Scotty Cameron Phantom X 5.5 Review

Scotty Cameron Phantom X 5.5 Putter: Introduction

In this putter review, I’ll be taking a look at one of the new models from one of the most popular manufacturers Scotty Cameron.

Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Links to other merchants may also be affiliate links.

Overview of the Phantom X 5.5

The Scotty Cameron Phantom X 5.5 putter is a precision-milled mallet putter that has generated plenty of buzz since its launch. The design draws inspiration from the popular Phantom X models and comes with a “pistolero plus” grip that provides impeccable balance and stability during your stroke.

The putter’s shaft is suited to the natural arc stroke, and its toe flow is meant to enhance stability during impact. The neck of the putter is a low-bend design with a single sightline that helps golfers position the clubhead to the ball. The putter also features an aluminum sole plate and stainless steel sole weights that enhance forgiveness and counterbalance the weight of the putter head. Justin Thomas has been a proponent of this putter and even used an earlier version of it to win on the PGA Tour.

The MOI of the Phantom X 5.5 putter is impressive, and it makes putts feel smooth and effortless. Overall, this Scotty Cameron putter is an excellent choice for golfers who value precision, consistency, and comfort when putting.

Visuals

Compared with other models in the Phantom X line the 5.5 and 5 are relatively small certainly when compared to the Phantom X 12. They are probably best described as mid-mallets. In terms of alignment, you have a short line on top of the head to help you plus some lines milled just behind the face.

For those that found the yellow graphics on earlier versions off-putting, you will be pleased to know that the appearance of this golf club is much more muted.

Feel

Obviously, I’m a little biased as I’ve been using the X 12 model for about three years (during the summer at any rate) but I quite like how the ball feels off the face of these Phantom putters. If you strike the ball correctly then you’ll get a satisfying click. While the club does offer a high MOI it isn’t quite as forgiving as the larger mallets.

Fitting

As with other models in the Phantom range, this putter is available in three lengths, 33 inches, 34 inches and 35 inches. The weights fitted in the aluminum soleplate are different depending on the length of the putter you purchase. You will get either 2×10 g, 2×15 g or 2×20 g. You can purchase a weight kit on the manufacturer’s website although they are extremely expensive in my opinion.

You can get the putter length customized with half-inch adjustments available. If you need the loft adjusted by ±1° that is available along with a lie adjustment of ±2°.

Lefties are in luck as you can get the same customizations.

On The Green

Putting has never been my strongest suit so I tend to stick with mallet putters for their extra forgiveness. While I enjoyed the feel of the face and quickly found I was able to judge distance quite well I’m not sure I would switch from my current X 12 since I find that easier to align correctly. This putter has some toe hang so will suit players with an arcing stroke. If you have a straight stroke then the X 5 will likely suit you better as that is face balanced.

Scotty Cameron Phantom x 5 vs 5.5 – The Main Differences

The main differences between the Phantom X 5 and 5.5 models are the shaft and neck configurations, which determine the putter’s balance and alignment. The Phantom X 5 has a face-balanced configuration that is ideal for golfers with a straight back and through putting stroke.

On the other hand, the Phantom X 5.5 has a single bend shaft that promotes slight toe flow, which is suitable for golfers who use a more arcing putting stroke. Another difference is the placement of the alignment aid on the heads of the putters. The 5 model features a line on the topline that helps with aiming, while the 5.5 has a longer sightline that extends to the toe, which provides an additional reference point for alignment. 

Other Phantom X Models

The Phantom X models are renowned for their exceptional design and performance, and the Phantom X 5.5 putter stands out as a top choice for golfers looking to improve their putting game and is notable for its popularity with a certain Justin Thomas.

The other models in the range might suit your game better though.

If you are looking for maximum forgiveness then you need to try out full-size mallets such as the X 12:

• X 9
• X 9.5
• X 11
• X 11.5
• X 12

For those wanting increased forgiveness in a smaller head there are several Phantom models for you to choose from:

• X 5
• X 5.5
• X 5s
• X 7
• X 7.5

In 2022, the new sole plate design has been introduced in the Scotty Cameron Phantom X models, including the 5.5. The aluminum sole plate increases durability and stability for a smoother putting experience. Overall, Scotty Cameron Phantom X models, particularly the Phantom X 5.5, are highly recommended as quality and dependable putters that can help improve any golfer’s game. 

What I Like About the Phantom X 5.5 Putters

I have had the opportunity to use several putters over the years – some would say too many! However, the Scotty Cameron Phantom X putters have captured my attention and made me a huge fan. One of the things I like the most about these putters is their sleek design, which enhances their overall feel. Additionally, the weighting of the Phantom X putter is another feature that I truly appreciate.

The putter comes with customizable weights, allowing me to experiment and find the perfect weight to suit my swing and putting style. The solid feel and sound of the putter upon impact have also contributed to my enjoyment on the putting green. Overall, the Scotty Cameron Phantom X putters are an exceptional choice for anyone looking for an outstanding, high-quality putter that delivers superior performance on the green. 

What I Don’t Like About the Phantom X 5.5 Putters

The Scotty Cameron Phantom X putters have been promoted as one of the most innovative putters around, but there are a few things that I do not like about them.

1 . the price of a Phantom X putter is incredibly high, and it doesn’t necessarily reflect in your performance.

2. the shape of the putter head and the neck can be a bit awkward, which can make it difficult to get a consistent strike on the ball.

3. while the alignment aids on the putter head can be helpful, I feel like I need a little more help to line up correctly. 

What To Look For In A Putter?

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder as they say and that is certainly true when it comes to putters. First and foremost you want something that you like the look of. It needs to feel “right” in your hands and most of all it needs to get you holing out regularly.

For some tips on buying a putter check out my buying guide for putters.

Alternatives To Scotty Cameron

At the premium end of the putter market you have Bettinardi who do make some very nice-looking putters. Ping have recently created a more up-market and therefore expensive line called PLD. You could also look at TaylorMade or Odyssey.

At the budget end of the market, you have the Cleveland Huntington Beach Line or the Wilson Infinite range. Yes, I’m afraid $100-$150 putters are probably “budget” now!

Scotty Cameron Phantom X 5.5 Review: Summary

Can the Phantom X 5.5 improve your putting? No doubt that it can if it suits your eye. Putting tends to be much more about feel than any other part of the game. If you have confidence then that is probably 90% of the battle. I wouldn’t swap my current Scotty Cameron X 12 for this model because I feel I need more help with alignment and mishits. 

However, that shouldn’t stop you from giving the club a try if you like the look of a compact mallet.

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQ]