Scotty Cameron Phantom X 5 Putter

The Scotty Cameron Phantom X 5 putter is a premium mallet putter featuring a combination of steel and aluminum construction. Milled 303 stainless steel is used for the face and body that is joined with a 6061 aluminum sole and flange. The Phantom X5 has a face balanced design and a higher MOI to be more forgiving on mishits.

The Looks

This isn’t the first time we’ve seen this shape and profile from Scotty Cameron. Scotty introduced the X 5 shape with the original Futura X 5 putter. I actually really liked that putter as well as the X5r. (I regret ever getting rid of my custom X5r…) The newer Scotty Cameron Phantom X5 has a slightly more modern look, but really isn’t all that different aside from the sole plate looking different. Obviously this is Scotty’s take on the ever-popular “fang” mallet design. It has definite similarities but enough differences to make it unique from the standard. The alignment aid is simple but effective with a single white line running down the center of the top line.

Worth noting is that this isn’t the stock finish for this putter, but rather an aftermarket custom black finish. The stock finish is a brushed steel with a black sole plate.

How Does it Feel?

The Scotty Cameron Phantom X 5’s mallet design is well balanced and makes for a smooth putting stroke. I really like how this head swings. That said, I could do with a little more response from the face. There’s a certain “deadness” I don’t get along well with. Not softness, it’s dead. A strike in the sweet spot feels cleaner which is the most telling way that I found I was able to identify the sweet spot. As you venture more toward the toe and heel, the feeling just gets harder and more “dead”. Let me be clear, feel is very subjective so it could very well just be my own hands.

How Does it Sound?

The Scotty Cameron Phantom X 5 has a fairly neutral sound at impact. It’s not too loud, but it’s not too muted either. It lives somewhere right between “tock” and “click”. My gut reaction is that it sort of sounds like a “pop”, but I don’t feel that’s fair to say either. Like the feel mentioned above, the sound gets a little more “clacky” as you deviate from the center of the face.

On-Course Performance

What I’ve appreciated about this shape since it was first introduced by Scotty Cameron is its balance and stability. The X 5 really does have a nice, balanced stroke that makes hitting targets and controlling distance easy. Having a higher MOI makes the putter head resistant to twisting at impact as well. This helps keep the ball on its line when you mishit it. In my opinion, the Phantom X 5 is a good blend of mallet stability without feeling too large and overbearing.

Final Thoughts – Scotty Cameron Phantom X 5 Putter

The Scotty Cameron Phantom X 5 putter is a solid putter for golfers of all levels. No question. I’d challenge one by asking if it’s as good as its price point would lead you think? That’s tough to say, but I suppose there’s some subjectivity in it. If the putter gives you confidence, feels good in your hands, and you make more putts…it’s totally worth it. Otherwise, something a few hundred dollars less may be just as strong of a putter. Nevertheless, the Scotty Cameron Phantom X 5 putter is slick looking mallet with great balance and plenty of street cred.

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