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The PXG Bat Attack ZT putter pairs zero torque technology with one of the brand’s most popular head shapes. S-Hosel creates a more traditional address look than other zero torque concepts. Soft feel and strong forgiveness.
Introduction
The zero torque revolution on the putting green shows no signs of slowing down. After introducing their first zero torque putter, the Allan [review HERE], earlier this year, PXG has added a fan favorite to the line. The PXG Bat Attack ZT combines the popular fang shape with the company’s unique approach to zero torque. I took one to the course to see if it could earn a spot in my bag.
Looks
Leaving aside the hosel for a moment, the PXG Bat Attack ZT looks nearly identical to the Battle Ready Bat Attack [review HERE]. Both have the stout, angular wings that give the Bat Attack its aggressive look. The wings frame the ball precisely, which is exactly what this style of putter should do, in my opinion. A moderately sized flange offers golfers a white sight line to complement the sight dot on the putter’s top line.
Now let’s talk about PXG’s proprietary S-Hosel. Though the placement is obviously nonstandard – a fraction of an inch further back than it “should” be – the hosel itself looks perfectly conventional. Especially on a mallet which would often have a double bend shaft, the S-Hosel looks natural to my eye. If you’ve been avoiding zero torque putters because of the address look, give the Bat Attack ZT a try.
In the bag, the PXG Bat Attack ZT putter has all the brand’s hallmarks. The color scheme is black and silver, and PXG’s logo is centered beneath “Bat Attack.” Removable weights flank the branding. All of this makes the mill marks a subtle visual treat for the careful viewer.
Sound & Feel
Though this won’t come as a surprise to those that know the brand, there’s a lot going on behind the face of the PXG Bat Attack ZT putter. Starting on the surface, there’s the entrancing Pyramid Face Pattern. Behind the “ultra-thin putter face” is PXG’s proprietary S COR polymer. All these elements combine to create an impact feel that is soft and solid, my ideal combination in a putter.
The sound of the Bat Attack ZT is a round “tock.” It’s on the quieter side, mid-pitched, and just slightly hollow. I would agree with PXG’s characterization of “insert-like sound”.
In terms of feedback, the PXG Bat Attack ZT offers a precise, helpful gradient of sound and feel. On center, the sound and feel are as described above. Big misses are substantially louder and firmer feeling. The strikes in between fall in the middle – a little firmer but still pleasant. Regardless of how far from center your strike is, this putter doesn’t send an ugly vibrations through your hands.
Performance
When I got the PXG Bat Attack ZT on the green, the first thing I wanted to find out was how the S-Hosel compared to other zero torque designs. I found that it performs true to its intent, keeping the putter face square to your path without any guidance or manipulation. Using the same “no thumbs” technique I’ve developed with my L.A.B. putters (more on this later), the Bat Attack ZT put every ball on its intended start line. Making a putt requires the right speed, read, and start line, and with this putter, I felt like I only had to worry about the first two.
A less obvious facet of PXG’s S-Hosel is that it creates 2° of forward press. I didn’t notice this during my first couple testing sessions, but there was a reason: the proprietary PXG grip “neutralizes” the forward press just like L.A.B.’s Press grips [more on that in my LAB OZ.1i review HERE]. Having a strong familiarity with L.A.B. putters, this set up felt natural to me and promoted a good roll.
Sticking with the PXG Slant 1.5 R grip, I found it to be one of the best zero torque putter grips I’ve ever used. It has a rectangular shape and a slight reverse taper. What I like best about it is the way that it fills the top of my left hand. With zero torque putters, I’ve learned that the best technique for me is to takes my thumbs almost entirely off the grip to avoid face manipulation. This works best when I feel like the top of my hand still has a solid hold on the club, and this grip gives that to me.
Turning to forgiveness, the PXG Bat Attack ZT is stable and consistent. The S COR polymer fills 31% of the internal volume which allows more weight to be pushed to the perimeter. I don’t think the Bat Attack ZT is quite the equal of the tungsten-laden Battle Ready Bat Attack, but it’s more than capable of taking a moderate mishit and putting it next to the hole. At short range, you need a pretty bad strike to miss the hole.
Finally, the PXG Bat Attack ZT has two removable weights that you can use to adjust the swing weight. The stock head weight is 375 grams. This surprised me – I guessed the Bat Attack ZT was closer to 360 grams. It’s possible the lack of torque makes the putter feel lighter. In any case, you can use the weights to get the putter as light as 360 grams or as heavy as 395 grams. I found the stock weight worked well with the feel off the face to get me putting aggressively. The ball came off gently but with a purpose, allowing me to make a confident stroke at any distance.
Conclusion
If unusual hosels and head shapes have kept you from trying a zero torque putter, the PXG Bat Attack ZT puts those objections to rest. The fang-style head provides strong forgiveness while the unique S-Hosel keeps the putter face square to your path naturally.
Buy the PXG Bat Attack ZT Putter HERE
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