Odyssey Tank Cruiser: Official Member Testing and Review Thread

[SheriffBooth]

Is anyone playing their Tank Cruiser the same length as their previous putter? Or did everyone go with overlength and then choke down to maximize the counterbalance?

[Puppetmaster]

[quote name='SheriffBooth' timestamp='1405000897' post='9672659']
Is anyone playing their Tank Cruiser the same length as their previous putter? Or did everyone go with overlength and then choke down to maximize the counterbalance?
[/quote]

I have a 35" Tank, gripping down to 33" or so to get closer my previous 33" putter. I actually asked Koske about it and he recommended trying the 35" first. Maybe it's the way the weight is positioned and the impact on the counter balance?

[SheriffBooth]

Picking one up for my dad. He's usually a 35" standard putter user and I'm not sure what to get him. Sounds like Callaway is recommending overlength to most users.

[joey2aces]

My protype iX was 32.5". I got the 38" but would prefer 36"-37". The 38" catches my belt buckle at times since i like to grip it low and that causes pulls or softer hits. I'm short.... 5'9" so i need to be mindful of that.

[SheriffBooth]

[quote name='joey2aces' timestamp='1405002210' post='9672837']
My protype iX was 32.5". I got the 38" but would prefer 36"-37". The 38" catches my belt buckle at times since i like to grip it low and that causes pulls or softer hits. I'm short.... 5'9" so i need to be mindful of that.
[/quote]

Are you choking down 5" on yours to get back to 32.5", or did you settle on a higher hand position?

[John O. M.]

I grip my hands over the odyssey logo. My thumb settles right on the "OD" area right below the logo. (38")

What about everyone else?

[joey2aces]

[quote name='SheriffBooth' timestamp='1405002443' post='9672869']
[quote name='joey2aces' timestamp='1405002210' post='9672837']
My protype iX was 32.5". I got the 38" but would prefer 36"-37". The 38" catches my belt buckle at times since i like to grip it low and that causes pulls or softer hits. I'm short.... 5'9" so i need to be mindful of that.
[/quote]

Are you choking down 5" on yours to get back to 32.5", or did you settle on a higher hand position?
[/quote]

I'm choking down to get back to that 32.5-33 range. I find that if I go higher I lose a bit of control (even with the tank) which is partly why I used such a short putter before. I tend to get "figure eights" when I draw my putter back....on my back stroke I'll go inside...up around back then outside in coming through. I noticed that the shorter and heavier the putter the less I did that. That's why I went to the Protype iX. If that was counterbalanced I think I would have had the perfect putter (for me). That's why I entered this contest. Now I am just an inch or two too long because I tend to crouch. I try to straighten up a bit but that's not my style that I am used to.

[SheriffBooth]

[quote name='joey2aces' timestamp='1405003381' post='9672967']

I'm choking down to get back to that 32.5-33 range. I find that if I go higher I lose a bit of control (even with the tank) which is partly why I used such a short putter before. I tend to get "figure eights" when I draw my putter back....on my back stroke I'll go inside...up around back then outside in coming through. I noticed that the shorter and heavier the putter the less I did that. That's why I went to the Protype iX. If that was counterbalanced I think I would have had the perfect putter (for me). That's why I entered this contest. Now I am just an inch or two too long because I tend to crouch. I try to straighten up a bit but that's not my style that I am used to.
[/quote]

So you think if you just had a 33" 330M Cruiser that it would be perfect? Thanks for the input - this is all helpful.

[joey2aces]

[quote name='SheriffBooth' timestamp='1405003516' post='9672979']
[quote name='joey2aces' timestamp='1405003381' post='9672967']
I'm choking down to get back to that 32.5-33 range. I find that if I go higher I lose a bit of control (even with the tank) which is partly why I used such a short putter before. I tend to get "figure eights" when I draw my putter back....on my back stroke I'll go inside...up around back then outside in coming through. I noticed that the shorter and heavier the putter the less I did that. That's why I went to the Protype iX. If that was counterbalanced I think I would have had the perfect putter (for me). That's why I entered this contest. Now I am just an inch or two too long because I tend to crouch. I try to straighten up a bit but that's not my style that I am used to.
[/quote]

So you think if you just had a 33" 330M Cruiser that it would be perfect? Thanks for the input - this is all helpful.
[/quote]

That is a fair analysis. 33"-34" would be ideal. At first I thought longer would be better since it would technically add more weight. But after getting it I found myself gripping all the way down anyway. I have tried going half way but I start to lose that control as I go up the grip. I am almost, now, at the bottom of the SS grip when I put. now, in my head, if I had the counter weight in a shorter shaft it would be perfect since I don't think taking off 4" of shaft would be that much of a difference in weight.

