I haven’t seen much posted on this since it’s release, though it’s only been 5 days, so I’ll throw in.
Picked up a Phantom 11 Long Design, originally gamed a Phantom X11 (35.5”) that I was fit into. I only have one round with it so far, but I will say it is impressive. Understand the heavier weight of the putter and counterbalance may not be for everyone but I had found myself longing for increased stability which is what led me to the Phantom X11 to begin with.
But back to the Long Design, this putter does what they say it does (Suprise, Suprise). The looks are stunning and sharp, the stability and feel is tremendous, and the roll is pure with a comfortable touch off the face. One area I was pleasantly surprised in is the alignment arrows, while these might be a polarizing change to this line, I would say to keep an open mind. Although the putter itself did not automatically take strokes off my round by simply putting in the bag as much as I would have liked it too, I did feel a greater sense of confidence standing over the ball and lining my putt up. The alignment along with the stability and sense of distance control left me feeling that my lag putts were closer, and my shorter putts were less stressful. The grip is exceptional and feels great, it is happy medium between the thinner standard grip on my older Phantom X11 and the Super Stroke 2.0 which I find to be a little too much IMO. I also use the letters on the grip to help set up a consistent grip position every time. Afterall this is a 17” grip and with the additional 2”-3” on top for counterbalance so I found using the letters to be helpful.
One thing I wish was different is that the headcover is Velcro and not magnetic, not sure when that will change, but the headcover looks classy is a nice snug fit.
As with any aspect of the game practice is key, but this putter definitely provides features to help along the way. I did roll the Squareback 2 Long Design model, and it feels great in its own right, it just doesn't fit my putting stroke.
I'll agree I'm still in the honeymoon phase, hence the overly positive review, and 1 round with this putter is a small sample size, but I am excited about this investment.
Overall, another solid offering with the same high quality and no Ai needed. Give it a roll…