Asking T/T for Phantom X Feedback

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By Doug E

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  • 14 Replies
  1. Doug E

    Doug E
    Urbana, MD

    Been playing a blade virtually my whole golf life. For the last 7 or 8 years, it's been a Newport 2 Studio Select. Managing a pro shop, I get plenty of time to try out all the putters we have in stock during slower periods of the day. I have noticed that I seem to putt consistently better on short putts using various models of the new Phantom X on the carpet in the pro shop, vs all the blades in the shop, including a Newport 2.5. I haven't tried the mallets yet on actual greens, but even though I love my Newport, I am seriously considering a Phantom model (TBD). Not necessarily to replace my Newport, but to use during periods when it's acting poorly for me. Being a traditionalist, I was never a fan of mallets. Yet, there is no denying I seem to putt well with them on a carpet compared to blades. So I'm hopeful I can make that translate to real greens.

    I am fully aware of the various nuances and design features of the entire Phantom X line. I like things about the 5 series, 7, 9 and the 11 series too, but they are all very different for a number of reasons.

    So I have a few questions for those who have been playing any of the Phantom X models:

    1. Why did you choose the model you play? Pros and cons. Stroke type. Green speed. Fittings, etc.?

    2. Did you feel the need to add or subtract weight from the designed stock weight?

    3. How about the stock Pistolini Plus grip? Did you change to an oversize Matador or Super Stroke. (I use a large Matador on my Newport with heavier weights added in the head. Going back to a Pistolini makes me a little nervous, though it doesn't seem to bother me in the shop.)

    4. This one may seem a bit of a ridiculous consideration, but to me, it could be a deciding factor if I putt all of the Phantom X versions about the same. Have any of you figured out a way to pick up the ball with the back of the putter. It's simple with a Newport and many mallets, but the X11 doesn't seem to be conducive to that move? Not even sure how well it works with the X5 models. Call me lazy, but I would like to be able to easily sweep up a ball from off the green on gimmes without bending over to grab it by hand.

    4. Anyone locate a much more attractive cover than the stock Yellow X model on the 2022 models (which is better than the all yellow 2019 version)? Yellow just doesn't work for me. Personally, I like red, black, white or charcoal, just like everything else Titleist.

    Thanks, in advance, for any responses.

  2. Chris92009

    Chris92009
    Ohio

    I believe you like a putter and game it consistently because you feel confident with it, enjoy the look and feel, and lastly, make putts!

    Sorry for the short response IMHO!
    Chris
  3. Phil C

    Phil C

    I play a t22 Newport in summer but early spring, late autumn and winter I play a phantom x5.5. The face is firmer and the toe hang is close enough to my blade that it’s an easy switch.

    My only complaint with the 5.5 is it just feels to firm in summer for me, but otherwise it’s an excellent putter and it’s an easy switch for me between this and my blade.
  4. Abdon M

    Abdon M
    Northern California (because it's a big state)

    Allow me to give you my answers as one who games the Phantom X 5.5:

    1. I like the look and feel of the 5.5. I went with the 5.5 because there is no shaft bend and it has a bit more toe hang than the 5

    2. I went with the stock weight based on the shaft length and for me that was 33 inches. Be aware that Scotty Cameron will have different weights based on the shaft length.

    3. I did change the stock Pistolini grip with a SuperStroke that has the counterweight port. I did this because I wanted to have the new grip as close to the weight of the stock Pistolini. I liked the weighting of the stock putter but didn't like the feel of the Pistolini grip.

    4. As you have already noticed, with the Phantom X 5's, you can easily pick up golf balls.

    You're in a good position to demo many putters, so take advantage of that opportunity. If the shop allows you to demo the putters for a round, that would be great but you may need to consult with the manager ;-)
  5. Robert J

    Robert J
    Washington Township, MI

    I am fully aware of the various nuances and design features of the entire Phantom X line. I like things about the 5 series, 7, 9 and the 11 series too, but they are all very different for a number of reasons.

