slimeberry

Yes, that would be an accurate description. The X460 is raised more on the outside, while the Hyper is more in the center of the sole. Keep in mind, it is raised a miniscule amount, but I really like the way the hyper sets up. You mentioned hitting it off of the deck. I have a VERY long, uphill, par 5 on my home course. I usually hit driver, 3w, wedge, but... I have hit it off the deck several times. Hitting uphill obviously helped get the ball in the air a little quicker, but I really liked the way the ball came off of this club face hitting it off of the deck. I almost always dug w/ my G2 off of the deck. So far not the case w/ the Hyper.

The Hyper X actually has a little bit more of a pronounced sole plate than the X460. So, really, if you are concerned with that being cumbersome, maybe the X460 would be better suited for you. Here are images of both...

Actually that funky X sole plate helps to stabilize the club at address off of the turf. I have hit mine (Hyper) off of the deck a few times and it really comes off nice. The X460 is just last years version of the hyper. I have hit it as well. Great club, and a very good choice.

No doubt, the Callaway Hyper X (replaced the X460, which is also great). Golf galaxy, Golfsmith, etc. are selling it for $329.00 or so, but you can find it on ebay for around $100.00 less. I just switched from a Ping G2 ( I also occasionally hit a Cobra F Speed) and I love it. Classic look, brand new technology, great ball flight, and an all around great club. I think that if Callaway wasn't selling the FT-5 for so much (over $400.00), this might be a more expensive club. It is, after all, brand new. I don't know why the price is so much less than other new clubs (by about $70.00), but I, for one, will not complain. Try it. I think you will like it.

If you want new sticks, you can't go wrong w/the Callaway X-18's or the new X-20's. However, an even better choice, IMHO, especially if you want to stay around that $400.00 range, would be a set of Ping Eye 2's from ebay. They would be a very worthwhile investment, no doubt. They are by far my favorite irons ever, and I have played Power Built's, i3's, Big Bertha's, G2's, and, most recently, Titleist 775's. Nothing matches the feel, sound, and most important, the results, of the Ping Eye 2. Some people have a hang up with how old they are. Since you are already coming from an older set, you might not want another older set of sticks. But, no matter how you look at it, they are a great set of clubs. They are the most forgiving, most workable, and best looking club ever made. They look more classic than anything you can buy today,and they are still, after all the developments in technology, the best. You can't go wrong w/ the Callaway's either, but I LOVE THE EYE 2!!!

Best 4th quarter in Super Bowl I have ever seen. I wouldn't really call it a come back, as they were only down 4 after The Patriot's scored their last TD, but still the most exciting Super Bowl I have seen in a very long time. My wife even watched it. Now that is saying something. The best come back I have ever witnessed was the AFC Play Off Game last year when the Colts mounted a come back for the ages. Poor Tom Brady and Bill "Video Killed The Credibility Star" Belidick must be getting a complex from all of these Manning boys smothering their "Dynasty" hopes and dreams. It almost makes me want to cry... almost.

Well, I am not going to be too original here, as I too play the Eye 2 (BeCu Blue Dot). But I have to emphatically agree. They are the best irons ever, IMHO. My first set of irons was an set of Ping Eye 2's that my Dad gave me. I played them for only a few years until one day, while goofing around w/ my neighbor, chipping tennis balls into an old bird bath of all things, his Dad ran over my golf bag, full of clubs. He drove an old tank-like station wagon and it destroyed them. Of course, that was that, my old man was ticked at me for leaving the bag in their driveway, and I suddenly wasn't responsible enough for another new set of clubs. So, I got a hand me down set of old Wilson's (which I hated) and soon my interest in golf fizzled out and was taken over by tennis, which I played through high school and college, until multiple ankle injuries stopped me from playing anything more than a casual match with my wife. Fast forward to 2003 and my renewed interest, which is now a passion, for golf and the constant search for the "Best Irons Ever" which has been going on ever sense. I have now played Power Built's, Ping i3's, Big Bertha's, Cobra 3500's, Ping G2's, and even the recently released Titleist 775CB's. In between all of these sets, I had picked up an old set of Blue Dot Ping Eye 2 BeCu's on ebay, really just for a nostalgia for these old sticks. (I also bought a regular set of Blue Dot Eye 2 + that I recently sold to a buddy of mine ((big mistake)). No matter how many different irons I try, I keep going back to these same clubs that I first started playing with when I was a kid. Just like my Scotty Cameron Putter, they are in my bag now and I doubt that they will ever be replaced. Drivers come and go, but these baby's are timeless. You can't go wrong with The Eye 2's, period.

