TP Mills / Spalding Putters

My favourite is the no.7 from the first numbered series (the best traditional 8802 style blade I've ever used) followed by the no.6 from the second numbered series (pics below).

The hardest one to find is definitely the no.11 from the first numbered series. I've never seen one except in an old advertisment photo.

That's such a sweet collection noodles!

To the OP, my personal favorite is the TPM2 (70's carbon steel. Didn't care at all for the 80's stainless steel models.

I agree Golfbum, the carbon models remain to this day some of the sweetest feeling putters ever made. Incredible feel, especially for such an inexpensive line.

[quote name='oldmannoodles' timestamp='1295397651' post='2906858']
I agree Golfbum, the carbon models remain to this day some of the sweetest feeling putters ever made. Incredible feel, especially for such an inexpensive line.
[/quote]

Yup couldn't agree more.

My favourite is the no.7 from the first numbered series (the best traditional 8802 style blade I've ever used) followed by the no.6 from the second numbered series (pics below).

 

The hardest one to find is definitely the no.11 from the first numbered series. I've never seen one except in an old advertisment photo.

 

Man- very, very cool. So 6 and 7 are your favorites--- Neither of these are the Rom Numeral models? Both, the numbered series- hmm- so both of those are the Carbon Steel putters?

If so, I better pick those up. Thanks for your advice and help Noodles. Greatly appreciated.

[quote name='golfbum9' timestamp='1295397344' post='2906846']
That's such a sweet collection noodles!

To the OP, my personal favorite is the TPM2 (70's carbon steel) which is still firmly in the bag. Nothing beats it and believe me... I've tried more times than I care to admit

Didn't care at all for the 80's stainless steel models.
[/quote]


Thanks Man- that's awesome and really helpful. I have the 1 and 3, but was curious about some of the others. Since I will begin looking for a number 2 (that's number 2 and not II right?), how will I know if it's from the 70's line of Carbon Steel putters?
Thanks again- Drew

Bit of pot luck actually as different runs of the same series used different combinations of metals. Generally though, I've found that most models from the earlier series (roman numeral, 1st numbered series) contain more of the softer carbon models.

You can easily tell once you putt them side by side
In all seriousness, if I recall correctly there were different finishes on the stainless models, black or grey having different colors than white for the sight dot/lines. These also weren't smooth like the carbon versions, instead appearing bead blasted(?). There was also the versions that had an unfinished face with the face target and TPM/model# painted in black.
Lastly, the Gold series were brass, but those are obvious

[quote name='golfbum9' timestamp='1295454317' post='2908089']
You can easily tell once you putt them side by side
In all seriousness, if I recall correctly there were different finishes on the stainless models, black or grey having different colors than white for the sight dot/lines. These also weren't smooth like the carbon versions, instead appearing bead blasted(?). There was also the versions that had an unfinished face with the face target and TPM/model# painted in black.
Lastly, the Gold series were brass, but those are obvious
[/quote]

yeah- not a fan of the brass, gold series...anyway- thanks for the help and input...

I have found that sticking a magnet to them gives you an idea on the metal. The earlier versions a magnet sticks very hard, the Tour series a magnet does not seem to hold as well. Which to me mans the earlier ones had much more dense carbon metals, making them softer .

While certainly not the rarest, my favorite is the roman numeral III model. It sets up nice and has great feel with its pencil thin shaft. I would put it in the bag for a while if the grip wasn't shot. I had it re-gripped about ten + years ago by a shop that still had a few of the original rubber grips stashed away. Unfortunately, that stash is now long gone. Any ideas for a suitable grip? If I remember correctly the butt end of these shafts were somewhat undersized.

[quote name='teevons' timestamp='1295590989' post='2912185']
I have found that sticking a magnet to them gives you an idea on the metal. The earlier versions a magnet sticks very hard, the Tour series a magnet does not seem to hold as well. Which to me mans the earlier ones had much more dense carbon metals, making them softer .
[/quote]

wow- great solution- thanks!

