Tiger Inspired Kingston KP2

[kfurno]

I've been searching for the perfect putter all year and decided it didn't yet exist from the big corporate manufacturers. There were many aspects that I liked from each but no one company had exactly what I was looking for. I fell in love with an old school stainless Ping Anser 2, just wish I didn't have to put so much lead tape on it. The thin topline sets up well for me and the smooth face provides solid, but not harsh, feedback. There is such a thing as 'too soft' when it comes to putting, in my opinion. It's a pleasure to play with, and if only someone could make one for me with a few design tweaks...enter Kyle at Kingston Putters.

 

As mentioned, I like the Anser 2 look and have always liked Tiger’s putter (can you blame me, it's iconic!) so I ordered a Kingston KP2. What attracted me to the KP2 was the thin topline, flat bumpers, clean sole, smooth face, and ability to customize alignment aids and other cosmetics. I'm left eye dominant so the 3/8 offset and sight dot work well for me. The head is 347g of German Stainless Steel, bent to my specs, coming with a 35" shaft and Ping blackout grip with three wraps of tape. I've really come to like this grip, and not just because TW uses it.

 

I emailed Kyle about two weeks ago and have had numerous emails back and forth about my putter details, sending progress pics along the way. He's quick to reply and more than happy to answer questions and provide feedback/guidance. I can't believe it but it ships tomorrow! Once it comes in, I'll head straight to course and provide a more thorough account of my experience.

 

Kyle was tremendous to work with and I’ll definitely be a repeat customer, no reason to go anywhere else!

[Blazerrc]

Great looking flatstick there!! Enjoy rolling it!

[Rory4Pres]

That's a great looking putter. Hope you enjoy it. I agree, most big companies are going "too soft" on the face. Too much milling or inserts that focus on soft feel. I don't like it. Kills the feedback for me personally.

[kfurno]

I guess they need to come up with gimmicks to sell new product every year. I can’t imagine that all this ‘technology’ really helps that much. Life is short, play what you like!

[Golfingfanatic]

Looks really nice!

[cooneyj1818]

You beat me to it. Was gonna go ahead and start a thread of my experience with Kyle and Kingston putters but Im not sure I could word it any better. I had been looking for a custom putter for a little while now and kept coming back to Kingston. I second everything you've said.....his customer service is top notch, he communicated with me and shared pictures through out the entire process, and 3 weeks turn around time is impressive to say the least. Congratulations on yours! She is a beauty! Mine should be here any day. KP2 GSS 350G with light milling and custom stamping. Ill just continue to stare at the pics he sent until it arrives.

 

Let us know how she rolls.

 

Oh and will absolutely be a repeat customer as im eyeing up a smooth faced one.

[kfurno]

Looking forward to seeing a picture of your new flatstick! The only thing I’m nervous about is the headweight. In the past if it’s too heavy, it makes me want to decel so I’ve generally putted best with 330-340g weights and had to be really intentional about the positive stroke. But heavier heads are more stable so pick your poison! I figured if it feels too heavy for me I can always ask him to grind the sole down a bit, much easier than it being too light because lead tape will not be used on this beauty!

[cooneyj1818]

I let me son pick the stampings in the cavity. Then had to give a little nod to the old neighborhood I grew up in. I asked Kyle to model it after Rickie’s gamer and I think he nailed it even down to the color.

 

Pick your poison indeed. I’ve been gaming a 350g newport 2 studio style and switch back and forth between that and a newport 2 sole stamp teryllium. I tend to put better with the slightly heavier 350g head. This all of course after having a putter fitting and being told I should be in a flow neck mallet in the spring. Bought one and tried it with negative results. Went back to my blades and had one of the best years putting I’ve had since college. Go figure.

 

But yea no lead tape please. Too pretty. Lol

[kfurno]

Beautiful putter, and cool story to go with it! I had a SAM fitting once and they said I needed a face balanced mallet; could never get used to one or even close to closing the face with it. User error I’m sure but I think there’s an element of using what you’re excited to use, feel good about, etc. The question is does Rickie’s stroke come with that putter?

 

Cool face milling! I’ve got a studio select from the 2008-2011 timeframe that looks to have similar milling, very easy on the eyes!

[cooneyj1818]

I’ll be the first to admit I’ve never been a great putter. Absolutely user error on my part (mainly neglecting that part of my game for years). But couldn’t agree more...like having a new toy...definitely a level of excitement and confidence that comes with it.

 

And I wish I had Rickies stroke. But always just liked his putter. Kyle was able to soften the bumpers for me to make it similar to his and have that no glare finish on top.

 

Fan of the light milling. Very similar to what you mentioned which is pretty much what I game now but you gotta let me know how that smooth face rolls because that’s my next purchase. Ha

[kfurno]

Hope to know in a few days so will keep you posted!

