Gauge A1SP vs Gauge SM490A Pictures

[MCsub]

OK, so I got the SM490A the end of last year and loved it. But I only got it because at the time there were no "One" models available. I just love the shape of the One the most. But the SM490A made me overlook the slant neck (which I had not really cared about but would not have ordered if I had the choice) and shape as it is absolutely pure at contact. But when Chris announced the A1SP, I had to get one. The One head shape and a 490 insert. Well, I tried both over the weekend and the A1SP is definitely more crisp than the SM490A with its SS body, but has a beautiful muted click feel to it. I think I will prefer it on longer putts for distance control. They are both beautiful, but the A1SP is the nicest putter I have seen to date, with its combination titanium colored metal and black accents. It is 34" and I need to cut it to 33" to fully decide which I prefer, but don't expect to see either one on the trading forum :)

[MCsub]

Special thanks to FAQ for help loading the pictures... one of our community's best members!! :cool:

[PxExG]

Thanks for the pics - tha A1SP does not for me at all. Too industrial looking, bring back the Tour Zero :love:

[+TourSpecGolfer]

Thanks MC for your Pix.

So how would you rank them now?

As for me the A1SP is my desired anser shape. It sits more compact and feels better on the take away.... do you have that sensation also due to the head size and weighting.

Not as soft as the Balde or SM490A you have but definitely a great feel the majority has never experienced.

FYI pro's seem to like the SP series over the Forged CNC series and the Average golfer enjoys the softer CNC models. It makes a lot of sense. softer for slower greens more sensitive for faster.

Patrick, If you like Tour Zero, go with the balde. Its not to expensive and in my opinion and many others the best feeling and designed anser ever made.

[MCsub]

Thanks for the pics - tha A1SP does not for me at all. Too industrial looking, bring back the Tour Zero :love:

It is not for everyone, and its menacing look is going to be too much for many. For my taste it is perfect. What I much prefer about the One over the Zero is the heel - I like the straight taper much more than the rounded edge.

Chris, as for feel, the SM490A is definitely softer. I still need to cut the A1 down to 33" to really compare. By choking up on it the grip is too thin and it is tough to tell. One thing I do prefer about the SM490A is the perfectly balanced face, whereas the A1 is toe heavy. Both are absolutely phenomonal, and the only putter I have ever tried that I would say is the equivalent of a Gauge is my Tour Bettinardi.

[+TourSpecGolfer]

So which did you end up keeping in the bag?

If your looking for ultimate soft feel the less expensive Forged CNC milled Series is the softest.

[MCsub]

No word yet... at this point I have only hit a few buckets, let alone play a round. Have not had a chance to shorten the A1 yet. Let's face it - for most golfers, you can either putt or you can't. I think I could learn how to putt w/ a brick on a stick if I had to. So it comes down to what you like to feel and look at. I do not like putters too soft, and that was my original concern w/ the SM490A (that is was too soft for me). So the cheaper forged putter sounds too mushy for my taste. But I can't argue w/ the results w/ the 490... I have never putted better with anything else. But the A1 looks better to my eye at address, and if I can get used to the heavy toe it will be my choice. Until then, I am very very confident w/ the 490.