Amen Norm66!!! Welcome to this wonderful game. It will be the most challenging, rewarding, frustrating, and fulfilling game you will ever take up. Stick with it. Don't give up. As for the misguided elitists who think you should be tested first, well we all know that each and every one of them were born with God given tallent and have never played a bad round of golf in their lives. They have never had to work at golf, right? Practice? ON THE GOLF COURSE??? GOD NO!!! That's just RUDE. Trying to improve your game by ... GASP ... actually playing a round of golf? Why you selfish little man, how tastelss. PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEASE!!! Norm66... sounds like you are on the right track. Keep it up. Keep going out and playing. There is no range in the world that will give you the experience of playing an actual round. Even on the same track, every swing of the club brings a new challenge. A lesson or two wouldn't hurt, but only when you feel comfortable and ready for that. In the mean time... Golf is a gentleman's game and as long as you keep playing like a gentleman other golfers, though they may snicker under their breath when you duff that 7 iron from the rough, will always respect you for being courteous and polite. It may take a year or two (it took me two years to go from 120+ to shooting in the high 70's ((still not that good, I know))), but the day you break 100 will be a great day. Until then, have fun. That is, after all, the most important thing to remember.

I collect Scotty Cameron putters. I think that he, above any other putter designer, grasps the idea of design as well as technology. It is fascinating to see how his putter designes have evolved from the early 90's to some of his stranger designs of today. I have put the brakes on my collecting for now. I have completed my first goal of obtaining one of each of his putter designes from his Titleist years (90's to present date). The Classics, Scottydale's, Scottsmans, etc. that run in the thousands each are a little more than I am willing to get involved in at this time. My current collection consists of... 1. American Classic III – Milled Stainless Finish 2. American Classic VII – Carbon Steel Finish 3. Big Sur – Pro Platinum Finish 4. Bulls Eye Flange – Pro Platinum Finish 5. Caliente Grand Bolero – Milled Red Finish 6. Catalina – Oil Can Finish 7. Coronado – Pro Platinum Finish 8. Circa 62 No. 1 – Gun Blue Finish 9. Circa 62 No. 5 – Gun Blue Finish 10. Del Mar – Gun Blue Finish 11. Detour – Studio Stainless Finish w/ GSS Insert 12. Futura – Studio Stainless Finish 13. Futura Mallet – Black Anodized Finish 14. La Costa – Gun Blue Finish 15. Laguna – Studio Stainless Finish 16. Mid Sur – Pro Platinum Finish 17. Napa – Oil Can Finish 18. Newport Studio - Stainless Finish w/ GSS Insert 19. Red X – Studio Stainless Finish w/ GSS Insert 20. Santa Fe – Polished Black Carbon Steel Finish w/ TeI3 Insert 21. Sonoma – Gun Blue Finish 22. Studio Design No.2 – Gun Blue Finish 23. Studio Design No.5 – Gun Blue Finish I have never been a "collector" of anything, but I love these putters. They are all so different, yet you can see the common thread of quality craftmanship in every one. Very cool stuff. Like I said earlier in a previous post. Some people collect comics or baseball cards. Some collect wine, antiques, or old cars. I collect putters, I guess. I might look into someday purchasing some truly old clubs, like the old spoons, rakes, and water sticks from the infancy of the game. I have no idea how much something like that would go for, so I might be supprised when I start looking around. But for now, Scotty does it for me.

