I've tried every single putter out there, from the lower end models, to the high end Scotty Cameron and Bettinardi products. Recently a user of an Odyssey White Hot, what initially turned out to be a great putter ended up feeling like a marshmallow. I decided it was time to find a new putter. One that I had good accuracy and distance control with.

I've always known Ping produced exceptional putters, due to the fact that the anser series is the number one winning putter on tour ever. So I wasn't reluctant to pick up this gorgeous Anser X putter. Now don't get me wrong, this look isn't for everyone. Ping use to sell the manganese bronze putters in their original yellowish-bronze color. Over time this color would tarnish and turn to a dark, dull antique bronze color, almost like a dark brown. Now Ping sells the putters pre-tarnished, so the backside and sole of the putter are dark brown, but the face is buffed so it has the original bronze look. I think the putter head looks beautiful in this tarnished state, and the dull finish doesn't reflect the suns light into your eyes.

The putter model I purchased was the anser X. The anser X is one of the only face-balanced putters Ping sells. By face-balanced I mean that if you rest the shaft horizontally across your index finger the putter face will face the sky. Face-balancing is typical in putters with double bend shafts, which the anser X has, and in mallets. A face-balanced putter works well if you have a straight back and straight through stroke, like a pendulum. If your stroke path is inside to out, I'd advise you to perhaps purchase a heel-toe weighted putter instead. Many of which are available in the manganese bronze finish as well.


This putter has great feel and feedback. Not on par with the high end scottys and bettinardis, but at one third to one fifth the price, who's complaining. The feel is a crisp one. After using a white hot for a season, I really couldn't wait to use a metal putter again. I missed that hard click that occurs when you hit a ball to metal.

The length of my putter was 34 inches, 1 inch below the standard 35 inch length. This was how I bought it off the rack, it wasn't a special order. The grip that came with the putter was the Ping finger lock grip. Ping produces first rate grips, so whichever one you choose you'll never have to change it.

As for performance, for the first time in my life, I have confidence in the distance control I have with this putter. I found that most putters either hit it too far, or too short. It's nice to find one that lies in between. I have less face-twisting with this putter, and I find that the manganese bronze face produces a crisp, but soft feel.

All in all I just want to say that whatever putter, Ping or otherwise, you choose, make sure that it's right for you. Don't settle for a brand name putter that might not be right for you. Finding the right putter takes a lot of experimentation, sometimes hours in the store testing out the putters. So next time you're out looking for a putter, I recommend that you try out some of the Ping models. They're great putters at an affordable price, that will produce exceptional results.



Recommended: Yes