Sub 70 Sycamore 002 Mid-Mallet Putter
Sub 70 Golf’s philosophy on putters is an “understated style that is built to perform without glitz”. While I feel like Sub 70 is underselling their final product, I get where they’re coming from and appreciate their ability to deliver a putter that’s practical and elegant all at the same time. Their Sycamore putter series features several different models, but something about the Sub 70 Sycamore 002 mid-mallet putter really caught my eye. The perimeter weighted “D” shape with a plumber’s neck gives the 002 a “best of both worlds” blade/mallet performance and Sub 70’s new multi-material graphite/steel putter shaft really enhances the overall feel. AND on top of it all, these putters are milled from a solid block of carbon steel!
The Looks
What I like about the Sub 70 Sycamore 002 putter’s shape is that there’s enough size to give you confidence in its stability, but it’s still small enough to have “blade” vibes to it. No, it doesn’t scream “Anser putter shape”, but something about it triggers the same “brainwaves” that a blade typically does for me. The black color is really clean and the 002’s shape with the white flange line makes squaring the face to your target nice and easy.
Flip the putter over and the sole has a fun flash to it without going over the top. There’s the “Sycamore” name representing both the putter series as well as the hometown of Sub 70 surrounded by Sycamore leaves. Then of course there’s the signature Sub 70 logo right in the center.
How Does it Feel?
In the spirit of meeting in between a blade and a mallet, the Sub 70 Sycamore 002 has a balance during the stroke that falls near-ish the middle. I’d put it closer to the blade side, but it certainly has a smoother and easier balance than your typical Anser/Anser 2 shapes. Additionally, the plumber’s neck creates toe hang to aid in that “blade tendency” arc in the stroke.
Off of the face, the Sycamore 002 has a nice soft feel, but enough response to let you know where you’re striking the ball. I have to say, this putter has been a sweet reminder of how good carbon steel feels in a putter. A nice carbon steel design just has a perfect blend of mute and precision when you get the design right. The Sycamore 002’s combination of face thickness and light face milling is a great example of this.
We of course have to talk about the new multi-material shaft from Sub 70. I felt that this shaft felt quite a bit smoother than traditional steel would. The difference between this design and the more rigid full graphite shafts is that this one will feel closer to the standard feel you’re likely used to in a putter. You get the benefits of a smoother feel and control that those graphite shafts provide, but something that’s still familiar to what you’re used to in steel. In my opinion, this multi-material shaft provides an enhanced feel that I’d select over the standard steel option pretty much every time.
How Does it Sound?
The Sub 70 Sycamore 002 putter has a somewhat unique sound for a carbon steel putter. Typically, your sound and feel will match up pretty closely with any golf club. In fact, many would argue that the feel is mostly influenced by your ears and what they hear. (Think of it like how they if you plug your nose, you won’t be able to taste something.) I found the Sycamore 002 to be somewhat of an exception to this rule. There’s a muted “tock” from the carbon feel, but then there’s a metallic “ting” on top of it. The pitch and presence of that “ting” will change as you deviate away from the sweet spot. I also noticed ball selection plays a notable role in the putter’s tone as well. Overall, this tone has some life to it which gives you good aural feedback on where you’re striking the face.
On-Course Performance
Like I’ve said a few times already, the Sub 70 Sycamore 002 putter plays like a blade with more stability. This shape with the toe hang allows for a natural arc in the stroke, but it’s a little more controlled. My putting stroke was still “blady” like an heel-shafted Anser might be, but definitely more stable throughout the stroke. The advantage I felt like this gave me over a blade was in the consistency of delivery. What I mean by that is that I was able to find the same spot on the face more regularly by returning the putter to its starting point. I was able to “just let the putter do the work” more than a traditional blade putter. The end result was a tight roll that was just a little bit easier to keep on line.
Final Thoughts – Sub 70 Sycamore 002 Putter
This Sub 70 Sycamore 002 putter was a real refresher for me. While this wasn’t the first time I’ve hit a Sub 70 putter, it really made a new impression on me. Once again, this brand is making a really solid piece of equipment and the $160 price tag is tough to beat. I can’t think of anyone else in the market offering a single-piece milled carbon putter of this quality that’s anywhere near as affordable. The other attention grabber was a reminder of how great this mid-mallet shape is with a plumber’s neck. There’s a certain level of stability and forgiveness in it without sacrificing everything I like about a blade.
So while the Sycamore 002 is “understated” and “without glitz”, it’s a really solid putter at an incredible value. Of course, if the 002 isn’t your style, Sub 70 has a wide selection of setups to fit your putting needs. If you’re struggling to figure out exactly what you want go with, Sub 70 has some the best customer service in the game, or you can even book an appointment at The Seventy to test a few out!
