Ping Putters - Original Ping Anser Putter vs 2018 Ping Vault Putter

[@EddyMetal60]

I have that exact original Ping Anser putter. Incredible club. Will never get rid of it.

[@brianprather6743]

I been using that same putter for about 40 years . I have tried other versions of it from different companies but still love the feel and Weight of the old Ping 🙂👍

[@paulhoughton5431]

I’ve had a 1970’s Ping Anser as my back up putter for a decade or more, I’ll never sell it👍

[@banditbaker1675]

Very nice history lesson James, I never had an Ping Anser but I did have a PING B60 which was a similar design. I used that Putter for years and it was superb (best Putter I ever owned). In the end I gave it to my eldest Son as a Graduation Present (amongst many other presents). He still uses it and regularly takes money off me, Putting my arse off! I have tried to get it back, but he won`t even sell it back to me!! Oh well, but he does let me clean it occasionally!!!!!!!!

[@JamesRobinsonGolf]

He does right by the sounds! 😂

[@mytbrednec3823]

I have a Ping Anser made between 1968 to 1972. It is the putter I have had in my bag forever. I have no intention of changing putters. :)

[@gordonvance7704]

I still have my original Ping Anser, bought in 1979. Don’t use it now but still a Ping putter fan

[@wonderbreadmodelsandhistor1566]

Ive used a Ping Anser 2 since about 1990. Ive never switched...nothing better has come out.

[@donnyone-eye8726]

When I started playing golf in the mid-80's the Anser was my first putter. To this day I use this style putter, preferably in a Ping Anser (they're just so damn expensive anymore!) Great video James!

[@JamesRobinsonGolf]

Thanks Maggs! Really appreciate that! Glad your enjoying the content

[@erichurt9884]

I live in Phoenix and have been to the Vault....exciting right. 😁 but yes older style Anser putters did come more upright as back then they putted differently as they stood more 80 degree over the ball with the toe upwards with a shorter shaft. Its one of the history lessons they tell when you visit them.

[@JamesRobinsonGolf]

Thanks for the heads up Eric!!! Wow!

[@robertwiley7744]

I've got my dad's original Ping Anser putter that he won all of his club championships with. It broke 25-30 years ago, he finished his putt leaned on it waiting for his playing partners to finish the hole, breaking it. He finished the round putting with his driver. It's been in my closet ever since. Getting ready to have it re-shafted and gripped to begin use.

[@joeflorence938]

I have that exact putter. Bought it brand new in late 60’s for $19

[@sherifffdb905]

I have the exact same model of Ping Anser putter that you have in this video, although I added an oversize grip and some lead tape to the head. It works beautifully.

[@jetdr]

Did a little searching, can’t find exact numbers. After all that what I could tell was that close to 90% of all matches won since the 60’s have been with either Ping or Anser style putters! That is damn impressive...

[@paulbown3960]

You looked like you enjoyed making that video! I’m still using a copy of the Wilson staff 8802 putter!

[@JamesRobinsonGolf]

I enjoy them all Paul 😉⛳️🔥🎥

[@Cribby67]

Have had my 66 Ping Anser since I was a youngerster in the 80's. It was due to two teenage kids, one me from the public course and him a member of the private next door. He lost to me on numerous occasions hence owing me a few bob, so I took a shine to his putter and took it for what he owed me. Never looked back and have now acquired a couple more recently. I ❤ Ping Anser's.

[@NathanPier]

I have a BeCu Anser 5 as one of my backups. I find that switching to a face balanced putter, like the 5, helps me improve my putting when too many three-putts sneak into a round.

[@justinmaupin1342]

Was searching vintage putters on a Johnny Walker...watch your video and loved it..you kept me interested the whole time...⛳

[@SportsChat503]

I play an Anser from 1972. They are the best

[@Paul-viking]

I just bought a couple of Ping Pal Putters, 2, 4 & 6 on ebay. Love them!

[@TheDane_BurnAllCopies]

Ping Anser is in my bag, about 40 years old, love it!

[@sf_raiders_fan3520]

The original Anser had a head weight of roughly 310 to 315 grams. The new Anser models have a 350 gram head weight. Head weight is the primary difference between older and newer Ping putters.

