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Nike Method 002
How does it look behind the ball?
Unfortunately the Nike Method 002's first impressions are not good - the view of the putter behind the ball is rectangular and brick-like. The curved shape of the back bumpers of the putter, which look attractive at all other times, didn't appeal to my eye when the putter was behind the ball, casting odd shaped shadows onto the rest of the putter.Whereas anser-style putters usually look solid and meaty behind the ball, this heel and toe design looks a bit thin and lightweight.
So, to sum it up: this isn't a putter which sells itself on its looks!
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on a Nike Method 002 putter... |
How does it feel?
The Nike Method 002 is a fairly heavily
toe-weighted
putter, so you get a clear feeling of the putter face opening on the
backswing and closing on the throughswing, meaning you should only really
consider this putter if you swing the putter on a heavily inside to inside arc.This putter felt like a precision instrument which would work well on extremely fast greens. You get a lovely soft feel from the face and the ball appears to come off softly.
How does the Nike Method 002 roll the ball?
I was impressed with the roll from this putter. The ball seemed to get down and rolling very quickly off the face and hugged the turf in just the way you'd want it to.Why you won't find a NEW Method 002 for sale anywhere...
Despite being the world's most successful sports equipment manufacturer, Nike didn't make a success of the golf club market. After they successfully signed up Tiger Woods and many other major stars, Nike went into golf club manufacture in the late 1990s, but they failed to make a profit, producing clubs that - while decent - couldn't fully compete with golf specialists such as Callaway and Taylormade.
After 20 years of loss-making, Nike pulled out of golf equipment. In truth, Nike was a sports brand looking for a range of products to monetize its dominant brand position, rather than a golf company trying to make great golf clubs. They ceased making all golf equipment beyond shoes and clothes at the end of the 2016 season.
If you can get over the initial ugliness of this putter, it might well be a great blade for you. This is especially the case if you play on very quick greens and have an open-square-closed stroke.
If the looks are a real problem, you could try the Nike Method 001 or Scotty Cameron Newport 2, both famous for being Tiger Woods' putters.
Others to consider:
Nike Method 001
The best of the Nike Method putters. Favored by Tiger Woods while he was contractually obliged to use a Nike putter. A standard looking Anser style putter, with nice roll and feel. But not good enough to stay in Woods' bag once Nike gave up on the golf equipment industry.Nike Method 002 Roughly speaking a blend of Anser and Zing designs. A couple of tour pros dabbled with it, but not as many as the Method 001.
Nike Method 004
Face balanced version of the Method 001. Favor this putter if you routinely pull your putts or you're trying to produce a straight-back-straight through stroke.
Nike Method 005 D-shaped putter which looks wholly based on the Odyssey Rossie design. Good roll. Could be a great putter on lightning-fast greens.
Nike Drone Way-out design that never really caught on. The lack of sight lines parallel to the target line is a problem.
Nike Drone 2 Better looking version of the original Nike Drone with better aimlines, solid feel through impact and a good roll. Worth considering, as they sell very cheaply as used putters.
Scotty Cameron Newport 2 Studio Stainless
The "more affordable", but rather unimpressive Scotty Cameron.Ping Karsten Anser
Unbeatable on price and right up there for feel and design.Ping Anser
The Anser is the putter that has been copied a thousand times - now available from Ping at a variety of prices.TaylorMade Rossa Kia Ma Daytona
Good looking Anser style putter - Part of TaylorMade's resurgence as a designer of high quality puttersTaylorMade Ghost TM-110
Beautiful square-designed Anser with great aimlines - well worth a look!TaylorMade Rossa Daytona
Well constructed Anser style putter - excellent if you're after a good putter at a lower cost - gunmetal color looks classy - feels good too!Ping Redwood Anser
The design which has won more pro events than any other, made with top quality materials. This Ping is a winner!Yes Donna (C-Groove)
Wide bodied anser-style head with the amazing C-Groove for a terrific roll.Yes Carolyne
A straightforward heel and toe design with great roll from the C-GrooveNike Method 001
The best of the Nike Method putters. Favored by Tiger Woods while he was contractually obliged to use a Nike putter. A standard looking Anser style putter, with nice roll and feel. But not good enough to stay in Woods' bag once Nike gave up on the golf equipment industry.Nike Method 004
Face balanced version of the Method 001. Favor this putter if you routinely pull your putts or you're trying to produce a straight-back-straight through stroke.See some of the history and early advertising for the Ping Anser here.
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