Newport 2: Select vs Special Select

[cpayton]

What can you all tell me about the differences with these (talking 2014-ish model vs. 2021 model)? Anyone prefer the older model?

 

Thinking about finding one of the 2012-2015 year Newport 2’s (or California Monterey’s) but all I seem to find is a million Special Selects.

 

Of the recent putters I’ve bagged (Special Select Squareback, Phantom X 5.5, Betti SS28, Select Roundback), my favorite feeling and performing putter was the Select Roundback.

Edited June 14, 2022 by cpayton

[kb7]

I like the shape of the Newport from the Select line better than the Special Select.

 

Main difference is the face milling. The older Select line you have pictured should feel softer to most thanks to the deep face milling. That, and I believe the Special Select Newport and Newport 2 are slightly longer heel to toe than the older models. Most other differences come down to aesthetics. 

[stormin70]

The Special Select also has a tri-sole and, according to the marketing, a redesigned plumbers neck - if those things matter to you. I also seem to remember that the putter has been hogged out a bit more and comes with heavier weights than they used to - 34” now has 2x 35g instead of 2x 15g like they always did.

Edited June 14, 2022 by stormin70

[PureDivots]

I prefer the older. It might just be me but I could feel a difference in the relocation of the head weight with the larger weights in the new one. 

[tjhanch]

I own both and like the newer special select line better.  I like the looks better and the more weight on the perimeter feels more stable to me.  Both are fine putters tho. 

[Bentron]

Got me wanting to try a select to see if its better than my special select. 

[MattUtah]

Studio stainless NP2 is the one to look for that feels good. You can find them in 340 and 350g too if you are sensitive to the weight. 

[Bentron]

5 minutes ago, MattUtah said:

Studio stainless NP2 is the one to look for that feels good. You can find them in 340 and 350g too if you are sensitive to the weight. 

Alot of the ones I've seen look like they have been in a blender.  

[MattUtah]

7 minutes ago, Bentron said:

Alot of the ones I've seen look like they have been in a blender.  

Or they’ve been badly remilled. 
 

I have a 350g that I just had the custom shop repaint, reshaft and regrip. I didn’t want them to touch the milling since it weighed in at exactly 350g. 
 

 

[cpayton]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Sounds like I’ll stick with the older line with the deeper face milling. Although, I’m a bit tempted to try that Anser 2 PLD. Looks sweet.

[bertsbogeys]

What did you end up going with? If you liked the feel of your Roundback, the 2014 model definitely would've been your speed

[philly2kuk]

I tried the newer ones and went back to a studio select I’ve found in good condition. Although it likes to rotate with a california monterey, the honey dipped one. Cost me £400 for both and they’re on good condition for their age.

[IcemanYVR]

3 hours ago, philly2kuk said:

I tried the newer ones and went back to a studio select I’ve found in good condition. Although it likes to rotate with a california monterey, the honey dipped one. Cost me £400 for both and they’re on good condition for their age.

 

I think you made a great choice. I have a 2012 Studio Select and I love it. I put 5g weights in it because I'm one of the few people that prefer a lighter head. It took me a long time to find a decent one in near new condition that someone didn't think was worth more than a Ferrari. Patience paid off and I couldn't be happier. Enjoy

[BHI 99]

Studio Select NP2 is so hard to beat. Clean and simple.  

[jumboross]

I have the older one.  Occasionally it gets put on the bench for a week or three.  But it's always back in the bag sooner or later. Also, no sight line or dot on the older one, which suits me. 

[raspymcnasty]

i prefer the newer special select because of the fine milling and gives a higher pitched ping sound compared to the soft feel of the deep etch. 

[von3jack]

I've owned the last 5 versions of the Newport 2 except I skipped the 2016 model. 2018 was garbage with that vibration dampening floating insert. I'm a huge fan of the 2012 Select with the black mist finish. I prefer softer feel so the deep milling gets the job done for me. Something to consider is also what ball you use. If you use a harder ball like the ProV1x then the deep milling of the 2012/2014 models may appeal to you. I'm always trying other putters but always seem to find my way back to the 2012 Select Newport 2. 

Edited January 16 by von3jack

[BHI 99]

I didn’t realize how deep the milling was on the Select model and now we have a problem. I like the feel on my 2017. My 2010 is a little firmer than I’d like.
 

 🤔