Studio Stainless vs Pro Platinum

[Bentron]

Looking to pick up an older Scotty for use, I currently play a Special Select Newport 2 and I love it, but I want to branch out. I'm looking at either a Pro Platinum Newport 2 or a Studio Stainless Newport 2.

I know I'm going to have to send it off to the shop to get it restored with either option I select so that's not really a concern. My real question is which putter should I go with? I like the look of both and there seem to be an equal amount of them for sale around the same price points.

What are your thoughts fellow WRXers? 

 

 

Edited May 6, 2021 by Bentron
I'm dumb

[MattM97]

If you want a lighter putter go Pro Platinum, if you want a heavier putter or adjustable weight go Studio Select. I personally favor the look of the Pro Platinum but weight wise I'd pick the Studio Select 

[Bentron]

41 minutes ago, MattM97 said:

If you want a lighter putter go Pro Platinum, if you want a heavier putter or adjustable weight go Studio Select. I personally favor the look of the Pro Platinum but weight wise I'd pick the Studio Select 

I'm an idiot I meant Studio Stainless not Studio Select. 

[Abh159]

Shy of the original TeI3 line I think the Pro Platinums where some of the bet looking putters SC ever made. They were just so clean looking. 

[MattM97]

9 minutes ago, Bentron said:

I'm an idiot I meant Studio Stainless not Studio Select. 

 

I think the Studio Stainless has 3 different weights depending on length and as mentioned the Pro Plat is 345g I'm not sure if that is just a set weight. The head shape looks the same so if you're after a certain weight maybe Studio Stainless but if it's not an issue maybe find the best priced and best condition one. 

[VNutz]

What are your plans for the restore? If you want to change the finish then I'd go pro platinum as the carbon will allow more options, but will then have more maintenance. There are a few places that can pvd a stainless to a cool finish too though.

 

Pro plats are generally 330g, some a tad heavier. You can find the Studio Stainless in 34/340 or 33/350 but they're not easy finds. Something about the studio stainless always seemed to have sharper angles to me and more defined edges, a bit more like the gun blue and oil cans where the platinum always had a slightly softer NP2 look to my eye, which is odd because it goes completely against the Studio Stainless NP2 description in their archives: "Scotty is constantly refining and the Newport 2 Studio Stainless is no exception. It differs in shape from the platinum series Newport 2 in that it is wider from front to back and has more radiused weight bumps leading down from the back flange giving the putter a softer appearance. The 303 stainless Newport 2 also has a flat front neck that is in line with the topline making for a cleaner look at the ball."

 

Cannot go wrong with either, just find one at a good price and good condition so the restore doesn't lose too much weight.

 

 

[GolfManCollin]

Still have my old pro plat np2 in the rotation. One of the best heads ever made

Edited May 6, 2021 by GolfManCollin

[Bentron]

7 minutes ago, VNutz said:

What are your plans for the restore? If you want to change the finish then I'd go pro platinum as the carbon will allow more options, but will then have more maintenance. There are a few places that can pvd a stainless to a cool finish too though.

 

Pro plats are generally 330g, some a tad heavier. You can find the Studio Stainless in 34/340 or 33/350 but they're not easy finds. Something about the studio stainless always seemed to have sharper angles to me and more defined edges, a bit more like the gun blue and oil cans where the platinum always had a slightly softer NP2 look to my eye, which is odd because it goes completely against the Studio Stainless NP2 description in their archives: "Scotty is constantly refining and the Newport 2 Studio Stainless is no exception. It differs in shape from the platinum series Newport 2 in that it is wider from front to back and has more radiused weight bumps leading down from the back flange giving the putter a softer appearance. The 303 stainless Newport 2 also has a flat front neck that is in line with the topline making for a cleaner look at the ball."

 

Cannot go wrong with either, just find one at a good price and good condition so the restore doesn't lose too much weight.

 

 

For the restore I'm looking to keep it as original as possible. 

