Golfing News & Blog Articles
TaylorMade TP Reserve Milled Putters
Today, TaylorMade announced their new TP Reserve milled putter line. This announcement was quite a surprise for several reasons.
First, it’s the middle of summer. Companies may occasionally roll out a new club or two during the summer months but releasing a whole line is very unusual. Typically, we see this kind of release around PGA Show time in January. To see a release this significant in June is shocking.
Moreover, the milled construction of the TP Reserve putter line is outside the scope of recent TaylorMade putter releases. TaylorMade’s last milled putter line, the TP by Kia Ma putter line, released way back in 2010. In human years, 13 years is a long time. In golf gear years, 13 years is an eternity.
For reference, your other TaylorMade gear from 2010 would have included the Burner Superfast driver and Burner 2.0 irons.
Kindergarten through High School With No Milled TaylorMade Putters
A 13-year production gap is a significant one and it brings up some questions. The obvious one is why did TaylorMade stop making milled putters? More importantly, what motivated TaylorMade to re-enter the milled putter market?
TaylorMade Dominates the Spiderverse
Were I to venture a guess, I’d say that TaylorMade’s decade-long lack of milled putter production had nothing to do with the quality of their milled putters. I remember seeing the TP by Kia Ma milled putters in the shop. They were very solid milled offerings and probably sold well. Instead, it was likely the popularity of the TaylorMade Spider that pushed milled construction to the side.
The sales of the milled TP by Kia Ma putters were undoubtedly dwarfed by the sales of the Spider. If you look at the years between 2010 and 2017, you can see how the Spider took over the TaylorMade putter playbook. While they continued to produce other putters, the Spider became the TaylorMade moneymaker, both on the PGA TOUR and in the golf shop.
I’d say that the Spider dominance really took off in 2011 when the Ghost Spider shifted the Spider’s visuals to monochromatic white. The Spider’s presence shot even higher in 2017 when the red and black Spider Tour models proved lethal in the hands of Jason Day and Dustin Johnson. I bet that more than one of you had a Spider Tour gamer as well. My Spider Tour still sees bag time.
Why would TaylorMade put the effort and considerable expense into producing milled putters if their Tour players and customers wanted Spiders? Giving the people what they want seems like a good business model to me.
Since the Spider is still moving units, what is it about the new TP Reserve line that brings TaylorMade back into the milled putter game?
TaylorMade TP Reserve Putters: Why now?
“There is a large bucket of golfers that love the look of a classic putter shape, and we took the time to carefully craft performance in a way that is a brand-new opportunity for us. The story of TP Reserve is about style, craftsmanship and character which can be seen in every aspect of the putter. We sweated the details, received TOUR feedback and went with refined edges, thinner toplines, new flange thickness and blade length to create putters built off exactness instead of sameness.”
– Bill Price, Senior Director Product Creation, Putter & Wedge
The origin story for the TaylorMade TP Reserve putter series is one of Tour request and market assessment. Basically, TaylorMade wanted to be able to supply milled putters to their staffers who wanted them and saw an opportunity to move into the milled metal marketplace as well.
Simply put, TaylorMade would like some of Mr. Cameron’s cash.
It’s no secret that Scotty Cameron dominates the milled putter market. It’s also not a secret that other companies would like a slice of that putter pie. As far as tasks go, the companies would find it easier to move the Rock of Gibraltar. The decades Scotty has invested in producing precision putters and innovating milling methods makes pilfering his loyal customers nigh impossible.
Obviously, TaylorMade believes they have instilled something into the TP Reserve putters that can attract the milled putter consumers.
TaylorMade TP Reserve Putters: Precision Milling
TaylorMade’s first point of order with the TP Reserve putter line was to make the best-looking milled putters.
Visually, the TaylorMade TP Reserve putters are exceptionally clean. You can see TaylorMade spent a great deal of time refining the TP Reserve putters’ geometries. The blades and mallets all feature crisp edges and flowing radii. Some of the milling decisions were functional, like the shape of the neck and the thinner topline’s alignment role for their Tour pros. Other milling decisions were purely aesthetic.
Your typical milled putter customer appreciates the purely visual elements, like milling work along the neck and the bumpers. The cavity lines and the non-centered “R” logo are there for looks, not for performance.
TaylorMade even used brand-new fonts on the Lamkin grip and putter sole. This may not seem like much—and maybe it’s not—but it does speak to how TaylorMade wants these putters to make a unique visual statement.
I applaud TaylorMade for going with a more minimalist design with the overall decoration scheme. The logos are small, especially in the cavity and on the face. By doing this, TaylorMade lets the lines of the metal be the story, truly showcasing the attention they spent on the milling process.
The TaylorMade TP Reserve Grooves
Milling grooves into the face of a putter is standard practice these days. What is interesting about the grooves of the TP Reserve putter line is why TaylorMade added them.
