Scotty Cameron has launched a new line of limited edition Phantom putters and I’m not sure how I feel about them.
Putters are looks. As with last summer’s Phantom Black linethe new Phantom OC Spec III putters are all black. It’s a sharp look, no doubt better than the stock appearance.
Unlike last summer’s release, the two models are both current stock head shapes. As the name suggests, both are Onset Center (OC) designs. The OC shaft/hosel design significantly reduces torque but does not eliminate it.
The modicum or torque that remains during the putting stroke maintains some of the classic putter feel while keeping the head very stable.
Scotty Cameron’s take on the zero-torque trend is a good one. In my experience, retaining some torque improves face awareness. When a putter is truly out of torque, it can be difficult to intuitively know where the face is pointed.
The Phantom Spec III OC 5 and 11R push the torque output to the redline without dulling the feel.
This part of the Phantom OC Spec III story is solid, but some of the other aspects of this release grind my gears a bit.
What is the Spectrum III name everything?
Although I consider myself a car guy, I wasn’t familiar with the term “Spec III”. Fortunately, I have the internet, and I was quickly able to fortify the following definition:
In real-world automotive contexts, a “Spec III” car (Specification 3) typically refers to a defined level of aftermarket performance upgrades or a strict amateur racing class rather than a factory-issued trim level.
Scotty Cameron’s press release has a similar explanation for the term:
The new Scotty Cameron Phantom OC Spec III clubs are named after the highly optimized performance of Spec III in the automotive world, where all components and modifications work in harmony to produce the ultimate performance.
Essentially, Scotty Cameron calls the new Phantom OC Spec III putters fine-tuned supersonic speed machines.
(I should have just asked Rihanna…)
Using this name changes my enthusiasm to neutral. I agree that both Phantom OC putters are harmonious mixtures of components. I’ve been adding the stock 11R OC quite a bit since its release last fall. It is one of my favorite low torque putters.
My gripe with the Spec III designation is that the construction specifications for these two limited edition putters aren’t all that different from the stock models.
Giving them the name Spec III implies that the construction of these versions is superior to the stock models.
If they are Spec III, then you are saying that the stock versions are already “Spec III” putters. The physical differences are minimal. If the construction is the same, why are these Spec III and the stock versions not Spec III?
It’s more confusing than a Honda Pilot with paddle shifters. The logo looks sporty on the sole but it seems like a marketing misfire to me.
Specifications: Phantom 5 OC Spec III
- Length: 33, 34, 35 inches
- Loft: 3.5 degrees
- Lie angle: 70 degrees
- Lean lean: 1 degree
- Dexterity: RH (Phantom 5 & Phantom 11R), LH (Phantom 11R)
New pinstripes and paint
The cosmetic overhaul continues with the new black PVD finish and “high contrast” sight lines. The Phantom 5 OC Spec III putters look great in black. I appreciate how the uniform black finish makes these two putters look very different from the stock putters.
It is an elegant look and the black color becomes a perfect background for the new alignment lines.
I’m a big fan of the new alignment lines. I like the extension of the central line on the 11R. This is something I wish Cameron would do to the Phantom 9R as well. The short line is a bit strange.
The two additional top lines on the Phantom 11R provide great reference points for framing the ball with the face.
Adding two cavity lines to the Phantom 5 produces a similar effect, although they are not in front of the putter.
Like I said, the two blacked out Phantom OC Spec III putters are better than the stock models.
Did Scotty Cameron make the Phantom 5 OC Spec III putters quite “limited”?
Scotty Cameron makes great putters. Since it is at the top of the milled putter hierarchy, it often takes more than its share of pain from golfers.
People tend to take shots at whoever is on edge.
More than once, I defended the brand. Cameron’s construction is top notch and their putters are always attractive. He has been making great looking, tournament winning putters for decades.
The Phantom line proves time and time again that there is still some creativity in Scotty Cameron’s sketchbook. With the Phantom line, Cameron also typically shows his willingness to explore new designs or at least variations on existing designs.
Most recently, Cameron released the Phantom 3.2 and Phantom 12. Both are fresh and classic Cameron mallet designs.
Last summer’s Phantom Black release putters were all interesting shapes whose designs were based on requests from PGA Tour players. The color black was part of the story and not the whole story. Metal still mattered.
I’m not sure if I feel the same about the Phantom 5 OC Spec III putters.
They look great. I would ditch my beloved stock 11R for the Phantom OC Spec III 11R in a hot second.
However, I don’t see enough “limited edition” coolness in these to justify the $800 price tag.
Maybe I’m missing something, but these feel more like fresh paint jobs than tuner performances. Even the cool cavity lines on the 5 OC are not a new design element. We saw those on the Phantom Black 5.5.
It could be that the Spec III name has created an expectation that the putters don’t live up to. There is nothing in particular about putters that I don’t like. I also really like the Spec III graphic on the sole. It is a great visual element.
I guess I just waited for the milled metal to be more special. For example, something like a Phantom 12.2. For that putter, I would consider paying the $250 up-charge over stock prices for that non-stock build.
If a limited edition putter is just a putter with new paint and graphics, you’ll probably buy a stock model and save the cash.
(Unless it was a really cool purple color, of course.)
Find out more about the new Scotty Cameron Phantom Spec III OC putters at ScottyCameron.com.
The place Scotty Cameron introduces the limited edition Phantom OC Spec III putters appeared first MyGolfSpy.
