Introduction
I spent a lot of 2025 doing one of my favourite things in golf: testing putters.
There were 16 reviews last year. Some were new, some were second-hand. Some were deliberate experiments, some were impulse purchases. A few were me trying to understand what actually suits my stroke on the green, rather than what works in theory in a fitting studio. I also wanted to challenge any biases I may have, as that’s part of the learning process.
If you are new here, my reviews all follow the same baseline process set out in the Putter Testing Framework. It evolved slightly through the year, but the core remained the same, ensuring the comparisons are fair.
This is not a definitive ranking for all golfers. It is the honest version of what worked for me, what surprised me, and what I would happily put in the bag.
And yes, 2026 will be even busier, so watch this space.
A quick note on zero torque
Having tried the L.A.B. DF3 in 2024 and deciding it was not for me, I went into 2025 keen to challenge my prejudices. Zero torque was gathering momentum, and this felt like the year the category moved from niche to mainstream, with multiple models being launched and almost every major manufacturer now offering one or more options in their range. I tried enough of them in 2025 to earn their own ranking.
L.A.B. deserves real credit here. Whatever you think of the look, they have done a brilliant job of proving the concept, building a following, extoling the virtues of being properly fitted for length and lie, and pushing the wider market to take it seriously. I would argue that Axis1 were there before them, alongside a few more obscure manufacturers, but they’ve never captured the market’s imagination the same way, despite their collaboration with Justin Rose.
How have I judged the 2025 cohort?
I am not scoring these on marketing claims or tour adoption.
I care about three things.
Can I aim it easily? If I cannot start it where I intend, nothing else matters.
Can I control pace under pressure? A putter can feel great on a mat and still be useless on real greens.
Does it earn trust quickly? If I need to manufacture a stroke to suit the putter, it is not for me.
With that in mind, here are the highlights.
My Favourite 3 zero torque putters
1. BGT Paradox Blade
The surprise of the year, and the putter I liked most in the zero torque category.
I went into the Paradox review sceptical, and came out thinking there might be something in this blade-style approach for my stroke. It felt comfortable to set up with, and the blade was easier to aim than the larger mallets, where I struggled to get comfortable with onset and forward press.
It also reinforced a theme that came up repeatedly in my testing: when I like a putter, it is usually because it helps me aim it.
2. TaylorMade Spider 5K ZT
If you saw this putter for the first time, you would immediately identify it as a TaylorMade Spider. It is one of the best-looking putters in the category and, crucially, one I could actually live with, especially the recently released all-black model.
The shape is familiar, it sits nicely behind the ball, and while I would not call it love at first putt, the more I used it, the more I liked it. It is a strong recommendation if you want a mallet shape without going full sci-fi.
3. Axis1 Rose
The best way to describe this one is that it made the concept feel more normal.
It has a funky-looking neck, but it’s not trying to be futuristic. With a classic fang shape and a lovely feeling milled face, it is built around a clear engineering idea: counterweighting in the heel to make the putter zero torque.
It is the only putter where the centre of gravity is exactly in the middle of the face and aligned with the shaft and grip axis, hence the Axis1 name. No offset or onset.
Axis1 have had a new, more conventionally styled model in prototype for some time, and I hope they get it to market soon. I would love to test it and compare it to the Rose.
My Favourite 3 “standard” putters
1. SeeMore Mini Giant FGP Stealth
This was the putter that did the thing we are all secretly hoping for.
It exceeded my expectations, felt beautifully balanced, and I felt the roll was better than that from my previous gamer. Playing partners also commented that I was getting the ball too and past the hole more frequently with it. I don’t know if it is the minimal alignment line on top or the straight shaft and no offset design, but something about this putter just seems to work for me.
At the end of the year, the Mini Giant just got pipped by the Nashville FGP. Both putters share the same design, but the Nashville is a more traditional size. Being made from stainless steel, rather than aluminium, gives it a different feel that I slightly preferred. The Nashville has now become the benchmark putter for my reviews, but it would never have been tested had I not had such success with the Mini Giant.
2. Scotty Cameron Monoblok / Golo 6.5
A mid-mallet shape that just looks “right” when I sit it behind the ball. Given my move towards blade designs and success with the SeeMore, I was really surprised how much I enjoyed testing the Monoblok.
It felt reassuringly solid at impact, was easy to align, perfectly proportioned, and made me want to keep putting. I came very close to buying it and may yet regret not doing that. Looking at this photo again, I really wonder if I made a mistake!
I’m not a fan of Scotty Cameron headcovers and thought it was a shame how poor it was for this putter given how expensive it was when new. If Scotty ditched the velcro in favour of a magnetic cover, I for one would be delighted.
3. Scotty Cameron Studio Style Catalina
I went into the Studio Style testing weekend expecting to fall for the Fastback 1.5.
Instead, the Catalina quietly won me over.
It felt smooth and stable in the stroke, and during testing, my confidence with it continued to grow throughout the session. It is a good reminder that the putter you want to love is not always the one that wins you over.
It is a shame I disliked the face insert so much. Please, Scotty Cameron, go back to a fully milled face (not to mention ditching the velcro).
Most surprising
SeeMore, specifically the two FGP models. I was particularly surprised at how quickly the SeeMore Mini Giant earned my trust. It was the most immediate example of a putter outperforming my expectations, which is why it went straight in the bag. The BGT Blade was a close second, and if it hadn’t been for the ridiculous price tag, it might have made the bag, and then the SeeMore might never have been tested!
The other surprise was not a single model, but a move back towards blades, having gamed and loved compact mallets for several years. If I hadn’t tried the zero torque putters and discovered I liked the blade models, I might never have tried the SeeMore. It’s a good example of always challenging your views.
Most disappointing
The Scotty Cameron Fastback 1.5. Maybe my expectations were just too high? I wanted it to be brilliant. I loved the look. I loved the alignment concept. I expected it to be a contender. I wanted to buy it before I’d even hit it! It was great on SAM PuttLab and on the studio mat. But the more I used it, the less I liked it. It felt unstable in my stroke, and that destroyed my confidence. And as with the Catalina, I really disliked the new face insert and would have preferred it to be fully milled.
What I learned from 2025
Aim and pace control beat everything. If I cannot start it on my line and control the speed, I will never trust it.
I am better with cleaner, simpler looks. Blades and compact shapes.
Zero torque is not a magic bullet. It can help, but only if the design fits how you see the target and swing the putter.
Keep an open mind. I’d never have tried the SeeMore putters again if I hadn’t tried the zero torque blades.
What is next
I plan to bring many more putter reviews to the blog in 2026, both new and second-hand. If there is anything you want me to test, please let me know in the comments, and I will do my best to source it.
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Great summary of a LOT of effort in 2025 Keith - keep at it!!!