Most club companies have put the golfer in control of their drivers. MacGregor is doing the same for putters.
Lineup: Response, The Fat Lady Swings, GT Series, GT Mini, M-Series
Putterhead: 303 Stainless Steel
Putterface: Polymer and Milled metal
Weight: Adj.
Designs: Heel-shafted, face-balanced mallet |
MacGregor FLS
macgregorgolf.com
(800) 841-4358 | $179
 One of the most popular names in putting in the mid-1990s returns with major technological upgrades and a greater potential to help you make more than your fair share of putts.
Features: Bobby Grace’s original Fat Lady Swings and its renegade shape paved the way for most modern mallets. Add to that classic profile some MacGregor ingenuity, including three-way weighting for a high polar MOI and user-adjustable heel-toe weighting, and you have one of the top flatsticks for 2007.
Advantages: Excellent feel, controlled stability and ease of alignment. The FLS flat out works!
What We Like: MacGregor and Grace made magic with the GT line, and this is even better.
Lineup: The Fat Lady Swings, GT Series, GT Mini, M-Series
Putterhead: Aluminum (milled)
Putterface: Beryllium Copper (milled)
Weight: Adj.
Designs: Heel-shafted mallet (available LH) |
Macro Golf Square Stroke Mallet
macrogolf.com
(877) 270-9402 | $159
 First it was Heavy Putter that shook things up by placing a lot of weight in the grip end of the shaft, now Macro Golf hopes to make golfers reconsider how big their grips should be. Hey, anything to drain more putts, right?
Features: The dominant feature on these putters is a 14-inch BlackVelvet forward onset MACRO_¨ Grip that’s long, wide and flat. Despite asking you to alter your normal putting grip, we think players will gravitate to the unique design.
Advantages: The internal cavity weighting system keeps the putter square at impact. The flat grip promotes a square stroke.
What We Like: The MACRO grip, of course. It was specifically engineered to balance the putterhead.
Lineup: Square-Stroke Mallet, MACRO Blade
Putterhead: Stainless Steel
Putterface: Aluminum Weight: Std.
Designs: Center-shafted, face-balanced mallet (available LH); Center-shafted, face-balanced blade (available LH) |
Mizuno Bettinardi A Series
mizunousa.com
(800) 966-1211 | $179
 Another modern classic from the mind of renowned putter creator Bob Bettinardi.
Features: Mizuno is one of the top forgers in irons, so it makes sense it teamed with one of the great putter millers in Bob Bettinardi to create two face-balanced mallets with high-MOI properties (as well as heel-toe models in the B Series).
Advantages: Purchase either the A-01 or A-02 (pictured) and you receive an artfully milled, high-performance putter with Bettinardi’s classic Honeycomb face for consistent contact. How much quality can you expect? Every putter receives 20 checks against exacting tolerances.
What We Like: The modern shape without all of the distractions–a clean, pure mallet.
Lineup: Bettinardi A Series, B Series, C series
Putterhead: Aluminum Steel (milled)
Putterface: Same
Weight: Std.
Designs: A-01, A-02–Heel-shafted, face-balanced mallet;(A-02 available LH) |
Mizuno Bettinardi C Series
mizunousa.com
(800) 966-1211 | $229
 Design guru Bob Bettinardi mills both the putter’s head and hosel from one block of low-carbon steel, and it shows in the C series’ subtle craftsmanship.
Features: Bettinardi’s patented Honeycomb face encourages consistent ball-striking. Each model comes with four degrees of loft and a 71-degree lie angle. A sublime-plated satin pearl finish makes the C Series that much more impressive.
Advantages: The traditional head shape places the emphasis on putting, not on unorthodox looks–a distinct advantage for purists.
What We Like: It’s hard to beat Bettinardi’s handiwork. It’s so well made, we can’t decide if we want to play with it or frame it.
Lineup: Bettinardi A Series, Bettinardi B Series, Bettinardi C Series
Putterhead: 11L17 Carbon Steel (milled)
Putterface: Same
Weight: Std.
Designs: C-01, C-02, C-03, C-04–Heel-shafted, heel-toe-weighted blade (C-03 available LH) |
Never Compromise Milled Series
nevercompromise.com
(800) 999-6263 | $255
 These premium putters are 100% milled from a single piece of high-grade Japanese carbon steel, which is among the softest and most consistent in the world. That alone is worth the purchase.
