With the release of the Bat Attack ZT putter a few months back and the black version of the Allan ZT last month, I assumed PXG was finished with one-off zero-torque putter releases for the year.
That assumption proved to be incorrect.
Today, PXG adds another new putter to their zero-torque arsenal, the Hellcat ZT blade. Yes, I said blade. With the zero-torque putter cohort dominated by mallet shapes, a new zero-torque blade release is newsworthy.
Now we just need to see if the new Hellcat ZT can continue PXG’s streak of making outstanding zero-torque putters.
PXG Hellcat ZT
The PXG Hellcat ZT is a blade putter, but it is a big blade putter. The Hellcat shape first appeared in PXG’s 2021 0211 putter line. Like most of the putters in that line, the Hellcat was beefier than a typical blade putter. This version is not huge. It’s about the size of the typical wide body blade.
The 2021 0211 putter line also featured PXG’s atypical Runway Reticle alignment scheme. That multiple line targeting pattern was designed to help you aim your putts in the same way pilots aim their planes at runways.
The PXG Hellcat ZT looks more traditional than the 0211 Hellcat. The Runway Reticle has been replaced with a single sight line, and the heel and toe bumpers are squared off rather than angled toward center.
Visually, it’s a huge improvement and probably a necessary one. Adding the zero torque-promoting S-hosel to the already esoteric 0211 Hellcat would have made the resulting putter extremely busy visually.
About that S-hosel
Most other companies build zero-torque putters by inserting the shaft into the body of the putter at the center of gravity. This design balances the weight of the head around the shaft axis and eliminates torque.
PXG achieves zero torque by incorporating their patented S-hosel.
The S-hosel attaches toward the heel of the putter like a typical putter hosel. It’s the bend of the hosel and the resulting shaft placement that makes the S-hosel different.
The S-hosel bends rearward and inward, aligning the shaft in the position that eliminates torque. The shaft tip points at the center of gravity of the putter. If you extended the shaft tip past the hosel, that’s where it would intersect the body.
As with the PXG Allan ZT and Bat Attack ZT, the advantage of this design over others is that the center of the putter is not interrupted by the shaft insertion.
This allows the PXG ZT putters to have continuous alignment schemes that would not be possible, or at least as symmetrical, in center-shafted putters.
For the Hellcat ZT in particular, the shaft would likely need to be attached right in the middle of that short cavity sight line, effectively making the line useless.
Overall, I think PXG nailed the look of the Hellcat ZT. The putter has a great visual flow. The PXG branding, which can sometimes be excessive, fits perfectly into the overall look.
Rolling the PXG Hellcat ZT
As far as PXG putters go, the look of the Hellcat ZT at address is downright conservative. Outside of the S-hosel, it is all classic lines and shapes. The putter sits very naturally behind the ball.
Blade players who are exploring zero-torque designs should find the PXG Hellcat ZT very accessible.
The feel off the face is lively. While the PXG Allan ZT can feel a little muted, the Hellcat ZT delivers a nice tone at impact.
As you migrate from center, the feel and tone don’t change much. This lack of feedback could potentially be an issue, but it wasn’t, since balls struck on the heel/center/toe all rolled about the same distance.
The PXG Hellcat ZT looks like a blade putter and plays like a blade putter. It is impressive that PXG was able to keep it so blade-like even after adding the S-hosel to make it zero-torque.
The only part of the build that I am not 100 percent sold on is the PXG Slant 1.5 R grip which is very rectangular. I don’t find it to be very ergonomic. That said, it works well. The overall Hellcat ZT package, grip included, is very balanced. Even though I find the shape uncomfortable, the square profile does help make sure the putter is square to the target.
PXG has once again created an excellent zero-torque putter. Even with the grip, I’d have no reservations about putting the Hellcat ZT in my bag.
The PXG price point
Do you remember when PXG launched as a company and the main point of conversation was the high price of their clubs? Thankfully, these days the performance of PXG clubs drives the conversation more than their price.
The PXG Hellcat ZT puts price back into the conversation, but in the right direction. The MSRP of the PXG Hellcat ZT is $249.99. Yes, that is the real price.
“With the Hellcat ZT, we’ve packed top putting technology into a badass blade that feels amazing, rolls pure, and performs like nothing else out there — all for a price that makes you say, ‘Why the hell not?’”
PXG Founder and CEO Bob Parsons
Parsons makes a good point. If you are curious about zero-torque putters, you can try this one without completely draining your golf fund reserves.
Why not give it a shot?
Find out more about the PXG Hellcat ZT putter and order yours today at PXG.com
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