NEVER COMPROMISE X-Ray Putter

These unusual looking putters feature a “Suspended Face Technology” that’s supposed to limit the surface area in contact with the ball to improve directional dispersion and providing consistent ball velocity across the face. The dual density insert uses isolated ribs embedded in a softer composite, which provides ultimate dampening yet a responsive feedback. By using the ultra lightweight face material, 25% of the putter s head weight is moved into the extremities of the design, offering great MOI properties. Additionally, the NC X-Ray series incorporates a gray and red alignment feature that helps you achieve a consistent setup and improved alignment.

Fantom White Putter

Grade: B+
Teacher’s Comments: A nice putter at a nice price

It’s early in the season, but I’ve put in extended practice with the Fantom at GolfBlogger World Headquarters and over two nines, and I can say with confidence that the Fantom is a nice putter at a nice price.

Two features stand out. The first is obvious from the photos: it’s got an enameled white finish, which makes the black alignment lines really stand out. Against a green carpet (like the one I have at World HQ), or on the slightly green-yellowish-brown greens of the early spring, the club head really pops. It’s probably all psychological, but I did think the white had a positive effect on alignment and visualization.

Not visible from the photos is the feel of the club: it’s heavier than the usual flat stick. According to PineMeadow, it weighs in at 340 grams—40 more than the “usual.” I prefer a heavier putter, and my regular stick (a Boccieri Heavy Putter) is heavier still—coming in at 475 grams for the head and 900 grams overall. I think that the heavier putters promote a smooth stroke, helping take excessive wrist action out of the equation. Pinemeadow also says—and I agree—that the heavier head gets the ball rolling quickly.

The feel of the ball of the putter is nice. Some written reports on the Pinemeadow website report a distracting metallic click, but as longtime GolfBlogger readers know, I am quite deaf and wouldn’t be able to report on that anyway.

The one thing I disliked about the design is the scoop on the underside (see bottom left photo). If I brushed the grass (carpet) too hard in swinging forward, the back end actually snagged. A slight change to my setup ended that, though.

Overall, I had great success with the Fantom putter, once I adjusted my stance and my swing a bit (my regular putter has a straight-in shaft, and the Fantom is a double bend, requiring a different stroke). I was knocking them down from all over the greens. But for the scoop problem, I’d give the stick an “A.” As it is, it’s a “B+.”

Fantom Putter

The latest club to arrive on the steps of GolfBlogger World Headquarters is the Pinemeadow Fantom Putter. Although similar in form and color to the TaylorMade Ghost, it’s an original design that has much to offer. The head is enameled in the now-popular white, with strong alignment marks on the top. I like the mallet shape and the swept-back design. The face has a nice, grooved inset, and the grip, colored to match the head, has a nice feel. But what I like most about the club is the weight: 380 grams. In comparison, the similarly styled TaylorMade Ghost clocks in at 345 grams. I’m a fan of heavier putters because I’m convinced they help me take any wristiness out of the putting stroke.

Although the greens here in Michigan are still under a cover of snow, I have held a practice session on the carpet. The verdict: it’s a nice feeling, accurate flatstick. I had a little trouble adjusting to the bent heel shaft design, since all I’ve putted with for the past several years is a center shafted Heavy Putter. But once I remembered the proper stroke for that style of putter, I was smoothing ball after ball into the auto returner.

The best part, however, is the price: $40. You can’t go wrong with that and their 100% 30 day guarantee.

TAYLORMADE Ghost Tour Putter

TaylorMade is all-in on this white club idea. I wonder when we can expect to see a set of white irons.

This one has three black alignment lines and a circular hole for an alignment tool. The face is a “Pure Roll Titallium Insert” that’s supposed to promote forward spin, and thus a smooth roll.

But mostly, it just looks cool.

Hireko Bionik Nano Blade in White

Hireko Bionik Nano Mallet in White

Among golf designers and stylists these days, it seems that white is—so to speak—the new black. TaylorMade released a white Rossa putter earlier in 2010, then Cobra followed up with a white Ian Poulter Driver. TaylorMade since has released its own white driver.

Behind these fashion statements is apparently a bit of research which indicates that a white finish can actually improve alignment and help with hand-eye coordination. But to find out if it actually works would be expensive. To that end, I’ve actually thought about taking a can of Krylon to an old putter to see if there’s anything to it.

Thank heavens I didn’t take that trip to the hardware store. Arriving in the main for me to try right before Christmas was a pair of white putters from Hireko: a Bionik Nano blade and a Bionik Nano mallet.

Unfortunately, the ground here in Michigan is frozen and covered with the evil white stuff, so I can’t try them on a real putting surface. Luckily, however, I’ve found that the carpet at GolfBlogger World Headquarters is a pretty acceptable substitute. So with the caveat that I’m practicing on polyester and not grass, here are a few impressions.

The designs of these two putters are what you now could call “classic.” The blade looks just like any of thousands of Ping imitators. The mallet reminds me of an old Carbite model that I own.  As you can see from the photo, it’s really not much larger than the blade.

Both models have a nice balance and heft. Using my “spare” Scotty Cameron as a baseline (my regular flatstick is a Heavy Putter center-shafted mallet), I thought they were right in line with the characteristics of that premium putter, if a little lighter in the head (I haven’t weighted my Cameron’s head and I’m not about to take it off to do so.). From address, both seem properly aligned.

Putting about, I found the two to be accurate in both direction and distance. It took about fifteen minutes of adjustment to get used to the lighter feel, but once I got going, I was knocking them into the auto-returner one right after another.

The bodies of these putters are zinc, with a milled aluminum face insert. Zinc isn’t up to the pounding that a steel putter will take, so don’t get angry and fling it about. The white finish appears to be some sort of baked on enamel finish. The color surely will hold up to typical use.

Fit and finish on both putters was very good. The grips were properly installed and aligned. There was none of the epoxy residue on the hosel that would indicate less than attentive manufacture. I’m very particular, and I could not have done better.

The best part about these putters is their price: $27.95 assembled. You also can get just the head for $9.95. Hireko Golf’s got a 60 Day satisfaction policy, so there’s little to lose by giving these a try.

I may be putting my Scotty Cameron putter up on Ebay. There’s a seller there right now, offering eight Scotty Cameron putters for a “mere” $13,500.

You read that right. Eight putters at $1,600 each. For that price, I’d be more than willing to part with mine.

There must be something special about these that I’m missing. There are a lot of other Scotty Cameron putters on Ebay going for much less:

TAYLORMADE Daytona 1 Ghost Putter

The theory behind these new white-headed putters is that the contrast between the white head and green grass helps players with their hand-eye coordination.

Heh. With the USGA’s push for “brown” courses, I wonder how that’s going to work out.

I like the look though. Now, what I want from TaylorMade is a ghost putter that’s a center-shafted mallet.