This big, open-flanged mallet from Snake Eyes impressed us from the first time we picked it up. Testing on four different putting surfaces have added to the high esteem in which we hold this classy component putter. The feel of balance is exquisite. Golfsmith has obviously gone to a lot of trouble to engineer in some of the elegant smoothness found in Scotty Cameron and other high-end putters popular with well-heeled golfers today.
The head design is a bit peculiar. The wide, wide flange looks unwieldy in its broad flatness. First impressions of this head give concern that the wide bottom might catch and snag on putting surfaces, but that has decidedly not been the case. The designers have given the sole a gently canted roundness that allows it to glide easily and smoothly.
We have been testing the MCS3 head to head with our highest rated open mallets, the Ping B60 and the Scotty Cameron Del Mar. So far, we can’t say enough good stuff about the Snake Eyes. Alignment and distance control has been as good or better than that of the reigning champions – a big surprise, especially to the tester who thought he would love, honor and cherish the Del Mar until the day he died. ( What a fickle breed we golfers are) The easy-swinging balance on the MCS3 is exquisite – on a par with the Del Mar. The sensitivity is very fine as well. The soft feel of the MCS3 comes from the acrylic insert that rests on a frame of carbon steel.
Testing on fast greens and our slick target grid has been very fine, but golfers who play slow or ragged greens will probably want to look elsewhere. The MCS3 does not have the solid punch necessary to handle the shaggy stuff. It has been easily outclassed there by several putters including the Original Teardrop mallet and the Ping B60. The MCS3 is a sensitive, gentle putter not inclined towards banging the ball. On course testing at the toughest tournament venue in the state showed the Snake Eyes to be exceptionally talented at handling fast, undulated greens. Accuracy has been first rate. Continued use of the MCS3 throughout the season has borne out all of our early opinions of it.
A nickel chrome plating in champagne gives the head a distinctive look. The black and gold graphics, the black face insert, the black and gold Snake Eyes pistol grip and the champagne finish all conspire to create a putter that looks as good as it putts. This is a first rate looking putter.
- Snake Eyes MCS 3
- With an over-the-hosel, stepless steel shaft
- Length 34 3/4″, Swingweight D 5.5
One minor grievance: After the first half hour of use, the gold finish to the letter “n” in the “Snake Eyes” name emblazoned on the grip logo started to come off. A minor annoyance, but a shame on a club as classy and attractive as this putter. The Snake Eyes MCS 3 will cost you as much to buy as many high-end, pro-line putters.
