Yes Tracy II vs. Odyssey Tri Hot #2

lefty74pgh · November 10, 2006

Which would you choose

I am in the market for a new putter. I am going from a few different mallets. The setup of this style putter seems to work for better than a Ping Answer style. Any experience with either of these two?

jscw · November 11, 2006

You got to put insert into consideration. Tri Hot is poly-something, and Yes is steel. I like steel, so it's no brainer for me.

Try to demo both before making decision. Yes is not popular in most golf stores, but at least you can demo Tri hot in nearly all chain stores like Golfsmith, even Sports Authority.

Geo · November 11, 2006

I am in the market for a new putter. I am going from a few different mallets. The setup of this style putter seems to work for better than a Ping Answer style. Any experience with either of these two?

Lefty, I'm not 100% on some of the specifics of your question. Are you coming off of using a mallet-style putters as they fit your stroke/setup (currently, you're with a Corza), but don't like the way the Anser sets up? The two putters you mentioned are closer to the Anser-style, but both having a shaft-over hosel (tracy ii is more anser, tri-hot 2 is more zing--if memory serves). Assuming that the shaft-over/anser 4/santa fe style hosel is what you're looking for, there are many other options.

But it all comes down to what you like. I agree with jscw in everything but his avatar (I have allergies :( ), unless you want to buy a lot of putters, you need to try before you buy--if that's an option. I'm not a big fan of the white-hot insert, but it works for a lot of people. What the putter is made of will affect feel in more ways than the hosel configuration. Headweight should also be considered an important factor (as important as material, but with lead tape is less an issue). I've got similar-ish heads that vary in weight that vary from 320ish grams to 360.

All that said, here's some additional putters that you might want to consider before you make a compromise on something that may not 100% be what you want (based on the vast differences between the two putters you mentioned, which share the similarity of having the same-ish hosel on a blade). The two putters you mentioned are great, but just for the sake of being thorough... Also, I'm also going to assume that you're a lefty based on your name and the two putters you mentioned. Lefties gots ta stick together! :(

Ping Zing (2)--from the classic, through the G-series, and now the upcoming Redwood. Gets heavier as they get newer, and more expensive. Pings never go out of style.

Ping Anser 4--The foundation for the Newport 2.5. Very much on the lighter side, but a great putter if you have the stroke consistency.

Cameron studio stainless 2.5--retains value better than most putters out there, which will also cost you more initially. Relatively light, for the price, but thousands of fans can't be wrong...maybe. :(

Mills Tradition or Klassic--very similar at address to the others, though the hosel is more gooseneck (without the crazy bends). Klassic has softer lines, tradition is more squared off.

Bettinardi--if you've got the bank, nothing beats a Bett. The BB18 is the perfect take on the shaft-over Anser in my opinion, and is easily one of the best looking putters in all of golf.

Byron Designs--easily my dark-horse pick for bang for the buck. The cost is about the same as the retail Camerons, but you can get a custom putter in the headweight you want, custom stampings making it yours, and even get a custom hosel welded on (which is exactly what I did).

I'm sure there are other options too, but I have zero experience with them. Tad Moore offers his putters lefty, and he does have a custom hosel option, but the putters weigh in light. Tom Slighter can also do custom work, but you'll be looking to spend more than you would for the Byron, and IN MY OPINION (read: I know there are a lot of devotees here, but I'm just not a fan of the Slighter's bumpers and shoulders--personal preference only), the craftsmanship doesn't compare to the Byron.

Good luck in your search.

beruo

lefty74pgh · November 11, 2006

Beruo,

Thanks for the feedback. I should have been a little more decriptive with my question.

I have been playing mallets for the past few years Rossie, Mezza Monza, Corza, etc. I have been thinking of going back to a traditional style putter. I use to play a Ping Zing 2 and had some success with that putter.

I believe that style putter sets up better for me(Tracy II, Tri Hot #2). I was curious to see if anyone had any experience with any of these. Feel, distance control, setup. I was putting with both in the store yesterday, but it is hard to gauge anything from hitting four foot putts on astro turf.

I have seen some Byron putters on this site and they look fantastic(your's included). I have never seen one in person, so it's hard to just buy one without ever looking at it first. I am open to any suggestions for any type of putter.

Thanks for your help and consideration.

choeppner · November 11, 2006

Don't just discount a putter just because you haven't seen one before first hand in person. I can't tell you how many putters I would have passes on if I had done that. If you're interested in a Byron, cantact Zmangolf (steve) there's also Slighter who you can contact M>P>H> (mitch)

If I had to choose between the 2 you listed....I'd go with the Tracy II. I'd like to help more....but you would have to stand on theother side of the ball. LOL :(

-CHRIS-

lefty74pgh · November 11, 2006

Thanks for the info.

What is the best way to get in touch with Zmangolf(Steve)?

choeppner · November 11, 2006

Just shoot him a PM on here. He normally responds pretty fast.

Here's a link to his profile page

THE LINK :(

-CHRIS-

daoldguy · November 11, 2006

I own a Tri-hot 2 and it is an excellent putter, it is on the shelf behind t my Bettinardi BB-18's.

I have tried a Tracy 2, and the reason I did not buy one is that I had problems with distance control with the Tracy II.

I believe that was more the carpenter than the hammer, but feel is feel, to the the guy holding the handle.

I also played a Zing 2 for a number of years and still have one in BeCu. Through years of trial and error I finally came to the conclusion that I need a putter with a good bit of toe hang, and all of the above along with the SC Newport 2.5