TaylorMade Ghost Manta putter
Following a successful year which saw increased global market share growth and an abundance of white putters in play across all major global tours, TaylorMade Golf Company is positioning itself for an even bigger 2012 with the release of the Ghost Manta: the next generation of putter technology.
Similar to its Ghost Spider predecessor, the new Ghost Manta provides the performance benefits of a high-MOI (moment of inertia) putter, but is packaged neatly in a more traditional one-piece neo-mallet shape that is sure to appeal to a wide range of golfers.
"The Manta takes a very clean and classic Tour-proven look, along with an advanced and modern technology that often comes in a quirky head shape, and combines them into one comprehensive putter," said Michael Fox, global product manager, putters and wedges. "The result is a putter that is powerful for players of all levels, while also providing confidence while on the green."
The Ghost Manta's white head contrasts sharply with the turf to make it dramatically easier to determine where the face is aimed. In addition, the Ghost Manta's white finish helps golfers align themselves to the putt more easily, as well. A study of thousands of putting strokes using TaylorMade's proprietary MAT-T (Motion Analysis Technology by TaylorMade) System revealed that 65 percent of golfers fail to square the putter face to the target from 12 feet, leading to inaccurate putts and higher scores.
An update to its Ghost predecessors, the Ghost Manta features a new flat matte white finish which eliminates the distractions of glare and "hot spots" caused by reflected sunlight, making it easier for the player to focus his or her full attention on aiming the putter accurately and executing a sound stroke. Key to the alignment performance of the Ghost Manta is its wide-bodied frame, which features two black rails on the top of the putter head that frame the golf ball and contrast with the white top to help improve alignment and visibility.
Additionally, all of the putter's technology, including its two 50-gram tungsten stabilizing weights and user-adjustable weight in the center, are hidden on the sole of the putter to help the golfer maintain focus. The Ghost Manta features a new double-bend shaft, which provides the correct amount of offset without the shaft distracting from the putt.
Like its Ghost Spider predecessor, the Ghost Manta is equipped with TaylorMade's patented PureRoll insert, which promotes forwardspin to help reduce skidding to encourage a smooth, accurate roll and precise speed control. The PureRoll insert's soft Surlyn construction delivers a satisfyingly soft sound and feel at impact.
The Ghost Manta is available now with a suggested retail price of US$179 for standard-length center-shaft versions, and US$199 for belly and long putters.
Along with the Ghost Manta, TaylorMade also unveiled its 2012 Ghost Tour putter series, a collection of six tour-proven models that have been carefully refined and given a more durable white finish to eliminate glare and provide a high contrast against the green turf for easier aiming.
Included in this year's offering are three mallets (Ghost Tour Corza, MA-81 and FO-72) and three blades (DA-12, DA-62, SE-62). The same models found in bags of Tour professionals worldwide, the new Ghost Tour putter series will be available to the public for only US$159.
New to this year's line is the incorporation of adjustable sole weights (except Ghost Tour Corza) which allows the golfer to add or remove weight to customize feel. The two weights can be adjusted using the same TaylorMade torque wrench that has been in the marketplace since 2004. A separate weight kit and torque wrench will also be made available at retail.
TaylorMade also introduced its White Smoke putter series, consisting of three models - IN-12, IN-74 and MC-72. Each is designed to combine beautiful shapes with great feel and performance – all at an attractive price.
Their tour-proven white finish eliminates glare and "hot spots" on the crown while contrasting sharply with the turf to make aiming easy. To further aid alignment, each model incorporates three black alignment lines on top to reinforce the player's ability to easily detect when the putterface is square to the target-line, promoting more accurate putts. Every White Smoke Series putter is equipped with TaylorMade's tour-proven PureRoll face insert, which promotes forwardspin at impact for a smooth, accurate roll. And because the PureRoll insert is constructed of Surlyn, the feel and sound is remarkably soft, yet acute.
Available April 13, 2012, the White Smoke Series putters come in right-handed and left-handed, and in three lengths: 33-inches, 34-inches and 35-inches with a suggested retail price of US$99 per club.