    So I have a few questions for those who have been playing any of the Phantom X models:

    1. Why did you choose the model you play? Pros and cons. Stroke type. Green speed. Fittings, etc.?

    Like you, I previously had a Newport 2 Select Notchback that I played for years and added weight (20 grams in place of 10). SBST stroke for the most part and used in on all greens from those which are slow to those running 12+ on STIMP.
    Bought 2019 Phantom X 5.5 same length as my Newport and added weights to the head. This putter provided me much better results on slower speed greens that seemed to be prevalent on public courses here the past few years. I did not have the same "feel" with it on fast greens, maybe due to the aluminum face? So, I bought a 2022 Phantom X 5, same specs. as the others, as it has a steel face area, similar to the Newport 2 I use. This actually allows me similar feel to Newport, great on faster greens, much more consistent results for me. Averaging less than 2 putts per green per round this year.

    2. Did you feel the need to add or subtract weight from the designed stock weight?

    Added weight, but that is more a personal feel thing, than results driven.


    3. How about the stock Pistolini Plus grip? Did you change to an oversize Matador or Super Stroke. (I use a large Matador on my Newport with heavier weights added in the head. Going back to a Pistolini makes me a little nervous, though it doesn't seem to bother me in the shop.)

    Changed the grips on my Newport and Phantom X 5.5 to Cameron Red Cord grips, used that style grip for many years. On the 2022 Phantom, left stock grip as is, as it feels just as good, at least to me.

    4. This one may seem a bit of a ridiculous consideration, but to me, it could be a deciding factor if I putt all of the Phantom X versions about the same. Have any of you figured out a way to pick up the ball with the back of the putter. It's simple with a Newport and many mallets, but the X11 doesn't seem to be conducive to that move? Not even sure how well it works with the X5 models. Call me lazy, but I would like to be able to easily sweep up a ball from off the green on gimmes without bending over to grab it by hand.

    Can use either or the Phantoms I have to retrieve ball if needed. Typically, here we putt out, no matter how short, not many given with the group I play with.

    4. Anyone locate a much more attractive cover than the stock Yellow X model on the 2022 models (which is better than the yellow 2019 version)? Yellow just doesn't work for me. Personally, I like red, black, white or charcoal, just like everything else Titleist.

    I found that the Cameron mid round gray colored cover works and isn't as bright as the yellow or black and yellow Phantom covers. Numerous other cover manufacturers have models and color choices available.


    Best of luck in your decision, I still have all 3 putters and take along which one I feel gives me the best results for the course I will be playing.
  6. Tyler_S

    Tyler_S
    Cypress, TX

    I have a Squareback 2 and for grins wanted a back up with a similar tow flow. Chose the X 5.5. I got what I was looking for with X 5.5, great putter. My lag putting was great but I couldn’t get the ball to drop.

    I went back to the Squareback 2 and will not look back. My wife has my 5.5 and it works for her.

    I used to play the Newport but wanted something bigger and started going to mallets like the GoLo, first version of the Futura, the original Squareback.

    When the Special Select 2021 Squareback 2 came out it tried it out at my local golf shop and hole a few 30 foot putts in the store. It sets up well for me. Looks like a glad feels like a blade but is stable like a mallet.

    Try the Squareback. It’s an easy transition from the Newport as it looks similar.

    Putting is so finicky, once you find what works for you, you should never leave it.
  7. JScott77

    JScott77

    1. I have the x 5.5. I like the way it sits behind the ball. Very square, very confidence inspiring. The greens i play are pretty quick. I use the a Pro V1 ball and love the feel and sound. No real cons. Yes, got fit

    2. I have not felt the need to add or subtract weight. However, my tendency is to leave the putt short in the heart but that is more me than the putter.

    3. No issues with the grip other than it tends to get slick on the very hot/humid days. Once this grip has run its course, I might experiment some but good for now.

