50 Words or Less
The Scotty Cameron Phantom X 6 and 6 STR putters are modern mallets designed for golfers with minimal face rotation in their stroke. Good forgiveness.
Introduction
Each of the heads in the Scotty Cameron Phantom X family comes with two different neck configurations. In some of the models, such as the Phantom X 5 and 5.5 (review HERE), that difference is very subtle. In the 6 and 6 STR, the difference is obvious. Find out which players will benefit from each style in this review.
Looks
Like the rest of the family, the Phantom X 6 and 6 STR putters are modern mallets with sharp, angular shapes. While the shape is no longer shocking – we’re ten years past the introduction of the Spider – the yellow alignment features are…unusual. On a more positive color note, I like the way that the combination of black and silver works to disguise some of the putters bulk.
The Phantom X 6 is, in terms of shape and size, identical to the Phantom X 7. Where they differ is in their alignment aids. The Phantom X 6 (left) has a low flange, so the yellow lines stop at the back of the top line. In the Phantom X 7, the lines extend from the back of the putter all the way to the ball. I found that I had a strong preference for the continuous alignment of the Phantom X 7.
Sound & Feel
The Scotty Cameron Phantom X 6 and 6 STR both share a pleasant, medium-soft impact sensation. With a premium ball, a well struck putt produces a “tock”.
Feedback on these putters is limited to the hands. The sound change on mishits is extremely minimal, but you can feel misses if you’re paying attention.
Performance
In most of the Phanton X line, the golfer has the choice between a face balanced putter and one with toe hang. That’s not the case with the 6 and 6 STR. Both of these putters are face balanced and best suited for the player with limited rotation in their putting stroke. The difference is in offset and aesthetics.
The Phantom X 6 putter has a double bend shaft with a mid-bend. This is the most common set up for a modern mallet, and it will look very comfortable to many mallet players.
By contrast, the 6 STR is a center shafted putter, an option that is far less common. I tend to have a hard time with center shafted putters for both aesthetic and performance reasons, but there are those who won’t putt with anything else.
In either configuration, the Phantom X 6 is as forgiving as you’d expect. Small misses toward the heel or toe will still get all the way to the cup on their intended line.
Conclusion
While the Scotty Cameron Phantom X 6 and 6 STR putters are my least favorite entries in this line, my complaints are purely aesthetic and subjective. If you are a golfer with minimal arc in your stroke and you’re able to aim these heads successfully, you’ll certainly appreciate the forgiveness they deliver.
Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.
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I can’t see a lot of difference between the Futura 5s and the Fhantom, Is there that much difference? I’m looking to try a heel shafted that’s face balanced, is there such a thing. Have any recommendations?
larryjhill704@gmail.com
Larry,
You’re right, they’re quite similar.
If you’re talking about a “true” heel shafted putter – a straight shaft into the heel – that cannot be face balanced barring some outrageous weighting.
Best,
Matt
This definitely is a putter that if one has to give any forethought to the cosmetic design or “get past” its non-traditional looks, regardless of the potential forgiveness and benefits, this putter is not for them.
If the only thing that matters is putting the ball in the hole and the X’s benefits help them to do that, then this is a superb putter👌🏼
Excellent review Matt!!
Fairways & Greens this season Brother⛳️
Richard