50 Words or Less
The Scotty Cameron Phantom X 12 putter has an aggressive, futuristic design and high MOI. Only one neck option. Unusual feel during the putting stroke.
Introduction
Scotty Cameron refers to the Phantom X 12 putter as the flagship of his new line, stating, “It has it all.” Does that mean this putter demands to go in your bag, or has Scotty gone overboard with this model? I’ll offer my take in this review.
Looks
The Phantom X 12 is far and away the boldest design in this new line. There are hints of the TaylorMade Spider in the wings that poke out at the rear corners, but the overall look is much more angular. Whether or not all these elements “work together” will be in the eye of the beholder. I’m not opposed to modern designs, but the Phantom X 12 doesn’t do much for me.
Like the Phantom X 8 (review HERE), the Phantom X 12 has “Combination Alignment.” That’s Cameron’s term for the pairing of sight lines with sight dots. Just as with the 8, I was surprised by how much I liked the two lines framing the ball at address.
Sound & Feel
Striking the ball with the Scotty Cameron Phantom X 12 putter produces a firm, solid feel. With most urethane-covered balls, I heard something between a “thud” and “tock” – not lively but not dull, either. The exact sound of impact will vary depending your golf ball of choice.
The Phantom X 12 feels like the most forgiving model in the new line. There was minimal feedback on small mishits, and even substantial misses wouldn’t cause the head to twist.
Performance
There are times when a player just doesn’t get along with a certain piece of equipment, and that was the case with the Phantom X 12 and me. From the first practice swing, the weighting of this putter felt off to me. I’ve used my share of large mallets, and I’m typically able to adapt to how they feel. With the Phantom X 12, I could never get a handle on how the putter was moving during the stroke.
Of course, that speaks to the importance of fitting and is not an objective condemnation of the putter. There will be other players who pick it up and find swinging it as natural as breathing.
The Phantom X 12 is indisputably forgiving. For as much trouble as I felt I was having, this putter consistently rolled the ball pin high. Even though I wasn’t hitting my lines accurately, three putts were rare.
Unlike the other putters in this line, the Phantom X 12 comes with only one neck option. The 12 has “Mid-Bend Shaft Technology” which makes it face balanced. Thus, this is a putter that should work best for players with “straight back, straight through” putting strokes.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a Scotty Cameron putter that pushes the limits on forgiveness, the Phantom X 12 is for you. I did find the weighting unusual, so I’d strongly recommend testing it and being fit, but it delivers when it comes to enhanced alignment and stability.
Matt Saternus
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I tried and tested the Phantom X 12. Terrific looking and great to handle.
Having brought one, I took it out for a front 9 holes at my course.
Had 5 single putts plus two 2 putts – first putts from just off the green
and two 2 putts from on the greens.
Fantastic putter, filled me with confidence. Partner commented on my exceptional putting
Honest review as always but my golly, the description and “tech” on their website is just silly: “wings like a jet plane” – great, so my swing speed will be higher? Oh wait, it’s a putter. “all curves..aligned for performance” – one would hope so. “mid bend technology” – as far as I can tell it’s the same bend I have in my $40 Wilson mallet putter. Looking at the price it’s more “mind bend technology”.
Anyway, happy for Mike Holmes that he found a good putter that clearly works for him. I am sure it is a good one, am just commenting on the marketing. Probably my cheap putter had the same. It is black with no glare so “FIR” Focus Improved Reflection!
Lol pretty bad all u have to complain about is the marketing !! I unlike u tried the putter when my ping putters head fell off mid round and one of my friends putter was a phantom x12 , it felt great and I putted better then my putter the last 10 holes looking on eBay for one right now
Too much going on here for me so I’m not fussed that this isn’t a toe-hang model.
SOME PEOPLE DRIVE PORSCHE’S AND SOME RIDE BIKES, PITER I’M SURE YOUR $40 WILSON PUTTER FROM PLAY IT AGAIN WORKS GREAT FOR YOU. I HAVE TESTED THE X12 AND FOUND IT BALANCED AND TRUE. TAKE AWAY AND FOLLOW THROUGH TRANSITIONS NICELY. OUT OF 25 NEW PUTTERS WE TESTED MY STAFF ALL THOUGHT WELL OF THE FEEL AND BALANCE. AS WITH MOST HIGH END PUTTERS PRICE IS HIGH OVER AVERAGE MARGINS. BUT THEN AGAIN, THIS ISN’T A $40 DOLLAR WILSON PUTTER FROM 1975
Hi Matt!
Any plans on doing a review on the Phantom X 12,5? I had similar experience as you with the X12 but X12,5 fit me perfectly. Also the sight line in it is like 100 times better.
Would love to read a review from you on that model!
Thanks for the ocntent!
Hedge,
We don’t have any plans for that at this time, but we may certainly look into it in the future.
Best,
Matt
Great, thanks for the reply!
IMO it’s a great example of Scotty listening to the tour and the players to make a better model, and it being so good that it needed to be released mid cycle.
Slight toe hang was all I needed for this model to work for me. I originally didn’t get along with the garish neon yellow sight lines in the Phantom lineup, the single black sight line that makes the X12,5 look more Batman than Tekashi69 at address.
I have had the BGT Stability in my Futura 5W and it has shaved about 1,5 putts from my stats this year so I ordered a Stability Tour shaft and will install it into my Phantom X 12,5, that also feels superior compared to the 5W and is more forgiving.
I love this putter. My only complaint is I can’t pickup the ball with it, and yes that is a con whether you want to admit it or not