I have a ZT and Sam puttlab so this post is very applicable to me. My ZT is the longer version a bit like the cruiser for the Odyssey Ai. My son also has the putter but the normal version.
Here is my problem. My son‘s effective launch is 1.4 to 2°, which is a little low but OK; unfortunately even with ball position changes my effective launch is only 0.8°. I have yet to do any proper roll tests to see what’s happening, but I wondered if you had any data yourself or thoughts on the situation. Taylormade says the insert will help get the ball rolling, but I’m sceptical at that.
Does my son and I both really need to get a 2 to 3° launch? I realize that the putter is designed to launch low, but it’s launching too low. My initial thought was to understand what you were getting?
Both of us have seen the short and mid length putt performance go up significantly. What I am concerned with is the longer putts, and I’m always looking to optimize anyway. It’s actually really exciting putter; I’ve tried maybe a dozen putters over the last five years. Lots to like.
Thank you for your blog and insights. I was really excited when I found it!
Thanks very much for your comment and support. It really does help motivate me to keep writing the reviews.
I’ll caveat my answer by reminding you that I’m not a professional golfer or putting instructor, but rather an enthusiastic golf nerd sharing my own experimental findings. I went back and checked my SAM data. My launch with the Spider ZT was just 1.1° against my gamer at the time (Toulon Atlanta) of 2.5°. I don’t have any experience using the longer-shafted models. Your launch suggests you are possibly hitting down on it a little bit, or the ball is a touch too far back in your stance (I know you said you’ve experimented with position). Have you done any visual tests to establish the ball position where you best see your target line? I’m in the Bruce Rearick school of finding a putter that suits your dominant traits and works with, rather than against them.
I’ve tried a lot of ZT putters now, and pace control has been a common issue, especially with the mallets. Some of that has been down to the feel from the face, some has been down to the feel through the swing, where I struggle with head awareness. I’ve got a ZT review coming soon where pace control was ironically the best thing about it (for me), so watch this space.
Thank you! V useful. Problem is my putting is fantastic with the ball position it is in now (already moved forward). Before doing anything i’m going to see what the roll board does and/or video the putt.
My sons putting is out of this world with the TM ZT. But he’s also 12yo and fearless.
Unsure if this is a duplicate comment:
I have a ZT and Sam puttlab so this post is very applicable to me. My ZT is the longer version a bit like the cruiser for the Odyssey Ai. My son also has the putter but the normal version.
Here is my problem. My son‘s effective launch is 1.4 to 2°, which is a little low but OK; unfortunately even with ball position changes my effective launch is only 0.8°. I have yet to do any proper roll tests to see what’s happening, but I wondered if you had any data yourself or thoughts on the situation. Taylormade says the insert will help get the ball rolling, but I’m sceptical at that.
Does my son and I both really need to get a 2 to 3° launch? I realize that the putter is designed to launch low, but it’s launching too low. My initial thought was to understand what you were getting?
Both of us have seen the short and mid length putt performance go up significantly. What I am concerned with is the longer putts, and I’m always looking to optimize anyway. It’s actually really exciting putter; I’ve tried maybe a dozen putters over the last five years. Lots to like.
Thank you for your blog and insights. I was really excited when I found it!
Thanks very much for your comment and support. It really does help motivate me to keep writing the reviews.
I’ll caveat my answer by reminding you that I’m not a professional golfer or putting instructor, but rather an enthusiastic golf nerd sharing my own experimental findings. I went back and checked my SAM data. My launch with the Spider ZT was just 1.1° against my gamer at the time (Toulon Atlanta) of 2.5°. I don’t have any experience using the longer-shafted models. Your launch suggests you are possibly hitting down on it a little bit, or the ball is a touch too far back in your stance (I know you said you’ve experimented with position). Have you done any visual tests to establish the ball position where you best see your target line? I’m in the Bruce Rearick school of finding a putter that suits your dominant traits and works with, rather than against them.
I’ve tried a lot of ZT putters now, and pace control has been a common issue, especially with the mallets. Some of that has been down to the feel from the face, some has been down to the feel through the swing, where I struggle with head awareness. I’ve got a ZT review coming soon where pace control was ironically the best thing about it (for me), so watch this space.
Thank you! V useful. Problem is my putting is fantastic with the ball position it is in now (already moved forward). Before doing anything i’m going to see what the roll board does and/or video the putt.
My sons putting is out of this world with the TM ZT. But he’s also 12yo and fearless.
Keep it up!! LOVE the content.