Welcome to my second in a three part review series of PING Scottsdale putters, each which is designed for a specific arc type. The first was my review of the PING Scottsdale Senita putter, which is most suited for a straight putting arc. Today’s subject is the Shea putter, best suited for a slight arc. Hey, that’s my arc type!
PING Scottsdale Shea Putter Overview
The Scottsdale Shea putter is a heel-toe balanced (mid-hang) mallet putter. It is a bit of a cross between a heel-toe blade and a small rounded mallet. Like the other Scottsdale putters, the top of the head is a darker matte finish. This helps prevent glare and is easy on the eye. The bottom of the club is a gloss finish. Gotta love glossy bottoms.
Shea Face – Thermoplastic Elastomer Insert – click to zoom
Technology
The Scottsdale line employs a few standard technologies.
The face of the Shea Scottsdale contains a “thermoplastic elastomer” insert. The plastic/rubber insert provides a great soft feel and helps with distance control.
The 355 gram Shea putter’s perimeter weighing produces a high MOI (moment of inertia), meaning it likes to stay square through the stroke and through impact. This is good.
Slight Arc
The balance and setup of this club is best for players who have a slight arc in their stroke. I fall into this category. I have a slight “swinging gate” stroke.
For more on the Stroke Type concept and info on how you can find out what your Stroke Type is, refer to my PING iPing putter app review.
The dark matte finish on the top of the club helps the putter’s alignment line jump out, helping the player with ball position and stroke line.
PING Scottsdale Shea Putter Top Line – click to zoom
Looks And Feel
As with about every PING putter I’ve ever used, the looks and feel are fantastic. Not really sure what goes on in the PING factory, but when they make putters they must sprinkle some kind of magic “feel” dust on them.
The matte dark finish looks great standing over the ball. The contrast with the golf ball and the alignment marking is a great help visually.
Grip
As I’ve mentioned before, I’m a big fan of PING’s choice in grips. They’re always cutting edge and have such great feel. The Winn AVS is soft yet firm. Great for the touch needed on the putting surface.
If the Winn AVS isn’t your choice, there are several other custom grip options available from PING.
Head cover does its job, looks good and isn’t too bulky.
Head Cover
The Scottsdale series head covers are very sharp looking. The cover does a fine job protecting the club, while not being irritating. Nothing worse than fussing with a crappy head cover before a high pressure putt to win $2.00.
Conclusion
The PING Scottsdale Shea Putter combines great feel, great looks and great performance.
Before you buy one though, be sure to analyze your putting stroke and make sure this is the right one for you.
Related
Hooked On Golf Blog’s PING Scottsdale Putters Photo Gallery
HOG iPing putter app review
HOG PING Scottsdale Senita Putter Review
HOGWire – Golf Industry News
