Ping Anser vs Kushin: Which Is Better?

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Precision on the green separates good rounds from unforgettable ones. The putter is more than just another club — it’s the final word on every hole. Among the most trusted names in this space, Ping has cemented its legacy with putters that combine performance, feel, and iconic design. Two models that frequently come up in serious golf circles are the Ping Anser and the Ping Kushin. Each offers a distinct experience while maintaining the exceptional craftsmanship Ping is known for.

This comprehensive breakdown covers every relevant aspect of both models — from shape, weighting, feel, and alignment to forgiveness, sound, player compatibility, and performance under pressure. Every golfer, regardless of handicap, benefits from grasping these nuanced differences. It’s not about what’s popular — it’s about what complements your game.

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Ping Anser vs Kushin: Which Is Better?

Precision starts with shape. Visual confidence at address sets the tone for every stroke, and the distinct designs of the Anser and Kushin offer two different types of comfort.

Ping Anser Design Overview:

• Classic blade-style putter, refined and streamlined.
• Clean heel-toe weighting, first introduced in the 1960s, now enhanced with modern materials.
• Features a narrower profile, a slight curve from heel to toe, and a single sightline for straightforward alignment.
• Encourages a moderate arc stroke, ideal for those with slight face rotation.

Ping Kushin Design Overview:

• A hybrid blade-mallet fusion, slightly wider from face to back than the Anser.
• Still heel-toe weighted but with a more squared, compact shape.
• Typically includes dual sightlines, offering extra visual cues and confidence on alignment.
• Designed to accommodate a more stable stroke path, with less arc than the Anser.

Summary: Anser brings timeless elegance and a pure blade setup. Kushin blends mallet-like forgiveness with a blade’s compactness, bridging two worlds for golfers looking for something in-between.

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Weight Distribution and Balance

Weight impacts tempo, forgiveness, and control. The internal weighting systems of both models reflect different philosophies to match different putting strokes.

Anser Weighting Profile:

• Delivers classic toe-hang balance, meaning the toe naturally drops when the shaft is balanced on a finger.
• Promotes a natural arc stroke, where the putter opens and closes slightly.
• Weight is evenly distributed between heel and toe to stabilize the head on off-center strikes.

Kushin Weighting Profile:

• Offers slight toe-hang to face-balanced designs, depending on the neck style.
• More forgiving on straighter strokes, helping reduce the twist at impact.
• Rear weighting adds stability during the stroke and aids follow-through.

Summary: Anser supports players who rotate the face slightly through impact. Kushin caters to more square-to-square strokes while still giving feedback without harsh penalization.

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Feel and Feedback

Feel is subjective, but absolutely crucial. The way a putter communicates contact through the hands dictates confidence, rhythm, and trust under pressure.

Anser Feel Characteristics:

• Offers a crisp, responsive strike, especially with Ping’s milled face or insert technology.
• Feedback is immediate. Mishits on the toe or heel transmit through the hands but without harsh vibration.
• Provides an audible, satisfying click at impact, which many players equate with solid ball compression.

Kushin Feel Characteristics:

• Slightly more muted feel, aided by the broader sole and added mass behind the face.
• Mishits are absorbed a bit more, giving the impression of a smoother stroke even on imperfect contact.
• Delivers a softer sound — less click, more thud, depending on the face material used.

Summary: Anser leans toward sharper, more tactile feedback. Kushin offers a dampened, stable response with a smoother, heavier tone off the face.

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Alignment Aids and Visual Framing

Confidence at setup directly affects execution. The right alignment tool clears mental clutter and sharpens focus.

Anser Alignment Aids:

• Features a single central sightline, often painted white for maximum contrast.
• Minimalist top line allows the eyes to frame the ball cleanly with little distraction.
• Preferred by players who rely on internal visualization rather than external guides.

