More New Putters
It seems that every manufacturer has new putters. Titleist (Scotty Cameron) has 17 models. Odyssey has 42 models in their lineup. Ping has 29 putter models. Different shapes, hosel designs, and improved optics all have a niche. Yes, putters are a very personal club and the level of design sophistication and marketing is reaching new heights. SAM PuttLab, Tomi and Adams Golf are are using diagnostic tools and mulitple angle cameras to analyze new designs.
We still believe that the single most important factor to consider is whether the putter is face balanced or toe hang. If your putting stroke is inside out, like Ben Crenshaw, then you really want a toe hang putter where the toe is heavier than the heel. If your putting stroke is more straight back and forward, then you most likely will putt more consistently with a face balanced putter. You can easily check. A face balanced putter will balance with its face squared and pointing up.
Toe Hang Putters
Odyssey Black Series (MSRP $270) has a carbon steel blade and half-shaft offset with a tungsten flange. The YES! Tracy III Plus (MSRP $280) is a heel and toe weighted 303 stainless steel forged head with semi-circular grooves. The RIFE Abaco (MSRP $180) is milled from 304 stainless steel with a mid-mallet head.
Face Balanced Putters
Ping IWI 1/2 CRAZ-E (MSRP $190) has adjustable heel and toe weights and an elastomer face insert. The TaylorMade Itsy Bitsy Spider (MSRP $200) is 20% smaller than its predecessor. The Seemore SB1 (MSRP $225) is a center shafted design milled from aircraft aluminum with a unique alignment system.
There are many, many more putters coming to the market in the new year. We expect to be somewhat overwhelmed by the new putter models at the upcoming PGA Show. Like many golfers, our garage is full of putters that felt and performed great….for awhile.
In these uncertain economic times, if laying down $200-$300 for a new putter has guilt associations, by mid-season, expect that some golfers will have tried the new models and will be recycling slightly used, almost new putters on eBay or other auction sites for a 50% or less than MSRP.
