With 80% of golfers using the wrong putter – have Ping found the answer?
Our Ping Sigma 2 putters review took place at Moor Allerton in Leeds.
The Sigma 2 range includes nine new models but we have been testing out three – the bladed ZB 2, a large mallet in the Valor and the mid-mallet Fetch which picks the ball out of the hole without the need to bend down.
Ping Sigma 2 putters review: First impressions
It’s quite hard not to get stuck straight into the technology in the Sigma 2 range where each model has an adjustable shaft length.
So let’s take a quick look at the new models which make up the range which follows on from the Sigma G range.
There’s an Anser, obviously…
A slightly larger mallet in the shape of the Arna…
The Fetch which can pick the ball out of the hole for you…
The centre-shafted Kushin C…
The Tyne, as used by numerous tour players in the Sigma G range, follows on…
But there’s also a Tyne 4 model this time around….
The Valor is a large, stable mallet with loads of alignment help…
While the Wolverine H, which was also a popular model from the Sigma G range, is back again…
And blade lovers who want an alternative to the Anser might want to check out the ZB 2…
Each model has an SRP of £200 and is available in either a platinum finish, or stealth – black to you and me.
Ping Sigma 2 putters review: The technology
So the key technologies here focus on the custom-fitting process and the performance off the face.
Ping say that eight out of 10 golfers are playing a putter which is the wrong length so each model in the Sigma 2 range has an adjustable shaft.
This makes the process better for the consumer and also the retailer as they won’t have to stock multiple lengths of each model.
“The adjustable-length shaft is lightweight, easy to use and sleekly concealed beneath the grip, allowing golfers to customise length between 32″ and 36″ to fit their stroke and posture,” said Ping president John K. Solheim.
“The process is quick and intuitive through the use of an adjustment tool that inserts into the top of the grip. One full turn causes approximately a quarter-inch adjustment up or down, and the grip remains perfectly aligned during the adjustment process.
“Our engineers took a very complex technical challenge and simplified it for the benefit of golfers. It allows you to experiment with various lengths and ultimately self-fit yourself.
“You’re no longer limited to a specific length measurement. You simply adjust it until you’re comfortable, ideally with your eyes directly over the ball. We call it ‘invisible’ technology but once you customise it to your length, the results will be very clear on your scorecard.”
Meet the new @PINGTourEurope Sigma 2 putters with adjustable shaft lengths and a model that picks the ball out of the hole for you… https://t.co/rvfv3wSEr7 pic.twitter.com/afH9aRO5pi
— James Savage (@JamesSavageNCG) October 15, 2018
To improve the feel and performance off the face Ping have introduced something called dual-durometer Pebax face material.
They say the softer front layer ensures the precision necessary for shorter, delicate must-make putts.
The firmer back layer aims to offers the solid feedback and distance control required for holing longer-range putts and improving overall consistency.
Touch and pace are further improved with Ping’s patented TR face pattern, which varies in depth and pitch to speed up off-centre impacts for consistent ball speeds.
“Feel is difficult to quantify as there are a lot of opinions and preferences about how a putter should feel,” added Solheim.
“The Sigma 2 has a very soft feel with a lively response, similar to a solid-face putter. It is designed for the golfer who prefers a putter on the softer side of the spectrum but with the response of a firm face, including more consistency on longer putts.”
That’s the lowdown on the new Ping Sigma putters, but what’s our verdict? Find out on the next page…
James Savage
Former equipment editor of NCG. Inconsistent ball-striker and tea-maker.