The usual reason behind adding grooves to the milled face is that it softens the feeling at impact. Less metal contacts the ball at impact, causing the impact to feel softer than similar impact with a groove-free face. While this is true for the TP Reserve putters, it’s not the only purpose of the grooves.
TaylorMade added the grooves to produce a specific sound at impact. TaylorMade wanted the TP Reserve putters to produce a soft yet crisp signature impact sound that is unique to the TP Reserve line.
While tuning the sound at impact is always part of putter design, it’s usually not the primary focus. At first glance, I expected these grooves to have a unique take on promoting roll, not a unique sound. I guess if you are going to make headway into the milled market, you need a unique angle. Could the perfect impact sound be that angle?
Companies are hard-pressed to out-mill Scotty but maybe TaylorMade can out-sing him?
Specifications: TaylorMade TP Reserve Putters
Material: 303 Stainless Steel Construction: CNC Milled Finish: Dune Silver Heads: Six total: 3 blades and 3 mallets Neck Options: 4 total, count varies by head Lengths: 33”/34”/35” Head weights: 33”=365g/34”=355g/35”=345g Sole weights: adjustable Loft: 3° Lie: 70° Shaft: KBS Chrome 120 Stepless Grip: Lamkin Deep Etched Pistol MSRP: $399.99TaylorMade TP Reserve Putter Models
B11 & B13
Clean geometric shaping with precise edges and sharp lines help frame the ball while inspiring confidence. A thin machined topline creates an exact 8mm topline compared to the 9mm topline of the TP Juno cast putter it took inspiration from. With feedback from TaylorMade Tour Professionals, the B1 models also have a longer blade length.
The first of the TaylorMade TP Reserves is the B1 blade. Where did the model’s name come from? Though the name seems cryptic, it’s quite mundane. The “B” stands for blade and 1 for Model 1. Hence, B1.
The second number in the name is much more interesting. That number corresponds to neck style. The #1 neck is a plumber’s neck, though TaylorMade’s press material calls it an “L-neck hosel.” The #3 neck is a short slant neck. It has about 3/4 shaft offset and gives the B13 toe hang in the 5:00 range.
Overall, the B1 has a more squared-off profile, like what you would find in an Anser 2 or Newport 2. I love the square edges of the cavity as they serve as perfect alignment lines.
B29
With smooth, flowing lines the B29 model produces exceptional feel and consistent roll time after time. B29 draws inspiration from the TP Soto and features the flow neck hosel, with machined bumpers to achieve softer edges.
The B29 is the second blade in the TaylorMade TP Reserve family. That’s why it’s named B2. See, I told you it was a simple system.
This time, we only have one neck option. The B29 features a longer flow-neck hosel than the B13 but a little less toe hang. The B29 hangs five degrees less than the B13, at about 4:30 or so.
The most significant difference with the B2 is that it is more rounded than the B1. Think Anser/Newport instead of Anser 2/Newport 2.
The rear bumpers are much more sloping and flowing compared to the B1 blade. I don’t see them as having Dalehead levels of slope but they are heading more in that direction than the usual Anser rear edges.
B31
Engineers reinvented this classic TaylorMade shape by shaving away material behind center face to create perfectly balanced wings on the heel and toe – dispersing weight to the perimeter for enhanced MOI.
The B31 is the wide blade in the TaylorMade TP Reserve putter line, blurring that line between blade and mallet. Yes, that makes it a blallet. Wide blades are very popular these days. Currently, yours truly is gaming a Most Wanted winning wide blade. Having the profile of a blade but the higher MOI of a mallet is a solid putting recipe.
Like the B29, the B31 only has one neck option. Realistically, a plumber’s neck should fit the needs of most players exploring this type of putter. Overall, I like the look of this putter, especially at address. I am a bit unsure about the notchback design. It seems like the notch pulls my eyes to the rear of the putter rather than the face.
Does this matter? Honestly, I don’t know. I do know that I usually focus on the front of the putter since that is where I hit the ball. Unless I am trying to make the “gimmie” putt left-handed with the rear edge of the putter. I know I’m not the only one here who does that.
M21 & M27
Inspired by the TP Bandon, M21 and M27 mallets deliver high MOI performance and elegant aesthetics. The models feature a combination of soft edges and a blend of machine marks with sharp geometric lines that reflect the technical precision of this classic mallet.
Vampires in the house, show me your fangs! Drinkers of human blood will adore the fang-shaped profile of the M21 and M27. A milled putter of this style was a must-add to the cohort. TaylorMade has been fang-friendly for a few years now. The Spider GT was a spider with fangs as was its successor, the Spider GTX.
