PING Karsten TR Anser 2
GolfMagic joins 10 testers at Horsley Lodge Golf Club in Derby to test some of the best new blades
Brand: PING
Putter: Karsten TR Anser 2
Design: Blade
RRP: £129 (£153 adjustable)
Loft: 3-degree Lie: 70-degree (adjustable +/- 4-degree)
Head Weight: 345g
Available lengths: 35" (with adjustable shaft: 31 to 38")
Summary: Five of PING's most popular, timeless, and tour-proven head designs are showcased in the Karsten TR (True Roll) putters. They offer variable-depth grooves precision-milled into the face of the 17-4 stainless steel head to improve ball-speed consistency for unmatched distance control. The elastomer back-cavity insert significantly improves feel and sound while increasing MOI. An optional adjustable-length shaft allows you to optimize the fit.
Looks: One of the best lookers in this test. It's an Anser, so need we say any more? Its classic appearance went down a treat with the majority of our testers, particularly its white face against a rich, copper PVD finish providing that distinctive look. Only two testers said they didn't like the finish much. There were few glare issues in the sun and testers agreed on a suitable alignment aid. 4.3 (out of 5)
Feel: Again, one of the better feeling putters. Just a tap needed on the short putts and a solid stroke needed from further back, the Scottsdale TR Grayhawk gave us just the feel we crave in a putter. Very reassuring sound and feel off the face. Several testers commented how this was the best weighted putter in the test at 345g. 7.9 (out of 10)
Performance: Testers, particularly from 15-feet, found that the variable-depth grooves milled into the face were improving ball-speed consistency for unmatched distance control on putts struck on the centre or toward the heel or toe. Several testers thought it was a little inconsistent on mishits. 7.8 (out of 10)
Verdict: One of the standout performers in this blade putters test. PING has created a putter here that has the perfect feel for the greens. Good value for money, too, particularly when it comes to the standard version at £129. 20 (out of 25)
Results: 102 putts holed (out of 180)
| Tester | Name | Handicap | 3-feet | 6-feet | 15-feet |
| 1 | Andy | 8 | 4 | 3 | 1 |
| 2 | Charlie | 14 | 4 | 4 | 1 |
| 3 | Tom | +3 | 4 | 5 | 2 |
| 4 | Dean | Pro | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| 5 | Sam | 3 | 4 | 3 | 1 |
| 6 | Steve | 13 | 4 | 4 | 2 |
| 7 | Jerry | 16 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| 8 | Damian | 17 | 4 | 4 | 2 |
| 9 | Gareth | 20 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| 10 | Andrew | 21 | 5 | 3 | 1 |
| 11 | Dick | 23 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| 12 | Bob | 26 | 4 | 1 | 1 |
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Andy first joined the brand on a month's work experience back in April 2011, and he now assumes the Editor role. When Andy joined GolfMagic it was a small site with potential.
