When you think of zero torque putters, LAB Golf may be the first brand to spring to mind. But they’re not the only company to be offering these innovative new designs. The PXG Allan ZT Putter is another option out there, produced by another brand who don’t like to do things quietly.
This putter was originally released last year, but has recently been updated with an all-new Double Black finish. I got my hands on it to see what all the fuss is about…
Who Is It Aimed At?
If you’re someone who has been struggling with your putting, then a zero torque model could be worth a try. It helps to eliminate twisting during the stroke, keeping the face square to target throughout. All you have to do is get the line right!
This is combined with the usual stability and forgiveness that you get from a mallet head. So if you’re used to that style of head, this could be right up your street.
I’d say it takes a little bit of getting used to. So it’s probably best suited to a golfer who is patient and willing to put some practice in.
As you might expect from PXG, it’s not cheap at a whopping £549, putting it right up there with the likes of LAB Golf. You need to be sure it’s going to work before you take the plunge!
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The Tech
Named in memory of Allan Parsons, the brother of PXG Founder Bob, this putter is packed with technology to help improve your putting, but it’s also trying to ensure you have fun whilst doing so. If it does get you holing more putts, it’s going to do it’s job!
The Allan uses PXG’s Zero Torque Balance technology, which helps to eliminate any twisting during the stroke.
To help achieve this, an S-hosel positions the shaft axis just above the CG of the putter. This is what helps to deliver the square face at impact. The putter always wants to naturally return to that position.
The putter is constructed with a hollow body design and injected with PXG’s S COR polymer. This is said to improve feel, limit any unwanted vibrations, and aid forgiveness. It also allows PXG to produce an extremely thin face, which helps with sound and energy transfer.
A pyramid face pattern is said to make the roll of the ball more consistent. It does this by optimising contact with the ball’s dimples – producing a better launch, roll and distance control.
On the sole, Precision Weighting Technology can be used to fine-tune the weight and balance to fit individual preferences.
The putter comes complete with Pick Up Pocket – meaning no bending down to collect your ball!
PXG Allan ZT Putter Review
Looks and Feel
First things first, I really love PXG’s new Double Black finish. They’ve absolutely nailed the aesthetic – it looks incredibly clean and premium.
The putter is surprisingly lightweight, especially considering its generously sized head and thick grip.
The hosel placement is a bit unusual. There’s quite a lot of the putter head positioned ahead of the hosel. It took a little time to get used to, although the clear alignment line is a big help when lining up the ball.
The putter also sits very square and flat against the ball, which does make the putter feel more balanced overall.
The grip is quite thick, which I don’t normally prefer. Additionally, the putter features a bit of preset shaft lean.
This initially felt strange, as it’s not something I’m really used to. However it did actually help my stroke feel more controlled and ‘locked in’, which is definitely a plus.
Performance
To start off, I found that I was leaving quite a few putts short. This was a combination of the soft feeling face, as well as the lightweight head.
Having said that, the roll was fantastic. It felt great coming off the face, it was really easy to start putts on line, and I could see the ball rolling end over end.
As someone who tends to strike putts from the toe I don’t see this very often, so it was really impressive. It gave me confidence that I was going to hole putts even from longer range, as long as I was getting the line right, because I could trust that it was going to start where I wanted it to.
Whilst distance control was probably the biggest difference I found compared to my own putter, on shorter putts I though the Allan was really good.
The head felt so stable that it seemed really easy to put a good stroke on those shorter putts within 10 feet. These are really the ones that can really keep your round going, and it felt like this putter was going to make it easier to hole more of them.
PXG Allan ZT Putter Verdict
With an RRP of £549, this putter is extremely expensive. But if you’re looking for something different on the greens, then it could be worth the investment.
It’s clear that zero torque is not going anywhere, as more and more brands are working on introducing new models to the market.
For me the next challenge would be for brands to produce something that isn’t so expensive, and doesn’t look so different to a normal putter.
So far the TaylorMade Spider ZT has come closest in terms of looks, whilst Odyssey’s Square 2 Square range is probably the best value for money.
The PXG Allan, along with the new Bat Attack ZT, are two more good options to add to this growing market.
Would I Use It?
As someone who uses a traditional Odyssey blade I’m not sure I could ever get used to this style of putter, but I was impressed with the stability and the reliability of the roll.
