Scotty Cameron tap into the minds of the world’s best players to upgrade their Phantom putter series
Last year I crowned the Scotty Cameron Phantom X 12 as the Best Putter of 2020. Now Phantom X is back as Scotty adds some new additions to the line-up.
They key behind this range update is that it is all tour inspired. Overall on tour players were most often requesting more compact models and refined swept-back wings. So Scotty took that feedback into account for the new 2021 models.
“Working with our game’s best players gives me great perspective into what they are looking for in a mallet putter,” Cameron himself explains.
“From the types of metals used to the subtle changes in shaft bends, these new Phantom X models offer brand new, highly requested options that build on our most popular models from 2020.”
Scotty Cameron Phantom X 2021: The line-up
We have four new models in the line-up in the aim to provide a model that suits everyone.
There are two compact mallet shapes, each with two neck bend options. The Phantom X 5 and Phantom X 5.5 replace the previous offerings whereas the Phantom X 11 and Phantom X 11.5 come in as new additions to the squad.
The updated Phantom X 5 has been through a complete redesign since it was first unveiled in late 2019.
Other than shaping probably the biggest visual difference is the topline – which is now silver rather than black – and matches in with the wings. We also have a more traditional straight sightline instead of the dots we saw previously. The yellow accents have also gone in favour of a more dialled back black paint.
This model has a single mid-bend shaft to make it face balanced. This is the set-up I prefer as it minimises face rotation keeping the face aimed directly down the target line for longer.
Almost certainly the most popular in the range will be the Phantom X 5.5, which is directly inspired by Justin Thomas’ putter.
It has the same small slant neck, overall size, and design that we see JT use week in week out on tour.
The small slant neck is very popular out on tour, it promotes subtle toe flow but still has that added stability. Again we have a single milled black sightline on top.
The Phantom X 11 is a completely new design but takes inspiration from last year’s Phantom X 12.
It is more compact as requested by tour staffers.
The wings are swept back more than we saw in the X 12 and it has a much cleaner topline. We also have one single sightline as an alignment cue which wasn’t an option in the original Phantom X line-up.
This has a single mid-bend shaft offering which minimises face rotation keeping the face aimed directly down the target line for longer.
Finally, the Phantom X 11.5, which hasn’t changed much from the X 11 other than its shaft configuration.
It has a single low-bend hosel which creates more toe flow for those with a more arching path.
It has a more blade like feel in the putting stroke but with that added mallet stability.
Scotty Cameron Phantom X 2021: The technology
The new putters in this range are made from both steel and aluminium. The faces are solid stainless steel face fused with an aircraft-grade aluminium body. The different colourings mean you can easily pick out which section is which.
The steel is precision milled to give that unique texture on the top the putters. I think you’ll agree they look great.
All the new putters feature what Scotty are calling “advanced stability weighting”. This is a weight in the heel and toe which are customisable and a stepless steel shaft.
We have a new misting on the anodised black putter heads to make them glare resistant. We also don’t see the previous yellow alignment dot or sight lines here they are either unpainted or accented in light grey, black, and white.
Scotty Cameron Phantom X 2021: The details
Available: March 26, 2021
RRP: £389
More info: Scotty Cameron website
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Hannah Holden
Hannah Holden is the Equipment and Instruction Editor here at National Club Golfer. If you’re looking to improve your game, by changing your golf swing or upgrading your golf equipment she’ll have the answers.
As well as writing lots of features and reviews you can find her on our YouTube channel giving you insights on the latest rules, clubs and tips to improve your golf game.
Hannah is a member at Alwoodley golf club. You will either find her here or driving up and down the country playing in a variety of elite amateur events.
