SIK Pro Putter
SIK putters have had a cult following amongst us internet golf gear nerds enthusiasts for quite awhile. They’ve always made high-quality milled heads with their proprietary Descending Loft Technology (DLT) face that puts a great roll on the ball. Then one day, this guy on Tour who plays one-length irons, and has a pension for science, put a SIK putter in play. Said player went on to have quite the success with his SIK putter and more people started taking notice of the brand. Then, Cobra Golf recently released a line of putters utilizing SIK’s DLT face as well! With more people rightfully taking notice of this brand, we tested out the popular SIK Pro putter for this review.
Fully milled and built in the US, SIK (which stands for “Study in Kinematics”) offers a range of different head shapes with four different hosel options as well as standard or armlock configurations.
The Looks
Most of SIK’s putter offerings are inspired by classic shapes aside from their unique signature mallet, the Flo. The Pro is clearly based on an Anser/Anser 2 shape, but I personally feel it’s one of the more self-defining “inspired-by” options out there. Let me try to explain what I mean by that. Most putter brands have some sort of interpretation of a classic Anser or Anser 2. Often times, you can barely tell the difference! But with the SIK Pro, there’s just something about its lines and shaping where I find it to definitively identify itself as a SIK putter. Sure, it’s clear where it draws inspiration, but it very much has its own unique profile and I appreciate that.
From address, the Pro has straight lines in the topline, shoulders, and bumpers, but said bumpers round off a bit in the corners to avoid a boxy profile. It’s a nice collision of the Anser 2 meeting the Anser – in SIK’s own way, of course. The topline is on the thicker side, but fits nicely into the overall silhouette. And of course, don’t forget the tri sole. The sole of the putter has three distinct plains which is a classic look for a blade of this style.
How Does it Feel?
I would call the feel of the SIK Pro putter very precise, direct, and present, but not “hard”. There is a definite firmness/click to it that we’ll discuss in the sound section, but it by no means feels too hard or unpleasant on your hands. The way I would describe the feedback is that you’re very aware of where you strike the ball, but the thicker face helps absorb the blow enough keep it smooth.
Of course, there are a lot of variables that will also impact feel such as grip and shaft selection. I went with a standard pistol grip and steel shaft, but other options are available. SIK offers different grips, finishes, and multi-material shafts through their custom program if that’s what you’re looking for.
How Does it Sound?
Keep in mind everything I said in the previous section while we discuss the SIK Pro’s sound. The sound is precise with a “tick” at impact letting you know exactly how well you hit the ball. I’d put the volume at a nice medium with a bit of pop to it when you find the sweet spot. As you wander away from the grooves in the face, you know it. The sound dampens up and that tick becomes more muffled when you strike the ball. As I always say in these reviews, that’s no big deal. Just be a better putter and hit the sweet spot like you’re supposed to.
On-Course Performance
SIK’s Descending Loft Technology face essentially creates four different surfaces with differing lofts. This creates a smooth roll on the ball whether you have a descending, ascending, or neutral angle of attack in your putting stroke.
So, yes, getting fit for your ideal loft is highly recommended, but in my experience, DLT allows some variance in your putting stroke. Meaning, I get a really nice roll on the ball whether I’m a little steep into it, hit up on the ball a bit, or come in straight at it. So as long as my stroke is fairly consistent and controlled, I can count on a great, clean roll of the ball.
Final Thoughts – SIK Pro Putter
Though the name may be somewhat unfamiliar to you, I promise you SIK makes a premium putter that definitely belongs in the conversation for this area of the market. While the milling, fit and finish, etc are all high quality and impressive, the performance is what really makes SIK standout to me. Since my first introduction to SIK roughly seven years ago, I’ve always believed their putters put one of the best natural rolls on the ball. If you’re looking for a high-end putter totally made in the US that has excellent performance, the SIK Pro is certainly worth considering.