[mjbfyb]

2 hours ago, Bentron said:

I know I'm going to have to send it off to the shop

 

41 minutes ago, Bentron said:

For the restore I'm looking to keep it as original as possible. 

If you’re referring to Scotty’s Custom Shop and want the original finish, Stainless is your only option. They don’t offer the Pro Platinum finish anymore. Matte black is the only finish they offer for carbon putters. Also, the Custom Shop isn’t accepting new restorations at the moment. 

Edited May 6, 2021 by mjbfyb

[Bentron]

19 minutes ago, mjbfyb said:

 

If you’re referring to Scotty’s Custom Shop and want the original finish, Stainless is your only option. They don’t offer the Pro Platinum finish anymore. Matte black is the only finish they offer for carbon putters. Also, the Custom Shop isn’t accepting new restorations at the moment. 

well that throws a wrench in things. 

[Hougz79]

I gamed both options for a total of almost two decades (Pro Platinum from 1999-2007, Studio Stainless from 2007-2018).  I preferred the Studio Stainless.  Pro Platinum was my first "expensive putter", but I enjoyed the feel of the Studio Stainless a bit more.  Both are in the GOAT category for Retail Scotty's so you really can't go wrong.  Personally I'd go Stainless as you can modify the head-weight much easier to your liking.  

[GolfGuitarsCars]

Just got my Mil-Spec back from NorCal putters.  This guy does amazing work and he has a Pro Platinum finish that will make your putter look like the day it left Titlest.  Check out his work on IG @norcalputters or norcalputters.com

[stormin70]

I have a Studio Stainless Laguna 2.5 and I love it.  IMHO, the Studio Stainless series are killer looking, older Scotty’s.

 

Keep in mind that both the Studio Stainless series and the Pro Platinum series are going to feel petty light by today’s standards.  With the exception of some of the specific 340/34 and 350/33 ones, most of them (like my Laguna) are originally 330g and 35” from the factory.

Edited May 6, 2021 by stormin70

[toddmanley]

3 hours ago, GolfGuitarsCars said:

Just got my Mil-Spec back from NorCal putters.  This guy does amazing work and he has a Pro Platinum finish that will make your putter look like the day it left Titlest.  Check out his work on IG @norcalputters or norcalputters.com

+1 - Norcal did a great job with my SC Monterey.  Lots of great options.

[semarlor]

I had a 340g/34" Studio Stainless NP2 and to this day it is one of the best looking putters I've ever had. I sold it to "upgrade" to the Special Select and I am not fully convinced it was. Can't go wrong with either but the Studio Stainless is very, very hard to beat. 

[Bentron]

7 hours ago, GolfGuitarsCars said:

Just got my Mil-Spec back from NorCal putters.  This guy does amazing work and he has a Pro Platinum finish that will make your putter look like the day it left Titlest.  Check out his work on IG @norcalputters or norcalputters.com

Can he do full restores, re shafts, paint fill, grips ? 
 

Also what is the pro platinum finish called on the site? 

Edited May 7, 2021 by Bentron

[CivEngr08]

9 hours ago, Bentron said:

Can he do full restores, re shafts, paint fill, grips ? 
 

Also what is the pro platinum finish called on the site? 

Pro Plat finish is just a nickel plating. 

[GolfGuitarsCars]

10 hours ago, Bentron said:

Can he do full restores, re shafts, paint fill, grips ? 
 

Also what is the pro platinum finish called on the site? 

https://www.norcalputters.com/product/champagne-plating/?v=f24485ae434a

[GolfGuitarsCars]

11 hours ago, Bentron said:

Can he do full restores, re shafts, paint fill, grips ? 
 

Also what is the pro platinum finish called on the site? 

Yes

https://www.norcalputters.com/product/champagne-plating/?v=f24485ae434a

Edited May 7, 2021 by GolfGuitarsCars

[Bentron]

1 hour ago, GolfGuitarsCars said:

Yes

https://www.norcalputters.com/product/champagne-plating/?v=f24485ae434a

Thanks! 