Features: A tungsten sole weight for not only an increased MOI, but a precisely centered sweet spot directly in front of the sight line. Each of the six heel-toe models has a different neck structure and design for varying putter preferences (#3 pictured).
Advantages: The Milled Series offers proven, high-MOI performance, plus the feel of a pure carbon-steel putter–a highly sought-after combination.
What We Like: A lot of options and a lot of feel make for a classic flatstick.
Lineup: Gray Matter 2 Series, Milled Series, Speed Control Series, GM2 Exchange
Putterhead: Carbon steel (milled)
Putterface: Same
Weight: Adj.
Designs: Milled Series 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7–Heel-shafted heel-toe blade; Milled Series 4–Heel-shafted half-mallet (available LH) |
Never Compromise GM2 Exchange
exchangeputters.com
(800) 999-6263 | $229
 Never Compromise didn’t leave anything out when they thought up the new GM2 Exchange Series.
Features: The GM2 Exchange is made of strong, lightweight aluminum and gives golfers the option to alter the headweight by up to 50 grams, a significant advantage, especially when playing on a variety of green speeds.
Advantages: Being able to significantly manipulate the weight in the toe and heel helps players adapt to different green speeds.
What We Like: The clean lines, butter-soft aluminum-infused weave face insert and, of course, the adjustable weights.
Lineup: Gray Matter 2 Series, Milled Series, Speed Control Series, GM2 Exchange
Putterhead: Aluminum (milled)
Putterface: Same
Weight: Adj.
Designs: Exchange
1–Heel-shafted mallet; Ex. 2–Center-shafted mallet (available LH); Ex. 3–Center-shafted mallet/blade fusion; Ex. 4–Heel-shafted blade; Ex. 5–Heel-shafted blade (available LH) |
Nickent PIPE Series
nickentgolf.com
(888) NICKENT | $199
 Nickent’s breakthrough cylindrical design is now offered on two new blade-style heads.
Features: The PIPE (PP/005 pictured) features a white cylindrical pipe that extends behind the face to facilitate a square setup by helping golfers better determine face alignment at address.
Advantages: A rear tungsten weight plug increases MOI, while the polymer face insert helps distribute weight toward the heel and toe. The polymer face also is designed to reduce backspin and excessive skidding.
What We Like: The two new blades elicit a better feel and are as easy to align as the originals.
Lineup: PIPE Series
Putterhead: Stainless Steel (cast)
Putterface: Polymer (milled)
Weight: Std.
Designs: PP/001–Heel-shafted, face-balanced mallet; PP/002–Center-shafted, face-balanced mallet; PP/003–Heel-shafted mallet; PP/004, PP/005–Heel-shafted heel-toe blade (PP/001 available LH)
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Nike Golf Unitized
nikegolf.com
(888) 799-NIKE | $249
 Nike Golf’s new Unitized putters feature a shaft and milled head that are laser-welded together, resulting in resounding feel and performance.
Features: A distinctly clean visual look that’s brought about by the melding of the head and shaft. Its uniform black nickel plating of the head/shaft unit and WINN Advanced Integration Pistol Grips come on all models.
Advantages: Putting is all about feel, and the Unitized is the epitome of a great-feeling club.
What We Like: It’s the only putter whose head and shaft are designed and engineered as one piece, resulting in less vibration and better feel, all of which results in improved d
 That closet in your house full of putters that never truly made the cut might soon have company, as the new flatstick pool houses a model that’s far better than the one in your hands. _Ê_Ê_Ê _Ê
When poet William Cowper coined the phrase “Variety is the spice of life,” he obviously had putters in mind. Unlike every other club in the bag, which generally follow similar shape and size guidelines, putters are unquestionably the most unusual. Ranging from big to small, blade to mallet, light to heavy, cast to milled and so on, today’s putters are anything but run-of-the-mill. Exciting advancements in metallurgy, polymers and weight science have enabled putter designers to push the envelope of MOI, skid reduction and feel to achieve a new breed of putters designed to accommodate the needs of all golfers. And if you find that they don’t, a few models give you the freedom to self-adjust a putter to meet your own criteria.
