Severe putter dilemma

[injectedcutty]

Alright y'all, having a hard time making a decision on a new putter. I've got a custom DF3 saved in a cart, but I'm still not 100% sold on the tech yet.

Today alone I spent about an hour trying putters. I tested a stock DF3(close enough spec to my fitting to work), an Evnroll ER5, a SC Phantom 5s, Ping PLD blade, a Bettinardi and Odyssey Ai one with titanium insert, and several others I just can't recall at the moment.

I hit putts from varying lengths with each putter to get decent data, and the only ones that were consistently good was the Evnroll and Odyssey. The SC was weighted weird, the ping disappointed me, and the DF3 just didn't hit the mark either. Oddly enough, the Evnroll and Odyssey are both fang putters which I used to hate, but for some reason it seems they fit my putting stroke. 

With black friday deals coming i really want to get something as my shot scope stats are screaming for 3-10' help!!!!! I've looked and read the buyers guides on the main site and test results seem consistent with the feedback I saw today. Maybe @cnosil or @GolfSpy_APH @GolfSpy_BEN can chime in.

[GolfSpy_BEN]

I’m probably the wrong one to ask, as I have spent this year rotating putters out with some regularity. Having gamed a Mezz max and a link, I can say the LAB’s are good putters but if the df3 doesn’t feel right don’t force it. My current gamer is a jailbird mini and I like it well enough, that I’m not actively looking to replace it, but with the latest crop of ZT models, who is to say how long that will last.

[cnosil]

If we start with the basics there are 4 putting skills

• aim
• stroke the ball where aimed
• touch
• read

All we can do is evaluate a putter against the first 3 with touch being borderline putter and human instinct.   If you are missing sub 5 foot putts you have a face angle issue.  

How are you evaluating the putters?   My suggestion would be to find a straight putt and then aim and roll the ball where aimed over varying distances.  You want to find a putter that hits you line and you can roll a specific distance. The fang putters probably have alignment aids that help you properly aim.   What is you miss tendency with each of the putters?  Putter design helps us mitigate our miss.  
 

you also need to work on body mechanics to understand how to aim and how move your body to start the ball where aimed.  These skills are probably more important than the putter.  I’ve mentioned aim and starting the ball where aimed; you also need consistent rhythm to improve touch skills.  

Edited November 24 by cnosil

[RPBRENNAN]

I switched from Taylormade Spyder back to Scotty Cameron Newport II and just purchased LAB DF3.

After a few rounds getting used DF3, my last 3 rounds I only 3 putted once with DF3.

I find it almost spot on for putts within 8 feet.

It's purely individual  choice and I'm staying with the LAB, absolutely love it.

[Rob Person]

what distance do you find yourself putting from the most? Inside 10'? Outside 20'?

What's your miss?  A push? A Pull?

Finding a balance can't be easy, especially without being able to play it on an actual green.

Hope you get one that works for you!

 

[buckpillar]

1 hour ago, injectedcutty said:

Alright y'all, having a hard time making a decision on a new putter. I've got a custom DF3 saved in a cart, but I'm still not 100% sold on the tech yet.

Today alone I spent about an hour trying putters. I tested a stock DF3(close enough spec to my fitting to work), an Evnroll ER5, a SC Phantom 5s, Ping PLD blade, a Bettinardi and Odyssey Ai one with titanium insert, and several others I just can't recall at the moment.

I hit putts from varying lengths with each putter to get decent data, and the only ones that were consistently good was the Evnroll and Odyssey. The SC was weighted weird, the ping disappointed me, and the DF3 just didn't hit the mark either. Oddly enough, the Evnroll and Odyssey are both fang putters which I used to hate, but for some reason it seems they fit my putting stroke. 

With black friday deals coming i really want to get something as my shot scope stats are screaming for 3-10' help!!!!! I've looked and read the buyers guides on the main site and test results seem consistent with the feedback I saw today. Maybe @cnosil or @GolfSpy_APH @GolfSpy_BEN can chime in.

You got to find one that is tech savy but appealing to your eye, I found over the years of playing that if something catches the eye and performs well its a keeper.

But keep in mind that ultimately its the person behind the putter that makes all the new tech work.

I just received a face balanced center shafted putter, it all but eliminated my cut across stroke and my dispersion and distance control tightened up. Who would have thought!

[GolfSpy_APH]

I think the key with the DF3 is still practice and training. It takes time to adjust to the LAB method.

