Looking at making a putter change....studio select or special select?

[Pa_Ping_Chunker]

As the title states, looking at upgrading my putter from a ping anser redwood to a scotty Cameron 2008 to 2011ish studio select newport 2 or just go with a new 2020 special select newport? Ive rolled the new special select and its really nice especially coming frok a ping. I dont have much experience with the studio select models. I was even considering the studio style model. Lots of folks talk about how the older studio selects are miles better than the new offerings. Whats everyones thoughts? I dont mind skipping out on the new 2020 and get an older but better quality 2008ish studio. Thanks!

Edited January 23, 2021 by Pa_Ping_Chunker

[Red4282]

I dont think you can go wrong, just dont bother with the aluminum inserts, thats the “dark” years

[MattUtah]

Honestly, IMO, Redwood Anser is as good as a Cameron. 
 

I have a Studio select Laguna 2 I really like. I think this line was one of their best. The new Special Selects are nice too. Studio select will be more firm feeling. I don’t think either is a huge upgrade over your Redwood unless you like the shape better. 

Edited January 24, 2021 by MattUtah

[cjr534s]

I can't speak for the Redwood.  Never used on.  I have however used a Scotty Cameron Studio Stainless Newport 2 for going on 12-13 years.  One of the best feeling putters I've ever had.  I also have a basically new Studio Select Newport 2 that I bought new, and special ordered it, and it still could not beat out my Studio Stainless.  Just keep it for a back up.  You really can't go wrong with the Studio Select or the Special Selects.  I would not be to excited about the Studio Styles however. I like a solid putter with polymers numbing the feel.  JAT.  Good Luck!

[Pa_Ping_Chunker]

I like my ping answer redwood but i want more weight

[kepeollie]

I don’t care much for the 2020 model. The top line looks (to me) too thin. 

[nitram]

Which one sets up better to your eye? Which one allows you to make a straight 6 footer more often?

[Pa_Ping_Chunker]

I never rolled the older models. I rolled the 2020 special nicely. 

[leftycabe]

For what it’s worth, I had a studio select and pre-ordered the special select. I received it the day they launched and sold it the next day. For me, the studio select felt softer but the biggest thing for me was that the blade on the 2020 line is shorter in height and I felt like I had to manipulate my stroke to keep from making contact toward the top of the putter blade. When I hit it higher on the blade it felt harsh. 

[MattUtah]

12 minutes ago, leftycabe said:

For what it’s worth, I had a studio select and pre-ordered the special select. I received it the day they launched and sold it the next day. For me, the studio select felt softer but the biggest thing for me was that the blade on the 2020 line is shorter in height and I felt like I had to manipulate my stroke to keep from making contact toward the top of the putter blade. When I hit it higher on the blade it felt harsh. 

I agree with this. I noticed the same thing. 

[hypergolf]

Personally for me 2020 special select was the worst SC I tried. The only thing I really liked was the grip. Maybe even wait another year and see what SC has to offer but I feel he is making it too commercial and just pumping out sub-quality product that doesn't live up to the hype.

[drscott266]

I have different model putters from both series, and like them both but am glad I have the NP2 in the studio select line. It may be because it was gamer for almost a decade, but the feel is amazing. Soft but solid, and recently after getting the newest mod in a fastback I put the same grip on my older putter and wow!  The feel got even better honestly, I am now splitting my collection between matador medium from studio select and pistolini plus from special select. 
 

The retail special select is slightly firmer I thought, but strikes dead center on the sweet spot are awesome feeling too.  I know the fastback is a different shape than NP2 but I took one out for a round at my club and literally fell in love. The thin top line is less noticeable with a mid mallet body behind it. 
 

If you really want to split hairs, the newest Tour Types Timeless sold through the gallery are the best feeling NP2 I have ever owned. They don’t have weight ports which I think gives it the unique feel. The Tourtype with weights was ok feeling but the super heavy weights and lighter body never rolled the ball well for me. 

Edited January 24, 2021 by drscott266

[BYK]

Have rolled both

the older studio select I feel is much better from a feel standpoint.  Doesn't hurt that I like the way it looks better too.  Really the fact that the 2008 version is naked really makes it an unfair competition though. I don't like sightlines at all. 

[mcounci2]

18 hours ago, hypergolf said:

Personally for me 2020 special select was the worst SC I tried. The only thing I really liked was the grip. Maybe even wait another year and see what SC has to offer but I feel he is making it too commercial and just pumping out sub-quality product that doesn't live up to the hype.

 

Ha! Just goes to show you how subjective putters are.  The 2020 line is what finally got me to pull the trigger on an SC, except I hated the stock grip.  My fastback with gravity grip is my favorite putter I've ever owned. 

[Medson]

I have Ping Redwood Anser and Scotty Studio Select Newport 2. There is no performance difference. I think Studio Select clocks in at 350g and Redwood Anser at 340g. (Don't quote me on it)

 

To be very honest, the performance difference among these 3 are pretty subtle unless your hands are so sensitive to 10g difference. 

 

Just grab whatever your heart desires. 

[drscott266]

7 hours ago, Medson said:

I have Ping Redwood Anser and Scotty Studio Select Newport 2. There is no performance difference. I think Studio Select clocks in at 350g and Redwood Anser at 340g. (Don't quote me on it)

 

To be very honest, the performance difference among these 3 are pretty subtle unless your hands are so sensitive to 10g difference. 

 

Just grab whatever your heart desires. 

I agree completely. I think the redwood is a 350g head, but mine is a different length now than my SC’s so hard to tell. Other than the sole graphics the Redweed Anser is a clean looking anser style to rival any SC Newport for looks.  Feel is also very solid and soft on the sweet spot. 

[dropkicked]

I've owned and gamed both generations.. In my hands the special select just felt better. I also prefer the 2020 topline.

[pb_n_joe]

I played the 2008 Studio Select NP2 for the last 10+ years and recently made the switch to the 2020 Special Select NP2. A few key features stood out to me in side-by-side testing that were, dare I say, Circle-T-esque:

- Tri-sole is a super effective yet subtle way to confirm my putter is flat at address

- Thinner topline and shallower face height create overall slimmer / sleeker look. I know this is a con for some people, but for me the less bulky look is more aesthetically pleasing. If you've tried the 2020 Special Select and think it's too skinny, you may like the chunkier 2008 Studio Select better

- Slightly more forgiving, similar solid crisp-yet-soft feel

 

As folks have mentioned, pick the one that you make the most putts with (and feel like you're going to make the most putts with)!

[dropkicked]

^Yes agreed on tri-sole as well.

[dmeeksDC]

21 hours ago, mcounci2 said:

 

Ha! Just goes to show you how subjective putters are.  The 2020 line is what finally got me to pull the trigger on an SC, except I hated the stock grip.  My fastback with gravity grip is my favorite putter I've ever owned. 

+1. Not a Newport but the 2020 Fastback is my favorite in the Special Select lineup.