Ping Scottsdale TEC: Onset Hosels vs Traditional Mallets Compared

Choosing the right putter comes down to seamlessly matching your natural eye position and stroke mechanics with the correct hosel and technology. Standing over a 10-foot putt to save par brings enough nervous energy on its own, so you certainly don't need your equipment adding to the doubt. Understanding the physics, materials, and design behind each putter head and which one you should have in the bag can make stepping up and sinking that crucial putt under pressure significantly easier.

By comparing the brand's new innovative onset designs against their traditional mallet configurations found in the new Scottsdale Tec range, players can determine exactly which head and hosel configuration best addresses their specific alignment and stroke tendencies.

TL;DR: The PING Scottsdale TEC lineup offers two distinct geometries to fit your stroke. Onset models pull the center of gravity to minimize twisting and provide a clear, full-face view of the ball. Traditional mallet configurations use standard offset to pull the head through the zone, framing the ball conventionally.

How Eye-Q technology helps with alignment and consistency

Developed using a proven eye tracking technique called Quiet Eye, the Eye-Q alignment technology provides a unique focal point in the form of a small dot on the top of the head. Using this dot alongside a long alignment line allows players to 'quiet' their eyes, providing a clear location for the eyes to remain fixed before the stroke. Tour players and the R&D team at Ping influenced the entire Scottsdale TEC family, combining expertise across the board to create an impressive lineup of onset and traditional hosel designs.

All models in the lineup feature a one-piece PEBAX elastomer insert, a high-energy-return material often used in sports shoe soles, providing a slightly softer feel and consistent distance control. Each head in the range boasts a high MOI construction consisting of a 100% milled 6061 aluminium body paired with a dense 304 stainless steel sole plate. This multi-material construction positions weight low and towards the perimeter, ensuring an optimal CG placement for high forgiveness and a consistent roll on miss-hit putts.

The mechanical and visual differences between Onset Hosels and Traditional Mallets

Shaft positioning and visual alignment

Traditional Models: When looking down at a traditional mallet putter, you will typically find offset due to the hosel configuration, such as with a plumber's neck or a slant neck. In this traditional setup, the shaft sits closer to the target than the putter face itself, which helps promote a slight forward press of the golfer's hands at address.

This offset can inadvertently cause the lower portion of the shaft or hosel to partially obscure the leading edge of the putter or even the golf ball, making it slightly harder to ensure the face is fully square to the target at address.

Onset Putters: In contrast, Ping's onset putters, such as the Scottsdale TEC Ally Blue and Ketsch models, feature a hosel position that places the shaft near the centre of the putter head, behind the face. By the shaft entering the head further back, it is removed from your immediate line of sight. This provides a completely unobstructed, full-face view of the golf ball to vastly aid in alignment.

Furthermore, Ping utilizes Eye-Q Technology just above the face, providing a unique focal point that helps players quiet their eyes and maintain fixation right before their stroke.

Stroke Dynamics

Traditional Models: Mallets with traditional hosels such as a plumber's neck or short slant neck manipulate the putter's centre of gravity to create toe hang. A plumber's neck, such as on the Ally Blue H, generally offers moderate toe hang (ideal for golfers who put with a slight arc), while a short slant - found on the Ketsch 4 putter will provide even more toe hang. The more toe-hang a putter has, the more it will typically suit a golfer with a stronger arc to their stroke, due to the natural opening and closing of the face.

Onset Models: The Onset models in the Scottsdale Tec range still have the shaft positioned forward of the CG location, meaning the centre of gravity is still pulled through the stroke. While this shaft positioning makes these models appear like some zero torque models on the market, they are not. The shaft and CG positioning instead helps with stability and preserves the torque and dynamic feel of a traditional slight arc or straight-arc model. The Ally Blue and Ally Blue CB models are designed for those with a straighter arc, whereas the Ketsch Onset putter will suit those with a slight arc to their stroke.

Should you use an Onset or traditional style putter?

When To Use an Onset Putter

If you frequently struggle with facial awareness and setting up square to your target, then the Onset Models are going to be where you'll want to turn your attention. The shaft sits further back in the head, providing a clear view of the putter face and Eye-Q technology, making it easy to align and focus. These putters still pull the CG, so you still receive the torque and dynamic feel of a traditional mallet putter, with models suited to both a straight and slight arc in the stroke.

When To Use a Traditional Mallet Design

If you're someone who still wants the traditional visual appeal of some offset, then there are still four mallet designs for you to choose from. The Ally Blue H and Ally Blue H CB models offer a full shaft of offset, ideal for those with a slight arc in their stroke. The Hayden is a traditional mallet design best suited for those with a straighter putting stroke, and the Ketsch 4 is the traditional mallet design best suited for those with a stronger arc.

Regardless of which model or hosel system you choose, all of the putters in the Scottsdale Tec range utilize the Eye-Q Technology and high MOI designs to promote a more centered gaze before pulling the trigger and ultimate forgiveness to help you sink more putts. To help you find the best putter for your game, visit the PingWebFit tool.

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