Custom Putter Opinions

I'm interested in purchasing a "custom putter" and have looked at many websites and tried to educate myself on the different craftsman. I own a Bettinardi and a Scotty and am looking towards TP Mills, Byron Morgan etc.

I would like the ability to have the putter made to a head weight of 360g ish for a 33" length putter. And honestly made from a reputable company. Reputable? As in the company is active, busy, good service, etc. I mention this because I found allot of the websites I looked at seemed...well... out of date, lacking information and detail. So I ask you guys, what custom putter do you roll and why? Thanks :wave:

I saw in that betti thread that you chose a SC NP2? If you like that head shape then I would suggest Byron 006 or a Machine M2A Converter. These are my 2 favorite Anser 2 styles out there. The M2A converter has a lot of flanges to choose from. As far as what I game, I game a Byron 006. What brought me to it was a member let me demo his and I fell in love with it. My first Byron was a deal given to me by another Byron fan and wanted to help me out. When I decided I was going to order my custom, I was well taken care of...I had many phone calls, emails, and private messages between the rep and me. It feels like one big family. Everyone takes care of eachother in the Byron world. All of the reps are fantastic.

As well as Byron and Machine, there are a number of other reputable custom putter makers out there doing great work - Sunset Beach, C&L, Palombi, Nead, to name just a few. I'd also recommend Lajosi Putters - brilliant service, brilliant products, and probably the least expensive of all. My fourth Lajosi is currently on its way! Kari's website is [url="http://www.lajosiputters.com.au/"]http://www.lajosiputters.com.au/[/url] and I believe his Anser 2 style head is called the Aero 6:

I haven't hit a Lajosi yet but from what I have seen on here and other forums is that he does top notch work. My favorite LaJosi model is the KPL7.

You have good taste Willie, I like the KLP7 as well:

i have a kevin burns and love it!!!

the website is pretty cool too...

Slighter Golf.

I have two custom putters from Tom, and am very happy with the quality and customer service I have received.



[quote name='Scaldy' timestamp='1280560062' post='2609684']
I'm interested in purchasing a "custom putter" and have looked at many websites and tried to educate myself on the different craftsman. I own a Bettinardi and a Scotty and am looking towards TP Mills, Byron Morgan etc.

I would like the ability to have the putter made to a head weight of 360g ish for a 33" length putter. And honestly made from a reputable company. Reputable? As in the company is active, busy, good service, etc. I mention this because I found allot of the websites I looked at seemed...well... out of date, lacking information and detail. So I ask you guys, what custom putter do you roll and why? Thanks
[/quote]

+1 for slighter. If you like the Newport 2 / answer 2 style them you will love the slighter Tacoma. Tom does amazing work and the deep milling on the face makes it feel buttery smooth. He will dial you up!

Easy answer, for custom either Machine or Byron Morgan.

--jason

Personally, I'd go with Byron. But don't rule out Nead, Piretti, Palombi, MannKrafted, Slighter, Machine....and on, and on, and on.

Also, don't put too much into the websites. I'd be more concerned about their putter making abilities vs. their website design abilities. Just remember, some of these are small shops and these guys spend most of their time in front of a work bench....not behind a computer.....and that is what I appreciate about them.

The T.P. Mills Co. can make you something you would like.

check out some of our latest customs at www.tpmregistry.com

jay

C&L 350 milled been in my bag for well over a year now and has been a great putter plus Chip and Lee are both great guys to work with.

+1 for T.P. Mills and Jay. I have two customs on order right now and the the service so far has been outstanding! If you want a custom putter, with a long and GREAT lineage, look no further a Mills....

I own 2 Byron's (006) and 1 TP Mills. Byron makes an amazing putter, top notch, but I am loving my Mills Softtail.

My vote has to go to Byron Morgan. I was in your boat recently, researching different custom putter makers and trying to narrow down exactly what i was looking for down to loft, lie, toe hang, head material, etc. I finally decided on a Byron Morgan and talked with Dave (nvgolfdude on puttertalk.com) for about a month or so through private messages, emails and over the phone. He was EXTREMELY patient with me and always kept great contact with me throughout the process. i ended up getting a Byron copper mini with a twisted plumbers neck and custom stamping. i have only played one round with it so far but i shot one over with 29 putts and 3 birdies with it, including birdie on the first hole i used it on!lol i could not be happier. i am already planning on having another mini from Byron made for my dad for xmas this year. they have the best customer service i have ever experienced and Byron makes top quality putters. i may end up getting a Nead mini eventually as well for my collection, but after dealing with Dave from Byron Morgan, i recommend them to everyone i talk to. i was originally going to get a carbon steel putter but Dave turned me on to the solid copper since i was looking for a soft feeling putter and boy was he right! i could not be happier!

Thanks for all the feedback, it looks like I have allot of options to choose from. One of the Bettinardi guys even Pm'd me saying they could make a 360g head so there now adds another option. I think this whole decision would be allot easier if I lived closer to one of these manufactuers and I could go check them out in person. We'll see.

[quote name='glenwayputters' timestamp='1280605146' post='2610244']
The T.P. Mills Co. can make you something you would like.

check out some of our latest customs at www.tpmregistry.com

jay
[/quote]

Another vote for Mills. I like the history behind the Mills name and the customer service is second to none... and the putters rock as well!

Scratch putters

You gotta have a Kari Lajosi putter!

Gene Nead, LaMont Mann, Tom Slighter, Byron Morgan, Machine are my top choices, personally.

I was looking for something with heavier head weight in an answer and found that the Piretti Cortino was a perfect fit. 34 inches 350 head weight, 2 degrees of loft.

As far as fit and finish you can't beat Deschamps putters. I've been rolling mine since I got it and love it. Serge is a pleasure to work with and the quality of work is second to none.

I just got a Gene Nead in today. It is 375g 8802 style blade at 33 inches. It is too short for me but it felt great on the practice green. I am going to have it extended and get it in the bag. Out of all the makers out there, I love all of Mills stuff and played a Tradition II for a long time. Good luck with your search.

Another vote for Sunset Beach. Chris made my putter, and it's been rock solid. He and Lamont work together now, and they're making some really nice stuff.

I have a Studio Betti, a couple of Byrons, and a Palombi. I game the Palombi. I think it has the best balance out of the bunch. So I would put it at the top of the list, but there is nothing wrong with the other two.

Throwing in a vote(s) for the suggestions of C&L or Slighter.

Assuming you want an Anser style, with such a heavy head, I would make sure that the back of the flange on the cavity is not too thick. I have seen some custom putters that are on the heavier side, and it seems to get them to that weight, they don't shave as much metal off the sole. The result is a really thick flange under the cavity that I personally find disproportionate and unsightly, throwing off the natural dimensions of the putter.

I can't really speak to the other puttermakers, but I love my Byron 006. The mystic pearl finish is totally maintenance-free, and this is as good of a take on the Anser 2 style head as I've seen. Very understated and classic. The only thing is the face is not as high as some other Anser 2-styled heads, so if you deloft the putter with a forward press you may want to consider the 007/Anser/Newport.

Also, choice of metal is huge. I think with carbon steel you get a softer feel and more finish choices, while stainless steel is a bit firmer and requires less maintenance.