Struggling to find a putter that "feels right", need help...

BHI 99 · May 1

19 minutes ago, vvictoryy said:

Wow that's a lot. Which one ended up working the best of those for you? And was this something you kept track of yourself?

yeah, I’ve got a swingweight scale and it was pretty much just to see WTH. Cause and effect kinda thing. That putter ended up at 34” with a 91g grip, 20g in the head and extra 50g CB. It’s smooth as silk.

Dpavs · May 1

3 hours ago, vvictoryy said:

What putter did you end up using mostly? Slight or moderate toe hang? I've felt similarly at times where I thought I fit into a face balanced, but depending on the putter it would never really feel right in my hands. But I think like @BHI 99 mentioned, finding a grip that feels good in my hands sounds like a very important variable in all of this.

For me... quarter toe hang.. so slight arc works best. I also agree that the grip is another thing too often over looked. I think we have become trained to think that fat grips are for everyone but in reality they are not. Certainly if you have a major problem being handsy they help. I went through all the cycles on this one two until I realized I was once again fighting myself. In the end a mid-size pistol grip is still my best fit.

BHI 99 · May 1

21 minutes ago, Dpavs said:

I think we have become trained to think that fat grips are for everyone but in reality they are not.

Totally agree, I’ve tried 3 different SS diameters (1.0, 2.0, 3.0) and found my stroke reacts differently with them all. 1.0 seems to close a little quicker than 2.0, 3.0 seems to be the slowest and probably better suited for straight strokes.

Again, you just gotta see what’s what.

jholz · May 1

I always wonder about this. I've picked most of my putters based on what looked right and what seemed to work in the shop.

Using that method, I've had three putters that I've stuck with for most of my golfing life:

1. Ping BeCu Zing 2 - The "killer putter" that I got for HS golf

2. Odyssey #7 - The "killer putter" that would sink the 3-5 footer

3. Bettinardi SS7 - The "killer putter" that I won from a WRX giveaway

While all of these putters are very different - they are also very similar. I didn't come across them by accident. They fit what I need.

But, that doesn't mean they put the ball in the hole every time. Each has their strengths and weaknesses. I make putts and miss putts with each of them.

I go out and practice with each of them pretty regularly.

This practice has shown me, over time and definitively, that missed putts are the result of operator error.

Mike_C · May 1

4 hours ago, vvictoryy said:

Is there any huge difference between gripping down on a 35" vs. a 38"?

I have the 38. My local store also just got in a 35. One difference is the grip, the 38 has 17 inch SS XL Tour 3 grip with a counterweight. The 35 inch has a smaller diameter grip, I think its the Zenergy XL tour 2.0+ with a counterweight.

I moved to a 38/39 inch putter last year, trying to copy the Fowler Jailbird concept with a few putters. To be honest, the shorter version almost felt more comfortable in my hands, I could see choking up a bit on it too no problem. Having said that, this past Saturday I made more putts in one round with my 38 CB than I have in any single round in probably a year....... The head on the Tour S is very stable, its the largest of the current Spiders, the MOI per TM is 6,063.

There is also out there a Spider Tour CB at 38 inches. Regular Spider Tour head, not the larger S. I have never seen one in person, though....

North Butte · May 2

Find a straight putt of medium length, either on a practice green or on a decently true-rolling carpet surface. Something like 10-15 feet works fine.

Make a mark on the ground or a piece of tape to indicate how the putter face should line up to point down the line of that straight putt.

Roll five putts, for each one start with your putter behind the ball with its face lined up by the mark on the ground.

Before rolling each putt, close your eyes. So you've lined it up perfectly, taken your stance but you're actually making the stroke with your eyes closed.

See if the 5 ball, on average, are somewhere along the line you were aiming. And see if they are reasonably close together. If they are left or right of the target then the putter is one you're unable to "naturally" return to square without manipulation. And if the balls are spread all over the place, the putter isn't a type you can swing consistently.

Repeat this test until you find a ball that will roll the ball on the line you initially aimed, even with your eyes closed. Then the next test is to find a putter that passes the first test but also lets you aim correctly without the mark on the ground.