[@carlwinsor3959]

loved that James makes a very nice change for golfing you tube vlog more history please mate

[@JamesRobinsonGolf]

Thanks Carl! I’ve got a few on here if you’ve not seen them!

[@BritishRaceCaller]

Hi James. I live in Phoenix, home of Ping and I have an original Ping Anser, verified by their factory from 1968 with the original shaft band. I love using it. The Ping tech guys told me the original shaft is softer than ones used in the vault contributing to their soft feel. Yes it had a more upright lie. Tony Jacklin used one to win the 1969 Open at Lytham. It is a great putter. Incidentally, I still use Eye2 Plus irons and the Ping guys showed me they still use the Eye 2 as their benchmark club when testing new designs on the range. They advised me to stick some modern shafts in them and they were right, still very playable, even today. Great idea for a review, btw. I have subscribed.

[@gtroop1499]

Craig Braddick how do you get it verified? Can you drop a link or reply me here

[@brianday9216]

I bought my anser 2 in mid 80s , I had to as I cou.dnt steal my dad's forever lol , still use it today probably forever. When I go to play it again sports or 2nd swing I'm all ways on the look out for ping putters , I think I have 4 now my kids steal them as well lol thanks Mr solheim

[@texmex697]

You're right about the lie angle on the original anser. I measured mine at 73*, but I also have a Wilson of a similar design from the 80's that measures the same. I also believe lofts used to be standard 4* so things have changed over the years.

[@rjbjsb]

I've still got my Ping Anser from the 70,s and still use it 👍

[@chrishawkinson8846]

The oldest club I own is a MacGregor Jack Nichlaus Xp/70 2 iron. I don't game it, but it has sentimental value. And when I hit it at the range I am reminded just how thankful I am to the person who came up with the hybrid/rescue!

[@tomnelson8515]

Tech wise, that putter was (I believe) the first toe & heal weighted putter. That was a big selling point and differentiating feature from the Acushnet (Titleist) Bullseye. The Bullseye was probably the best selling putter of that era until Ping sold everyone that toe-heal weighting enlarged the sweet spot. But the darn things were hard as a rock compared to the soft brass feel the Bullseyes had. The Anser didn't really did not make much of a 'ping' sound if any. The 1A model was the one that would give off a loud ping when struck, even on a balata golf ball.

[@BrianSmith-cw5nx]

I’ve been using an anser 2 for years it spends most of its time in the putter bucket but it comes out every now and again for a bit of game, smashing

[@zyxnix]

I found an old one at a Goodwill in Scottsdale. It's got to be from the 70's. I do love the feel of it. It's just got a nice sweet soft tap to it.

[@oliverwhittakergolf]

Love that pal! Enjoyed the history behind it! It’s my favourite shape putter too! Although like yourself I lean towards Scottys, I can deffo dig you another couple of those old and new ansers out if you want! My mum and Dad have always used them and still do now! Got a few ranging from possibly 30 years old to the newest one! 👌🏻

[@stevelawrence2711]

Excellent video. The design stories are incredible. I love the story of the 845s font coming from the Porsche 928.I play with the 845s and the Anser, why...because i love the designs and as ill never be in the Open so i play with beautiful clubs that work just as well as new. Golf snobs wont understand.

[@trimmoos]

I recently acquired a Ping Anser that I’ve dated to 1967 ( Pat # D207227 - zip 85029). After a clean up it’s a beauty and I’m currently using it. I bought a flanged bullseye in 1978 and still have it. It also has a slot, it was my #1 for 40+ years. I also have a set of 1974 Wilson Staffs, 1-PW, and no I’m not using them. lol. I never did get a SW.

[@thomasholthaus421]

I have 2 Ansers -- recently picked up both at used sporting good stores -- both are the most upright putters I have but the 1973-2000 is more upright than the 2000+ -- and the 2000+ is more face balanced. Also have a Anser 3 I have had for 30 years (original owner) and a B60 and B60i -- but for now the Ansers get used -- I prefer vintage putters, just can not yet jump on the new/expensive designs (dates from online search using the Zip Code)

[@joeflorence938]

I have that putter. Bought it brand new over 50 years ago. Still have it as well as a few others

[@mikejarrett6144]

When Lee Trevino got hold of one, he said "It's like cheating ! " I've got one in my garage but it's very light compared with the newer models .