As far as trends are concerned, oversized putters are holding court. These include models with improved alignment aids and weighting schemes to help the golfer produce more forward roll and less skid. Also, check for putters that position the CG behind the sweet spot but far away from the face.
Mallets are definitely here to stay, but ’06 also welcomes a proliferation of classic putter styles with modern features that make them perform far better than the originals. Does all this technology signify the end of the so-called, traditional blade-style putter? We’ll leave that up to you to decide.
Our Pro’s Take On: Putters
When it comes to purchasing a new putter, heed fundamentals:
Lie–How the club sits relative to your hand and body position affects how well you putt. A putter that’s too upright or too flat can cause it to drift off line, even if your mechanics are sound.
Length–The length of your putter directly affects your stance. If your putter is too long or short, your ability to create the desired forward and back pendulum movement can become almost impossible.
Grip–The size of your putter grip can change not only the way your arms and hands move during the swing, but also your setup and stroke.
The best way to make sure you’ve got these three variables under control is to consult with a clubfitter. I promise you’ll see better results.
– Dr. David Wright, PGA Wright Balance Golf Academy
 Hot Hosel Design
When selecting a new putter, there’s a lot to investigate, but don’t forget about the hosel. This seemingly innocent design feature often has the most significant effect on how the club actually swings. Furthermore, knowing the difference between one hosel design and another can provide some insight into your stroke and what type of putter you are. Let’s examine some of the more popular hosel configurations, using Odyssey’s White Hot line as an example.
1. Plumber-Neck The plumber-neck is characterized by a horizontal bend just below where the end of the shaft and the hosel meet. This design, which generally provides a medium amount of offset, does a great job of keeping the hands ahead of the clubhead through impact. This tends to make the putter more forgiving and easier to use, which is the reason it’s so popular. Putters with plumber-neck hosels tend to be somewhat toe-down in their weighting scheme, which encourages a slightly inside-square-inside stroke.
2. Flare-Tip The flare-tip is typically a “shaft-over” hosel, meaning the shaft covers the top of the hosel where the two connect. Putters with flare-tip hosels generally have less offset and are more blade-like in their design. These putters tend to be quite a bit toe-down in their weighting scheme and usually work best for golfers who like to rotate the blade open and shut through the stroke.
3. No Hosel Face-balanced putters often have no hosel, but instead an S-bend shaft that goes directly into the putterhead. These putters are designed specifically for golfers who want to take the club straight back and straight through in a piston-like motion. If you typically like to rotate the clubhead during your stroke, these types of putters probably won’t work as well for you, although there are no absolutes in this regard.
4. Long Hosel These designs are usually elongated plumber-necks and are used to create face-balancing. Although they look very similar to the standard plumber-neck design, the extra length definitely creates a different feel, which you should take into consideration before selecting a putter with this type of hosel structure. Be aware that the elongated plumber-neck design doesn’t always result in face-balancing; many, in fact, are toe-balanced.
5. Slant-Neck These hosels often are plumber-necks that bend back from the shaft line. Usually, this type of putter is used to create a more substantial amount of offset, which promotes more of an upward strike into the golf ball. Another beneficial aspect of the slant-neck design is the position it places the hands in just prior to, and through, impact–just slightly in front of the golf ball.
6. Center-Shaft The majority of putter models feature shafts that enter the putterhead near the heel. Some, however, feature a more centered shaft insert position. This design typically is associated with a flatter lie angle, promoting a low-hands position. Also, the center-shaft position places the swing axis closer to the golf ball, eliciting extra control and a feel many golfers prefer.
Material Matters: Aluminum
The silvery-white alloy known as aluminum has become a popular ingredient in putters these days. Reason being, it’s roughly one-third the weight of steel and easily machined, making it an attractive element for equipment manufacturers to explore radical putter shapes without weighing the putter down in areas where excess weight isn’t desired. More important, aluminum’s light weight gives putter creators freedom to add high-density materials to key areas and produce higher moments of inertia while keeping the overall head weight in the modern 350-gram range standard. Corrosion-resistant and durable, aluminum is the second most malleable alloy on earth (behind gold) and sixth in the ductile rankings. –Ryan M. Noll
Mill To Win
One of the most popular methods of producing extremely high-quality putterfaces, like that found in MacGregor’s The Fat Lady Swings, is CNC (computer numerical control) milling. This technique, which utilizes computer technology to precisely control milling cutters, typically produces the most exacting tolerances and best striking surfaces possible. Milled-face putters not only produce superior consistency due to their extreme flatness, but also tend to provide a superior feel. You can generally identify a milled face by the milling lines made during the cutting process.
