Face Milling performance experiences wanted

[mogc60]

Hey guys. For the guys on here that have used different milling options, I’m looking for your feedback on performance and feel and sound. Fine, mid, deep…I want to hear your pros and cons. Are some hotter or more dead off the face? I’m looking to order another custom putter and I don’t have a ton of experience with different mill techniques.  Most likely will be 303 stainless.  I’ve kindof made up my mind that I’ve earned the right to build my putter vault, and I plan on gifting myself to one (maybe two) custom putters per year. Any info is greatly appreciated. 🍻

Edited November 26, 2021 by mogc60

[MattM97]

So there is a lot to factor into a putter for the sound/feel, but in general a no mill to light mill will have a louder sound thus a firmer feel and a medium to deep milling will have a more muted thus a softer feel.

 

Now this part could be subjective person to person. I find no milling to light milling to be hotter off the face and a deeper mill I'll have to strike the ball a bit harder to see the same speed. This I actually like because depending on the green speeds I can bring the proper putter for that green.

 

There are some millings that do roll the ball a bit better but proper loft and lie along with delivery are the best things for that and some of these millings do make the feel softer so if that isn't your thing best not to opt for them.

 

In the end it's what you like, some millings look really nice but if it gives you a feel you don't like don't waste your money on one especially if you don't like it. Now if you want variety then get some of each milling that's what I'm doing but I do prefer a medium to firmer feeling putter.

[mogc60]

2 minutes ago, MattM97 said:

So there is a lot to factor into a putter for the sound/feel, but in general a no mill to light mill will have a louder sound thus a firmer feel and a medium to deep milling will have a more muted thus a softer feel.

 

Now this part could be subjective person to person. I find no milling to light milling to be hotter off the face and a deeper mill I'll have to strike the ball a bit harder to see the same speed. This I actually like because depending on the green speeds I can bring the proper putter for that green.

 

There are some millings that do roll the ball a bit better but proper loft and lie along with delivery are the best things for that and some of these millings do make the feel softer so if that isn't your thing best not to opt for them.

 

In the end it's what you like, some millings look really nice but if it gives you a feel you don't like don't waste your money on one especially if you don't like it. Now if you want variety then get some of each milling that's what I'm doing but I do prefer a medium to firmer feeling putter.

Thanks Matt. Great info. Part of why I posted, I see a lot of really cool looking mill work but I don’t want to waste my time, or cash. I prefer a putter with a bit more pop, that comes off the face a little hotter. I don’t like feeling I have to kill it, and I do putt on faster greens most of the time. Sounds like I should look toward the fine to mid mill options. I’m pretty confident in my loft and lie specs. 

[MattM97]

8 minutes ago, mogc60 said:

Thanks Matt. Great info. Part of why I posted, I see a lot of really cool looking mill work but I don’t want to waste my time, or cash. I prefer a putter with a bit more pop, that comes off the face a little hotter. I don’t like feeling I have to kill it, and I do putt on faster greens most of the time. Sounds like I should look toward the fine to mid mill options. I’m pretty confident in my loft and lie specs. 

 

If you like a pop/click sound then definitely light to mid mill will get that. The putter weight, face thickness, cavity will have some play as well but if you're around that 350g range then you should be fine getting the pop/click sound you want.

 

Here's what I have that gives me that crisp pop/click sound off the face but they're not too clicky/tingy if that makes sense.

 

 

As you can see not too deep or really much milling at all, just a little bit there but lots of feedback for me.

[mogc60]

Those are sweet putters. That totally makes sense. I don’t want it too loud or clicky but I prefer a little click to a little mush feel. A little sound helps feedback for me as well. Thanks for the pics as examples 

[Phabs]

I own pretty much every version of face millings from 5 different putter manufacturers.  Matts spot on.. 

 

I have a micro mill from Byron

Deep tuna mill from Byron

Fine fly-mill on two compass golf putters 

Medium fly mill on my legacy wide blade 

 

What I’ve really noticed in my recent putter shaft ho’ing is how much the shaft influences the feel of the face at impact and the sound.   I’ve got the KBS one step, two LAGP shafts and two stabilities at the moment. 

 

Edited November 26, 2021 by Phabs

[mogc60]

1 hour ago, Phabs said:

I own pretty much every version of face millings from 5 different putter manufacturers.  Matts spot on.. 

 

I have a micro mill from Byron

Deep tuna mill from Byron

Fine fly-mill on two compass golf putters 

Medium fly mill on my legacy wide blade 

 

What I’ve really noticed in my recent putter shaft ho’ing is how much the shaft influences the feel of the face at impact and the sound.   I’ve got the KBS one step, two LAGP shafts and two stabilities at the moment. 

