Hello and thank you for your time.Overview

I'm a SBST face-balanced putter that prefers milled mallets.Background

My first real/fitted putter was the original Ping Nome (milled mallet) with the straight shaft stroke option. I putt exceptionally well with it, but the design and aesthetics have soured on me.

My second putter was the Ping Karsten TR Anser 5. I LOVE the setup at address, but the TR insert just kills any feedback for me. It's difficult for me to get a consistent distance/roll out of it, where my Nome is almost always on point. I simply take this to mean inserts just don't agree with me.

I then goofed off and tried a Taylormade Spyder Mini which lasted about one honeymoon combining, what I feel, were the worst of the two previous putters mentioned.That being said

I'm looking hard for a milled mallet and I did spend several hours hitting the Phantom X prior to COVID-19, but I don't understand the difference in heads/shafts/etc. I simply don't understand the lineup. Which Club?

I've read reviews for the 6SRT but I've never rolled a straight shaft putter, and it looks super weird. Any feedback on this? I am not opposed to the 8 and the all black head looks interesting and weird at the same time. I found one used in nice condition for $265 on Facebook.Reviews tell me the mid-bend shaft options are face-balanced, but Scotty's website seems to contradict that.Reviews also tell me the 12 is face-balanced but it looks as big as a driver head.I'm so lost... help?

I may be one of the few to suggest the 12, but if I get one, it will be the 12 or 12.5.

The 12 is face balanced, the 12.5 has a lower bend in the shaft and has slight toe hang. It does not seem as large when you are rolling it. A lot of reviewers focus on the size and then also note they make a lot of putts with it. Have only rolled it in a store but it felt very nice. For being a larger mallet, it has a sleek design that hugs the ground. Rock solid on short putts.

I sort of prefer the 12.5 but I also like the more subtle black painted alignment line. On the 12 I would leave the three dots yellow and paint the lines black, or vice versa.

phantom x5, face balanced for a straight back straight through putter stroke

I have the 8 and absolutely love everything about it --- feel, looks, weight, etc.. I really prefer the solid look this putter provides vs the others (no distractions if you will) . In addition, having the dual lines along with the dots has helped me with my alignment issues.

This is my other favorite. Look closely and it’s the same shape as the 12 without the silver wings. Also felt very nice. You know, I am far from a Cameron devotee and I used to play Anser styles and small mallets. I wouldn’t even try the larger mallets. When I did, these Phantom putters and the latest Bettinardi Inovai really stood out. I can feel the stability and ease of starting the putt on the line I am seeing.

You’ll likely find the face balance version of each to perform the best if you’re SBST. Best part of the phantom line are all the different alignment options. I think if you get a chance to try them all it’ll be obvious which suits your eye. For me I prefer to use the face and perpendicular lines to align the putter and the 5 works best. I will say that they all appear smaller in person, so don’t be afraid of the 8 or even 12 if you’re worried about overall size.