Ram has long been known as a budget-friendly golf brand, but the FX-03 CNC Milled Mallet Putter signals a shift towards more premium offerings. With a CNC milled face and a bold matte black design, this putter is a serious contender for those looking to upgrade their short game without breaking the bank. But, is this a standout choice for both newcomers and experienced golfers looking for value? Find out in our full Ram FX-03 CNC Milled mallet putter review…
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NCG SUMMARY
The CNC milled face of the Ram FX-03 provides excellent feel and precision on the greens. Its bold matte black finish effectively reduces glare, enhancing visibility and focus during putts. The white alignment line is a great visual aid, making it easy to line up shots with confidence. Additionally, the putter’s price point is incredibly affordable for the features it offers, delivering great value for money.
PROS
- Excellent feel and precision
- Bold matte black finish is great and eliminates any glare
- White alignment line offers great visual aid
- Affordable price
CONS
- Headcover quality is basic
Ram FX-03 CNC Milled Mallet Putter Review: First Impressions
Budget to premium
The Ram FX-03 CNC Milled Mallet Putter represents a shift for Ram, a brand traditionally associated with budget-friendly golf equipment. With the FX-03, Ram takes a step into the more premium category, offering a CNC milled face that speaks to its commitment to quality and precision.
At first glance, I was impressed with its sleek, matte black finish, covering the grip, shaft, and head entirely in black. This minimalist design is equipped with a white alignment line that not only adds a touch of style but also serves a practical purpose, making alignment simpler.
Milled face
The all-black aesthetic is clean and modern, fitting comfortably alongside more expensive brands. Ram’s decision to mill the face of the putter I think is particularly noteworthy. CNC milling is generally reserved for high-end models, providing a more refined feel and enhancing control over the ball. For a brand positioned in the budget market, this feature is a significant upgrade.
NCG Verdict
Far from a budget putter
On the greens, I thought the Ram FX-03 performs admirably, especially considering its price point. The CNC milled face provides a softer feel at impact, which is a nice change from the clicky feedback often associated with budget putters.
Sound of the face
Although I thought the sound off the face was quite distinct, not unpleasant by any means, but noticeably different from higher-end models. This feedback is something that some golfers may need to adjust to, but I don’t think it detracts from the putter’s overall performance.
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Matte black effect
The matte black finish isn’t just a looker. It serves a practical purpose as well. I found glare to be virtually non-existent, allowing for clearer vision during putts, particularly in bright conditions. However, the finish does seem somewhat prone to marking, especially on the back of the putter head. Although this is a fairly minor issue.
Alignment Aid
I think one of the standout features of the FX-03 is its white alignment aid. Contrasted against the black head, the alignment line is easy to pick out, providing a strong visual cue that makes setting up putts straightforward.
Short putts are a particular strength of this mallet, with the alignment aid proving invaluable in maintaining accuracy. Longer putts, however, were slightly more challenging during my testing, with distance control feeling less solid.
Final Verdict
Fantastic value
Overall, the Ram FX-03 CNC Milled Mallet Putter is a testament to Ram’s ability to deliver quality at an accessible price. While it may not challenge the absolute top-tier putters in terms of luxury or refinement, its performance and feel are impressive for its category. With thoughtful design choices, like the CNC milled face and matte black finish, Ram has created a putter that is both functional and stylish.
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