Kushin Alignment Aids:

• Dual sightlines extending from the flange, combined with the top-line aid.
• Provides three-point visual references, helpful for players who need clear visual cues.
• Wider footprint frames the ball more completely, giving a mallet-like visual without the bulk.

Summary: Anser keeps things minimal for visual purists. Kushin supports players who appreciate extra visual reinforcement and a broader look behind the ball.

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Forgiveness and MOI (Moment of Inertia)

Consistency on mishits separates top-performing putters from the rest. MOI plays a crucial role in ensuring off-center strikes still roll on line and at expected distances.

Anser Forgiveness Profile:

• Surprisingly forgiving for a traditional blade, thanks to strategic perimeter weighting.
• Off-center hits lose a touch of distance but generally stay online unless severely mishit.
• Performs best with consistent stroke mechanics and center contact.

Kushin Forgiveness Profile:

• Higher MOI than standard blades due to wider body and redistributed mass.
• More stable through impact on toe or heel strikes, especially helpful on short putts under pressure.
• Ideal for golfers prone to face rotation or minor stroke inconsistencies.

Summary: Kushin provides more forgiveness, especially for variable strokes. Anser rewards precision and repeatability with equally precise roll.

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Performance on Fast vs Slow Greens

Putter behavior can vary dramatically depending on green speed. Matching putter to conditions ensures lag putting and short-range execution stay dialed in.

Anser on Fast Greens:

• Excellent touch due to its lightweight head and firmer feel.
• Promotes a shorter backstroke with longer follow-through, ideal for delicate strokes.
• Face feedback makes it easier to throttle power on downhill putts.

Kushin on Fast Greens:

• Slightly heavier head may require adjustment in tempo.
• Alignment aids help reinforce confidence when greens become intimidatingly quick.
• Requires a smoother stroke to prevent over-hitting, especially from longer distances.

Anser on Slow Greens:

• May require a firmer stroke, which could magnify stroke flaws if rhythm isn’t consistent.
• Slight mis-hits might not get the ball to the hole without proper follow-through.

Kushin on Slow Greens:

• Additional mass allows for more natural acceleration through the ball.
• Ball rolls out longer, requiring less swing compensation for speed.

Summary: Anser excels on fast greens with tactile finesse. Kushin dominates on slower surfaces where added mass keeps putts on target with less physical strain.

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Grip Options and Customization

Grip feel, size, and shape influence wrist action and overall control. Both models offer versatility but attract different styles of putters.

Anser Grip Tendencies:

• Often paired with a traditional pistol grip, designed for maximum feel and wrist freedom.
• Supports players who enjoy subtle wrist hinge or feel-driven control.
• Easily customizable — fits well with flat, round, or oversized grips depending on preference.

Kushin Grip Tendencies:

• Frequently matched with mid-sized or oversized grips, to reduce wrist involvement.
• Helps stabilize hands and encourage shoulder-driven pendulum strokes.
• Ideal for claw, cross-handed, or straight-back putting styles.

Summary: Anser is more responsive to grip pressure changes and feel-based control. Kushin encourages mechanical consistency and reduced variability.

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Historical Influence and Pro Tour Legacy

A club’s legacy adds weight to its place in a golfer’s bag. Knowing the roots of a design often helps build confidence in its modern form.

Anser Legacy:

• Created by Karsten Solheim in 1966, the Anser revolutionized putter design.
• First to implement heel-toe weighting, setting a new standard in putter balance.
• Still a favorite among pros and amateurs — multiple major wins and iconic moments trace back to this design.
• Nearly every manufacturer has created a tribute or copy of the Anser shape.

Kushin Legacy:

• Though lesser known, Kushin remains a sleeper favorite in Ping’s lineup.
• Offers traditional Ping innovation with a modern twist — combining classic blade elements with added forgiveness.
• Less mainstream but often selected by players looking to escape the crowded Anser crowd without losing quality.

Summary: Anser is the icon. Kushin is the underrated technician. Both rooted in innovation, but Anser enjoys the spotlight while Kushin quietly delivers.