Which Boutique Putter Should I Buy?

[snowmangolf]

Looking to spend a maximum of $1,100 on a NP2 or NP style blade with a sight dot and a very clean polished/satin silver finish. 

 

Right now I’m leaning towards a Kingston because I absolutely love the look and it’s GSS (I’ve never tried a GSS putter besides the Scotty insert). 

 

Before I pull the trigger, I just want to make sure I’m not missing anything that I may not have seen or that someone here would say is of way better quality or value. 

 

I wouldn’t be against something very lightly used either. I’m looking for my new gamer so it doesn’t need to be brand new. 

[putt_for_dough]

For the most part, any of the quality custom shop names that get thrown around on here are going to give you a great product. They will generally charge roughly $600-$1000, and at that price range, I think you should care less about the money and more about going with what you want...they'll all have varied amounts of communication, finish options, etc.

 

I just ordered a DD201 from Mr. Kari Lajosi, and I'm super excited to get my putter in a few weeks! With that said, there's something about his Sensor head (NP2/anser 2 shape) that just doesn't look as good to my eye as something like the KP2G/NP2. Go with the maker whose shape suits your eye the best. At the end of the day, paint fill, finishing options, stamping, etc. can all be modified and don't really cross your mind when you're standing over the ball, but if you start with a head shape you're not happy with, then you'll end up selling it or throwing it in the closet.

 

Sure, you may find better "value" by going with someone like Meridian Putters or Sink Golf (those are just two that came to mind that are cheaper than Kingston), but if those shapes aren't what you want, I'd just stick with the Kingston. There are also plenty of cool putters that pop up in the forums here, on eBay, and on Facebook groups if you're open to going with something used. 

 

For me, I think my next putter will be from Lamont/MannKrafted or Josey/Mack Made because I admire not only their custom work but also the way they run their business and communicate with customers.

 

Kari has been an awesome communicator, and he has built an awesome brand/forges his own damascus steel. The conversion rate for USD to AUD is pretty good (albeit a little worse than a couple months ago), so that was part of why I ended up going with Lajosi. As to the GSS argument, most people would agree that face milling and ball choice will determine feel/sound 1000% more than GSS vs 303SS, but if you're excited about the idea of GSS and can afford it, then there's no harm in going for it!

 

Congrats on the new putter adventure!!

[MattM97]

MackMade has the best stainless satin finish, it's under your budget and you'll have money to spare. Plus he mills to order. 

 

Kingston are bulk milled heads stamped to order. 

 

This is the finish on a MackMade 

 

 

I'd also look at Lajosi his Sensor is a great NP2 style head and he has 3 widths his "Tour" shape is thinner and "off menu" 

Edited December 15, 2023 by MattM97

[jtarble]

If you want an “off the rack” shape without much modifications or custom work, Lajosi is awesome. His putters are really finished well and they’re well-designed heads. 
 

If you want more of a custom option with tweaks to the size/shape/neck etc. Mack Made can’t be beat. His work is incredible and it’s the only downside being the wait!

 

If you want some tech behind the face, look into NCW. All are 3D printed and can get your putter weighted more like a mallet thanks to some of the internals. 
 

honestly you can’t really go wrong with one of those 3 imo 

 

 

[eddiebigeddie]

Here’s my input take it how you want…I’ve had several custom putters in the last 5-6 yrs maybe longer to be honest. 
-I’ve had (2) Machine’s built and owned another (3-4)…excellent putters but they had some issues as a company and aren’t “in the game” anymore.

-My next make I dabbled with is Lamont “Mannkrafted” he’s built me (2) different putters and I’m still gaming the Ma-55 he built almost 3 yrs ago now. Lamont is a class act, communication with him EXCELLENT and wouldn’t hesitate to have him build me another tomorrow. He’s also lower priced to some of the names mentioned already in this thread. 

-I’m currently having a Lajosi DD201 made and Kari has been great to work with. It’s my first go around with him but he’s been very accommodating in my request and good pricing as well. Let you know more on the putter when I get it in the next few weeks. 
-Mackmade Josey I haven’t officially worked with but his pieces look top notch and the few times we’ve exchanged emails or messages he’s been great to talk with. 
 

like others have said, find the shape you want, look at examples of those from the various makers and start down the Rabbit hole. I highly recommend the 3 I mentioned…Mannkrafted, Lajosi or Mackmade

[BobbyLite]

If you’re truly looking for a clean (minimal stamping or customization) NP2 type - you can source in the $800 range pretty easily. (Kingston, WestonMaughan). 
 

That being said, with the budget of ~$1,000 I would opt for some uniqueness while keeping it clean. For this, +1 for Kari. Pleasure to work with, plenty of customization available and the end result is perfect.

 

if you’re not in a rush, hang out on the threads for a little. Kingstons, Byron Morgan and some other micros come on the market decently often…they just go fast. 

Edited December 17, 2023 by BobbyLite

[Redpro]

Or maybe this one?

 

Stoke Balanced Putter by Jerry Austry, former President of Hogan Golf. 

[MattM97]

1 hour ago, Redpro said:

Or maybe this one?

 

Stoke Balanced Putter by Jerry Austry, former President of Hogan Golf. 

 

Why suggest the complete opposite of what OP is asking for?

[5hort5tuff]

3 hours ago, Redpro said:

Or maybe this one?

 

Stoke Balanced Putter by Jerry Austry, former President of Hogan Golf. 

 

Couldn't have suggested anything further from what he wanted. 

 

 

For your price range, you can basically have anything you want.  I would not be spending my cash on the Kingston personally.  GSS is nothing special. 

