Ping Anser 4

[TonyD]

Couple of Q's

I bought a Ping Answer 4 this weekend at a used golf shop and need some answers (pun intended!) :)

I saw one of these about a month ago in a post but after 10 searches I can't find anything to help.

Here are some pics of the putter -









What kind of finish is on the putter? It appears black, which is not like my other pings that are becu or magenese.

Also, how much do you think it is worth? I don't plan on selling it, but it would be nice to know that I got a good deal!

Does anyone know an easy way to remove the lead tape without scratching the putter?

Thanks in advance for your help!

[mat562]

It's tough to tell from the pictures due to the lighting, but Ping did offer a black surface treatment on their putters at one time - effectively very similar to the modern day black oxide finishes that are offered by many companies now. Obviously, an aftermarket finish could be on there just as easily as a factory one. If it's unmarked, and shows no signs of wear or fading on the sole or edges, it's likely to be a recent job, obviously, and my bet would be aftermarket in that case. It's hardly concrete evidence, but the painfill in the sightline looks a bit 'creamy' to me - whereas the original Ping paint stays very white in my experience, based on a few old putters.

 

Regarding the lead tape, my recommendation would be to use a very fine, pointed blade (e.g. a surgical tool or similar) to lift a corner enough to get a decent hold of the tape with tweezer tips and pull it away. Hopefully, there should be minimal damage to the surface of the club, and any minor marks will be small enough to touch up afterwards.

 

Value-wise? Tough one. It's a nice putter, in what looks to be very tidy nick and the finish could add or subtract a bit of value depending upon the buyer. It should fetch a reasonable amount (£30-40 or so) but I wouldn't plan on becoming a tax exile on the proceeds.

[TonyD]

I updated the first post with two more pics

[rms25thta]

I have putted with that exact putter for 20 years now. Mine was also black when I first got it. It is a stainless steel putter so you know. Over the years I have removed the black finish and it is a satin finish now, I like it better. As far as value.....I would say it is worth probalby $30-$40. There is actually a used one at Golf Galaxy near me right now. I think I am going to pick it up just incase something happens to mine. I looked on eBay and there are several on there in that price range that I mentioned above. It is a great stick, I love the reduced offset vs. the anser & anser 2. I have had many other putters over the years and never putted better with anything else, that is why it is in my bag 20 years later. Here is a photo of mine.

[nobreak1970]

Definately be careful in removing the lead tape, I assume it's in the cavity on the flange!?! The nice Ping address stamp is under that.

 

Peace.

[Titleist87]

I have a BeCu Anser 4 and it looks like that is what you have. Expect a headweight of 320 grams. If it is the steel with the dark finish, it will have a headweight of 300 grams. If you want a concrete answer, just soak the head in diet coke for a few hours. If you have copper, which I think you do, it will come out bright and shiny.

[astamm8]

I have putted with that exact putter for 20 years now. Mine was also black when I first got it. It is a stainless steel putter so you know. Over the years I have removed the black finish and it is a satin finish now, I like it better. As far as value.....I would say it is worth probalby $30-$40. There is actually a used one at Golf Galaxy near me right now. I think I am going to pick it up just incase something happens to mine. I looked on eBay and there are several on there in that price range that I mentioned above. It is a great stick, I love the reduced offset vs. the anser & anser 2. I have had many other putters over the years and never putted better with anything else, that is why it is in my bag 20 years later. Here is a photo of mine.

 

 

those are great putters. although, not particularly valuable. how much less is the offset than an anser 2? i've not have an anser 4 in my mitts in a long time and have really had a hard time getting an answer...

 

thanks

[MoaningM]

I would imagine it's stainless that has had some aftermarket treatment done to it. As Mat said above Ping did a black version but i've never seen one on an anser 4 (not to say they dont exist). Great putters, and if it's becu under that black then they are usually worth at least double the stainless version!

[stage1350]

The black oxide Pings were stainless. The finish was relatively flat compared to the modern, shiny black oxide finishes on carbon steel putters.

 

The oxides used to have a small cult following, fetching around $125-$150. Now, not nearly as much. They are still an excellent putter. If it's BeCu, it's current value will be closer to $100.

[TonyD]

It's definetly not becu, as I have one and its not even close to it in color. Sorry for the crappy iphone pics. I've never seen a black oxide putter, but this putter is black enough that it could be.

 

I'll see if I can post a better pic with more lighting! :)

 

Thanks to all who have helped so far!

[astamm8]

i think stage is saying that it could be becu under that black finish, particularly if it's an aftermarket finish, that's a possibility.

[wildwilly911]

its stainless like said, heat the tape up and pull it off, probably wont hurt the finish