napa/8802 which is the best

[lilikejr]

I love the look of these putters and im looking for one but im not sure on which one to go with. I dont want to spend too much money on one like a napa because personally i think theyre outrageous in price but i was wonder what other putters of this style that people have tried and liked. also it would be nice if it was carbon steel as well.

[pitbull808]

Coming from 2 Ball, I don't know if you'll like the 8802 style very much. There's really a huge difference in the two.

 

I have several heel shafted blades in my collection from 8802, Napa's, Teardrop TD42, Arnold Palmers, Cleveland Desgined By's, Bettinardi BB2, Bettinardi SB3. The one thing I noticed, no matter how "similar" they look, they all play differently. You'll find that the older the putter you get 8802 60's model versus a Bettinardi SB3/Japan issue, the weight is much heavier in the modern day blade style.

 

If you're looking for a cheaper way to go then a original 8802 or a Napa, I'd suggest possibly a Teardrop TD42 which has a bit more weight to it or a Cleveland "designed by" which is a bit more similar to the 8802/Napa then the TD42. Both of those I believe are in my photo WITB if you want to look at them.

[zo0m27]

Don't forget the YES! Sophia.

 

Napa style, about 130 bucks (but can get new on that auction site for 100), and feels very solid.

 

Definately worth trying.

SJD

[DaveyH]

the yes is great value for money!

[MB1981]

Anytime you can make a classic "modern and more playable" I'm all for it.

 

Louisville Golf does a fine job at making persimmon woods "modern and more playable" than ever before.

 

I loved the Scotty Bullseye American Classic. I was very glad to see it come out!

[Ace In The Hole]

Ping Tess, it's not made anymore, but there are a few kicking around, if you want to spend some mor money there is also the JAS version

[primetimer006]

Bettinardi BB2!!! make them in carbon steel or stainless steel.

[zo0m27]

Ping Tess, it's not made anymore, but there are a few kicking around, if you want to spend some mor money there is also the JAS version

 

Don't they still make the Tess with the blue insert?

Jass is best though.. but pricey.

[RobotDoctor]

I would recommend a Cleveland Designed by with the "Classics" on the sole so the lettering should be "Designed by Cleveland Classics". This was the 02 styled blade that was made in the mid 80s and a very good reproduction of the Designed by Arnold Palmer/8802. These can be had for a very reasonable price.

 

I have a Designed by Arnold Palmer and an original 8813 and both are too light. The Designed by Arnold Palmer has some grinding done on it so it is very light. I have had several Cleveland 02 styled putters from the original "Designed by Cleveland Classics", a later Cleveland 02 styled OTR (1990), and "Designed by Ben Crenshaw". I have had a couple of Wilson 8802 remakes as well. I am currently putting with a Cameron American Classic VII and this is the best feeling putter of the lot. Much has to do with the weight of the putter as I prefer a heavier putter.

[nitram]

There are several models already mentioned and they all have their merits. The modern manufacturer's know this style of putter works because it's so SIMPLE and believe it, simple is the ticket when you're on 18, double pressed, and have a 4 footer for the Nassau. But it boils down to whatever YOU like and more especially, if it suits your putting style. Some guys are hung-up on what name is on the headcover or putter. Trust me, the name doesn't mean squat if you can't make the 6 footer to save par. I would also like to add Odyssey's #9 to the list. Thanks alot Phil!!!!! Another one of my favorites is a mid 60's Blue Steel Dargie. I carried it in the bag for 7 years until I thought I'd found something better (I really haven't). Any Cleveland with Crenshaw's name is also a good choice. Again, what do you like and how much do you wanna spend? Good Luck.

[stage1350]

[quote name='lilikejr' post='778135' date='Nov 3 2007, 10:54 PM']I love the look of these putters and im looking for one but im not sure on which one to go with. I dont want to spend too much money on one like a napa because personally i think theyre outrageous in price but i was wonder what other putters of this style that people have tried and liked. also it would be nice if it was carbon steel as well.[/quote]

Carbon Steel:

Bettinardi BB2/SB-3 (Little Leaven/Prototype/Soft Carbon Tour)
Bobby Grace 2200 (carbon steel/BeCu/Nickel)
Callaway (Arnold Palmer) "The Original"
Cameron Napa/AC VII/Napa Valley
Cleveland Designed by (Classics/Crenshaw/Crenshaw Black Milled)
Cobra Milled #88
John Byron JB02 (unsure if this is carbon or stainless)
Mizuno Pro 9001
Porsche Design PD-11
Ram Watson Tour
Ray Cook Billy Baroo III/Blue Goose VIII/Austin I
Snake Eyes "EV" #88 (Vadersen Signature on sole)
Tad Moore Tour Classic (Insert)
Teardrop TD-42
TP Mills TPM8
Walter Hagen Forged/Gentle Ben by Crenshaw
Wilson Designed by Arnold Palmer/8802/8802 milled/8813/Tour Special II
Yonex Super ADX Tour Forged

[Dr Rangelove]

If you can afford the Napa... pass it right by and go with a Bettinardi DASS BB-2. I've seen these relatively cheap on Fleabay and picked up a BB-2 DASS 3-slot, 1/10, for $450!!! I paid $1200 when I bought mine from TKS and even at that price it is still one of the best pieces of equipment in my bag!

