Ping PLD mallets - why does the sound change based on length of putt?

[CascadianGolfer]

Why do the Ping PLD putters, specifically the DS72 and Olso 4 mallets, have changing sounds?  Short putts make a pleasing solid click, while longer putts make a high-pitched ting sound. I like the set-up and feel of both, but the sound is throwing me off.  

 

Ping PLD uses forged 303 stainless steel for the head just like other mainstream milled putter manufacturers (i.e. Scotty, Bettinardi, etc.) with similar head shapes that make a solid click sound, regardless of putt distance. Why the difference in sound if using the same material and similar head shape? 

 

 

[MattM97]

Where are you hitting the putts on the face? 

[bmbsawy]

He’s not wrong.. the sound is one of the first things that turned me away from the Oslo. It is more noticeable with a soft golf ball but there is an audible “ping” across the face at impact. Pick one up and tap with your fingernail without stabilizing the head and you’ll hear it. But once you do- you’ll never unhear

[CascadianGolfer]

Quote

Where are you hitting the putts on the face? 

Hitting it in the middle of the face and type of ball doesn't matter. Very strange for a well struck putt. 

[So_Cal]

9 hours ago, CascadianGolfer said:

Why do the Ping PLD putters, specifically the DS72 and Olso 4 mallets, have changing sounds?  Short putts make a pleasing solid click, while longer putts make a high-pitched ting sound. I like the set-up and feel of both, but the sound is throwing me off.  

 

Ping PLD uses forged 303 stainless steel for the head just like other mainstream milled putter manufacturers (i.e. Scotty, Bettinardi, etc.) with similar head shapes that make a solid click sound, regardless of putt distance. Why the difference in sound if using the same material and similar head shape? 

 

 

I think it’s intentional.  The Anser actually feels like the old bronze model with a sound slot.  I’m pretty sure they spend a lot of time dialing in the feel/sound.  Doesn’t mean everyone will like it though. 

[lionXheart]

It can be struck in the middle every single time, but a lot of sound is going to be determined by high or low strikes on face. You're not going to strike it in the same exact spot on a 10' putt as you would a 30' putt. 

[Ivyguy]

Metal reverberates sound. Like a tuning fork;longer the fork the frequency changes. 
 

Ping will use good materials to make their sticks. 
 

There’s been studies that say feel in our hand is rubbish… It actually comes from our ears. 
 

To test this, I putted with my SeeMore (great putter btw), and I was grooving. Lots of those dense feeling, no-click, solid rolls. 
 

THEN, I figured, “rough week at work… let’s listen to some METAL”.  Three in my headphones. Putts were bad. 
 

Then, I thought, “ok, let’s just turn on the noise canceling thingy.  Find my inner QUAN”.  Nope, just as bad. 
 

Hearing it, for some reason, helped… I guess. 
 

The manufacturers have so many ways to gain our feedback, that bad feeling/sounding clubs, may be by design. 
 

What sounds good to you sounds like Nickleback to me. “But, once again you remind me” that everyone likes what they like. 

[Phabs]

A lot of putters do this.  All of my higher end ones do as well.  My guess is it just has to do with the different acoustic caused by the force of the stroke - never worried about it. 

 

My artisan has a different face sound on longer putts , my tour rat had a different sound as well as my compass.

 

My byron and my studio design sound the same regardless. 

Edited May 19, 2023 by Phabs

[MattM97]

10 hours ago, Phabs said:

A lot of putters do this.  All of my higher end ones do as well.  My guess is it just has to do with the different acoustic caused by the force of the stroke - never worried about it. 

 

My artisan has a different face sound on longer putts , my tour rat had a different sound as well as my compass.

 

My byron and my studio design sound the same regardless. 

 

Same here only way to combat this, inserts. But there you lose all feel. 

[Phabs]

2 hours ago, MattM97 said:

 

Same here only way to combat this, inserts. But there you lose all feel. 

I’d rather cut my hands off than roll a marsh-mellow insert.