[kfurno]

Next purchase I’m thinking KP1 to be different but I like the KP2 style so maybe a backup? Who knows!

[cooneyj1818]

Yea. Debated myself. Have a custom newport that I love the looks of but just doesn’t perform. Whatever reason the newport 2 style just works for me so I may as well do a back up with a smooth face. Bounce back and forth depending on the mood.

[cooneyj1818]

Honestly a huge fan of how clean yours looks. Thinkng I may do the same. White fits instead. Maybe let the little man pick out another stamp just for fun but keep it super clean and simple. Again who knows! But I trust Kyle to make it happen. Mine should hopefully be here tomorrow. I’ll let you know as soon as I get it and putt it through it’s paces on the indoor putting mat.

[benno_r]

That's a really nice putter. My KP2 has been sitting in the cupboard for a while, might be time to take her out again.

[nova6868]

Nice looking putters. I take it both of these were ordered with some softening of the bumpers?

 

Also, do you guys think the GSS is worth the extra money? I can't imagine it feels any different than regular stainless.

[MCCA]

Awesome if it's GGS really doesn't matter who's name is stamped on it metal is metal.I will have to do more research on this brand.

[cooneyj1818]

That's a really nice putter. My KP2 has been sitting in the cupboard for a while, might be time to take her out again.

 

Pics? And what were your thoughts?

 

Nice looking putters. I take it both of these were ordered with some softening of the bumpers?

 

Also, do you guys think the GSS is worth the extra money? I can't imagine it feels any different than regular stainless.

[cooneyj1818]

Nice looking putters. I take it both of these were ordered with some softening of the bumpers?

 

Also, do you guys think the GSS is worth the extra money? I can't imagine it feels any different than regular stainless.

 

Long story short is yes....different degrees of softening on the bumpers to get the desired look. Kyle is very knowledgeable about it and I was able to describe what I like and he nailed it.

 

As far as the GSS comment I haven’t gotten this putter yet. Hopefully tomorrow. But honestly I have GSS putters, insert putters, stainless, copper, etc putters and they all feel different. It’s just a perception and preference thing. That being said check them out.

[kfurno]

And regarding Kingston, it’s either GSS or carbon. I live in FL where it’s humid a lot so carbon would rust on me rather quickly. I want a maintenance free putter, much easier for me to deal with.

[tleader]

Lovely. Considering a carbon and let it rust up.

[jah7838]

I've had my carbon KP1 for about 3 years now. It's showing some rust, but I like the look of it. It's a great feeling putter. I've been tempted to try other putters, but I don't think a new putter would make me putt better. I may get another one in the future with a different finish.

[dciccoritti]

Excuse while I pick my jaw up from off the floor....

[The General]

wow, looks amazing!!!!!!!!!

 

price?

[kfurno]

Thanks, guys! USPS can’t move fast enough!

[benno_r]

That's a really nice putter. My KP2 has been sitting in the cupboard for a while, might be time to take her out again.

 

Pics? And what were your thoughts?

 

Nice looking putters. I take it both of these were ordered with some softening of the bumpers?

 

Also, do you guys think the GSS is worth the extra money? I can't imagine it feels any different than regular stainless.

 

I'll have to grab pics pater, but I really like the putter. I have gone away from blades, but it is very well made and worked well when blades were my thing.

 

Having this putter highlights the BS around GSS though. I have Stainless Lajosi's, Pings, Xenon's, bettinardi's etc, and "GSS" is no Better or worse than any of the others with plain stainless. At least Kingston price their GSS as if it was normal SS, so I can't fault that.

[kfurno]

I agree 100% about the GSS thing, it’s more of a stainless vs carbon issue for me = to rust or not to rust? That is the question.

[benno_r]

I agree 100% about the GSS thing, it's more of a stainless vs carbon issue for me = to rust or not to rust? That is the question.

 

Agreed, I don't own Carbon putters anymore (except for 1 Lajosi that is Nickle plated) for that very reason. I personally believe you can control feel more with face milling, than material type.

 

So in summary - go with stainless.

[cooneyj1818]

Sooo after a mix up with USPS....partially my fault and partially theirs I finally have the putter in hand. My initial reaction is just WOW! This thing is gorgeous. Feel, weight, looks, quality of craftsmanship is second to none. I am thoroughly impressed. From the grip to headcover to every little detail is just amazing. I currently have company over and have been standing in the kitchen with my big moss putting green just hitting putts while making dinner just ignoring everyone. I will do a much more detailed review later but for now I am sold. Kingston Putters is everything I had hoped and imagined. Officially a fan boy and will be buying another very very soon!

[Matt70]

I saw these 2 on their IG feed. Lovely sticks??

 

What ‘softening’ level did you guys go for? Was there a level or description that was used in the spec sheet?

 

Kfurno, yours looks to be softened more?