[Puppetmaster]

Don't you feel when you grip closer to the end of the grip, you lose some of the CB effect though? I tried putting at the full 35" and it just felt like a lead weight on the end of a broom. Obviously, with the 20 gram weights and effective full shaft, it would be heavier, but it seemed like it didn't matter what weights were in the grip.

[joey2aces]

[quote name='Puppetmaster' timestamp='1405005512' post='9673199']
Don't you feel when you grip closer to the end of the grip, you lose some of the CB effect though? I tried putting at the full 35" and it just felt like a lead weight on the end of a broom. Obviously, with the 20 gram weights and effective full shaft, it would be heavier, but it seemed like it didn't matter what weights were in the grip.
[/quote]

for me it wasn't like that. I was on the putting green and I dropped a bunch of balls at around 10 feet. I found myself leaving misses a little too long the higher I went on the grip and made quite a few more the lower I went on the grip. I don't know if I am good enough to decipher the difference and effect of the CB weighting though. All I know is that my accuracy with the lower grip was better for me.
I kept changing my direction so I wouldn't fall into a groove with the same line.
I will say that when I putt from off the green or wicked long putts I tend to not grip as far down.... but from 20' in I go pretty far down the grip.

[mn723]

[quote name='SheriffBooth' timestamp='1405000897' post='9672659']
Is anyone playing their Tank Cruiser the same length as their previous putter? Or did everyone go with overlength and then choke down to maximize the counterbalance?
[/quote]

I have traditionally used 34" putters and my tank cruiser is at 35". I choke down a bit and use the heaviest (30g) weight in the grip and think this setup works great.

[SheriffBooth]

Well, ended up going with the 38" Cruiser #1. Figured I'd better err on the side of too long.

[DTown3011]

[quote name='mn723' timestamp='1405007836' post='9673517']
[quote name='SheriffBooth' timestamp='1405000897' post='9672659']
Is anyone playing their Tank Cruiser the same length as their previous putter? Or did everyone go with overlength and then choke down to maximize the counterbalance?
[/quote]

I have traditionally used 34" putters and my tank cruiser is at 35". I choke down a bit and use the heaviest (30g) weight in the grip and think this setup works great.
[/quote]

And I'm the exact opposite. I typically use 34" putters and went with the 38" Cruiser. The 35" felt too short and having the added length really gave more of a counterbalance effect which is the way the putters are intended to be played.

For what it's worth, I started with the White Hot V-Line model and really loved the Tank effect, but prefer a non-insert putter. So I picked up a Metal X Milled Versa #7 and converted it to a Tank with added headweight, a Cruiser SuperStroke grip, and a 40g counterbalance weight in the butt. It's non-adjustable, but I knew from experimentation that I wanted something heavy. I'm a firm believer in this tech!

[John O. M.]

[quote name='SheriffBooth' timestamp='1405008547' post='9673625']Well, ended up going with the 38" Cruiser #1. Figured I'd better err on the side of too long.[/quote]

Good move.

I haven't yet completely added this to the review process yet, but as most of you know I received a 34" putter at the beginning of this process on accident. It was supposed to be a 35" which is what I originally wanted because I gamed a 34" prior to this. Since then, I have been able to swap out the 34" in favor of a 38" and it makes a huge difference in CB.

With the 34" I would putt like normal, choking down a bit to get a good feel, but it was easy to tell that it was too short. I found this putter still much, much easier to keep the ball on my line but I could tell that there was more to be had.

After using the 38" it was much easier to feel the impact of the CB and easier on my stroke. I found that I don't have to bend quite as much and it helps keep my eyes over the ball so I have better alignment. I do still choke down a bit on this putter but it's by preference of feel. I keep my hands over the odyssey logo and my right thumb lines up right on the "OD" area of the grip.

Like Joey, I also find myself putting more often from off the green than I do chipping and it's because I get great results. I haven't noticed any difference on grip when faced with a long putt but I will definitely test that out tomorrow morning on a practice green to see if choking up/down helps with distances on longer putts.

Hopefully this helps some people that are on the bubble on what length to choose but my suggestion if you're really not sure is to go to a local pro shop and roll a couple with each one. See which feels best for you.

Good luck! If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask. I'll keep posting as I continue sinking putts!

[John O. M.]

[quote name='DTown3011' timestamp='1405013331' post='9674295'][quote name='mn723' timestamp='1405007836' post='9673517']
[quote name='SheriffBooth' timestamp='1405000897' post='9672659']
Is anyone playing their Tank Cruiser the same length as their previous putter? Or did everyone go with overlength and then choke down to maximize the counterbalance?
[/quote]

I have traditionally used 34" putters and my tank cruiser is at 35". I choke down a bit and use the heaviest (30g) weight in the grip and think this setup works great.
[/quote]

And I'm the exact opposite. I typically use 34" putters and went with the 38" Cruiser. The 35" felt too short and having the added length really gave more of a counterbalance effect which is the way the putters are intended to be played.