    4. Easy to scoop the ball with 5.5

    5. I actually use the grey "MILLED PUTTERS" SC head cover from an old putter.

    one thing i have found....i "see" the line better standing over the putt with a mallet. I also feel slightly mishit putts still have a chance of going in the hole more so than a blade. I would do a test (particularly if your course has a demo) on course. Your gamer vs. mallet. Hope this helps
  8. Frank P

    Frank P
    Port St. Lucie, FL

    Military
    I have the Phantom X12 (2021). I've been using a mallet since I got a Futura X5R when they came out. I like the way the 3 dots and the 2 lines on either side frame the golf ball on the Phantom X12. See if you can take the putter out of the shop and onto the putting green. I think that's the best way to judge. I like the Pistolini Plus grip.
  9. BMaddigan

    BMaddigan

    I currently have the 2022 9.5 in my bag. I always put a mid size matador grip on my putters.
    Previous to that, I had a 2021 X5( Patrick Cantlay’s similar model).
    Previous to that I had a 2019 X 5.5. The problem with the 2019’s is that they have a black finish and chip easily.
    I own a couple Scotty’s and I just recently sold a 2018 Squareback that was sitting unused in my living room.
    I like the mallets better than the Newports( I have a 2018 Newport 2, a 2011 Newport 2.7, and a Laguna 2.)
    I don’t mess around with weights, and I always buy 34 inch.
    I don’t think I will go back to a blade any time soon.
  10. Alex N

    Alex N
    Florida

    Military
    1. Why did you choose the model you play? Pros and cons. Stroke type. Green speed. Fittings, etc.?

    I play the Phantom X 5.5 because I don’t make a big arch in my putting stroke. I like to go s straight back and straight through as I can. I love the look of a mallet style putter but the wings of this particular putter stood out to me over some of the others. More about he wings in question 4.

    2. Did you feel the need to add or subtract weight from the designed stock weight?

    When I went to get fit for my Phantom it was absolutely perfect as is. I was expecting for us to make adjustments but it was perfect with the stock weight, lie etc. I’ve been gaming my Phantom just over a year now and it’s my money maker in the bag. I average 30 putts per round or better.

    3. How about the stock Pistolini Plus grip? Did you change to an oversize Matador or Super Stroke. (I use a large Matador on my Newport with heavier weights added in the head. Going back to a Pistolini makes me a little nervous, though it doesn't seem to bother me in the shop.)

    When I first was testing the Phantom with the stock grip I anticipated to change the grip to a Super Stroke. However, I putt left hand low and found the Pistolini grip is perfect for my style. I can’t imagine putting with any other grip at this point. All I can say, don’t knock it til you try it. If you still don’t like it after trying it you can easily change it.

    4. This one may seem a bit of a ridiculous consideration, but to me, it could be a deciding factor if I putt all of the Phantom X versions about the same. Have any of you figured out a way to pick up the ball with the back of the putter. It's simple with a Newport and many mallets, but the X11 doesn't seem to be conducive to that move? Not even sure how well it works with the X5 models. Call me lazy, but I would like to be able to easily sweep up a ball from off the green on gimmes without bending over to grab it by hand.

    Have no fear Doug, you can easily pick the ball up using the back of the putter. My 5.5 easily scoops the ball right up. Some of the other Phantom putters like the 11 don’t look like they would be able to pick up the ball. But the 5 and 7 should have no issues. You might now be able to pick it up quite as quickly as you can with your Newport but I can assure you that you won’t have to bend over and pick up your ball!

    4. Anyone locate a much more attractive cover than the stock Yellow X model on the 2022 models (which is better than the all yellow 2019 version)? Yellow just doesn't work for me. Personally, I like red, black, white or charcoal, just like everything else Titleist.

    I too was not a big fan of the head cover. Mainly because I’m not a fan of the velcro but the color also doesn’t go with my bag. I have a white cover that is magnetic that I use. It’s not a Scotty cover but rather one that I won in a giveaway from the Ouimet Fund back during the US Open.