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

You'll pay thru the nose, even for a used Napa!

[Johnny]

played pretty much all of them..

still have the 60's 8802 and Tour Napa.. the Napa is my gamer.

[Zach Heusser]

[quote name='stage1350' post='841752' date='Dec 30 2007, 01:32 AM'][quote name='lilikejr' post='778135' date='Nov 3 2007, 10:54 PM']I love the look of these putters and im looking for one but im not sure on which one to go with. I dont want to spend too much money on one like a napa because personally i think theyre outrageous in price but i was wonder what other putters of this style that people have tried and liked. also it would be nice if it was carbon steel as well.[/quote]

Carbon Steel:

Bettinardi BB2/SB-3 (Little Leaven/Prototype/Soft Carbon Tour)
Bobby Grace 2200 (carbon steel/BeCu/Nickel)
Callaway (Arnold Palmer) "The Original"
Cameron Napa/AC VII/Napa Valley
Cleveland Designed by (Classics/Crenshaw/Crenshaw Black Milled)
Cobra Milled #88
John Byron JB02 (unsure if this is carbon or stainless)
Mizuno Pro 9001
Porsche Design PD-11
Ram Watson Tour
Ray Cook Billy Baroo III/Blue Goose VIII/Austin I
Snake Eyes "EV" #88 (Vadersen Signature on sole)
Tad Moore Tour Classic (Insert)
Teardrop TD-42
TP Mills TPM8
Walter Hagen Forged/Gentle Ben by Crenshaw
Wilson Designed by Arnold Palmer/8802/8802 milled/8813/Tour Special II
Yonex Super ADX Tour Forged
[/quote]
Great list!!! I think I have all but 2 on your list.


If you are on a budget I would take the above posters advice and get a Cleveland.

[XGolf2010]

I am Currently holding an original 8802 and am going to restore it.

I got it from my gradnparents house, it was my uncles old putter that he jsut abandoned upstairs in his old room. I really like the look. Clean and classy.

I'd say 8802 is better because of the price.

[autisticlove]

I've got a soft spot of the Bettinardi BB-2 in any configuration, DASS, Carbon, Carbon with copper insert, 3-slot...doesn't matter.

[Rambler]

I can't believe that no one has said this : White Hot #8

[Birdman of Alcatraz]

PING SEDONA(No sightline)
JOHN LETTERS PGA EUROPEAN TOUR
SCOTTY NAPA 1996 VERSION

I love this style of putter the John Letters won me a boat load of trophies. This PING however, was very forgiving.

[stage1350]

The OP was looking for carbon steel 8802 styles.

In stainless, the Yes!, Odysseys, and Pings are all good putters. Plus, you can add the Bettinardi DASS putters to the mix.

I miss my DASS BB2-H. That and my Designed by Arnold Palmer I regret selling.

[drewspin]

It's hard to beat the magical feel of original head speed shaft on The Wilson 8802 and Designed By Arnold Palmers.

[aellis13]

Man, I saw Drew posting in here and was hoping Byron was going to do a few.

Back to OP, The Bett BB2 is the best I have found especially in the heavier weights I prefer. I am also partial to the Oil Can Napa and the original Mills style. Tom Slighter also makes the Kent which is a good/but different version.

[mauiatheart]

I personnally liked the 8813 more than the 8802. The addition of the line on the flange made alignment a little easier. I may be mistaken but the heads are a little different from the 8802. I also had a Napa. I always prefered the Wilsons to the Napa. Not sure why. maybe the lie angle.

[wkuo3]

Hold on to the original state as long as much as you could.

[quote name='XGolf2010' post='844886' date='Jan 1 2008, 08:25 PM']I am Currently holding an original 8802 and am going to restore it.

I got it from my gradnparents house, it was my uncles old putter that he jsut abandoned upstairs in his old room. I really like the look. Clean and classy.

I'd say 8802 is better because of the price.[/quote]

[pearls24]

Anyone know the headweight of the Limited Production Robert Mendralla 8813?

[Joe Duffer]

[quote name='pearls24' post='848466' date='Jan 4 2008, 07:24 AM']Anyone know the headweight of the Limited Production Robert Mendralla 8813?[/quote]

Probably around 315g to 320g

[pearls24]

Ok cool. I just picked up a 9.9 out of 10 one... I think I am going to have my club builder add some weight so the overall headweight is closer to 350 grams. Anyone familiar with how this putter will feel compared to other blade putters like the Yes Sophia, BB2, Napa, etc.?

[Joe Duffer]

Try it first, you might like it the way it is.

You won't need a clubmaker to simply add strips of lead tape to the top of the flange.

BTW, 30 or 35 grams of lead tape is a huge amount.

[pearls24]

He doesn't use lead tape to add the weight. The weight is added into the hosel/shaft- some type of tungston powder or something so the sweat spot, balance point, etc. are not affected....

[Joe Duffer]

He doesn't use lead tape to add the weight. The weight is added into the hosel/shaft- some type of tungston powder or something so the sweat spot, balance point, etc. are not affected....

 

The more lead powder, tungston powder you use to fill up the shaft, the higher the COG (MOI) becomes. Not a good idea, IMO.