 

For that price, you can work with MackMade or Cody James and come up with something really unique and special.  Beandon Matthew's and Lamont all do stuff with a very distinct style. One of those 4 is where my cash would go. 

Edited December 17, 2023 by 5hort5tuff

[Redpro]

9 hours ago, MattM97 said:

 

Why suggest the complete opposite of what OP is asking for?

They are a boutique putter fabricator and have a blade style proto in the lab. 

[tleader]

Lajosi can’t be beat. Incredible value and craftsmanship, virtually unlimited options. 

[snowmangolf]

I pulled the trigger on this Nordberg with a top line last night. I think the next putter I buy will be the $800+ “more custom” purchase. I really like the look and finish of the Nordberg and I think it’s very reasonably priced. I may have some custom milling done to the face if I’m not completely satisfied with how it looks/feels. 

[BombsIntoTheWoods]

6 minutes ago, snowmangolf said:

I pulled the trigger on this Nordberg with a top line last night. I think the next putter I buy will be the $800+ “more custom” purchase. I really like the look and finish of the Nordberg and I think it’s very reasonably priced. I may have some custom milling done to the face if I’m not completely satisfied with how it looks/feels. 

He has some pretty nice pre-built customs for sale at reasonable prices as well.

 

https://nordbergputters.com/collections/prebuilt

[oneaugusta]

Why would you not consider a guy/company that is tried and true like David @ TP Mills or Lamont @ MannKrafted?

[Phabs]

I had a Kingston and wasn’t impressed.  
 

Best Newport 2 head I own from a looks and feel standpoint is my compass.  Wouldn’t recommend trying to order from him at the current moment. 
 

My next custom will be from Sink.  Really really like his stuff as of late 

[snowmangolf]

6 hours ago, oneaugusta said:

Why would you not consider a guy/company that is tried and true like David @ TP Mills or Lamont @ MannKrafted?

I realized while looking around that I really didn’t want anything with stamping or “fun” or “different” customization right now. I was really just looking for a very clean and simple blade with a top line. I thought the price point of the Nordberg was more reasonable for a simple putter with no real customizing. 

 

I also had a Sink done earlier this year with custom stamping. While I really love how it came out and can’t say enough good things about the entire experience, it’s not a putter I want to use all the time. 

[snowmangolf]

1 hour ago, Phabs said:

I had a Kingston and wasn’t impressed.  
 

Best Newport 2 head I own from a looks and feel standpoint is my compass.  Wouldn’t recommend trying to order from him at the current moment. 
 

My next custom will be from Sink.  Really really like his stuff as of late 

My Sink from earlier this year came out amazing. You’re going to love it! 

[5hort5tuff]

Good choice in the end.  Not exactly the shape you described initially, but it is clean.  Nordberg makes quality putters and covers. Enjoy it.

[BobbyLite]

And just like that, a Lajosi Sensor pops up on BST!

 

[5hort5tuff]

My favorite part of this thread is that OP was going to buy a Kingston. Asked for some advice, then bought  a putter from a maker that wasnt even suggested in the thread 🤣

 

....this is WRX!

[snowmangolf]

Well in true WRX fashion… I also pulled the trigger on this Good Wood yesterday. I sold off a few Scotties and decided I’m going to start investing more in stuff like this. 

[MattM97]

10 hours ago, snowmangolf said:

Well in true WRX fashion… I also pulled the trigger on this Good Wood yesterday. I sold off a few Scotties and decided I’m going to start investing more in stuff like this. 

 

Nice let the putter collecting begin.

 

BTW while you're at it there's a very well priced MannKrafted MA/55 on 2ndSwing as well, just to add to the fun.

[ColinKelvin]

On 12/18/2023 at 7:10 PM, snowmangolf said:

I pulled the trigger on this Nordberg with a top line last night. I think the next putter I buy will be the $800+ “more custom” purchase. I really like the look and finish of the Nordberg and I think it’s very reasonably priced. I may have some custom milling done to the face if I’m not completely satisfied with how it looks/feels. 

Great choice.  I got a custom Nordberg a couple of years back - it's a really nice flatstick.

 

 

[g_nw]

I highly recommend Jayme Coggin. Amazing work, truly custom, and a super productive 1-man operation.

 

Cheers 🥃

[BobbyLite]

@g_nw what is Coggin's price point? I ought to have a dozen of his markers but never explored a putter.

[MattM97]

5 hours ago, BobbyLite said:

@g_nw what is Coggin's price point? I ought to have a dozen of his markers but never explored a putter.

 

He's over 1k right now and a very long wait list or books closed right now. 

[g_nw]

On 12/23/2023 at 11:41 PM, BobbyLite said:

@g_nw what is Coggin's price point? I ought to have a dozen of his markers but never explored a putter.

 

Sub-$1k without the LA shaft, in my case. It would be silly for me to include that in the price, as the LA shaft is $400. I don’t know what his stock pricing is because it depends on the work.

Edited December 25, 2023 by g_nw

[williaza]

I’ve had almost all of them (except Lamb) 

 

id go artisan or Hudson made

 

i think artisan is the best quality/performance

 

hudson is the best bang for buck left out there 

[MattM97]

6 minutes ago, williaza said:

I’ve had almost all of them (except Lamb) 

 

id go artisan or Hudson made

 

i think artisan is the best quality/performance

 

hudson is the best bang for buck left out there 

 

Hudson's price has tripled and he's been silent since his price change. 

[williaza]

1 minute ago, MattM97 said:

 

Hudson's price has tripled and he's been silent since his price change. 

Talked to him last week..he charges 2200 now?!