Don’t Purchase A Zero Torque Putter Until You've Tried This First

The zero-torque putter market has absolutely exploded over the last year or so, with almost every manufacturer looking to offer its own version of this popular putter type. Now it's Mizuno's turn to enter the fray with the M.Craft X Three putter (£429).

At first glance, I really like the look of this putter. It frames the ball exceptionally well and offers a genuinely confidence-inspiring look, which will help those who struggle on the greens, particularly with shorter putts.

Traditionally, zero-torque models can look a bit unconventional, often relying on the shaft running directly into the center of the head and through the center of gravity. However, Mizuno’s new Z-Neck introduces a different approach to Zero Torque performance, similar to that of the Evnroll Zero Z5s. I prefer this reverse plumber's neck style over a traditional, center-shafted look, and I think golfers looking to try zero-torque technology for the first time will as well.

The Z-Neck is engineered so that the shaft axis passes directly through the putter's CG. This helps keep the face square to the path of the stroke, minimizing twisting of the putter head and therefore helping start the ball on your intended line more often.

What makes this release of the M.Craft X Three exciting is the premium technology and the sheer versatility of this interchangeable model. Like other models in the M.Craft range, these putters can actually be taken apart, allowing golfers to change the face and neck (£289), the rear of the putter (£100), or the weights (£40), should they choose to, without having to purchase a brand new putter.

These individual components allow golfers to experiment with different feels, alignment aids, and appearances, allowing you to switch between zero-torque and a putter with toe hang in a matter of clicks with a wrench.

From a performance standpoint, the M.Craft X Three putter really impressed me. That soft feel, thanks to the milled 1025E carbon steel head, felt superb and had my pace control dialed from distance. On a test with 12 balls from 40ft, the ball finished in my ‘gimme’ zone 10 out of 12 times - impressive control that I saw replicated when using it on the golf course.

The larger head and elongated alignment line made it easy to align when setting up for those more makeable putts, although I would have preferred to have seen the alignment aid run all the way through to the top of the face on the putter.

Furthermore, a precision-milled aluminium back structure complements the forged steel front section. This multi-material construction enables the putter to combine the responsive feel and control of a blade with the added stability and forgiveness of a mallet.

I constantly question why more golfers don't use or play with Mizuno putters. Considering how well-known the irons and wedges are for their incredible feel, I think these putters are massively slept on when it comes to the playing experience.