Body Shop
Just as insert materials are of the utmost importance when it comes to creating putters that feel and perform well, so, too, is the material used to create the putter’s body. Throughout the history of golf club design, clubmakers have experimented with nearly every type of alloy in the attempt to make a better putter, and the results have been decidedly mixed. However, today’s putter designers have seemingly come to the consensus that soft, strong materials tend to work best, as they lend themselves well to shaping, can be fitted with inserts and a variety of weights, and provide solid durability. Currently the most popular materials for putter head design are stainless steel, carbon steel and aluminum. Of course, each of these materials come in a variety of hardness and quality, each of which provide a slightly different look and feel than the other.
Weigh Your Options
Though most golfers probably don’t realize it, putters need to be tuned to provide optimal launch conditions in a similar way to drivers and irons. If a given putter doesn’t get the ball out of its own depression and rolling end over end in a speedy fashion, crooked rolls and missed putts are the likely result. To address this issue, many of today’s putter designers, particularly those who produce mallets, position fixed weights low and deep in the clubhead to promote a high launch angle and low spin rate. Though this probably sounds like the recipe for a high, bouncing putt, the truth is this is the ideal combination for putts that get up and rolling quickly and smoothly.
Another popular use for sole weights, most of which are made of heavy tungsten, is to give golfers the opportunity to customize feel and performance by making the weights movable. For example, players who tend to miss to the left can add weight in the toe area, and those who miss to the right can add weight to the heel.
Face The Music
The original Odyssey putters that were introduced in the mid-’90s, which featured polymer inserts the company called Stronomic, can be largely credited with the current popularity and success of putter insert technology.
The important thing to know about putter inserts is that they serve two basic functions: to provide a unique feel, and to move weight away from the putterface, which can then be repositioned to other areas, like the heel and toe, to provide enhanced forgiveness. Other than polymer, which is basically plastic, designers also favor materials like stainless steel, aluminum, ionomers and beryllium copper (as seen in MacGregor’s The Fat Lady Swings).
Understanding Our Charts Features: The primary design elements that make the putter noteworthy. Advantages: How the primary design elements are meant to elevate the performance of the putter. What We Like: We have our preferences, too. A quick description of what impressed us in our review and testing. Lineup: The other models available from the manufacturer, listed from most expensive to least expensive. Putterhead: The primary material from which the body of the club is forged, cast or milled. Putterface: Indicates the material used for the strike area or if it has otherwise been altered to enhance performance. Check for putters with a milled face, as the process, if performed correctly, ensures a flatter contact area, which is key for consistency. Weight: The overall head weight of the model listed in grams. Most putters fall in the 325- to 350-gram range. Design(s): Here you’ll find a description of the general shape of the club and its hosel structure. We limit the descriptions to either heel-toe blades (Anser style) or mallets. Also, face-balancing is noted as is the hosel/head connection point. If a putter is not labeled as face-balanced, it’s considered toe-down.
Aserta The Monster
www.asertasports.com
(408) 251-7888 | $199
 If medals were awarded to companies dedicated solely to preventing excessive putter backspin, Aserta Sports would take home the gold.
Features: Inverted Mass Technology, which raises the putter’s CG above the equator of the golf ball at impact for the absolute in backspin reduction. The higher CG is attained by designing the putter “upside down,” with the majority of the weight on the top half of the putter.
Advantages: According to Aserta, backspin is what derails putts off line and off speed, making it very difficult to maintain a consistent roll.
What We Like: Aserta’s genius answer to the riddle of why you come up short on one putt, then blow it two feet by on the next.
Lineup: The Eclipse, The Monster, Cavity Back
Putterhead: Aluminum (milled)
Putterface: Stainless steel (milled)
Weight: 350 grams
Design(s): Heel-shafted, face-balanced mallet (available LH) |
Carbite TRi-Weight Series
www.carbitegolf.com
(800) 272-4325 | $79
 A high MOI for extra stability and putts that track like they’re supposed to.
