Ping Anser - the most successful putter of all time (so much so that everyone copies it)
How does it look behind the ball?
The classic Ping Anser shape gives you a feeling of security and certainty when you address the ball (This picture is of a Redwood Anser). It is after all the design of putter that has more Majors in the modern era than any other, and been copied by dozens of other manufacturers.
Because the design is so "square" alignment feels quite natural - all the lines of the putter are either parallel to your target line or at right angles to it.
Early Ping Ansers had no sight line at all painted onto them, but almost all models on sale now have a sight line on the base of the putter which gives you an excellent aid to alignment.
How does it feel?
The Ping Anser gives you an extremely solid sensation when you make contact with the ball.The earliest Ansers had a slit cut through the base parallel to and just behind the hitting surface (aka the soundslot). When you strike a ball with this design you get a loud ringing sound similar to the original Ping 1A putters which gave the company its name.
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on an Ping Anser putter... |
If you're a fan of a loud putter then this will add feedback, but for my money, this really quite loud ringing takes some of the touch out of the putter.
Your best bet is one of the modern milled versions of this putter for feel and touch!
The Anser also has a tremendous feeling of momentum through the hit - you don't feel that the putter will be easily pushed off course one way or the other, or that the face will twist easily.
The Anser is a 1/4 toe weighted putter, so the toe will tend to swing in an open-square-closed path, however the sensation of the face closing is mild.
Early cast examples are about 10% lighter than
the Redwood and Karsten versions (305-320 grams vs. 330-250 grams).
How does it roll the ball?
Like all Pings the roll off the Anser is good, verging on excellent - its lower centre of gravity is designed to prevent skidding.
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on an Ping Anser putter... |
Is the Ping Anser Collectible?
Yes, if the putter came from the early models.Knowing whether your Anser has
value as a collectors item depends on the year and model number (the details
which are engraved behind the hitting surface). For more information on
buying or selling a collectible Ping, I suggest submitting your
enquiry via the website www.pongman.com.
An absolute classic which lives up to its reputation. In almost any guise this putter will be at least OK. Your best options are:
Ping Redwood Anser
The design which has won more pro events than any other, made with top quality materials. This Ping is a winner!Ping Karsten Anser
Unbeatable on price and right up there for feel and design.Ping Anser G5i
A hideous beast to look at, but beautiful to use.Scotty Cameron Newport 2 Studio Stainless
The "more affordable", but rather unimpressive Scotty Cameron.Ping Karsten Anser
Unbeatable on price and right up there for feel and design.Ping Anser
The Anser is the putter that has been copied a thousand times - now available from Ping at a variety of prices.TaylorMade Rossa Kia Ma Daytona
Good looking Anser style putter - Part of TaylorMade's resurgence as a designer of high quality puttersTaylorMade Ghost TM-110
Beautiful square-designed Anser with great aimlines - well worth a look!TaylorMade Rossa Daytona
Well constructed Anser style putter - excellent if you're after a good putter at a lower cost - gunmetal color looks classy - feels good too!Ping Redwood Anser
The design which has won more pro events than any other, made with top quality materials. This Ping is a winner!Yes Donna (C-Groove)
Wide bodied anser-style head with the amazing C-Groove for a terrific roll.Yes Carolyne
A straightforward heel and toe design with great roll from the C-GrooveNike Method 001
The best of the Nike Method putters. Favored by Tiger Woods while he was contractually obliged to use a Nike putter. A standard looking Anser style putter, with nice roll and feel. But not good enough to stay in Woods' bag once Nike gave up on the golf equipment industry.Nike Method 004
Face balanced version of the Method 001. Favor this putter if you routinely pull your putts or you're trying to produce a straight-back-straight through stroke.See some of the history and early advertising for the Ping Anser here.
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