[@JamesRobinsonGolf]

Hahahha brilliant! What’s the lie angle like Mike?

[@mikejarrett6144]

I'll have a look, are you on Twitter and I'll send a photo

[@JamesRobinsonGolf]

Mike Jarrett yes mate! @james_robbo_pga

[@goonytunes4119]

@@JamesRobinsonGolf not sure if you'll see this, but I just bought an original anser today, because of the one my dad has played with for decades... I compared it to his, and while they're identical, the lay angle is vastly different. His is more upright like yours in the video, but mine is laid way back, about 15° more. What is the advantage or disadvantage of each? Great video man!!

[@sherifffdb905]

Put some lead tape on the head, it works for me.

[@keithfinley2939]

Someone bent it to suit them. You nailed the biggest issue- head weight. I take mine out occasionally but it is a bit light vs the modern preference...

[@JamesRobinsonGolf]

Awesome thanks for that Keith!!!

[@keithfinley2939]

James Robinson Golf I still use a very rare beryllium nickel Zing occasionally as well. Great putter...

[@lucaimwinkelried2276]

FYI: You can still order a classic bronze Anser from Ping for a very reasonable price (I think it is a little more than a 100$).

[@dailytimes6787]

Luca Imwinkelried on their website?

[@jalalalap-akalala]

How? I'd order one tomorrow

[@nemejeff]

Found 2 of these classic ansers in two bags I found for €20... They are absolutely incredible!

[@robertmontgomery7686]

The first Ping putter was the 1A and looked nothing like the Anser, it’s design allowed it to be used by either right or left handed players. The sound when struck was a rather loud bell like “ping” hence the name. The Anser was used by players from Seve, Tom Watson, Lee Trevino and many others. It has won over 100 majors.

[@riansettles2506]

I just purchased one. Couldn’t resist the sound. How do I know the year of it? Total newb here.

[@joedubiel6702]

They are great putters. I am going to try one as I have always used mallet putters.

[@joefrein5281]

Been using an original Ping Anser since I was a teenager . So use to the way it hits I can’t adjust to anything new !

[@philipgraziano5577]

I have a Ping Anser, and a Ping Anser Dalehead. The difference? The Dalehead’s heel and toe weights were “sloped” , and the later Ansers weights were straight across. Love both!

[@Derek-df3sd]

I bought an old anser putter about 3 years ago 2nd hand off ebay and I'm sticking with it.

[@JacobBall75]

I'm amazed at how similar they look! I'm currently using a Ping Zing 2i isopur putter, by far the oldest club in my bag. I am, however, very tempted by the Evnrolls, but they are not stocked much down here in Tasmania.

[@DunnGolfing]

Man o man I game a 1970 ping AYD putter love the anser have one Dale head Scottsdale 😋👍👍👍

[@loganyoung9244]

I have the 66’ ping anser in my bag rn too 😂

[@TeddyCavachon]