Features: The TRi-Weight putters feature Carbite’s Polar Balanced technology, which takes the form of two tungsten weights–one each in the heel and toe sections of the putterface. A third weight is positioned deep behind the face.
Advantages: The weighting scheme is said to increase MOI and yield a straighter and smoother stroke with less skid and greater stability. The three inserts add 6.5 times more weight than the aluminum they displace.
What We Like: The visible sight lines and the weighting scheme. Putters available in either black or Carbite blue.
Lineup: Tour Blade, TRi-Weight Series, Tour Classic, Z Series
Putterhead: Aluminum (cast)
Putterface: Same (milled)
Weight: 360 grams
Design(s): Heel-shafted, face-balanced mallet (no LH)
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Cleveland “Designed By” Series
www.clevelandgolf.com
(800) 999-6263 | $165
 Cleveland applies its soft-feeling Carbon Metal Matrix material to two throwback-style putters with modern tungsten weighting.
Features: The 1948 pure blade and 1905 Calamity Jane putter (made famous by Bobby Jones, pictured) are milled from Cleveland’s CMM and augmented with tungsten sole weights.
Advantages: If you need a lot of help producing a pure, on-line stroke, these may not be your flatsticks. But if you’re a feel putter, you’ll love the “Designed By” sensation.
What We Like: Putters that actually look like putters and adherence to classic putter design. The all-leather grip is a great touch and a perfect complement to these ultra-classy flatsticks.
Lineup: “Designed By” Series
Putterhead: Carbon Metal Matrix (milled)
Putterface: Same
Weight: N/A
Design(s): 1948–Center-shafted blade;
1905–Heel-shafted blade (available LH) |
Guerin Rife Two-Bar
www.guerinrife.com
(800) 496-9373 | $199
 Although still relatively new, Guerin Rife putters have quietly taken several professional tours by storm. Among the most favored is the popular Two-Bar.
Features: With adjustable weighting, Roll Groove technology, a four-point weight scheme and a specially designed Lie Aline system, the Two-Bar has more adjustable features than perhaps any putter you can buy.
Advantages: Basically, the milled Roll Groove face both lifts the ball from its depression on the green and imparts immediate forward roll, resulting in true, straight rolling putts. The weight system and Lie Aline mechanism let golfers choose the right putter schematics based on both stroke type and posture._Ê_Ê_Ê _Ê
What We Like: Adjustable weighting is becoming more and more common, but the ability to adjust lie in seconds is the stuff of pure innovation.
Lineup: Two-Bar Series, Aussie, Tour Blade
Putterhead: Aluminum (forged)
Putterface: Same (milled)
Weight: 355 grams
Design(s): Mallet, heel-toe blade (available LH) |
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Heavy Putter Matte Series
www.heavyputter.com
(888) PUTTER-4 | $229
 The popular Heavy Putter receives a new matte finish in 2006.
Features: The Heavy Putter flatsticks (about 100 to 200 grams heavier than common putters) boast an impressive list of features, the most notable of which is an innovative Weight Management System. This WMS, as the company calls it, consists of a 250-gram insert located in the upper portion of the shaft, which effectively prevents an early release of the putterhead and the accompanying wrist breakdown errors that lead to pushed and pulled putts. _Ê
Advantages: The heavier weight encourages more use of the bigger muscles, not the tiny ones that can break down your stroke.
What We Like: The industrial looks. Plus, the adjustable tip weights allow the user to closely control balance and feel.
Lineup: Matte Series, Original Series
Putterhead: Stainless steel (milled)
Putterface: Same
Weight: 450-550 grams
Design(s): A3–Heel-shafted, face-balanced blade; B3–Heel-shafted, face-balanced mallet (available LH)
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Fisher Talon Tour Series
www.fishergolf.com
(800) 465-3473 | $179
 A four-way insert and the ability to alter weight by as much as 100 grams? Yes.
Features: The TS-1 (pictured) face insert features different contact materials on each of its four sides, from extra-soft to extra-firm. This allows the user to adapt to different green conditions (or dial in feel) without altering the stroke.
Advantages: Customized feel is key, but so is the stability provided by the high-MOI design, complete with four different areas to adjust weight using three different metals.
