PXG Hellcat ZT Putter Review: Maybe the best putter you can get for under £200

Key features:

• Milled 303 stainless steel head with injection moulding for
• PXG's signature face milling for optimal ball roll
• S-hosel and centre-weighted shaft eliminates torque in the putting stroke
• Built-in forward press positions the hands ahead of the ball for optimal launch

PXG is quickly emerging as one of the most exciting manufacturers of zero torque putters in the market right now.

While the brand has long made some of the best putters you can buy, their short stick offering has always flown under the radar somewhat. However with PXG now boasting a trio of high-quality ZT options, it's beginning to make a strong case to turn heads away from giants like Odyssey and L.A.B. Golf.

The latest entry into this line is the Hellcat ZT—PXG's first foray into what's still a fairly embryonic segment of the market: zero torque blade putters. And while there are a couple of options out there for blade players who want the forgiveness of a zero torque model, until now the choice has largely either come down to picking between an Odyssey or L.A.B. Golf's incredibly expensive Link.1.

The Hellcat sits somewhere in the middle ground between these two in looks, performance and price. But did it endear itself to us out on the course? Read on to find out.

Looks

Performance and feel

The Hellcat ZT is designed very much to maintain the feel of a classic blade putter while allowing the zero torque technology to take on the burden of delivering the head square and true on the ball. It performs well on both accounts, and whether or not you like the sensation the Hellcat ZT provides will be entirely subjective.

The Hellcat doesn't have the same impact dampening technology as PXG's mallet putters, relying instead on a simple milled head and face to deliver feel. As such, the Hellcat is, like many other blade putters, crisp on impact, the milled face interacting beautifully with softer-covered golf balls and producing a satisfying pop. 

The pyramid-milled face did its job well in addition to this, setting the ball rolling straight and true and providing a consistent result even on off-centre strikes. Distance control was excellent for a bladed putter, providing plenty of roll on toe and heel strikes.

The Hellcat ZT also performs wonderfully in its role as a zero torque putter, instantly putting into the conversation as one of the most forgiving mallet putters you can buy. The combination of the centre-weighted shaft, alongside the larger grip, does all the work in helping you maintain a square path through contact and promoting a natural rocking of the shoulders throughout the swing. 

All in all, the PXG Hellcat ZT is an incredibly hard putter to pull offline—something not at all common in the blade category—and really promotes a feeling of confidence once you get used to it. We'd lean towards the natural forgiveness of the mallet Bat Attack ZT if you struggle particularly with shorter putts, but if a bladed putter is what you're most used to on the greens, this would be an outstanding upgrade to make.

Should you buy the PXG Hellcat ZT putter?

Traditionalists who both prefer the look and feel of a bladed putter but struggle with consistency on the greens would be well-served trying the Hellcat ZT out.

The introduction of more zero torque options to the category is an absolute game-changer, giving this typically rather unforgiving segment a completely new dimension in helping the every day player find confidence and consistency with short and long putts alike.

Priced at an RRP of £249 but readily available for under £200 (see our links above), the Hellcat ZT also represents an outstandingly affordable entry point into the zero torque category given its premium construction and performance. In fact, we're hard-pressed to think of many better putters out there at that price point.

The Hellcat likely won't do much to convince players already comfortable with a mallet putter to switch back, but all the same, we can't recommend it highly enough for blade players on the hunt for consistency.

Shop now: $249 at PXG