You know, you're right about that. I think that is one of the reasons I do putt better with the Detour, than say a Two Ball. I get lined up, focus on the "training aid" at address for just a second w/ a practice stroke, and then kind of make it go away in my mind, focusing only on the "blade" part, the face. When I focus on that, I do putt better than when I am watching the stroke guide. I don't know what it is, but it really does work. I'm sure that in time I will learn to get used to it. It's not hard when you're draining them.

Scotty Cameron is my hero. Give me the choice of a day on the range with Tiger or a day in the Studio with Scotty, well, I'd be on a plane to California tomorrow. I am always impressed. Thanks.

ERIC... I owe you an apology, ......to a certain degree. Concerning the Detour, you and I had a fairly heated, though totally misunderstoon, exchange concerning the putter. My comments were strictly on it's appearance. You focused on the technology behind the club, which I agreed with you on. I have been a blade guy for a while, and though I do love Cameron's older blade-like mallets (La Costa and Del Mar) I have NEVER been a fan of his crazier looking modern mallets. Just based on looks, I never felt comfortable over them. Well, being a Cameron nut, and having to complete a very sick need to own all putters with his name on it, I decided, after long debate with myself, to purchase some of his mallets and mallet style putters anyway. After buying nearly every blade he has made (since his later Titleist days obviously ((94' and up)) ...I'm not crazy) I decided to start looking on eBay for some inexpensive, yet very good condition, Cameron Mallets (Futura, Futura Mallet, Red X). I played in a Member / Guest Tournament right after these baby's arrived and after several hours on the practice greens, I decided to stick with my Newport anyway (I liked the Futura the best, but not enough to make the switch). I putted lights out that day, so I am happy w/ my decision. I still have the mallets in my collection, as their looks have started to grow on me, but LOVE my Newport, so... enter the DETOUR. I decided to get the Detour for one reason... to add it to my collection. I picked it up, brand new, at my pro shop for a smokin $230.00. These things have been selling on ebay for $500.00 to $700.00 and now are $300.00 new at any warehouse. Anyway, when it came in my pro called me and told me it had arrived. When I picked it up even he was making fun of how it looks (It really is UGLY). I made some comments myself and off to the practice green I went. It took me about ten minutes to get a feel for it, but then all of a sudden I started putting lights out w/ it. 14 in a row from 12 feet!!! I missed 15 by only an inch. I was amazed. I still feel more at ease over my Newport, but this MONSTER has impressed me, and, as you recall, I was not going to be impressed. I take them both out now, play around, and am trying to decide to make the switch for good. I don't know that I will, but here is where my point comes in, the whole "Don't judge a book by it's overly huge and ugly cover" thing. I don't know that I will ever get used to the way it looks. I might need to cary a second bag to hold it. But, the technology MUST be solid, as I, someone who has NEVER liked mallets, am stroking this thing like a champ. The way it sets up, it's allignment, the weighting, all seem to be perfect. So, anyway, that's my half harted attempt to bury the hatchet-like Detour. Based TOTALLY on performance and NOT AT ALL ON LOOKS it is an AMAZING putter.

I just ended up buying one on eBay for about 8 times it's original retail value. I like a good bargain. I use it for about ten minutes a night and can already see a diffefence in my stroke.

My fault. That makes more sense. I use my Newport w/ the GSS insert the most out of all my putters and love it. I couldn't miss w/ it yesterday. I do find the Circa No. 1 that I own a little harder to line up, bit it is such a classic looking putter. If you like a classic look like the Circa, but do not like how it lines up, and also can not get into the GSS Studio line, maybe look on ebay for something like a Catalina, which has the same classic look (kind of a cross between the Newport and the Laguna) but normally has three sight lines for added confidence. You can find a refinished one, straight from Scotty's shop on ebay for around the same price you would pay for a new Circa or Studio. You could also send a Circa off to Scotty and have him add some lines. $30.00 each plus shipping. Not bad really. Just a thought.

