PXG has a new putter coming to market today.
The Torpedo ZT may be the best putter they’ve released this year.
Some may accuse you of being a PXG fanboy or at least a broken record of PXG praise. If you’ve never rolled their putters, I can see how my constant banter about PXG putters might seem disingenuous and even annoying.
If that’s how you feel, you should probably stop reading now. Prepare for a praise-palooza for the PXG Torpedo ZT.
The first incarnation of the PXG Torpedo was a fantastic interpretation of the Spider. I won’t go so far as to call theminnovator but it was a skillful blend of the iconic shape with PXG putter technologies and aesthetics.
The hydraulic neck version of the Torpedo has lived in my bag for more than a few times this past year. At the time, I considered it one of the best putters PXG had ever produced and I still do.
It is important to set the Torpedo stage because I think the zero-torque version of the Torpedo can be even better than the previous version.
PXG makes the Torpedo torque free
The torque removal plan for the Torpedo ZT is common. Unlike the PXG Allan where they used a new hosel, PXG eliminated the torque by attaching the shaft to the head at the center of gravity of the putter.
This initial attachment site gives the putter a toe-up “hang” and keeps the putter square to the path during the swing.
This is a similar creation strategy to the PXG One & Done ZT and the Hotrod ZT.
The shaft also has a degree of built-in forward pressure. The shaft enters the grip at the same angle, which allows the player to take the putter in a natural position.
I don’t know that I like the grip material, but the shape and weight work well with the zero torque design.
Did PXG make the Spider ZT that TaylorMade should have made?
There’s no denying that the PXG Torpedo ZT looks like a TaylorMade Spider. This revelation comes without accusation. As with all iconic putter designs, companies have been “interpreting” popular designs for decades.
What’s interesting about the PXG Torpedo ZT is that it looks more like a classic Spider than the current TaylorMade Spider ZT.
The Spider ZT is a solid zero-torque putter design, but it doesn’t really look like a classic Spider. It is more boxer and lacks the perimeter element of the weight ring.
The PXG Torpedo ZT retains more of the Spider look, even with the removal of torque.
I played a few rounds with a mySpider Tour putter. Going from that Spider to the PXG Torpedo ZT wasn’t a huge visual transition.
Like I said, I’m not bashing the Spider ZT. It’s a great zero-torque putter. The Torpedo ZT just makes me wonder if this is what TaylorMade’s Spider ZT should really be.
Why do I think it’s the best PXG putter of the year?
I can answer in one word: listen. This putter has an amazing feel. I capitalized “feel” because I’m not talking about an aspect of feel, such as feel at impact, but rather the overall feel package.
That said, the impact feels satisfying. The combination of 303 stainless steel and PXG’s Pyramid Milled Face Pattern delivers a smooth yet spunky roll as usual.
The rest of the feeling equation is related to balance and performance.
Zero torque putters, especially those with the shaft attached to the center of gravity, can lack feel and/or feedback during the stroke. This is the blessing and the curse of removing torque.
On the positive front, if you don’t feel much during the stroke, you are less likely to try to “fix” the putter during the swing.
However, most golfers like to have a little feedback during the putting stroke. We trust zero torque putters like parents trust their teenagers.
Loses torque but maintains feel
In my experience, the PXG Torpedo ZT never feels disconnected during the shot. The torque may be gone, but you can still feel the progress of the head when you putt.
Distance control is excellent with the PXG Torpedo ZT. For me, this is also a sensible aspect. My lags are all based on feel and experience with the putter. Do not determine putt distance with a mathematical formula that integrates backswing tempo and distance.
I look at the distance, figure out if it’s up or down, and let the putter do its thing. Most of the time this works well. For some putters, this can be a recipe for distance dispersion disaster.
If I put myself in the sun, I would have balls that end up near Venus and Neptune.
Out of the box, the PXG Torpedo ZT delivered my expected distances. Naturally, this involved some green speed calibrations on the practice green. After that, the putts were for the most part going as far as they should.
This is also true for really long lag puts. These are the putters that usually end up removing most zero torque putters from my bag rotation due to their lack of feel and feedback.
So far, the PXG Torpedo ZT is delivering from deep distances, and is escaping relegation.
PXG is a solid putter company
Whenever I write about PXG putters, I sing the praises of their designs and wonder how their putters continue to fly under the radar. Why do I always feel like I’m singing alone when I should be part of a great chorus of pro-PXG putters?
As far as putter lines go, the PXG Battle Ready II putter line is as diverse as it comes. Not only are there multiple head shapes, but many models come with multiple neck options.
The technological works, the build quality is exceptional, and the diversity of models should be a club fitter’s dream.
All also have adjustable sole weights. It is possible that my experience of “feeling” is not quite to yours when you do the Torpedo ZT. If this is the case, you can adjust the weight of the head with only weights.
These weights allow head weights from 357 grams to 392. The stock weight is 370 grams which works for me, but your ideal weight may be a little lighter or heavier. Unlike LAB Golf sole weights, PXG weights are designed to be adjusted.
Out of curiosity, are PXG putters available to try in shops near you? If not, I can understand the skepticism about how I fawn over them. If you haven’t rolled, you definitely don’t know how good they are.
I’ve rolled a ton of putters over the years. Some are just better than others. The PXG Torpedo ZT is one of the good ones.
If there isn’t a retailer near you, PXG offers a 30-day refund on online sales, minus shipping and a 12 percent restocking fee.
Don’t forget yours PXG for Heroes The program offers 20 percent discounts for veterans, active duty military, first responders, nurses and teachers.
If you’re in the market for a zero-torque putter and are a fan of this shape, add the Torpedo ZT to your must-try list.
Learn more about the Torpedo ZT and other PXG putters at PXG.com
The place Did the removal of Torque make the PXG Torpedo a better putter? appeared first MyGolfSpy.