Two neck options are available for the M2 mallet (yes, it’s “M” for mallet). If you want a little toe hang, go with the M21 and its plumber’s neck. Want to minimize toe hang? Go with the M27 and its spud-neck hosel. The single-bend shaft attached to the M27 provides a bit more toe hang than you would see with a double-bend shaft. Regardless, the face drops about 10 degrees below the horizon.
M33 and M37
This round shape is new to the TaylorMade family with outside edges that are machined and have radii to control the dimensions for advanced exactness. This model is the only TP Reserve mallet with a sightline on top, in addition to two in the back cavity. Both models have a 1mm thicker topline than the M21 & M27 models.
Need some potatoes mashed at Thanksgiving? Break out the M33 and the M37. Yes, I’m kidding. The potatoes would get stuck under the putters and be lumpy. Plus, this mallet is much more compact than you would expect from the photos.
I think this head is probably the most interesting of the mallets. It is round and square at the same time. The overall shape is very round but when you place it behind a ball, the alignment is all square. Most of you will see a big “T” shape when you address the ball. The rounded edges don’t disappear but they are de-emphasized at address. The milling lines on the edges also provide this round putter with a very square look.
I think the M33 will prove very popular with players looking for a mallet with toe hang.
M47
M47 is a blend of a blade and mallet crafted into a flawless piece of performance steel. It has the widest topline of the three TP Reserve mallets and gradient thickness in the cavity and a perfected radius along the bumpers.
The M47 is the most traditional mallet in the set. It has a smaller profile than the other two and should prove familiar to round mallet players. Like the M27, this one has a spud neck and a bit of toe hang.
Of the three mallets with the #7 neck, the M47 has the most toe hang at 15 degrees below horizontal. In some ways, the M47 is a little blade-like. No, I didn’t just hit my head. When you compare the mallets, the M47 is significantly narrower face-to-rear than the other two mallet heads.
Regardless, the M47 should suit the eye of those of you liking your mallets more compact.
Final Thoughts on the TaylorMade TP Reserve Milled Putter Line
Without a doubt, the TaylorMade TP Reserve putters are great-looking precision-milled putters. It’s a strong reentry play back to the milled putter market. The line features enough diversity to meet the fitting and visual needs of most customers. It’s worth noting, too, that the $399 price tag undercuts competitors’ prices by about $50. That doesn’t make them inexpensive but “less expensive” is still a welcome descriptor.
One question remains: Has TaylorMade developed a product that can be competitive with the other milled putter companies? Scotty is the king of the milling ring. Taking on Scotty Cameron is a bit like getting in the ring with the 1986-1990 Mike Tyson. Fighters did it and it didn’t end well for them.
TaylorMade is not looking for a first-release knockout. More so, they are training to go the distance. Plans for the TP Reserve line are being laid out for the next five to 10 years. I see this first release as TaylorMade throwing exploratory jabs, ideally setting up the subsequent devastating uppercut.
Do you think TaylorMade has a puncher’s chance in the milled ring?
Find out more about the TaylorMade TP Reserve Putter Line at TaylorMadeGolf.com
FAQ: TaylorMade TP Reserve Milled putter line.
They do have a signature sound that extends through the line. The impact feel is soft as expected from a 303 stainless putter with horizontal grooves. But the sound is a little higher pitched than other putters featuring the same construction. The sound is fairly consistent as you hit different parts of the face. Yes, it still thuds off of the heel and toe.
You, the collective of consumers, will need to decide if this signature sound is the key putter feature that you are looking for.
The MSRP for the TP Reserve line is $399.99. Unfortunately, these putters are not going to be showing up at all retail locations. Check the larger TaylorMade accounts for your best shot at grabbing one. If they prove popular, I think their availability will increase.
Overall, the milling process allows for more precise construction than casting. In other words, the level of fine detail work that you can achieve with milling cannot be attained with casting. This is why some companies cast the heads first and then mill the faces after.
Good catch there. I have no idea where the M1 is or if it even exists. The same can be said for the other five neck numbers. Is there such a thing as a M15? I’ve no clue. Maybe TaylorMade is holding back some of their models for future releases. Not releasing a M1 in the initial batch does seem odd, though.
As of today, there will not be a MyTP Reserve program. However, that does not mean that customization programs are not in the works. While these retail heads only have four total neck options, there are nine neck options available to TaylorMade Tour players. I doubt that we normal folk will see all those options but I bet we will see some of them. Fingers crossed for a B1 longneck.
Related Articles
GOLF GADGET REVIEW! – Cru Golf HeadcoversPUTTER REVIEW – SeeMore Private Reserve Smoke Diamond m2cPUTTER REVIEW! – TP Mills Review Comp OneFirst Look – TaylorMade TP Red Collection PuttersVintage from Day 1 – TaylorMade Launches TP Patina Putter CollectionThe post TaylorMade TP Reserve Milled Putters appeared first on MyGolfSpy.