I have a small collection of old putters and know the PING story. The genesis of the 1-A and Anser putters was Solheim realizing the “Bullseye” putter he was using learning the game in his 30s in the 1950 was so toe heavy it twisted the face open in the backstroke and shut in the forward stroke RELATIVE TO THE SWING ARC. Note that back then the conventional wisdom for putting, no doubt because of the balance of the Bullseye was a inside-square-inside putting stroke as in chipping. In is also noteworthy that the balls being used were the liquid core, rubber wound Balata covered type. The revolutionary - for the day - “tech” was shifting the mass in the putter head heel-to-toe until the face would automatically stay square to the curved putting stroke and not try to twist open and closed in the hands, improving the odds of the face coming back to square as the ball released off of it. Shifting the mass from, middle to heel and toe also resulted in less deflection when not hit in the center. The putters were marketed with the phrase “Heel - Toe Balance. When balanced on a finger the toe an Anser style putter will hang at about a 40- 45° angle which reflects the fact they were designed for use with the inside-square-inside putting style. Different models have different toe hangs (face balance) reflecting the fact that not everyone swung a putter on the same arc. One simply experimented to find the heel-toe hang angle which best accomplished the goal of automatically keeping the face square with swing arc at all times. Modern Anser-style putters do this with interchangeable heel and toe weights. One of the problems using the old PING Anser style putters today is that most golfers are taught and use a straight line putting technique. When swung in a straight the heel-toe balance “baked in” for a curved putting stroke will cause the face to twist open and closed relative to that straight line. If using a straight line putting stroke it is better to use a mallet style putter where the face balances horizontal. The second problem is that ball tech has changed since 1960. Someone compared the putting stats of pros from 10 feet and greater when in the late 1990s and early 2000s they switched from the softer Balata balls to the then new Pro V1 and found their putting success decreased. That led to the development of putter faces with polymer inserts. With modern balls there is better feel and more accurate putting when using “face balanced” mallet style putter with a straight putting stoke. The only problem with that the way the body moves it is very difficult to swing a putter back and forth on a dead-straight line, unless a long anchored putter is used. The fact the USGA and PGA banned that method of putting is proof that it works the best when the physics are understood and used to full advantage. Personally I still use a the same PING PAL model Tom Watson did for many years with an inside-square-inside stroke because I enjoy the challenge and feel a greater sense of reward when pulling off a long putt using it. I picked the PAL over the other vintage PING putters in my collection (all $2-$3 thrift store finds) because its heel-toe balance best suits my natural swing arc. I played PING EYE2 irons for many years before switching to S57 but still have the EYE2 PW-SW-LW in the bag.

[@lopicc13]

i go back and forth between a Ping Cushin-1965 and a Ping Pal 1971. tthe Cushin was the precursor to the Anser. same clubs new grips over the years.

[@robertakerson7186]

I own that exact putter which I gave to my late Dad many years ago; reclaimed it to remember him by. I use the Cameron version but sometimes a newer Anser with a hexagonal metal pin face or a B60. Thaey are all top-notch putters (in my unskilled opinion).

[@bradleyhunt2688]

Oh how I wish I still had mine from the early 90s when I was 11 lolz.

[@JamesRobinsonGolf]

Apparently they’re with some $$$ now Bradley!

[@bradleyhunt2688]

James Robinson Golf I’ve heard that about the originals with some of the originals patents on them. Love the channel mate.

[@JamesRobinsonGolf]

Bradley Hunt cheers mate... appreciate that ⛳️👍🏼🎥

[@paulcurotto3884]

Hi James, Clubs in the bag Wilson Billy Casper Biltmore strata block woods and Walter Hagen Ultradyne 2 irons.

[@JamesRobinsonGolf]

Sounds amazing!!!

[@Matt-qo8ct]

First putter I had was a ping karsten b60, last year i bought a shiney new odyssey, I now have the ping back in the bag because I like it too much and cant find a good enough replacement!!

[@tonybevilsizer2331]

James. You look so different. You’re jacked in this video.

[@nelsanderson1726]

The PING Scottsdale Anser, made of nickel; almost the same putter, except it is made of nickel and heavier. A super putter. This, and the original Anser are the putters you will ever need. Good luck finding the Scottsdale Anser made of nickel.

[@zombiehunter1152]

I have a ping anser I brought it back in 1989 , I still use it to this day as well and I’m the best putter at my club by far . I average 24 to 28 putts around with it too and I Normally shoot 75 to 85.

[@davidtomsett]

You can tell the manufacturered age period by the information stamped behind the face. The biggest clue is the PO box number apparently. Mine was made during the seventies. I loved the way the magnesium bronze got its dark patina over a matter of months. I have kept mine covered since new so there is not a dent mark on it. Shame is it’s only worth about £35 second hand.

[@ridethespiral5498]

I am currently playing a Ping Anser X. Not sure of the year. A pure pendulum putter. It's in bronze manganese with the double bent shaft, I think that's kinda standard as the small bend of my shaft towards the face lines the shaft up perfectly halfway over the face. It just has the plain unmilled face too. I love it. Will never sell it unlike the guy on Ebay who messaged me after I bought it, saying he regrets selling it and hopes I enjoy it as much as he did. Best $50 I ever spent. Had to be worth more right?

