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FTG Putter Review Nov 21, 2007, 12:34 FTG Putter Review: The Blades
Ping Redwood
What they say: “The Redwood Series pays tribute to the home of the original PING putter—Redwood City, California. It was in Karsten Solheim's garage that his equipment revolution was born and with it came the commitment to quality and innovation found in this 100% milled putter series.”
What Jason says: “With its short neck and long toe, this putter really favours the player wishing to get the putter rotating throughout the stroke. I certainly found it easy to align as you can see much more of the top edge.”
What the test said: Despite some initial reservations, the Redwood was Jason’s outstanding putter of the day. Whatever its foibles, achieved some great results.
Seemore MFPG
What they say: “The new line of mSeries milled putters takes the record setting SeeMore RifleScope alignment system to an entirely new level of product excellence.”
What Jason says: “The new version of the one used by Zach Johnson to win the US Masters, the milled finish and centre shaft position gives the putter incredible stability and feel at impact.”
What the test said: You don’t get success at Augusta without some pretty good credentials, and the mFGP got top-notch results when used by Jason and particularly Nick. It kept Nick’s face at impact dead perfect time and time again in an area that the big man struggled with throughout the test.
Zen RDE ZA3
What they say: “Zen RDE Series heel-toe weighted putters feature the patented ‘Ready’ Reduced Dimple Error technology. Unrivalled performance is also matched with outstanding feel for the perfectionist.”
What Jason says: “A classic looking Anser style putter with grooved technology to help increase top spin and feel. A little on the light side.”
What the test said: Afforded fantastic feel, which was popular with both Nick and Jason – in other words the better golfers. Was also Charlie’s best putter in terms of maintaining a consistent impact spot. Worth a go just for the feel off the clubface, a hard virtue to quantify.
Whitlam Proto Anser
What they say: “The Proto Anser is a signature Whitlam putter. For those who prefer their putters with a centre shaft but with the traditional anser styling.”
What Jason says: “A great mix between centre shaft and anser style putters. This Proto Anser is the one for anyone looking to work the putter much more up and down the target line as it offers superb balance with its tungsten face inserts.”
What the test said: Was brilliant when used by the professional. Interestingly, both Nick and Charlie struggled to maintain a regular face at impact position with the Proto Anser, though brought out the best in their other stats.
FTG Putter Review: The Mallets
Seemore M3
What they say: “The new mSeries putters are precision scoring instruments targeted to all players that appreciate the nuances of great putters and the benefits of great putting.”
What Jason says: “Using the sight technology really helped to get the putter aiming in the correct place and the hands in to the correct position. Off-centred hits are forgiving as the aluminium insert behind the face allows the weight to be distributed more towards the heel and toe.”
What the test said: Brilliant putter for Jason, though was more erratic when wielded with a bit less finesse by Charlie – tellingly it still rated as one of the latter’s favourites in the test.
YES! Valerie
What they say: “The Valerie putter, like all our putters, was designed with input from our Tour players. The putter is a classic mallet design, giving it a wide appeal among golfers of all ability levels."
What Jason says: “A nicely weighted, slightly heavier feeling putter with the classic soft feel off the face as one would expect with the C-Groove technology. Similar in look to the Odyssey #5 mallet shape with the centre line for alignment and heel & toe weighting to give the putter its balance.”
What the test said: Performed solidly throughout and was particularly effective in Nick’s hands. The Valerie also helped Charlie’s face at address statistics. Arguably the best value for money in the test, and certainly the cheapest of the eight putters we looked at.
Whitlam Code M
What they say: “The Code M putter is superbly balanced, offering the player solid feel and giving excellent feedback for consistent putting. This putter possesses deceptively simple lines and is a must have for golf purists.”
What Jason says: “Lovely looking putter with the coldstar finish giving way to the white centre line for ease of alignment. Sits perfectly flat and square with a solid but generous feel off the face at impact.”
What the test said: The SAM Puttlab stats showed the Code M to be Charlie’s best putter, though both Nick and Jason struggled a little bit with timing. Certainly a contender for most popular choice and best overall performer in the test.
Scotty Cameron Red X3
What they say: “The next generation Red X3 takes the Red X line into another realm of performance and style. A solid face. A new finish. New graphics. The Red X’s next generation.”
What Jason says: “Without the use of an insert, the new X3 provides you with a very solid feel at impact. With a different shaft profile in this model, it has slightly more toe hang than the earlier model thus allowing better rotation of the putter head throughout the stroke”
What the test said: Nick actually putted beautifully with the X3, maintaining uncharacteristic poise and control much as anybody else would hate to admit it, and Charlie raved about it before he even picked the putter up.
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