[mhdena]

I would rather pay more for a pristine Studio Stainless that doesn't require any extra outlays $$$ and have it original.

[kennyFpowers55]

NorCal’s champagne plating has a slight gold look to it. Not the silver pro platinum look. Nickel is truer to color at least. 

[north_east_pro]

Both putters are great options to pursue and I personally think you can't beat a one piece milled putter.

 

The Studio Stainless NP2 will of course be closer in feel to your Special Select NP2 since they are both made from stainless steel. Also you have a greater choice of headweights to consider in the Studio Stainless (330g, 340g & 350g) compared to only 330g in the Pro Platinum NP2. Durability between them is closely matched and won't have any real issues with rust if you keep the putter dry between rounds.

 

My suggestion would be to look for a nice Studio Stainless NP2 model. 🙂

[Bentron]

2 hours ago, north_east_pro said:

Both putters are great options to pursue and I personally think you can't beat a one piece milled putter.

 

The Studio Stainless NP2 will of course be closer in feel to your Special Select NP2 since they are both made from stainless steel. Also you have a greater choice of headweights to consider in the Studio Stainless (330g, 340g & 350g) compared to only 330g in the Pro Platinum NP2. Durability between them is closely matched and won't have any real issues with rust if you keep the putter dry between rounds.

 

My suggestion would be to look for a nice Studio Stainless NP2 model. 🙂

I think this might be the path to take. Thanks for the input!

[T-MAC]

I can't add much to what people have already said here.  Several people made some good points, especially the fact that Scotty no longer offers the Pro Plat finish.  Also keep in mind that you will lose some weight on a refinish and the Pro Plat NP2's are already light to begin with (330g).  If you don't mind the Newport head shape then you might want to look for a Mil Spec in 340g or 350g heads.  The Studio Stainless line is, IMHO, Scotty's best SS offering ever.  I have both the 340g and the 350g models and they are 2 of my favorite gamers.  You can find them on ebay once in awhile but they can get pricy if they are in good condition.  Well worth the $$$ though.

[RogerinNewZealand]

Have had two pro platinums,both 330,333 and added 9 grams in bottom and 4 grams dropped in top of shaft,so +12/13 and Ping pp58 at 80ish grams.Unrestored but fabulous ,feel,look etc.The Copper Chocolate Coat impresses me...I just Love the old Titleist branded Pro Plats🥰1

[BYK]

16 hours ago, T-MAC said:

I can't add much to what people have already said here.  Several people made some good points, especially the fact that Scotty no longer offers the Pro Plat finish.  Also keep in mind that you will lose some weight on a refinish and the Pro Plat NP2's are already light to begin with (330g).  If you don't mind the Newport head shape then you might want to look for a Mil Spec in 340g or 350g heads.  The Studio Stainless line is, IMHO, Scotty's best SS offering ever.  I have both the 340g and the 350g models and they are 2 of my favorite gamers.  You can find them on ebay once in awhile but they can get pricy if they are in good condition.  Well worth the $$$ though.

This 

I very much agree that the 350 studio stainless putter is one of his best OTR models ever released

[north_east_pro]

The past two weekends in my 4ball medal I tee'd it up with some guys who where gaming Studio Stainless putters (NP2.5's) which was great to see there is still plenty of love for these older models.

[rorykoepka]

For anyone that has had their pro platinum stripped and made into a black oxide finish, did it change the feel of the putter? Very curious because you’re putting directly off the carbon steel vs the pro platinum plating

[Belltower]

6 hours ago, rorykoepka said:

For anyone that has had their pro platinum stripped and made into a black oxide finish, did it change the feel of the putter? Very curious because you’re putting directly off the carbon steel vs the pro platinum plating

 

It shouldn't change it to the extent that you would notice. It's a very thin nickel plating. I have refinished several pro platinums and the raw carbon seems to retain the same feel.