50 Words or Less
The PXG Hellcat ZT putter is unusual in two ways: it’s a blade, and it’s affordable. Very stable for its size. Heavy head that feels light, promoting good distance control.
Introduction
For over a year, I’ve been writing about zero torque putters as the dominant equipment trend in golf. And though more and more OEMs have taken their shot at designing zero torque putters, the price of these novel flat sticks has remained quite high. That’s changing with the release of the PXG Hellcat ZT putter. The company once known for shifting golf’s pricing paradigm skyward has now delivered the most affordable zero torque putter on the market. I got to test one to see how it stacks up to its more expensive competitors.
Looks
Aesthetically, the most notable thing about the PXG Hellcat ZT putter is that it’s a blade. While it’s not the first zero torque blade in golf, there are very few around – it’s a space dominated by mallets. This is a clean, straightforward Anser-style putter with a fairly thin top line and a traditional silver finish. A single black sight line illustrates the path to your target.
Only one element of the PXG Hellcat ZT is nontraditional, and that’s the hosel. To create the zero torque performance, PXG uses their proprietary S-Hosel. While it’s not the conventional plumbers neck, both the shape and placement of this hosel sit comfortably at address, not drawing unwanted attention.
Sound & Feel
Like the other PXG zero torque putters, the Hellcat ZT uses Pyramid Face Technology. Though it’s designed for performance, the structure also goes a long way toward promoting a softer, more consistent feel at impact.
While the Hellcat ZT and Bat Attack ZT [review HERE] both have the same face tech, the differences in size, shape, and internal structure create unique impact sensations. The PXG Hellcat ZT feels soft and solid, but there’s a metallic note in the sound that remains constant across the face. It’s not loud, but it gives the Hellcat ZT its own character.
While there is minimal audio feedback, your hands will get a clear message about where the ball met the face. The character of the feel doesn’t change – I didn’t notice any firming up or softening as I worked away from center – but I still got a signal about the quality of the strike.
Performance
Thanks to its unique S-Hosel, the PXG Hellcat ZT putter is zero torque. If you’re not sure what zero torque is or why you might want a zero torque putter, check out my explainer HERE. The short version is this: if you can keep from manipulating the putter, it’s going to stay square to your stroke path and make hitting your start line feel automatic.
What’s less known about zero torque putters – unless you’ve already read this Golf Myths Unplugged HERE – is that they feel lighter. What that means for the Hellcat ZT is that it feels quite light despite weighing in at a hefty 370 grams and E6 swing weight. That higher head weight makes the putter more stable on mishits – as stable as any Anser-style putter I’ve hit. The lighter feel means that you can swing it confidently, assertively, and maintain good distance control.
One other thing I really like about PXG’s zero torque putters is the proprietary Slant 1.5 grip. The S-Hosel on the Hellcat ZT puts one degree of forward press into your set up, but the Slant 1.5 grip makes it so that the grip isn’t tilted forward. More importantly, I find that this grip fills both hands very comfortably so they can relax and let the zero torque design operate as its intended.
Finally, you might be asking why the PXG Hellcat ZT putter is $250 when their other ZT putters are $450. There are a couple key differences. First, the Hellcat ZT does not have movable weights like the Bat Attack or Allan [review HERE]. It also lacks the S-COR Polymer inside the head. While those are meaningful differences, neither would keep me from bagging the Hellcat ZT if I wanted a zero torque blade.
Conclusion
There is no shortage of zero torque putters on the market, but the PXG Hellcat ZT putter stands out with its traditional shape and throwback price. If you want a new feel on the green without adopting one of the modern, spaceship head shapes, this is the putter for you.
Buy the PXG Hellcat ZT Putter HERE
Editor In Chief at Plugged In Golf
He founded Plugged In Golf in 2013 with the goal of helping all golfers play better and enjoy the game more.
Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.