If you read the recent post about my putter fitting with Club Champion, you will not be surprised to see me reviewing another SeeMore. If you just went by my previous review of the m7 Tour Platinum, then maybe you will be.
Why SeeMore and why the Mini-Giant FGP Stealth?
The short answer is that there were only 2 SeeMore putters available on eBay that caught my eye and had a 30-day return guarantee. But the longer answer is slightly more complicated than that.
Having tested several zero-torque blade putters and now seeing the data from Quintic, I am more convinced than ever that a no-offset blade putter (or even a slight on-set blade putter) is a good fit for my putting style. I aim them better, stroke them better and appear to put a better roll on the ball too. My understanding of zero torque design is that the shaft needs to attach at the putter's centre of gravity. With a mallet, that can often be well back from the face of the putter, producing onset; a visual appearance that I don't particularly like. With a blade putter, the CoG will be much closer to the face and, therefore, produce less onset. Comparing the two BGT Paradox models highlights this well. Axis1 get around this issue using their special neck to align the CoG with the face.
Given the physical size of a blade, the centre of gravity will never be far from the middle of the putter, so could a conventional centre shafted putter perform as well for me as the zero-torque putters and what about SeeMore's "face balanced at impact" design? The online fit with SeeMore is limited to length and lie, and given there are only 3 stockists in Scotland, none of whom are particularly convenient to St Andrews or carry a full range, there was only one way to do this - eBay!
When I looked on eBay, there were 2 Mini-Giant models available with a 30-day return option. The first was a CurveBack model, and the second was this FGP Stealth. Given my findings on how head shape can impact aim, I chose to go for the "straightest" model and ordered the FGP. Why the Mini-Giant? Everything I read about the range online suggested it has excellent "feel" and puts a great roll on the ball. I was also attracted to the simplicity of this head and the horizontal face milling. Coincidentally, this putter was also in the same spec recommended by SeeMore and also came with the upgraded Garsen Tour Ultimate grip.
First impressions - it's big and it's full toe hang!
The size clue is in the name, so I shouldn't have been surprised. It's much larger than an Atlanta, but when it sits behind the ball, all I notice is the part of the putter that is above the shaft. The shaft hides the RST part of the head and effectively shrinks it, almost making it appear heel-shafted. Interestingly, despite being almost centre-shafted, this is actually a full toe hang head.
While the size is obviously quite different, the shape and shaft attachment are similar to the m7 Tour Platinum I tried before. While I didn't like the look of that putter, I find the larger proportions of the Mini-Giant more attractive. I also prefer black putters.
Inspiration for the original "Giant" FGP head came from the large MacGregor Response ZT 615 that Jack Nicklaus used when he won the Masters in 1986. Could this Mini Giant be the very thing I need to lift my performance on the greens?
So how did it perform?
In a word, surprisingly, but I'll let the data speak for itself. I put the FGP through the same tests I've used in all my other putter reviews, namely six putts, repeated three times from 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 feet, followed by a lag test from 30 feet and a start-line gate drill. The same tests are conducted once with my Atlanta as the control putter.
I've included the Mark Brodie data again to highlight how well I putted (with both putters) during this testing.
I know I was impressed previously with how the BGT Paradox Blade performed, but this putter exceeded all expectations. It is one of the best-balanced putters I have swung, and I really like the feel from the face. Visually, it appeared to put a better roll on the ball and held its line better than putts with the Atlanta. Could I have found "the one", and is my Atlanta now living on borrowed time?
Pros and Cons
Stockists and fitting process: It's hard to get fitted for a SeeMore! There are only 20 stockists in the whole of the UK and Ireland, and none are particularly convenient to me. The brand isn't particularly well-known here, and it's only natural that retailers gravitate towards the big names like Odyssey and Scotty Cameron. However, I would put the build quality and feel of this putter up against anything else on the market.
Aim: This is personal, and where a good fitter will help, but I found this model particularly easy to aim, giving me a lot of confidence standing over my putts. I don't like big alignment lines and prefer to use the face as a perpendicular alignment tool. The Rifle Scope Technology also gives extra reassurance that you are set correctly. However, if you forward press, this putter is likely not for you.
Customisation: SeeMore offer customisation of lie angle, loft, shaft and grip, so you should be able to find your perfect specification. You can also order counter-balanced if you so desire.
Price: The FGP model starts at £399, and this particular putter with its upgraded grip and head cover would have cost £433. That puts this putter in the same category as Bettinardi, Scotty Cameron and L.A.B. Putters are getting ever more expensive, making it even more important to get fitted. I bought this immaculate example from eBay for £193, highlighting that they don't hold their value particularly well in the UK. SeeMore appears to be offering 10% off if you purchase through their online store.
Performance: For me at least, this is one of the best performing putters I have ever tested. It felt immediately comfortable to use, it seems to suit my putting stroke, and it delivered excellent results in testing. I have also had it out on the course during competitive play and have been pleased with the results during those rounds (+1.4 and +0.6 SGP for those rounds). Competitive rounds under pressure are the real litmus test.
Conclusion: Will it replace my Atlanta
Yes, it's already in my bag, and the "Garage" in Atlanta has been moved to the spares bag in the garage. This putter far surpassed my expectations after trying the M7 Tour Platinum. I can't argue with the feel, performance, results, and confidence it has provided. Long may that continue.
This review highlights the importance of trying different models and keeping an open mind. Here in the UK, opportunities to try SeeMore are limited, and like me, you may need to make speculative purchases. But if you do get the chance to try SeeMore, it's definitely worth the effort. You could be pleasantly surprised!
This doesn't mean I'll stop reviewing other putters; rather, the SeeMore now sets the benchmark by which others will be judged.