In the end it's got to be something you are comfortable and like the look of. I can't say one is better that the other or anything else. I tried some 7 putters this year? I have landed on the LINK being the best for me. But I'm also eager to get an OZ in my hands.

Those who have or like the DF3 will praise it. I loved the look, but didn't along with it quite as well as I thought I would and similar with the MEZZ that I have.

Just one of those things!

[Chubbs1991]

What about going to a broom?

[injectedcutty]

10 hours ago, cnosil said:

If we start with the basics there are 4 putting skills

• aim
• stroke the ball where aimed
• touch
• read

All we can do is evaluate a putter against the first 3 with touch being borderline putter and human instinct.   If you are missing sub 5 foot putts you have a face angle issue.  

How are you evaluating the putters?   My suggestion would be to find a straight putt and then aim and roll the ball where aimed over varying distances.  You want to find a putter that hits you line and you can roll a specific distance. The fang putters probably have alignment aids that help you properly aim.   What is you miss tendency with each of the putters?  Putter design helps us mitigate our miss.  
 

you also need to work on body mechanics to understand how to aim and how move your body to start the ball where aimed.  These skills are probably more important than the putter.  I’ve mentioned aim and starting the ball where aimed; you also need consistent rhythm to improve touch skills.  

I think a big part is never being properly fit for a putter. I can aim, and read greens really well, but it seems I manipulate the putter on the thru stroke. Obviously my Ping Kushin is fairly light compared to these new mallets and such, so I'm having to compensate with my hands.

That tendency lays over into anything I putt with it seems. The LAB does the work itself, so I was testing it with the thumbs off approach. I can't say the miss is a pull or push, because with all the putters I missed both ways. Golf galaxy where i was at has a large putting surface that's flat, I'll need to go back and maybe take my putter and work more.

I need a proper putter, but don't wanna just start dumping money and having buyers remorse because it's not working for me.

2 hours ago, Chubbs1991 said:

What about going to a broom?

Tried one of those, absolutely not a fan and the results confirmed it.

[injectedcutty]

My shot scope data for the year. Mid range putts are my kryptonite, so I really need to get that sorted out and I'd be at scratch or below. Current average is 31.9 putts/round.

[tbliggins]

I recently got the PXG Allen and the early returns have been great. The thing I've noticed so far for me is that it really promotes a consistent, proper set up. I've struggled with inconsistency in my set up over the years and this has been the most natural I've felt over short putts since I was a kid. 

[Chubbs1991]

I’m in the same boat. Sold my scotty this year and tried the Taylormade Spider but can’t figure out the feel. Considered going to a Lab broomstick but it’s an expensive choice for something that might work. So I’ve decided to go with an older scotty model.

 

[Chux13]

For me, it was which putter helped me more with my arch nemesis....the wrist twist. I feel I am outstanding at finding my line and getting speed right. What would be my most prominent fault was how often I would push or pull my putt. It happened way too often, ESPECIALLY with putts 5 feet and under when I had a softer stroke. I aimed to remove that fault completely, which is why I went with a broomstick paired with the awesome DF2.1 putter.

Think of what most eats you up in the dancefloor and go with that would be my .02 cents

[cnosil]

10 hours ago, injectedcutty said:

I think a big part is never being properly fit for a putter. I can aim, and read greens really well, but it seems I manipulate the putter on the thru stroke. Obviously my Ping Kushin is fairly light compared to these new mallets and such, so I'm having to compensate with my hands.

That tendency lays over into anything I putt with it seems. The LAB does the work itself, so I was testing it with the thumbs off approach. I can't say the miss is a pull or push, because with all the putters I missed both ways. Golf galaxy where i was at has a large putting surface that's flat, I'll need to go back and maybe take my putter and work more.

I need a proper putter, but don't wanna just start dumping money and having buyers remorse because it's not working for me.

I think it is more you than the putter especially with a two way miss.  I’ve putted with a Ping Kushin and other light putters and the weight wasn’t an issue.  You need to get the hands and wrists out of the stroke; until you do you probably won’t see much benefit from a new putter.  Maybe a heavier putter will help, but I think figuring out the body mechanics is a better approach.  
 

when you toss a ball underhand do you twist your hands and arms?  When putting the hands just go straight back and straight forward.  I personally see the left shoulder/arm.  I feel like the shoulder goes straight down and then back up.  Keep the back of your lead hand pointing straight ahead.  
 

Right now you can just hit 5’ straight putts or put a ball about 5 feet away and hit a putt squarely into the back of that ball.  

