We sometimes use affiliate links to products and services on retailer sites for which we can receive compensation if you click on those links or make purchases through them.
Has it been worth the wait? Jonathan Taylor reviews the new Milled Series 003 putter from Zebra.
The iconic Zebra putter was born in the mid-1970’s, and sprung to prominence when Ray Floyd wielded one to such good effect in winning the 1976 Masters. Nick Price also used a Zebra putter when he won The Open at Turnberry in 1994.
The brand then became dormant for a number of years before returning in 2023 with the AIT (standing for Artificial Intelligence Technology) Series of putters – using AI to optimise MOI and CG for the putter head.
The latest offering from Zebra, the Milled Series, features a small range of putters designed by former Odyssey guru, Larry Tang, and are made from a single billet of carbon steel.
This Zebra milled series 003 putter review is one of three from this series that I have tested – the others being the 001 and the 004 (review links below).
Zebra Milled Series 003 Putter Review: First Impressions
My usual putter of choice is the traditional Anser/Newport shape of head but the double-wide shape has become increasingly prevalent over the last few years with strong tour approval. They are said to offer the best of both worlds, with the forgiveness and stability of a mallet and the looks of a blade.
This model comes with a single bend hosel/shaft which produces an essentially face balanced putter – in truth there’s a few degrees of toe hang but it’s pretty minimal. I would have liked the option of a classic plumber’s hosel offering a bit more toe hang, but that’s a personal preference.
From the Winn AVS midsize Pistol grip down the 34inch shaft to the black putter head with seven alignment lines, this looks like a quality product. In fact it’s the seven alignment lines that really only offer just a passing resemblance to the original Zebra putter.
My putter was fitted with the standard 2 x 10gm weights and there is the option to swap into 5 or 15gm weights to fine tune according to your preference.I tend to prefer a heavier head so swapped into 2×15 gm weights which made the head 370 gm rather than 360. It might not sound much, but I assure you that it felt noticeably different to me. I think that once you have found your ideal head weight, you’re unlikely to alter it, but it’s always good to have the choice.
Advertisement
I should add at this point that Zebra putters are supplied direct to consumer ( or DTC) which means that you don’t get the opportunity to demo the product before purchase, although Zebra do offer a 30 day returns policy.
Ok, let’s find out how the 003 performed on the course.
Zebra Milled Series 003 Putter Review: NCG Review
I like, and am familiar with a double wide head. I still have an Odyssey O Works Tank 1 from years ago, that I’ll never part with. However that model comes with a plumber’s neck rather than a single bend as seen in the 003. The hosel configuration makes this an essentially face-balanced putter, which may or may not suit.
The carbon steel head offers a crisp feel which might be a little clicky for some. There are no face inserts here- the upside of that is that you get excellent feedback in that you know where you’ve hit the ball on the face. On the downside, there isn’t the supportive technology offered by some competitor brands. It does, however, feel definitely more stable and forgiving than the Anser/Newport style seen in the Zebra 004.
On the course I felt that the 003 offered straightforward alignment for all types of putt, and I’m definitely in the camp that prefers some sort of alignment assistance when putting.
I also found distance control easier to achieve compared to the 004, probably due to the more forgiving head shape.
Advertisement
Is this putter going to replace my usual gamer? In short, no, because it just lacks the performance benefits offered by my current trusty blade. But of the three Zebra models I tested, this was certainly my favourite in terms of appearance and on-course performance.
Overall this is a well-constructed and designed putter with a premium look and it does provide a quality alternative to the usual suspects , and it also comes in at a reasonable £249.99 which is almost half the price of some competitor brands.
And for that £249.99 you get a superb Winn AVS Pistol grip and a leather-look velcro-closure Zebra headcover, enabling you to stand out from the crowd. And with a 30 day moneyback guarantee, you have nothing to lose!
