Evnroll ER8 Putter
2024 introduces Evnroll’s new Neo Classic family of putters consisting of five shapes that are 100% CNC milled in the USA and feature SweetFace technology. One of those five shapes is the sleek “D shaped” mallet ER8 putter. This putter is designed for golfers seeking a blend of forgiveness, accuracy, and excellent feel. Additionally, these premium putters are available in both black and satin silver finishes. This was my first real foray into Evnroll putters so I was excited to see what all the hype was about. Following my testing, oh boy, I totally got it.
The Looks
The ER8 features what Evnroll refers to as a “deep, three-section rear cavity” with a long sightline. Evnroll points out that the thin topline and soft tail section allow the golfer’s eyes to focus more on the blade-like profile of the center section. I feel like this is very well put by Evnroll. While I don’t think you’ll confuse the ER8 for a blade behind the ball, that mid section makes it familiar. The topline and bumpers/shoulders frame the ball well and create a nice visual at address. Also, as previously mentioned, this putter is available in black and satin silver finishes.
I was super impressed with the fit and finish of the Evnroll ER8 putter. The lines are clean with great branding and overall good looks. However, details such as the headcover and grip are noteworthy as well and should get the credit they deserve. I’d go so far as to say that they could be the best stock offering among premium brands. Of course, that comes down to a lot of personal preferences, but I was impressed.
How Does it Feel?
In short, the Evnroll ER8 feels absolutely incredible. Total weight depends on which length you go with (or unless you swap sole weights, I suppose). 35″ comes in at 340 grams, 34″ at 355 grams, and 33″ at 370 grams. I can only speak to the 35″ I tested, but it was very well balanced and easy to control. It really did feel like the weight distribution throughout the head was “just right” and made for a very clean, borderline effortless, stroke.
SweetFace technology also plays a huge role in the ER8’s feel. Not just from the unique horizontal grooves, but largely because of the insert design. The face insert is made of a polymer-backed 6081 aluminum. This provides a very soft, yet responsive feel. If you’re really not into soft, marshmallowly inserts, fear not. This insert by no means has those characteristics. I won’t try to convince you it has the feel of a smooth clicky face, but it does have more response than your typical insert putter. I will say that it is somewhat unique, but overall, it’s precise for good control with just enough “mute” in it making for a pleasant putt.
How Does it Sound?
How the Evnroll ER8 putter sounds is heavily dependent on where on the face that you strike the ball, and the ball itself. If you strike the center of the face, the resulting sound is a calm “tock”. When you stray from the center, the sound takes on a little more of metallic “ping” on top of the click from the ball. I found more solid golf balls to have a little more of firm click to them, especially on mishit. Softer golf balls will definitely have the most muted tones, but will still produce that “ping/click” tone on mishits. My faithful Bridgestone Tour B X is perfect (shameless plug)!Thankfully, the ER8 is well balanced so it’s not difficult to find the sweet spot in order to get the best tones.
On-Course Performance
The calling card of Evnroll’s Neo Classic family is the patented SweetFace groove technology. This face milling pattern is designed to promote more consistent distance control, even on mishits. The theory is that the grooves help to normalize ball speed across the face of the putter, regardless of where you strike the ball. Mishits were definitely noticeable in feel and sound, but it did seem like there was less distance loss. Additionally, the ER8 puts a really nice tight, smooth roll on the ball. I really like how the ball came off of the face and tracked on its line.
Beyond the face milling, the ER8’s design promotes forgiveness. The mallet head with its increased MOI (moment of inertia) helps to resist twisting on off-center hits. Reducing that twist at impact makes it easier to hit a straight putt, therefore being more accurate. That stability can also inspire confidence for golfers who want to think about their stroke as little as possible.
Final Thoughts – Evnroll ER8 Putter
One thing I’ve learned over the past 15 years is that Guerin Rife knows how to make a great putter. I can’t speak for the rest of Evnroll’s Neo Classic putters, but I was thoroughly impressed by the ER8. Everything from its appearance to its feel to its performance is so well executed. The SweetFace groove technology really puts a nice roll on the ball making for great control. This putter really does everything well and it’s easy to see why Evnroll putters have rapidly become a favorite in the industry.
