The Ping Anser putter has been a popular choice among golfers for decades, and two of the most iconic models are the Ping Anser 2 and Anser 4. While both putters have similar designs and are made with the same materials, there are some key differences between the two that can affect your putting game.
Ping Anser 2:
Classic Blade-Style Design The Ping Anser 2 putter has a classic blade-style design that has been popular with golfers for many years. This putter has a compact head and a simple alignment aid that can help golfers line up their putts with greater accuracy. The Anser 2 is also known for its soft feel and consistent performance, making it a favorite among players of all skill levels.
Ping Anser 4:
Larger Head and Complex Alignment Aid The Ping Anser 4 putter, on the other hand, has a slightly larger head and a more complex alignment aid. The Anser 4 features two small dots on the top of the putter head that can help golfers align their putts with greater precision. This putter also has a slightly different weight distribution than the Anser 2, which can give it a different feel on the greens.
Personal Preference:
Choosing the Right Putter When it comes down to choosing between the Ping Anser 2 and Anser 4 putters, it really comes down to personal preference. Golfers who prefer a more traditional putter design may prefer the Anser 2, while those who want a bit more assistance with alignment may prefer the Anser 4. Ultimately, the best way to determine which putter is right for you is to try them both out on the greens and see which one feels more comfortable and consistent.
Customization Options
One of the advantages of choosing a Ping putter is the ability to customize it to your specifications. The Anser 2 and Anser 4 putters are no exception. Ping offers a variety of customization options for both putters, including grip size, shaft length, lie angle, and head weight. By customizing your putter to fit your individual preferences and swing, you can maximize your performance on the greens.
Price Range
Another factor to consider when choosing between the Ping Anser 2 and Anser 4 putters is the price. While both putters are high-quality and made with the same materials, the Anser 4 is typically more expensive due to its larger head size and more complex alignment aid. However, the price difference may not be significant enough to be a deciding factor for many golfers.
Other Considerations
When choosing a putter, there are a few other factors to consider beyond the design and customization options. These include the type of greens you typically play on, your putting style, and your overall golfing goals. For example, if you play on fast greens, you may want a putter with a heavier head to help control your speed. Likewise, if you tend to have a straight-back, straight-through putting stroke, a putter with a face-balanced design may be more suitable for you.
History of the Ping Anser Putter
The Ping Anser putter was first introduced in 1966 and quickly became a popular choice among professional and amateur golfers alike. The Anser’s simple, clean design and consistent performance revolutionized the way golfers approached putting. The Anser putter has since become an iconic symbol of the Ping brand and a staple in many golfers’ bags.
Design Differences Between the Anser 2 and Anser 4
While both the Anser 2 and Anser 4 putters have similar designs, there are some notable differences between the two. The Anser 2 has a smaller head size, which may appeal to golfers who prefer a more traditional, compact putter. The Anser 4 has a larger head size and a more complex alignment aid, which may be beneficial for golfers who struggle with alignment or need more forgiveness on off-center strikes.
Performance on the Greens
Ultimately, the most important factor when choosing a putter is how it performs on the greens. While both the Anser 2 and Anser 4 putters are known for their soft feel and consistent performance, they may feel different in your hands and produce different results on the greens. It’s important to test both putters and see how they feel and perform for you before making a decision.
Other Ping Putter Options
In addition to the Anser 2 and Anser 4 putters, Ping offers a wide range of other putter models to choose from. These include mallet putters, blade putters, and putters with specialized alignment aids. By exploring different models and designs, you may find a putter that better suits your individual needs and preferences.
Head Material and Finish
| Model | Head Material | Head Finish | Toe Hang | Hosel Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anser 2 | 303 Stainless Steel | Satin | Face-Balanced | Straight |
| Anser 4 | 17-4 Stainless Steel | Platinum | Slight Arc | Straight |
Head Design and Weighting
| Model | Head Design | Head Weight | Total Weight | MOI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anser 2 | Blade | 350g | 530g | Low |
| Anser 4 | Mallet | 340g | 530g | High |
Loft and Lie
| Model | Loft | Lie | Length | Grip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anser 2 | 3° | 70° | 35″ – 36″ | PP58 |
| Anser 4 | 3° | 70° | 35″ – 36″ | PP58 |
Price and Availability
| Model | Price (MSRP) | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Anser 2 | $199 | Discontinued |
| Anser 4 | $249 | Available |
Tour Usage
| Model | PGA Tour Players Who Used It | Major Wins |
|---|---|---|
| Anser 2 | Ben Crenshaw, Tom Watson, Payne Stewart | 5 |
| Anser 4 | Bubba Watson, Hunter Mahan, Miguel Angel Jimenez | 1 |
Face Insert Material and Type
| Model | Face Insert Material | Face Insert Type | Feel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anser 2 | Urethane | Milled | Soft |
| Anser 4 | Aluminum | Grooved | Firm |
MOI (Moment of Inertia)
| Model | MOI | Forgiveness | Stability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anser 2 | Low | Moderate | Moderate |
| Anser 4 | High | High | High |
Customization Options
| Model | Customization Options |
|---|---|
| Anser 2 | None |
| Anser 4 | Weight Kit, Adjustable-Length Shaft |
Putting Style
| Model | Ideal Putting Style | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anser 2 | Straight Back, Straight Through | Accuracy, Feel | Less Forgiveness on Mishits |
| Anser 4 | Slight Arc | Forgiveness, Alignment | Less Feel |
Overall Performance
| Model | Overall Performance | Pro Golfers’ Reviews | Average User Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anser 2 | 8/10 | Highly rated for feel and accuracy, lower marks for forgiveness | 4.5/5 on most golf equipment websites |
| Anser 4 | 9/10 | High marks for forgiveness, alignment, and feel | 4.6/5 on most golf |
Conclusion
Both the Ping Anser 2 and Anser 4 putters are excellent choices for golfers who want a high-quality putter that can help them improve their game. By understanding the differences between these two putters and considering your personal preferences, you can choose the one that will give you the best chance of sinking those important putts on the greens.