[quote name='eagle9' timestamp='1295613212' post='2912322']
While certainly not the rarest, my favorite is the roman numeral III model. It sets up nice and has great feel with its pencil thin shaft. I would put it in the bag for a while if the grip wasn't shot. I had it re-gripped about ten + years ago by a shop that still had a few of the original rubber grips stashed away. Unfortunately, that stash is now long gone. Any ideas for a suitable grip? If I remember correctly the butt end of these shafts were somewhat undersized.
[/quote]


what's the difference between the Roman Numeral Series # III and the Numbered series #3? I know the 3 is a later version, but what's the scoop?
Just curious. thanks

[quote name='eagle9' timestamp='1295613212' post='2912322']
While certainly not the rarest, my favorite is the roman numeral III model. It sets up nice and has great feel with its pencil thin shaft. I would put it in the bag for a while if the grip wasn't shot. I had it re-gripped about ten + years ago by a shop that still had a few of the original rubber grips stashed away. Unfortunately, that stash is now long gone. Any ideas for a suitable grip? If I remember correctly the butt end of these shafts were somewhat undersized.
[/quote]

Put a Crossline putter grip on mine .

What's the value of a spalding tpm 9? It has a large face target if that helps, feels super soft compared to my Cleveland classics.

I've got a Roman numeral #1 that's pretty cool. It's got a bit of rust/ browning on it but still putts nice

I've always liked the IV.
A classic little blade with great feel.
While it looks beat up, I prefer "broken in", like an old baseball glove. New putters just don't have that feel.

My favorite has always been the milled ones that have a serial registration number on it & labeled computer milled. Only 2 head styles that I know of. The model that look like the #6 above was milled in carbon steel & copper (or similar).

Not sure how rare they are but I've had a few that all of my friends wanted and sometimes bought from me.

I guess it a matter of opinion with materials as I am currently gaming the TPM #10 in Stainless and it's also left handed. I have found that carbon steel is too soft for me and prefer a harder more harsh feel of the stainless. I have sanded and bufffed the black paint off the head and added a boat load of lead tape as these models are very under weight to today's standards especially if you are playing at 33 inches. They only made two versions left handed the #10 and i believe the #12 and I haven't seen many out there for sale. I was lucky to find this one about 10 years ago especially in stainless steel.

I use a TPM2 and love it best feeling putter ever! I flamed it and quenched it in oil and it looks amazing, also love the zero offset. So soft, I dont even pick up any other kind of putters to try them out anymore nothing else compares.

I like the 7 and Tour 16. But my favorite is still the handmades. My 8802 handmade is one of my favoriates.

[quote name='patty_13' timestamp='1303181614' post='3166274']
What's the value of a spalding tpm 9? It has a large face target if that helps, feels super soft compared to my Cleveland classics.
[/quote]


I have just picked up a 9 for $3 at Salvation Army. This putter is soooo incredibly soft, it feels amazing.

Is this the one that is supposedly the best feeling (as stated by some of the first posts above)?

[attachment=834964:TPM 9 002.jpg]


[attachment=834965:TPM 9 001.jpg]


Any idea?

I saw one of these sanded and buffed and it looked amazing. Looked just like the Mizuno version when it has the black all taken off. I really love the way this thing feels. Still have the original grip on it as well.

I gamed the TPM 3 for a time and it was simplistic and pure. The Workshop II is still the softest putter I have ever used, by a long shot.

[quote name='golfbum9' timestamp='1295454317' post='2908089']
There was also the versions that had an unfinished face with the face target and TPM/model# painted in black.
[/quote]

Were the versions with the unfinished face and face target and TPM/model# painted in black carbon steel or stainless?

Attached is a photo.

thanks!

Not sure but I believe that one is Stainless. The carbon models had the face painted as well if I recall.

the early touring pro model no 5 is the fav of mine. its like a scotty jat or del mar

On 4/18/2011 at 5:53 PM, patty_13 said:

What's the value of a spalding tpm 9? It has a large face target if that helps, feels super soft compared to my Cleveland classics.