Last summer, PXG created quite a stir when they released the PXG Allan putter. The Allan represented the first real challenge to L.A.B. Golf’s zero-torque marketplace dominance.
What made the PXG Allan ZT notable was that it did the zero-torque thing really well.
I shot my lifetime low round with the Allan last summer. I marveled at the ultra-tight dispersal ring produced by the putter. I praised the PXG Allan so much that MyGolfSpy headquarters made me send it to them for additional testing.
(Since then, I’ve learned to keep my mouth shut.)
Not too long ago, the release of the PXG Bat Attack ZT confirmed that PXG was not a one-hit zero-torque wonder.
Bringing it back in double black
As of today, PXG is giving you an aesthetic choice when shopping for an Allan ZT. You can stick with the traditional silver and black or opt for the new Double Black version.
The idea behind the new finish is that it reduces the glare at address. By my math, the finish makes it look at least 17 percent more badass.
PXG’s zero-torque design
One of the most interesting things about the current Zero Torque Wars are the various ways that companies are building their putters to remove torque. Many companies, like Bettinardi, TaylorMade and Odyssey, are placing the hosel at the putter’s center of gravity to eliminate rotation.
L.A.B. Golf’s Lie Angle Balance system involves custom weighting to balance the putter at a player’s specific lie angle.
Evnroll and PXG have developed novel hosel shapes to eliminate torque. The hosel does not enter the head at the center of gravity. However, if you extended the tip of the shaft past the hosel to the putter head, you’d find that it lines up with the CG.
Keeping the sight line in sight
One advantage of the PXG S-Hosel design is that it keeps the center of the putter open for a continuous alignment scheme. The long central line and the contrasting silver top section of the original Allan travel uninterrupted from face to tail.
It’s not really possible to have that kind of visual element if there is a shaft stuck in the middle of the putter.
The new PXG Allan ZT Double Black retains the original Allan’s long central line but the silver top section and bottom section now are all black.
I’m a little conflicted regarding the new look.
On one hand, the solid black body looks amazing, especially from the underside.
My concern is that I’m not totally sure how the mono black look at address will influence targeting. I liked the ball-width silver rail for aiming. Perhaps it will be as effective in black.
Hopefully, I can get my hands on one to see if there is any difference between the two in terms of aiming. I’ll post my findings and some in-hand comparison photos with the original Allan as well, naturally.
PXG makes great putters
The PXG Allan ZT Double Black further reinforces that PXG is a legit putter company. Admittedly, they did just paint one of their existing putters black but the putter design is a good one and it’s very different from competitors’ zero-torque approaches.
If you are wondering why they would release a black version of the Allan, it’s because people will buy it, silly. Some folks on the fence about the original Allan will pounce on these murdered-out versions.
(PXG offers a discount to active duty, veterans, first responders, law enforcement, teachers and nurses. If you have one of those important jobs, check out the PXG for Heroes program.)
Speaking of price, the PXG Allan ZT Double Black has a MSRP of $599.99. The price difference from the original Allan is for more than just paint. The PXG Allan ZT Double Black build includes the PXG M16 Stability Shaft. Those of you looking for a stiffer putter shaft will appreciate the M16.
Find out more about the new PXG Allan ZT Double Black putter at PXG.com.
Bonus: In-hand photos of the PXG Allan ZT Double Black
I was able to get my hands on a PXG Allan ZT Double Black so I had to share some photos and impressions.
As expected, the putter is black. Even the chrome logo has a black tint, but that could just be a reflection off of the black body. Overall, it’s a good look for the putter.
One of my concerns about the new all black design was that the lack of contrast at address would result in a less effective alignment tool when compared to the original Allan.
The all black version does not have the contrast of the silver and black original. However, the central alignment stripe still stands out from the body. It may be a trick of the light, but the central portion on the PXG Allan ZT Double Black looks a little darker than the perimeter body.
I’m not totally sure that it is as effective as the original, but I did find the Double Black scheme to be very functional for targeting.
Here are a few additional photos. Naturally, I had to include one of the Pick Up Pocket in action.
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