    Overall, I absolutely love my Phantom. I can’t imagine gaming any other putter. And unless anything with my putting stroke changes drastically I will plan to game this same putter forever. In the end, you should definitely play a putter that gives you full confidence when standing over the ball. If you don’t love the look or feel you’re never going to putt well. I hope this all helps!
  11. Don O

    Don O
    Madison, WI

    1. Fit with a SAM lab package. It recommends loft and swing path. Ended up with 7.5 with a stock pistolero grip.
    2. No
    3, I also use the stock pistolero grip. The SAM fitter recommended it over anything Super Sroke.
    4. Cameron head cover came off on course. Never turned in at pro shop. Several magnetic cover options available through prime
  12. Doug E

    Doug E
    Urbana, MD

    Thanks so much for taking the time to reply and your specificity in doing so. It helps me feel better about trying the X5.5.

    Been on the injured list for the past 5 weeks with a knee issue (Grade 1 MCL tear), so when I can finally get back out there, it might be the perfect time to introduce a new putter. I'll have to rediscover my stroke anyway after the layoff. And, hey, if the results aren't what I hope, I can always go back to my Newport 2, which has been perfectly fine for the better part of the last decade.
  13. smartin

    smartin
    Moyvalley

    Putting is such a personal thing and its great to ask as many questions as possible.
    I myself love the blade style putter but i could never get the consistency.
    I have the phantom x 7 which i love i got fitted on trackman and it just suited my stroke better my stroke has a sligth arch. I have found that my pace control have improved because of the extra forgivness.
    I have the the 15g weaghts in mine and i like the weight it just works really well.
    I also dont like the pistolero grip so i chaged it for a super stroke which i always loved.
    The best advice i could give is find a model you like get a fitting and from there you can find the best weight grip combo which suits your style of putting.
    Best of luck with what ever you deside.
  14. bbigtigger

    bbigtigger
    Newport News, VA

    Doug E said:

    Been playing a blade virtually my whole golf life. For the last 7 or 8 years, it's been a Newport 2 Studio Select. Managing a pro shop, I get plenty of time to try out all the putters we have in stock during slower periods of the day. I have noticed that I seem to putt consistently better on short putts using various models of the new Phantom X on the carpet in the pro shop, vs all the blades in the shop, including a Newport 2.5. I haven't tried the mallets yet on actual greens, but even though I love my Newport, I am seriously considering a Phantom model (TBD). Not necessarily to replace my Newport, but to use during periods when it's acting poorly for me. Being a traditionalist, I was never a fan of mallets. Yet, there is no denying I seem to putt well with them on a carpet compared to blades. So I'm hopeful I can make that translate to real greens.

    I am fully aware of the various nuances and design features of the entire Phantom X line. I like things about the 5 series, 7, 9 and the 11 series too, but they are all very different for a number of reasons.

    So I have a few questions for those who have been playing any of the Phantom X models:

    1. Why did you choose the model you play? Pros and cons. Stroke type. Green speed. Fittings, etc.?

    2. Did you feel the need to add or subtract weight from the designed stock weight?

    3. How about the stock Pistolini Plus grip? Did you change to an oversize Matador or Super Stroke. (I use a large Matador on my Newport with heavier weights added in the head. Going back to a Pistolini makes me a little nervous, though it doesn't seem to bother me in the shop.)

    4. This one may seem a bit of a ridiculous consideration, but to me, it could be a deciding factor if I putt all of the Phantom X versions about the same. Have any of you figured out a way to pick up the ball with the back of the putter. It's simple with a Newport and many mallets, but the X11 doesn't seem to be conducive to that move? Not even sure how well it works with the X5 models. Call me lazy, but I would like to be able to easily sweep up a ball from off the green on gimmes without bending over to grab it by hand.

    4. Anyone locate a much more attractive cover than the stock Yellow X model on the 2022 models (which is better than the all yellow 2019 version)? Yellow just doesn't work for me. Personally, I like red, black, white or charcoal, just like everything else Titleist.

    Thanks, in advance, for any responses.

    1. I bought a Phantom X5.5 last year because it has the same toe flow a Newport/ Newport 2. I wanted something a little more forgiving.

