Golfers know that having consistent and reliable equipment can make a big difference in their game. One important piece of equipment is a golfer’s putter. On most putters, you’ll notice a series of colored dots on the top. These are called PING dots and they help identify characteristics about that specific putter. In this article, we’ll take a close look at PING dot colors – what they mean and how they can help you choose the right putter.
What are PING Dots?
PING dots refer to the colored markings found on top of PING putters. PING is an American company that manufactures golf equipment including putters. In the 1960s, PING engineer Karsten Solheim came up with the idea to add colored dots to their putters as a way to help golfers identify certain characteristics.
Each color represents a different putter attribute:
- Red dot = High moment of inertia (MOI)
- Blue dot = Low MOI
- White dot = Mid MOI
- Green dot = Face balanced
- Orange dot = Toe balanced
- Black dot = Counterbalanced
PING dots help simplify the selection process so golfers can quickly choose a putter suited for their stroke type and putting style. Understanding the meaning behind each color is key.
High MOI Putters (Red Dot)
A red dot on a PING putter indicates it has a high MOI or moment of inertia. MOI measures the stability and resistance to twisting of a putter. A high MOI putter has weight distributed far away from the center. This creates a larger sweet spot and more forgiveness.
Pros:
- Very forgiving on off-center hits
- Reduces twisting on mishits
- Excellent for newer players
Cons:
- May feel too stable for better players
- Not ideal for feeling nuances in putting stroke
Example PING putters with red dot:
- PING Sigma G Tyne
- PING Cadence TR Anser 2
- PING Piper C
Low MOI Putters (Blue Dot)
Blue dot PING putters have a low MOI. Weight is distributed closer to the center rather than out on the perimeter. This provides less stability but enhances feel for better players.
Pros:
- Outstanding feel and feedback
- Easier to control pace and distance
- Allows shaping putts
Cons:
- Less forgiveness on mishits
- May twist more for newer players
Example PING putters with blue dot:
- PING Anser 2
- PING Vault 2.0 ZB2
- PING Cadence TR Vault Mid
Mid MOI Putters (White Dot)
White dot putters from PING offer a mid-range MOI. They strike a balance between stability and feel. These putters provide some forgiveness while maintaining responsiveness.
Pros:
- Good blend of forgiveness and feel
- Performs well for mid to low handicaps
- Consistent results across center and off-center hits
Cons:
- May not be ideal for very low or high handicaps
- Not the maximum or minimum MOI
Example PING putters with white dot:
- PING Scottsdale TR Shea H
- PING Vault 2.0 ZB
- PING Sigma G Piper
Face Balanced Putters (Green Dot)
Green dot putters from PING have a face balanced design. This means the putter face sits square to the target when you balance the shaft on your finger. Face balanced putters reduce twisting and work well for straight back, straight through strokes.
Pros:
- Helps keep the face square through impact
- Great for straight back, straight through strokes
- Consistency on both short and long putts
Cons:
- Not ideal for arcing putting strokes
- Limits ability to release the putter
Example PING putters with green dot:
- PING Sigma G Ketsch
- PING Cadence TR Ketsch
- PING Vault 2.0 Piper
Toe Balanced Putters (Orange Dot)
Orange dot putters from PING have a toe-balanced design. The toe hangs lower than the heel when balanced on your finger. This putter alignment helps golfers who have an arcing or swinging putting stroke.
Pros:
- Encourages an arcing putting motion
- Allows release through impact
- Promotes consistency with arcing stroke
Cons:
- Not ideal for straight back, straight through
- Can lead to pulling putts
Example PING putters with orange dot:
- PING Anser 4
- PING Sigma G Wolverine
- PING Vault 2.0 B60
Counterbalanced Putters (Black Dot)
Black dot putters from PING feature counterbalanced design. They have additional weight in the grip end to counterbalance the head weight. This provides an even balance point and smooth, controlled stroke.
Pros:
- Prevents flickering or jerky motion
- Consistency in distance control
- Helps make a straight back, straight through stroke
Cons:
- Feel is different than a conventional putter
- Limits wrist action in stroke
Example PING putters with black dot:
- PING Anser 2 CB
- PING Vault 2.0 Kirk CB
- PING Sigma G Tyne CB
Choosing the Right PING Dot Putter
So those are the differences between PING dot colors. But how do you decide which one is right for your putting stroke? Here are some tips:
- Know your stroke type – Straight or arcing? Inside-to-square or inside-to-inside?
- Get fit for length, lie, loft – Your proper specs are key for good alignment.
- Consider MOI needs – Less stable for better players, more stable for beginners.
- Test different alignments – Face balanced, toe hang, or counterbalanced.
- Review your misses – Which putter can correct your common errors?
- Focus on feel – Choose the responsive feedback you prefer.
If you follow these guidelines and experiment with different PING dot putters, you’ll be able to find the right model to improve your consistency on the greens.
Conclusion
PING dot colors are a great innovation that makes selecting a putter much easier. With the simple color coding system, you can quickly narrow down your choices based on MOI, balance, and other characteristics. Whether you need more stability or more feel, PING offers a broad range of putters to match your stroke and putting preferences.
Keep the PING dot colors in mind during your putter testing. Try out putters across the spectrum like the Sigma G Wolverine, Cadence TR Anser 2, and Vault 2.0 Piper. When you find the right blend of feedback, forgiveness, and alignment for your game, your putting consistency will drastically improve. Mastering the greens is a huge key to shooting lower scores, and having the right PING dot putter will help you achieve that goal.