What We Like: If this putter was any more trick, it would require batteries. The TS-2 and TS-3 models feature reversible inserts but are no less prone to twisting on off-center hits.
Lineup: Talon Tour Series, Cobalt Series
Putterhead: Stainless steel (milled)
Putterface: Kevflex polymer
Weight: 375-475 grams
Design(s): TS-1, TS-2, TS-3–Heel-shafted, face-balanced mallet (available LH) |
Delacruz PW Series
www.delacruzgolf.com
(877) 430-4653 | $99
 The PW Series shows that Dick De La Cruz can make something special out of something as simple as stainless.
Features: The PW-1 (pictured) features a rear perimeter-weighting bar that places more mass in just the right spot for a true end-over-end roll.
Advantages: The weighting bar on the PW-3 putter includes a golf ball-sized alignment aid. Place a ball in the circle and practice rolling putts. The design allows you to improve alignment and grooves a smooth stroke by watching the ball’s roll as you move back and through.
What We Like: The PWs weigh in at a rather hefty 360+ grams, consistent with the current trend of heavy putters.
Lineup: PW Series, Bolero
Putterhead: Stainless steel (cast)
Putterface: Same
Weight: PW-1–350 grams; PW-3–365 grams
Design(s): PW-1, PW-3–Heel-shafted, perimeter-weighted blade (available LH)
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Gauge Design GAA Series
www.gaugegolf.com
(760) 591-9869 | $325
 If you prefer top-tier quality and manufacturing and Tour-proven head shapes, then look no further than Gauge Design putters from master craftsman Dave Whitlam.
Features: The name Gauge should give you a clue about the exacting tolerances to which these putters adhere, including the popular GAA Series. These stainless-steel beauties include Gauge’s Aluinser insert structure, which creates a very solid feel and actually raises the CG to promote a quick forward roll. The unique hosel configuration is state-of-the-art.
Advantages: The design of the GAA putters create Tour-level performance with a good dose of perimeter weighting. The new GAA3 ETBW (pictured) features tungsten heel-toe weighting.
What We Like: Gauge’s purity and performance.
Lineup: J-Spec Series, GAA Series, Type M
Putterhead: Stainless steel (milled)
Putterface: Aluinser (milled)
Weight: 350 grams _Ê
Design(s): AA3, AA8–Heel-shafted heel-toe blade; AA8–Face-balanced mallet (available LH)
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Goolie BGS Series
www.gooliegolf.com
(858) 699-4331 | $179
 A very sharp-looking and well-conceived design that earns the title “game-improvement putter.”
Features: Goolie artfully combines an aluminum body with two nickel-chromium sections. The nickel has a specific gravity three times that of aluminum, which creates a high polar MOI.
Advantages: The resultant MOI and CG location (positioned directly in line with the strike area) successfully negates twisting during all segments of the stroke for more consistent contact. The CG also promotes more topspin for a truer roll.
What We Like: We really like the look and shape of the Goolie. If you need directional control on the greens, the BGS will help (especially the larger BGS-Ex model, pictured).
Lineup: BGS Series
Putterhead: Aluminum, Nickel chromium (cast)
Putterface: Aluminum (milled)
Weight: 355 grams
Design(s): BGS-33, BGS-Ex–Heel- or center-shafted, face-balanced mallet (no LH) |
Macgregor FLS
www.macgregorgolf.com
(800) 841-4358 | $179
 One of the most popular names in putting in the mid-1990s returns with major technological upgrades and a greater potential to help you make more than your fair share of putts.
Features: Bobby Grace’s original Fat Lady Swings and its renegade shape paved the way for most modern mallets. Add to that classic profile some MacGregor ingenuity, including three-way weighting for a high polar MOI and user-adjustable heel-toe weighting, and you have one of the top flatsticks for 2006.
Advantages: Excellent feel, controlled stability and ease of alignment. The FLS flat-out works!
What We Like: MacGregor and Grace made magic with the GT line, and this is even better.
Lineup: The Fat Lady Swings, GT Series, GT Mini, M-Series
Putterhead: Aluminum (milled)
Putterface: Beryllium copper (milled)
Weight: 352 grams
Design(s): Heel-shafted mallet (no LH) |
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Mizuno Bettinardi A Series
www.mizunousa.com
(800) 966-1211 | $179
 Another modern classic from the mind of renowned putter creator Bob Bettinardi.