    2. I personally make all my putters heavier because of my thoughts on putting. I add 2 40 gram weights to all putters (Newports, Phantoms, Fastbacks, Delmars) because it makes my putting smother, better rhythm. Same as I use a heavier shaft in my driver and 3 wood.

    3. Grip size is all personal preference. I use a png midsize cord grip on all putters (about 12 different Camerons) If Scotty offered a grip like this it would cost $100. I have a Pistolini + on one putter with plus 3 wraps, not bad for size but I have bigger hands.

    4. Picking up a golf ball with an X5 is not an issue at all!

    5. I have the Scotty Cameron Red Johnny Racer headcover for my X5.5. I'd like to have a more Patriotic themed headcover, but the only ones I can find are too much since I use all my headcovers. I'm not much for displaying, like a car is meant to be driven a putter is meant to be used!

    Hope this helps a little bit.
  15. bbigtigger

    bbigtigger
    Newport News, VA

    Doug E said:

    Been playing a blade virtually my whole golf life. For the last 7 or 8 years, it's been a Newport 2 Studio Select. Managing a pro shop, I get plenty of time to try out all the putters we have in stock during slower periods of the day. I have noticed that I seem to putt consistently better on short putts using various models of the new Phantom X on the carpet in the pro shop, vs all the blades in the shop, including a Newport 2.5. I haven't tried the mallets yet on actual greens, but even though I love my Newport, I am seriously considering a Phantom model (TBD). Not necessarily to replace my Newport, but to use during periods when it's acting poorly for me. Being a traditionalist, I was never a fan of mallets. Yet, there is no denying I seem to putt well with them on a carpet compared to blades. So I'm hopeful I can make that translate to real greens.

    I am fully aware of the various nuances and design features of the entire Phantom X line. I like things about the 5 series, 7, 9 and the 11 series too, but they are all very different for a number of reasons.

    So I have a few questions for those who have been playing any of the Phantom X models:

    1. Why did you choose the model you play? Pros and cons. Stroke type. Green speed. Fittings, etc.?

    2. Did you feel the need to add or subtract weight from the designed stock weight?

    3. How about the stock Pistolini Plus grip? Did you change to an oversize Matador or Super Stroke. (I use a large Matador on my Newport with heavier weights added in the head. Going back to a Pistolini makes me a little nervous, though it doesn't seem to bother me in the shop.)

    4. This one may seem a bit of a ridiculous consideration, but to me, it could be a deciding factor if I putt all of the Phantom X versions about the same. Have any of you figured out a way to pick up the ball with the back of the putter. It's simple with a Newport and many mallets, but the X11 doesn't seem to be conducive to that move? Not even sure how well it works with the X5 models. Call me lazy, but I would like to be able to easily sweep up a ball from off the green on gimmes without bending over to grab it by hand.

    4. Anyone locate a much more attractive cover than the stock Yellow X model on the 2022 models (which is better than the all yellow 2019 version)? Yellow just doesn't work for me. Personally, I like red, black, white or charcoal, just like everything else Titleist.

    Thanks, in advance, for any responses.

    1. I bought a Phantom X5.5 last year because it has the same toe flow a Newport/ Newport 2. I wanted something a little more forgiving.

    2. I personally make all my putters heavier because of my thoughts on putting. I add 2 40 gram weights to all putters (Newports, Phantoms, Fastbacks, Delmars) because it makes my putting smother, better rhythm. Same as I use a heavier shaft in my driver and 3 wood.

    3. Grip size is all personal preference. I use a png midsize cord grip on all putters (about 12 different Camerons) If Scotty offered a grip like this it would cost $100. I have a Pistolini + on one putter with plus 3 wraps, not bad for size but I have bigger hands.

    4. Picking up a golf ball with an X5 is not an issue at all!

    5. I have the Scotty Cameron Red Johnny Racer headcover for my X5.5. I'd like to have a more Patriotic themed headcover, but the only ones I can find are too much since I use all my headcovers. I'm not much for displaying, like a car is meant to be driven a putter is meant to be used!

    Hope this helps a little bit.

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