[injectedcutty]

1 hour ago, cnosil said:

I think it is more you than the putter especially with a two way miss.  I’ve putted with a Ping Kushin and other light putters and the weight wasn’t an issue.  You need to get the hands and wrists out of the stroke; until you do you probably won’t see much benefit from a new putter.  Maybe a heavier putter will help, but I think figuring out the body mechanics is a better approach.  
 

when you toss a ball underhand do you twist your hands and arms?  When putting the hands just go straight back and straight forward.  I personally see the left shoulder/arm.  I feel like the shoulder goes straight down and then back up.  Keep the back of your lead hand pointing straight ahead.  
 

Right now you can just hit 5’ straight putts or put a ball about 5 feet away and hit a putt squarely into the back of that ball.  

Next time I'm out putting I'll bring my tripod and record/post videos. Trying to recall if I notice anything mechanical. I've been using the same putting stroke for so long I think I just need a 2nd pair of eyes. I'm sure there is probably some minor lead wrist action going on, but I know the pendulum motion is pretty solid. I'll update when I have some more feedback.

[Shankopotomous]

Recording your putting stroke is a great idea.  When reviewing a putter for MGS four years ago videoing some putting sessions made me realize a couple inconsistencies and a couple issues with my set up and stroke.  Another thing to really check out is your alignment / aim with a laser pointer.  Are you really lining up to what you think you are.  I found i was actually lining up slightly to the right of the cup.  You could be subconsciously adjusting your stroke to get back online.  Working out those things if they exist will help your putting no matter which putter you end up with.

By the way, I am still gaming the Ping Heppler Fetch I reviewed 4 years ago.

[release]

On 11/23/2024 at 5:29 PM, injectedcutty said:

Alright y'all, having a hard time making a decision on a new putter. I've got a custom DF3 saved in a cart, but I'm still not 100% sold on the tech yet.

Today alone I spent about an hour trying putters. I tested a stock DF3(close enough spec to my fitting to work), an Evnroll ER5, a SC Phantom 5s, Ping PLD blade, a Bettinardi and Odyssey Ai one with titanium insert, and several others I just can't recall at the moment.

I hit putts from varying lengths with each putter to get decent data, and the only ones that were consistently good was the Evnroll and Odyssey. The SC was weighted weird, the ping disappointed me, and the DF3 just didn't hit the mark either. Oddly enough, the Evnroll and Odyssey are both fang putters which I used to hate, but for some reason it seems they fit my putting stroke. 

With black friday deals coming i really want to get something as my shot scope stats are screaming for 3-10' help!!!!! I've looked and read the buyers guides on the main site and test results seem consistent with the feedback I saw today. Maybe @cnosil or @GolfSpy_APH @GolfSpy_BEN can chime in.

What type of golfer are you?  Are you the one of the new generation tech focused number crunching golfer or are you one goes with the best result?  Is your ability on the aspect on putting in the game of golf adequate or struggling from not knowing what you want?

Ask yourself those questions and answers them honestly.  You'll find the answer.

I like to experiment from the beginning.  Starting from about 4 decades ago, started using all different type design of putters to satisfied my own curiosity.  Different head design and balance point, different length, and different weight.

I still rotate the putters in my bag, not married to one.

Some of the guys I golf with only have one or a few putters through the years , and that is fine if they need to feel comfortable with one putter .  While I have no issue by concentrating on what the putter face is doing when contact the golf ball.  I rotate the putters mainly by the weight of the putter, because that dictates the speed on different putting surface, to control distance.  It does not matter whether the putter is face balanced, center/heel shafted, mallet or blade....... Give me 10-15 minutes on the practice  green before the round and I'll be ready.

 

[Nod17]

Rule of thumb, for me is KISS!  Putter has to look good when I put it behind the ball to line up the putt.  If it doesn’t, it goes back on the rack. Next is feel.  If it doesn’t feel good in my hand first time I pick it up, it goes back on the rack.  Last, doesn’t it fit my stroke?  Don’t change your stroke to fit the putter.  Get something that meets these three requirements and you’ll have a great match.  For me it would be the  Evnroll ER5.  Great look and feel!  IMHO

[golfsh00ter]

Been going through a similar process the past ~2yrs and what I’ve learned:

David Edel and Bruce Rearick are excellent sources of information about stroke, tendencies & fit.  Check out the free info available, for me it was the Edel fitting videos on YouTube and the “Burnt Edges Consulting” blog.  Understand what your natural stroke and alignment tendencies are and then evaluate the putters that are the best fit for those tendencies.  I’m not advocating that you shouldn’t try to improve your stroke or consistency, but you also shouldn’t fight what feels natural to you.  Then evaluate the putters that fit around those natural tendencies.  There are many putter variables to consider - head style, look, length, lie angle, alignment marking, total weight, weight distribution between head and grip, grip size/type.  Then once you’ve narrowed it down to a few finalists, also try this experiment as part of your evaluation process:  set up for your putt then hit with each with your eyes closed.  Which one(s) did you hit the most pure and just felt “right”?  That’s the one that could be your next gamer.
 