[@MaxD.]

I a bullseye flanged putter and it’s great. I have a superstroke slim grip on it and it’s a treat hahaha

[@psychotherapyinschoolsltd9160]

I am still using mine from early 90s. I won Northants County junior open using it. The grip is a bit cracked, but going strong. Why change?

[@connorwagstaff2348]

Still use this putter in 2022. Love it too

[@johnbuckley9151]

Boss vid James. I have an Anser BECU PAL 2. Just won a Major with it👍. Ya didn’t mention the vault full of gold putters. Met son of Kirsten Solheim at The Open cracking fella.

[@brianculver433]

I have a PAL.... Tom Watson won many Majors with the Ping Pal.

[@temporarystranger95]

I still put with my Pal. I have not found a better putter for an upright putting stance. It sits on the ground beautifully and has a great feel. I’ll never get rid of my manganese bronze Ping Pal with the dark patina!

[@ioneil1808]

I've got a Callaway Hawkeye 3 wood I still use to this day.

[@alanmerrill8628]

I have a Ping Answer from 1978. And a White Hot tour #2 by Odyssey. The Anser has been my partner forever. You are right about the faces on the putter. I have more power off the Anser. My Odyssey goes shorter in distance with the same stroke. Cool video...

[@tommiethatcher7265]

Cracking video and a lovely story well told 👏👏

[@raymoundsawyer6137]

Just brought mine back into use after trying the Scotty Cameron Newport 2019 model and an Odyssey mallet style. Much prefer the Ping Anser more feel and I like the ping off the face.

[@jamiehayward9274]

Just seen this video mate. I have this putter in my bag now. Was a gift from my grandad. You know anywhere that restore clubs as would like to have it done. Cheers

[@gssheriff7278]

Definitely the older putters from 1960s 1970s, the ball came of faster because the greens were much slower. Ray cook putters the ball came off quick.

[@Ky_Mycology]

Early 90's Ping B60 with a newer style grip. I polished the club to a mirror finish, extremely beautiful over the dull gray finish. Nice coat of Wax and it doesn't rust or tarnish.

[@121jgw]

Did you polished it yourself? How if you don't mind me asking?

[@Ky_Mycology]

@@121jgw i did polish myself. Wet sanded with 1000 grit, then went to 2000 grit. The polished with Mag Wheel polish with a cotton ball to a mirror shine.

[@121jgw]

@@Ky_Mycology Fantastic. Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to refurbish my Anser 2. Hopefully, it will be all slick and shiny. 😄

[@Ky_Mycology]

@@121jgw it does take some time, don't get discouraged, I would recommend a block for doing the face for a nice even polish. The rest will be elbow grease and time for the curved area. I taped the cavity so not to mar the logo or casting numbers. Goodluck mate

[@beast-xq7xl]

So to anser your question, yes. The oldest club in my bag is the original ping anser. I had no idea of the epic history of my putter, but it makes sense why my short game is so good

[@zerofactor7871]

I have a Phoenix Anser, did some nice paint fill on it and turned it into a broomstick putter.

[@LtHarryCallahan]

George Archer painted his Ping Anser white to help him with lining up. Like an idiot I did the same to mine (I was barely in my teens when Archer won the 1969 Masters), and even now, almost 50 years later, there is still some evidence of my stupidity on it. I still use it and will never sell it.

[@danthemanwhocancan]

Very interesting 🤔

[@gssheriff7278]

Hey James. Could you do a test comparing old golf balls from 1970s or 80s to the new ones now. When I started playing in early 70s only the country club player or the low handicappers played Titleist balatta balls. The rest of play starlight, maxfi blue or red Max and the rest of the balls then were like hitting rocks.

[@mattjubb5952]

All I can tell you is from 1966 to 2016 the anser putter has won over 500 times world wide . I stopped counting after that 😜😂

[@JamesRobinsonGolf]

Jeees

[@DelusionalVoice]

I put with a George Nicoll "NAP Rustless" putter from the 20s that I found in a 2nd hand store for $1. Either that or a Wilson 8802. Blade putters 5ever

[@minijake23]

I found this putter in my grandfather's bag when I got it but didn't use it until I googled it now I think I might have to use it

[@matthewmaguire2738]

Enjoyed the video. I am carrying a ping Anser 4 think it's circa 1982?