I may be misunderstanding you, but the Circa 62 does not have the GSS insert, but simply a milled face. Great putter.

I love the Titleist 775.CB's. They are, without a doubt, the best irons I have ever played. Very pleasing to the eye, forged cavity backed club. Forgiving, yet not as fat as the Callaway's. I recently swithche from the 2004 Bertha's to these. Man, what a difference. Read Eric's review on the clubs. They are a nice step up from the "brick on a stick", yet are more forgiving than a muscle back club. My ball flight is so much more pure now. The Bertha's shot the ball up so fast. I never liked the ball flight. With these 775's, the ball takes off lower and rises to it's peak. Beautiful ball flight, good from the rough, great on a tight lie. I had a Pro V1 back up on me w/ a 5 iron yesterday. Unheard of for me to do that w/ a Bertha. These boys will be in my bag for a while. (I use 5 - P and also have 3 Vokey Spin Milled wedges as well, to finish out the set. Talk about spin!) Stay away from Golf Galaxy and the other warehouses. Go to your club. Get fitted w/ a lie board and some tape on their range. They are not a expensive as you may think. It was cheaper for me to buy my clubs at my home track than to get them from a big box. It will be tough to find clubs to fit your specs on ebay, unless you are standard or close to it, but give it a try. You can save a lot there. I am a Cameron junkie and have bought many putters from there. Good luck. TRY THE 775's!! YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPOINTED!!!

I love this putter. I have the No. 1 and the No. 5 and they look and feel amazing. Having said that, it is not the easiest club to take care of. But, I would not let that discourage you from owning one. Keep your headcover on during play and whipe it off before you put it back in the cover, just like any other club. It's when you get it home that the up-keep tends to be more than normal, but not bad at all. Wipe it down w/ 3 in 1 oil, or baby oil, and store it w/ out the headcover. Thats it. Just keep it inside, in a climate controled environment. I do this w/ all of my putters anyway, so it doesn't bother me at all. But, if you never wipe down your clubs and leave them in the trunk of your car, then maybe the Circa isn't for you. Personally, I don't mind at all.

I started collecting Scotty Camerons after I fell in love with the Newport blade a few years ago. I had tried several Pings growing up, and more recently the Nike Oz, Odyssey White Hot, Ping Craz-E, and the Scotty Cameron Futura. I never really felt comfortable with any of them, but had it in my head that I needed a mallet. I thought I would never spend $300.00 on a Cameron Newport, but after just a few minutes I felt better over that putter than I had any other. I sold off all of my mallets but the Odyssey and kept the Newport and the Two Ball in my bag for several months, but it was all for not. I never used the Two Ball, and when I did I didn't like what I saw. So, it too is now gone. After that I bought another Cameron blade, and another, until it became a collection. I don't collect anything. Never been into stamps or comic books. Haven't bought a baseball card for myself in 20 years (my son loves them). But, I love to collect these things. I love golf, obviously. They are all unique in their own way, and I just really enjoy it. It seems expensive, but in the grand scheme it really isn't that bad. Some people collect antique cars, some wine. All much more expensive than a putter collection. Although I did see on Scotty's web site that a collector had recently paid $35,000.00 for a mint condition Scotty Cameron Mini Classic. I'm not ready to drop that kind of cabbage just yet. Some of his pre-Titleist putters do go for around $1000.00 to $5000.00, but I am not there yet either. My putters, with the exception of two, are all worth arount $300 to $400. The Napa and AC VII are worth quite a bit more. I have one more that I want to find and then I will more than likely hold off until I can afford to "take it to the next level". Until then, I really enjoy going down in my office, oiling the heads of my putters (hold the laughs please), and just practicing my stroke with the different ones (again, I can hear the snickers from here). Like I said earlier, only a handfull will ever go out on the track w/ me, but that is only because some of the finishes are so delicate. Scotty is the greatest, hands down.