Features: Mizuno is one of the top forgers in irons, so it makes sense it teamed with one of the great putter millers in Bob Bettinardi to create two face-balanced mallets with high-MOI properties (as well as heel-toe models in the B Series).
Advantages: Purchase either the A-01 or A-02 (pictured) and you receive an artfully milled, high-performance putter with Bettinardi’s classic Honeycomb face for consistent contact. How much quality can you expect? Every putter receives 20 checks against exacting tolerances.
What We Like: The modern shape without all of the distractions–a clean, pure mallet.
Lineup: Bettinardi A Series, Bettinardi B Series
Putterhead: Aluminum steel (milled)
Putterface: Same
Weight: N/A
Design(s): A-01, A-02–Heel-shafted, face-balanced mallet (A-02 available LH)
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Never Compromise Milled Series
www.nevercompromise.com
(800) 999-6263 | $255
 These premium putters are 100% milled from a single piece of high-grade Japanese carbon steel, which is among the softest and most consistent in the world.
Features: A tungsten sole weight for not only an increased MOI, but a precisely centered sweet spot directly in front of the sight line. Each of the six heel-toe models has a different neck structure and design for varying putter preferences (#3 pictured).
Advantages: The Milled Series offers proven, high-MOI performance plus the feel of a pure carbon-steel putter.
What We Like: A lot of options and a lot of feel.
Lineup: Gray Matter 2 Series, Milled Series, Speed Control Series
Putterhead: Carbon steel (milled)
Putterface: Same
Weight: 335-345 grams
Design(s): Milled Series 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7–Heel-shafted heel-toe blade; Milled Series 4–Heel-shafted half-mallet (available LH) |
Nickent PIPE Series
www.nickentgolf.com
(888) NICKENT | $199
 Nickent’s breakthrough cylindrical design is now offered on two new blade-style heads.
Features: The PIPE (PP/005 pictured) features a white cylindrical pipe that extends behind the face to facilitate a square setup by helping golfers better determine face alignment at address.
Advantages: A rear tungsten weight plug increases MOI, while the polymer face insert helps distribute weight toward the heel and toe. The polymer face also is designed to reduce backspin and excessive skidding.
What We Like: The two new blades elicit a better feel and are as easy to align as the originals.
Lineup: PIPE Series
Putterhead: Stainless steel (cast)
Putterface: Polymer (milled)
Weight: 345-357 grams
Design(s): PP/001–Heel-shafted, face-balanced mallet; PP/002–Center-shafted, face-balanced mallet; PP/003–Heel-shafted mallet; PP/004, PP/005–Heel-shafted heel-toe blade (PP/001 available LH) |
Nike Golf Black OZ Series
www.nikegolf.com
$169
 Multi-density materials and eye-catching shape have helped make the Black OZ putters some of the most talked about this season.
Features: Each of the three models (Black OZ T100 pictured) are all about stroke improvement, with aluminum bodies paired with tungsten plugs to move weight away from the clubface for reduced skidding.
Advantages: They’re weighted to forgive, and the face-balancing helps. The soft polymer insert is even lighter than the aluminum used for the body, further enhancing the perimeter weighting.
What We Like: The shape is round, but the design adds up to a squarer face at impact.
Lineup: Black OZ Series
Putterhead: Aluminum (milled)
Putterface: Polymer (milled)
Weight: N/A
Design(s): Black OZ T100, Black OZ T160–Heel-shafted, face-balanced mallet; Black OZ T130–Center-shafted, face-balanced mallet (available LH)
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Odyssey Dual Force 2 Series
www.odysseygolf.com
(800) 588-9836 | $110
 Dual Force putters were some of the most popular of the past 15 years. In 2006, welcome back an old friend.
Features: The original DFs never had a ton of technology in their favor, just a great number of shapes that were pleasing to the eye and, of course, the little insert that started the craze, Stronomic. With the DF2s (#2 pictured),
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When shopping for a new putter, consider how different models fit, feel and look. When all three match up, you know you have your next flatstick. That will boost your confidence and, as a result, you’ll start sinking more putts. 
