Zen Oracle RDE Mallet Putter
It is not the most technologically advanced putter on the market, nor is it the easiest on the eye, but the Zen Oracle RDE Mallet putter is one of the most clever and innovative models we’ve ever seen. It not only serves you as a trusty partner on the greens, but also helps you hone your stroke off it. It has a lot to live up to, but how did it get on in the Whitley Golf test? Find out.
The Claim:
We asked one of Zen’s putting experts, Will Stubbs, to give us the low-down on the Zen and what makes it so special.
He said: “How many people have you seen walk onto the practice green and throw down a sleeve of balls and miss the first one right of the hole? They then have to compensate and in doing so over do it and miss the second left.
“This trial and error process is repeated until they succeed in getting the ball in the hole. So now they walk onto the course with this stroke made up of compensation over compensation and wonder why they putt well one day and bad the next!
“So what the Zen Oracle and its simple drills do is give golfers direct feedback on why the first putt went right. So now they are no longer compensating, they know why they missed and can correct their issues within three putts.
“They are learning to putt effectively and get perfect feedback on their stroke.”
The Truth:
When it comes to selecting a putter, many golfers will judge their choice on a combination of looks and feel.
And this is a tried-and-tested method which has served many well over the years.
But this selection process could make you overlook a real gem — the Zen Oracle RDE Mallet.
At first glance, the Oracle RDE doesn’t look too inviting. It has quite a confusing head shape which could put some people off and an uninspiring colour scheme. But the age-old saying ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ becomes really apparent when you give this mallet a go.
“Although it is by no means good looking, the Zen Oracle RDE Mallet Putter is a real performer.”
Not only does it have plenty of feel and great perimeter weighting, which ensures plenty of accuracy and forgiveness, but it also doubles up as a training aid, designed to improve each facet of your stroke. The head shape, which draws inspiration from the immensely popular Odyssey 2-Ball series, is an extended mallet which houses a golf ball shaped hole. This hole helps the golfer line up the ball perfectly, and is complemented by a red sight-line and central dot. The result is a very accurate putter which is extremely easy to line up and breeds a lot more confidence than you’d expect on first look.
But what is most impressive about this putter is the ridged insert (left).
The face, which is scientifically engineered to reduce dispersion on impact, features precise micro ridges which are designed to make it the most accurate putter face in golf.
The technology behind these ridges, which is called ‘reduced dimple error’ (where RDE derives from) combats the unreliable and inconsistent nature of how a ball reacts on impact and thus creates a true roll.
“The technology behind these ridges, which is called ‘reduced dimple error’ combats the unreliable and inconsistent nature of how a ball reacts on impact and thus creates a true roll.”
Apparently, dimples can cause dispersion on putts as small as five feet and can make a lot of golfers miss the easy shots.
This is something anyone would want to avoid and getting the Zen could be a way of doing so — it has one of the most consistent faces of any putter we have seen and the roll it provides is second to none.
A criticism of the insert, though, is that it is quite small and does not take affect on off-centre hits. If Zen were to extend this over the full blade, they would be on to a real winner.
But as we have already said, the Zen Oracle RDE Mallet is not just a putter — it is a training aid, too.
The mallet doubles up as your very own stroke trainer and can help you create a smooth and rhythmic action which can lead to more holed putts.
There are four exercises which are recommended, each involving placing a ball in the back of the mallet, and here’s a brief description of how they work, complete with images.
The Reflex Drill
This drill helps you to maintain a strong shoulder pivot action with your arms, hands and club working in ‘one piece’.
The weight of the ball adds a degree of resistance to the club head, while the action of keeping the ball in the aperture increases your intuitive awareness of the putter in relation to the green.
The Release Drill
This drill takes away the hitting action and allows you to develop the purest putting mechanic. Zen Release ‘imprints’ perfect putting action, pace and path into your stroke.
The Tracer Drill
This drill synchronises all the mechanics of the putt. The ball struck off the putter face confirms correct putter alignment and the ejected ball confirms your swing path and release action are all moving in the same direction.
The Tracker Drill
This metronome-style routine subconsciously fuses the benefits of Zen Release and Impact into one simple, yet powerful action. Repeat the exercise, allowing the balls to act as markers on the ground to confirm consistency and alignment in your swing path and swing pace.
We spent a few hours with these drills and were pleasantly surprised. They promote a smooth stroke and allow you to get the feel for the ‘textbook’ putting action. We’re not saying they will totally transform your game and make you can putts from 50 feet, but they really will help you. So much so, we think even those happy with their current flat-stick should get one.
To Sum Up…
Although it is by no means good looking, the Zen Oracle RDE Mallet Putter is a real performer. It has a very consistent face, which promotes a true roll, and it doubles up as a training aid which will help you improve your stroke. Well worth £120.
In Short
Looks: 5
Feel: 9
Impact On Game: 10
Performance: 9
Value: 9
OVERALL: 42/50
Details
RRP: £120
Standard Grip: Zen Winn (Black/Red/White)
Left-handed Version? Yes
Custom Fitting: See this page
Website: www.zenoracle.co.uk
Telephone: 01142 449 248
If you want to get your hands on one of these putters absolutely free, answer a simple question about Sergio Garcia.
Tags: Break 30 Putts, Equipment, Putter, Putting Trainer, Training Aid, Zen Oracle, Zen Oracle RDE Mallet Putter