Good luck with your journey!

Edited November 25 by golfsh00ter

[alanbass]

Having played both blades and mallets in the past, I finally settled on fang designs as ideal. They have the feel of a blade along with the balance and weight of a mallet. Perfect!

[Josh Parker]

On 11/23/2024 at 7:29 PM, injectedcutty said:

Oddly enough, the Evnroll and Odyssey are both fang putters which I used to hate, but for some reason it seems they fit my putting stroke.

Why fight what seems to work?  

[cksurfdude]

On 11/24/2024 at 6:17 PM, cnosil said:

You need to get the hands and wrists out of the stroke; until you do you probably won’t see much benefit from a new putter.

 

9 hours ago, golfsh00ter said:

... grip size/type

 

One thing I've noticed - in my own putting stroke (emphasized YMMV) - is changing the putter grip has a very big influence on how comfortable I am with my hands on the putter, and then how comfortable I am making a putting stroke. 

May seem upside down and backwards but for me (again emphasized) it has a bigger impact vs full swing grips!

Much easier to change that before changing putters and changing your stroke. 

Related note - when you go into a store to demo putters each one is going to have a different grip, so it's possible that may affect how each golfer reacts to swinging each one...

Fwiw last season I changed from menu years of oversized grips to a smaller pistol and my putting improved (again for me, YMMV).

 

Edited November 26 by cksurfdude
Type-oh.

[injectedcutty]

Ok, so follow up since I had time yesterday to practice putting. I've come to determine that my miss is definitely a mechanics thing. My aim and grip are dead on as I had previously thought, as well as green reading. The issue lies in my lead shoulder, it either jumps the gun and tries to move soon causing a pull, or closes off and blocks a putt right. Thanks @cnosil for getting me looking in the right direction.

It was chilly here in Louisville yesterday, and I was darn near numb by the time I finished putting, but it was good to figure out the issue. Now to determine what type of putter to buy in the spring...not too concerned with one right now. Leaning towards something with a milled face, and either a fang or full mallet since I'm having to manipulate the stroke alot to keep this kushin on line.

Also, I'm ready to pull the trigger on a portable launch monitor which will help with outdoor testing with the @TPT Golf shafts. Ive narrowed down to the Garmin R10 and the MLM2PRO. Only benefit of the rapsodo over the Garmin i've seen so far is it's camera based. The subscription is double of the garmin, and to get spin data you need the special balls. Any recommendations on either is appreciated.

[jpgolfer64]

On 11/25/2024 at 6:56 AM, golfsh00ter said:

Been going through a similar process the past ~2yrs and what I’ve learned:

David Edel and Bruce Rearick are excellent sources of information about stroke, tendencies & fit.  Check out the free info available, for me it was the Edel fitting videos on YouTube and the “Burnt Edges Consulting” blog.  Understand what your natural stroke and alignment tendencies are and then evaluate the putters that are the best fit for those tendencies.  I’m not advocating that you shouldn’t try to improve your stroke or consistency, but you also shouldn’t fight what feels natural to you.  Then evaluate the putters that fit around those natural tendencies.  There are many putter variables to consider - head style, look, length, lie angle, alignment marking, total weight, weight distribution between head and grip, grip size/type.  Then once you’ve narrowed it down to a few finalists, also try this experiment as part of your evaluation process:  set up for your putt then hit with each with your eyes closed.  Which one(s) did you hit the most pure and just felt “right”?  That’s the one that could be your next gamer.
 

Good luck with your journey!

I had a fitting with a former Edel fitter, he now works at Club Champion it was all about my physical stance and how my hands hung and worked. He changed me to a smaller diameter grip, shorten my putter and had me move closer to the ball. He also changed my grip, too hard to explain. I had him refit both my Evnroll ER10 and my Scotty Squareback Select. He wanted me to use the Evnroll but I'm more comfortable with my Scotty. It took a while to get comfortable with the changes, my results have improved, especially lag putting.

Edel puts so much emphasis on the persons physical build and grip, I'm not sure it would work with and of the new Zero Torque putters and large grips.