For what it's worth, I started with the White Hot V-Line model and really loved the Tank effect, but prefer a non-insert putter. So I picked up a Metal X Milled Versa #7 and converted it to a Tank with added headweight, a Cruiser SuperStroke grip, and a 40g counterbalance weight in the butt. It's non-adjustable, but I knew from experimentation that I wanted something heavy. I'm a firm believer
in this tech![/quote]
Where did you get the grip?

[DTown3011]

[quote name='John O. M.' timestamp='1405015325' post='9674587']
[quote name='DTown3011' timestamp='1405013331' post='9674295'][quote name='mn723' timestamp='1405007836' post='9673517']
[quote name='SheriffBooth' timestamp='1405000897' post='9672659']
Is anyone playing their Tank Cruiser the same length as their previous putter? Or did everyone go with overlength and then choke down to maximize the counterbalance?
[/quote]

I have traditionally used 34" putters and my tank cruiser is at 35". I choke down a bit and use the heaviest (30g) weight in the grip and think this setup works great.
[/quote]

And I'm the exact opposite. I typically use 34" putters and went with the 38" Cruiser. The 35" felt too short and having the added length really gave more of a counterbalance effect which is the way the putters are intended to be played.

For what it's worth, I started with the White Hot V-Line model and really loved the Tank effect, but prefer a non-insert putter. So I picked up a Metal X Milled Versa #7 and converted it to a Tank with added headweight, a Cruiser SuperStroke grip, and a 40g counterbalance weight in the butt. It's non-adjustable, but I knew from experimentation that I wanted something heavy. I'm a firm believer
in this tech![/quote]
Where did you get the grip?
[/quote]

Had my clubmaker pull it VERY carefully from another Cruiser putter. Was NOT easy.

[John O. M.]

[quote name='DTown3011' timestamp='1405015764' post='9674661'][quote name='John O. M.' timestamp='1405015325' post='9674587']
[quote name='DTown3011' timestamp='1405013331' post='9674295'][quote name='mn723' timestamp='1405007836' post='9673517']
[quote name='SheriffBooth' timestamp='1405000897' post='9672659']
Is anyone playing their Tank Cruiser the same length as their previous putter? Or did everyone go with overlength and then choke down to maximize the counterbalance?
[/quote]

I have traditionally used 34" putters and my tank cruiser is at 35". I choke down a bit and use the heaviest (30g) weight in the grip and think this setup works great.
[/quote]

And I'm the exact opposite. I typically use 34" putters and went with the 38" Cruiser. The 35" felt too short and having the added length really gave more of a counterbalance effect which is the way the putters are intended to be played.

For what it's worth, I started with the White Hot V-Line model and really loved the Tank effect, but prefer a non-insert putter. So I picked up a Metal X Milled Versa #7 and converted it to a Tank with added headweight, a Cruiser SuperStroke grip, and a 40g counterbalance weight in the butt. It's non-adjustable, but I knew from experimentation that I wanted something heavy. I'm a firm believer
in this tech![/quote]
Where did you get the grip?
[/quote]

Had my clubmaker pull it VERY carefully from another Cruiser putter. Was NOT easy.[/quote]

I wouldn't suspect it would be. So you pulled off only the grip and put that on your versa shaft?

I thought that someone else confirmed earlier that the CB weight in the grip was actually seated in the shaft and not in the grip itself? I guess if that were the case just swapping the grip wouldn't quite work.
Myth debunked?

[Puppetmaster]

[quote name='John O. M.' timestamp='1405019017' post='9675081']
I thought that someone else confirmed earlier that the CB weight in the grip was actually seated in the shaft and not in the grip itself? I guess if that were the case just swapping the grip wouldn't quite work.
Myth debunked?
[/quote]

It doesn't appear that he's using the actual weight port in the grip with the threads and adjustability, just a weight stuck in the end where the grip has a designed hole/chamber. Just judging by the picture, I could be wrong.

[DTown3011]

[quote name='Puppetmaster' timestamp='1405094237' post='9680893']
[quote name='John O. M.' timestamp='1405019017' post='9675081']
I thought that someone else confirmed earlier that the CB weight in the grip was actually seated in the shaft and not in the grip itself? I guess if that were the case just swapping the grip wouldn't quite work.
Myth debunked?
[/quote]

It doesn't appear that he's using the actual weight port in the grip with the threads and adjustability, just a weight stuck in the end where the grip has a designed hole/chamber. Just judging by the picture, I could be wrong.
[/quote]

That's correct. We didn't pull out the Tank Cruiser weight apparatus. Although you could, it's just a fitting that is epoxied into place. For my putter, we installed a 40g CB weight (unadjustable) and just capped the butt end.

