REVIEWS
On the Range
This month sees Richard Punyer review the new PING Karsten TR Anser 2 putterer
Overview: Five of PING's most popular head designs
are showcased in the Karsten TR (True Roll) putter. They offer variable-depth grooves precision-milled into the face of the 17-4 stainless steel head to improve ball-speed consistency for distance control. The elastomer back-cavity insert improves feel and sound while increasing moment of inertia. An optional adjustable-length shaft allows you to optimise the fit, and the rich copper PVD finish provides a distinctive look.
Verdict: Having used the original Ping Anser 2 for a
considerable time during which I managed to get down to scratch, the prospect of trying its reborn and remodelled successor was met with both excitement and a certain amount of trepidation! I have to admit that parting company with
my old Anser 2 was a grave mistake. But, driven by increases in technology and the pursuit of that extra edge – as most golfers are – I began a sequence of putter changes that began with the TaylorMade TPA 18 as extolled by Mr Faldo, and ended with the gorgeous Scotty Cameron Studio 2 Stainless as used to such great effect by Tiger as he was bursting on the Major scene and destroying fields. It is still the putter I use to this day. On first look the club is quite simply
gorgeous. I really like the new shiny bronze colouring. The old colouring if you remember
38 SGBGOLF
dulled very quickly from its as new bronze to a very dull brown which looks singularly unimpressive. The black insert with the makers name on the back also looked attractive and in stark contrast to the shiny surface, as is the use of white to pick out PING on the hosel. The putter sits automatically square, and lining up the putt is ably assisted by the strong white lining up mark on the top of the face. This sits exactly above what on first impression looks like an indentation in the face but is in fact the effect of the variable groove technology which is also exactly over the sweet spot/strike area of the face. The white grooves also give the face a contrast and looks attractive. It should be noted that PING make the
Karsten TR Anser 2 with a standard shaft, and one which has an extendable section allowing it to be made into one which can be anchored or lengthened to a players requirements and feel. I used the latter, but without extending it. I liked the extra weight afforded by the extra shaft extension inside the normal shaft, feeling it had the effect of smoothing out the action of the stroke. The sound off the face is very soft – hardly noticeable at all on short putts but delivering a pleasing click on longer putts which require a firmer strike. PING’S centrepiece of this putter is
obviously the variable groove depth True Roll technology which they claim will result
in more consistent distance control. I have to say although a nice roll is evident, I did not find distance control to be influenced at all – ultimately this is determined by the player and how good their stroke is at repeating a consistent strike – and factors outside their immediate control such as gradient and grain.
Summary Firstly, it was an absolute delight to have a Ping Anser in my hands again, albeit one that has benefited from extensive testing, and the latest in modern materials and design technology. Strike was definitely more consistent than with the old Ping Anser 2 which had a very small sweet spot and certainly lets you know when it had been missed! Extra weight from the extendable version was a nice surprise although this may prove a tad cumbersome on fast greens for those with anything less than an exceptional touch and consistent stroke. From the looks it’s undoubtedly a Ping Anser – and it’s great to see it back. Definitely a logical and better one than my trusty Anser 2, but not convinced by the variable depth groove ‘True Roll’ technology.
If you would like SGB to review your latest product innovation, please email Alex Fordham at
afordham@datateam.co.uk
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