My Putters include... 1. Scotty Cameron American Classic III – Studio Stainless Finish 2. Scotty Cameron American Classic VII - Carbon Steel Finish 3. Scotty Cameron Bulls Eye – Pro Platinum Finish 4. Scotty Cameron Catalina – Oil Can Finish 5. Scotty Cameron Coronado – Pro Platinum Finish 6. Scotty Cameron Circa 62 No.1 – Gun Blue Finish 7. Scotty Cameron Circa 62 No. 5 - Gun Blue Finish (just bought today 8-8-06) 8. Scotty Cameron Del Mar - Gun Blue Finish 9. Scotty Cameron Laguna 2.5 Studio – Studio Stainless Finish 10. Scotty Cameron Napa – Oil Can Finish 11. Scotty Cameron Newport – Studio Stainless w/ GSS Insert (Custom Lime Green) 12. Scotty Cameron Santa Fe TeI3 – Black Pearl Finish w/ Teryllium Insert 13. Scotty Cameron Sonoma – Black Star Finish 14. Scotty Cameron Studio Design No.2 – Black Pearl Finish 15. Scotty Cameron Studio Design No. 5 - Black Pearl Finish (just bought today 8-8-06) I mostly use the Newport Studio Stainless, as I love the Custom grip, and it's finish is by far the most durable. I recently had it customized at Scotty's Studio and it is smokin'.

I have seen them on ebay from time to time, but it never works out that I can be around my computer during the closing of the auction, or they are shipping from Japan and cost as much to ship as they do to buy, etc. I have heard that they really do help. If someone has a newer one that they want to sell, I would be interested. Or, if anyone knows of someplace on-line still selling them. Any info would be great. Thanks.

I will be in Chicago on business the weekend of the PGA Championship in Medinah. My meetings are Thursday thru Saturday, leaving me the opportunity to either go to a Wednesday practice round or to "the big day" on Sunday. I know that the players are more open to the fans on practice days, but I also know that there will be an energy in the air on Sunday, especially if someone like Phil or Tiger is in the final grouping. Any comments or advice?

I couldn't agree more. If it fits your game, and you like it, then you should play it. No doubt. As I said earlier... to each his own.

I watch the TGC a lot. About half the time, if I go home for lunch, I find myself, like a zombie, eating my sandwich and being sucked in to the latest TGC info-mercial. I have never bought in to the Wedges, the Speed Stick, the Swing Setter, etc (although I did buy the Medicus). However, and I don't know why (subliminal messages?), I keep finding myself interested in the Q Link. I am not a New Ager, a Hippie, or a Tree Hugger. I normally do not buy into wholistic alternatives for medicine, crystals, etc. Having said that, I an VERY intrigued w/ the Q Link. I was just wondering if anyone out there has ever tried one or knows someone who has. Stress really effects my game. If I have had a bad day at the office or gotten into it w/ my wife before I am of to the club, I play like crap. This is supposed to eliminate stresses w/ a magnet? Sounds questionable, but many Senior players subscribe to the magnetic bracelet, so who knows. Anyway, any thoughts or reviews would at least help w/ my curiosity.

Wow. I voted "Long Pants" too. Even though we have different preferences when it comes to putters, I'm glad we can agree on what should be covering out bottom halves. (By the way, you know that I am just kidding, right?).

I in no way intended to sound hostile, nor did I realize that I was making anything "big" out of anything . I was simply commenting on the putter. When I pointed out that you used a Red X, it was not a jab, but simply an observation that we have different taste in putters and that I can see how someone who favors a mallet could like the new Detour. Thats all. I appreciate you pointing out the article, as I found it very interesting. I enjoy this forum and the banter that takes place. Different opinions and the like. I kind of assumed that the implied a little toung in cheak. Sorry if you misread my comments. I was simply having fun giving my own opinion on the putter. By the way, I have cranked up the AC to a frosty 70.o and feel that I am now thuroughly "chilled".