[lmaz806]

[quote name='SheriffBooth' timestamp='1405000897' post='9672659']
Is anyone playing their Tank Cruiser the same length as their previous putter? Or did everyone go with overlength and then choke down to maximize the counterbalance?
[/quote]

I am currently using a 35" Versa #7 and just picked up a 35" Tank Cruiser V-Line also at 35". I tested the 38" but it felt like I was hitting my belt buckle too much. (diet maybe?) I have my Versa with a Super Stroke Slim 3.0 and I hold the putter very low on the grip (I probably should be using a 34" or 33" putter anyway) so that's why I went with the 35" in the TC. I am now messing around to find the best weight combo for my stroke. So far I really love this putter and it just might make the full time rotation in my bag.

[campion]

[quote name='DTown3011' timestamp='1405098648' post='9681397']
[quote name='Puppetmaster' timestamp='1405094237' post='9680893']
[quote name='John O. M.' timestamp='1405019017' post='9675081']
I thought that someone else confirmed earlier that the CB weight in the grip was actually seated in the shaft and not in the grip itself? I guess if that were the case just swapping the grip wouldn't quite work.
Myth debunked?
[/quote]

It doesn't appear that he's using the actual weight port in the grip with the threads and adjustability, just a weight stuck in the end where the grip has a designed hole/chamber. Just judging by the picture, I could be wrong.
[/quote]

That's correct. We didn't pull out the Tank Cruiser weight apparatus. Although you could, it's just a fitting that is epoxied into place. For my putter, we installed a 40g CB weight (unadjustable) and just capped the butt end.
[/quote]

Could you tell me what club maker made that for you I also live in colorado and would love that putter. I'm currently playing the cruiser #7 but prefer the feel of metal x

[lmaz806]

Anyone using the 30 weight in the grip along with the 20 weights in the head?

[John O. M.]

[quote name='lmaz806' timestamp='1405455744' post='9706767']Anyone using the 30 weight in the grip along with the 20 weights in the head?[/quote]

Yes, I do believe many of us have mentioned that's our current setup. It sounds like there's a few of us that prefer the feel of the added weight. I like it!

[BewareTheGlowball]

[quote name='lmaz806' timestamp='1405455744' post='9706767']
Anyone using the 30 weight in the grip along with the 20 weights in the head?
[/quote]

Yep, this is the combination I am using right now. So far so good!

[Puppetmaster]

I tried the 30 gram grip weight but found the 15 gram (with 20 gram weights in the head) works better for me. That's one of the best things about this putter, you can actually play around with the weights on your own to see what you like.

I've been putting decently well with mine, and the times where I'm not, it's my fault and no putter will help that. The added stability has definitely reduced some of my misses.

[Puppetmaster]

A couple more rounds with the Tank and I'm still having trouble starting the round, but I think it's more so because I'm not spending enough time warming up with the putter, and maybe am just not fully "transitioned" to the counterbalance yet. It has been taking me a good 5-6 holes to get my stroke smoothed out. Guess I just need to play even more!

However, once I'm comfortable, the Tank really helps smooth the stroke. My off center hits on the long putts has been reduced the more I get familiar with the putter and short putting has definitely improved. It's nice to be able to take the stroke out of the equation, as far as possible given my ability (or lack thereof) at least, and just focus on speed/line.

[Dscvrr St Louis]

[quote name='Puppetmaster' timestamp='1405944591' post='9747435']
A couple more rounds with the Tank and I'm still having trouble starting the round, but I think it's more so because I'm not spending enough time warming up with the putter, and maybe am just not fully "transitioned" to the counterbalance yet. It has been taking me a good 5-6 holes to get my stroke smoothed out. Guess I just need to play even more!

However, once I'm comfortable, the Tank really helps smooth the stroke. My off center hits on the long putts has been reduced the more I get familiar with the putter and short putting has definitely improved. It's nice to be able to take the stroke out of the equation, as far as possible given my ability (or lack thereof) at least, and just focus on speed/line.
[/quote]

I have found, even just messing around with the Cruisers in the store, I have to hit a few to get used to it..but then it all comes together just fine. I think it is still a major change for some to get used to these and let the club do the work, when they are so used to steering the putter with their non-balanced putters. Just like finding that new other club, let it do the work and perfect, don't and not so much. I love the concept of these and almost pulled the trigger on a V-line Cruiser as it did and still does blow me away on the consistency in the 12-15 footers at the store, but the V-line Versa was my first step...as had been a LONG TIME since I had owned a mallet!

[Puppetmaster]

Wife is out and kids are in bed, so what do I do? Take pictures of my putter of course. Snapped a few pictures of the 330M next to my ProType 7, which is essentially the same head design (but milled carbon steel and without the weights and insert, etc. etc). I just love these plumbers neck mallets.

 

[Dscvrr St Louis]

Looks sweet!! rolled the 330m cruiser last night at the store very solid. ..great roll!!