Taylormade TP Hydro Blast Bandon 3 Putter £199
GM Verdict
Forgiving mallets have long formed the backbone of Taylormade’s putter offerings but the new TP Hydro Blast range looks to offer golfers more visual choice in terms of head shape.
There are seven in all, one of which is the Bandon 3. This model has a short-neck hosel, which provides a little more toe-hang than the plumber’s neck found on the Bandon 1. As a blade user, we preferred this.
The sandstone finish on the head is absolutely stunning. For something that looks so raw, it still manages to appear both elegant and premium, though it does reflect the sun more than we would have liked when putting in certain directions.
Off the face, it feels solid and offers a surprisingly firm feel and loud sound at impact given the deep grooves on the face insert, which help the ball to hug the ground early in its roll. This remained consistent across the face, with enough speed imparted on even short, controlled strokes to still get the ball to the hole.
The Bandon 3 provides a feel close to that of a blade in terms of how it releases, but with the forgiveness of a mallet – a combination that we really enjoyed. As a result, we were particularly prolific from short range but we also holed a surprising number of ten- to 15-footers, which was great.
The stock Lamkin Sink Fit Skinny grip fitted our hands comfortably and provides a firm but tacky feel, which enhanced our control of both pace and putterface. A Superstroke Pistol GTR 1.0 is available as a custom option if you prefer a thicker size.
Forgiveness levels weren’t quite up there with the Spider EX but this putter performs on all lengths of putt with a more refined look. It’s no wonder Taylormade’s Tour players have started to put it in play.