 

Oh definitely. I’ve used the CT tour and one step in the same putter and it’s a big difference. Haven’t used graphite yet but I’m sure it feels much different. Shaft flex matters as well

[jonradus]

You can go flat faced and get very firm with a lot of pop. The cool thing is some of these makers can go flat but still make the face look incredible. 

 

[mogc60]

Those look awesome. I appreciate the feedback. I’m thinking I’ll be leaning towards the finer milled options

[PowerCobra98]

4 hours ago, mogc60 said:

Oh definitely. I’ve used the CT tour and one step in the same putter and it’s a big difference. Haven’t used graphite yet but I’m sure it feels much different. Shaft flex matters as well

So, please explain what you felt the differences were in those two shafts.

[MPix53]

Just to throw another variable in here, IMO face thickness will play a part too, so a fine mill on an Anser style will feel different to the same mill on a Napa style.  Everything is subjective though as already mentioned!!

[mogc60]

12 hours ago, PowerCobra98 said:

So, please explain what you felt the differences were in those two shafts.

The CT is stiffer and for me produced more click. The one step is smoother and a more muted feel and sound. It’s still plenty stable but the feel is just noticeably softer. 

[PowerCobra98]

1 hour ago, mogc60 said:

The CT is stiffer and for me produced more click. The one step is smoother and a more muted feel and sound. It’s still plenty stable but the feel is just noticeably softer. 

 

Thank you.  Been looking at both shafts and deciding which to try first.   I've basically moved to graphite in my putters but wanted to try these,  especially the one step... but I prefer a more harsh click sound and feel as it's better for me with distance control. 

[mogc60]

3 minutes ago, PowerCobra98 said:

 

Thank you.  Been looking at both shafts and deciding which to try first.   I've basically moved to graphite in my putters but wanted to try these,  especially the one step... but I prefer a more harsh click sound and feel as it's better for me with distance control. 

The CT took a bit to get used to because the ball never seems to jump with it. But it’s very consistent. If you like a more lively feel with shaft play though it’s not the best choice. It is quite stiff. 

[maop99]

I am now in this process and I don't know what milling I want, I thought to get the milling that just looked the best to my eye, now I have to think about these... lol

 

I also don't know if I want it to pop or be soft... what I want is the feeling that I can control the ball when I putt.

Do I need a deeper mill? but I don't want something that I need to putt so hard to get the speed I want.

So confusing.

[MattM97]

2 minutes ago, maop99 said:

I am now in this process and I don't know what milling I want, I thought to get the milling that just looked the best to my eye, now I have to think about these... lol

 

I also don't know if I want it to pop or be soft... what I want is the feeling that I can control the ball when I putt.

Do I need a deeper mill? but I don't want something that I need to putt so hard to get the speed I want.

So confusing.

 

When in doubt go with a medium milling you can always go to a softer ball for a softer feeling putt or a firmer ball for more feedback. I always say best feel comes from lighter milling but depending on the shape and weight of the putter being milled. It is a hard decision sometimes because sometimes deeper millings look really cool.

[maop99]

Thanks Matt, maybe medium will do, how about the shape of the milling?

Does that affect anything? I was thinking of just making it horizontal similar to rife, sik etc.

I just like the look of it vs. the circular type.

Sorry, I don't have any idea what they are called

 

[MattM97]

40 minutes ago, maop99 said:

Thanks Matt, maybe medium will do, how about the shape of the milling?

Does that affect anything? I was thinking of just making it horizontal similar to rife, sik etc.

I just like the look of it vs. the circular type.

Sorry, I don't have any idea what they are called

 

 

I meant the shape of the head but milling shape shouldn't if anything very minute difference. I'd talk to Josey about what you want and he can give you a suggestion. He knows his putters best. 

[maop99]

Thanks Matt, I will do that.

[markheardjr]

Sound slots can change the feel and sound of a putter also. Into the face will be softest and highest pitch. Through the flange will be mid soft, mid pitch. No slot at all is quietest and firmest. If all in the same headshape/metal.

 

I am on a quest to get a custom putter made with deep milling and a slot in the face. My Scotty NPB SS is not deep milled but has the face slot, he calls it a "floating face." Ultimately I think I want deep milled with floating face.

 

I have seen several Bettinardis over the years with a slot both in the face and in the flange. I'm interested to try one of those, but they have always been $750+ whenever I saw them (pre-covid inflation era.) So they are probably north of $1200 now.

[Dustdevil]

Go to a golf shop, Dick's Sporting Goods, etc. Casually wonder around. Go to the putters. Pick up a Clev. Huntington Beach Soft putter. Hit a couple of putts with it while looking mildly interested. Put it down and walk away.

 

Now you know what a deep mill feels like.