[@kidze73]

you really didn't mention how much offset it had? I was looking forward to that

[@joewhitt2073]

Hey boss I have a Ping Pal 6 that was given to me. Could it help me? Versus a mallet that I use.

[@clarkbaker9260]

To further your history lesson in the answer, and also to answer your question about the hozel, it was commonly referred to as "the Plumber's Nightmare". As you can probably guess from the name, yes, they were all like that.

[@jaclynjennings6477]

Ping s59 irons. Had the original anser stolen when I was a junior never putted the same since

[@JamesRobinsonGolf]

Damn it!

[@stevecrist4902]

I have 3 Ping Anser putters. A copper Anser 2 and a pair of nickel Scottsdale Ansers. I prefer the Scottsdale models as the head is heavier (in line with today's putters) and the nickel gives a softer feel than stainless or copper. I will never sell any of the three. I got the second nickel putter on eBay a couple years ago to have as a backup since nickel putters are becoming rarer every day.

[@dudefromtx1404]

I still use my Answer 4 and putt better than almost all the weekend golfers I'm paired with. The longest was about 50'.

[@garrygordon1662]

I have had a Ping Anser for the past 5 years and love it. How do you tell how old it is?

[@Digitalbath570]

You can email ping and ask

[@bobt5778]

I like heavier putters for short putts and lighter for longer putts. Should we carry two putters? Then toss what from the bag?

[@hks2672]

can you make video about ping eye 2 vs the modern ping iron?

[@tommyh5540]

I had an Anser 25 years ago, I holed many memorable putts with it. Strangely I cannot remember any of the bad misses :-) Anyways, it did not survive, as didn't my Ping Eye irons and woods. I do not care so much about the irons but I now feel the putter is a loss. Karsten Solheim was an absolute genius indeed. Ping was the innovator in the game, all others only copied them at some point. Metal woods were maybe the only innovation that did not come out of Ping.

[@puttputt524]

It’s in my opinion that old putters were made out of better materials. Modern materials can replicate the feel of superior materials, but nothing replaces the sound and feel of an anser putter with the slot

[@humorss]

like the Mauser action

[@Master...deBater]

Yeah me too...I have a Swede in 6.5 X 55 and a Ruger M77 MkII in 300 Winchester!!! As well as vintage Ping Day, Zing and Pal putters!!!

[@jetjock015]

My bad is somewhat “vintage.” 2007 Burner TP driver, 1995 Titleist PT15 3w, 2001 Titleist DCI 990-B 1, 3-P, Cleveland 691 52*, Cleveland 485 60*, 2019 Scotty Cameron T22 Newport.

[@rustyme1122]

I'm using the same old Ping Anser as in this vid. It was my Dad's, now I inherited it. He couldn't putt and neither can I. I don't blame the putter though. Must be in our DNA.

[@guyhall6592]

I'm still using the first putter I ever bought, Acushnet Bulls Eye w/Flange - 1976. Just today I found a Ping Anser 1975ish at $40.00 USD. She's very tired but, it's an OG. Now what do I do? FYI: Bar Keepers Friend, restores brass to original shine within seconds. Careful, if the sun it's putter head just right, you're blinded...😂😂

[@beast-xq7xl]

The oldest club in my bag is in fact a ping anser putter. But I just recently downgraded to the Vault 2.0. I'll have to re-grip it to the classic anser grip.

[@jacoblevi2145]

I have a ping 1-A putter in the bad and I love it. I putt well with it and I get ths nice ping noise

[@isagoes6156]

I gave my Ping Anser to a retiring pal from the Army. I still have my Anser2i

[@erici9025]

For technology the original Ping Anser design and shape is the first putter weighted in the heel and toe. Which is in the shape. Read that online so it has to be true :)

[@joewhitt2073]

Ping answer vs. ping zing 6 face balanced? Please help!

[@jordanlavery7913]

Great content. Love it.