FAZER XR5 Putter Review: a straightforward mallet that helps you roll it straighter without killing your wallet

I’ve been gaming the FAZER XR5 putter (34", right-handed, oversize grip) for a few rounds now, plus a bunch of practice on the putting green. I’m not a pro, just a weekend golfer who three‑putts more than I’d like. I picked this up mainly because my old blade putter felt twitchy and I wanted something with a bigger head and a fatter grip to calm my hands down.

Out of the box, my first reaction was pretty simple: it looks like a normal mallet putter, nothing fancy, but it doesn’t scream “cheap toy” either. The black and red colour combo is fairly standard, and the head shape is familiar if you’ve ever tried entry‑level mallets from big brands. I wasn’t expecting miracles, just something stable that helps me line up better inside 10 feet.

On the course, the main thing I noticed is that the oversize grip and the head weight do make short putts feel more controlled than with my old skinny‑grip blade. It’s not magic, but I felt less wristy and more confident on those 4–6 footers. The face gives a decent roll, and mishits aren’t punished as hard. I’m still going to miss putts, but at least I know it’s more my read than the club flinching in my hands.

Overall, this feels like a pretty solid starter or upgrade putter for someone who doesn’t want to drop big money on a premium model. It has its flaws, especially around the headcover situation and some small finish details, but for the price it honestly does the job. If you’re after a tour‑level feel and absolute precision, this isn’t it. If you just want something stable, simple and easy to aim, it’s worth a look.

Looking at the price bracket this sits in and the 4.4/5 rating from over 200 Amazon reviews, I’d say the value is pretty strong. You’re not paying for a big‑name logo or fancy tech, but you’re also not getting a random no‑name stick from a bargain bin. For what it costs, the XR5 offers a stable mallet head, an oversize grip that many players will genuinely benefit from, and performance that’s easily good enough for most weekend golfers.

Compared to entry‑level putters from the big brands, you’re basically trading a bit of finish quality and brand prestige for a lower price. If you’re the type who cares more about how the ball rolls than what logo is on the head, this is a reasonable trade‑off. I’ve used more expensive putters that didn’t make me putt any better, they just looked fancier in the bag. With the XR5, you get a tool that quietly does the job without trying to impress anyone.

There are some downsides that affect perceived value. The headcover issue (some people not receiving it) is annoying, and the included cover is pretty basic anyway. The finish will likely show wear faster than premium models, and the grip, while helpful, isn’t top‑tier. But all of that is balanced by the fact that this putter genuinely helped me feel more stable and confident on short putts, which is what I actually care about on the course.

So in plain terms: if you want a cost‑effective mallet with an oversize grip that gives you more control without blowing up your budget, the XR5 is a sensible pick. If you’re chasing perfect aesthetics, brand cachet, or ultra‑premium feel, you’ll probably end up spending more elsewhere. For most casual golfers, the value here is pretty solid for the money.

Design‑wise, the XR5 sits in that familiar modern mallet category. The head is reasonably large but not cartoonish, and the footprint behind the ball feels comforting if you’re coming from a thin blade. The top line is fairly thick, and the alignment aid is a straight white line down the centre with contrasting colours on the head. It’s not fancy, but it helps you point the face where you think you’re aiming, which is really what matters.

At address, the black and red combination frames the ball pretty well. The contrast between the white alignment line and the darker head makes it easier to square up. I found it particularly helpful on short, straight putts where I usually second‑guess my aim. The head shape is symmetrical enough that it doesn’t distract the eye, and there are no weird cutouts or gimmicky shapes that draw attention away from the ball. If you’ve tried basic Odyssey or Wilson mallets, this will feel familiar.

The face design is plain – no deep milling pattern or insert. That means the feel is firmer, and you get a more direct click off the face. Some players like that feedback; others prefer a softer insert. Personally, I didn’t mind it. I could tell pretty easily when I caught it off the toe or heel. The topline thickness and the overall size also made it easier for me to feel like I was making a straight‑back, straight‑through stroke.

My only real knock on the design is the finish quality if you look closely. Up close you can see it’s not on the same level as higher‑end brands – some edges are a bit rough, and the paint on the alignment line won’t shock you if it chips after a season or two. But again, for the price, it’s acceptable. Functionally, the design does its job: it helps alignment, gives you a stable head behind the ball, and doesn’t try to be something it’s not.

Comfort is where this putter actually surprised me a bit. The oversize grip makes a clear difference if you’re coming from a thin, traditional grip. For me, it immediately took some of the tension out of my hands and wrists. My stroke felt more like a shoulder‑driven pendulum instead of a flicky, handsy mess. After a couple of practice sessions, I noticed I was gripping the club lighter but still felt in control, which is exactly what you want with a putter.

The overall weight and balance also help with comfort. The head is weighted enough that you can feel it throughout the stroke, but it’s not so heavy that you feel like you’re swinging a sledgehammer. One Amazon reviewer mentioned it’s “not too heavy,” and I’d agree. Walking 18 holes with it, I never felt any fatigue in my arms from using it, and on long putts I could still generate enough pace without forcing it. The regular flex shaft is a non‑issue on a putter; it just feels like a normal steel shaft, which is perfectly fine.

In terms of impact feel, it’s on the firmer side. When you strike the ball, you get a clear click and decent feedback. Centre strikes feel solid and controlled; mishits feel a bit harsher, but they let you know instantly when you missed the sweet spot. Personally, I like that kind of honest feedback. If you prefer a very soft, muted feel, you might find this a bit too firm, especially with harder balls. But for me, it was easy to adapt after a round or two.

Standing over the ball, the combination of the chunky grip, the mallet head, and the alignment line gave me a sense of stability I didn’t have with my old putter. I won’t pretend it magically fixed all my putting issues, but I did notice fewer shaky hands on short putts. Overall, comfort and feel are clear strengths for this model at its price point, even if it doesn’t reach the smoothness of expensive milled or insert putters.

The head is made from stainless steel, which is pretty standard in this price range. It gives a solid, slightly firm feel at impact and should hold up fine against normal bag chatter and the odd tap on the cart path. I’ve knocked it around a bit already – dropped it once near the practice green and banged it against another club in the bag – and it’s picked up only minor marks. Nothing that affects performance, just cosmetic stuff you’d expect after a few rounds.

The oversize grip is probably the most noticeable material choice. It’s not one of the big premium names, but it’s thicker than a normal grip and has a slightly tacky feel. Out of the box, it feels secure in the hands, even when they’re a bit sweaty. After several sessions, it hasn’t gone slick yet, but I can tell it’s not the highest‑end rubber. I’d say it’s good enough for at least a season or two of regular weekend use, and if you really like the head, you can always upgrade the grip later to a SuperStroke or similar.

Where you really feel the budget angle is in the finishing details. The paint fill on the alignment lines and logos is basic, and if you’re picky you’ll notice small imperfections. The black coating on the head may show wear quicker than a premium putter – especially on the sole where it scrapes on the ground and in and out of the bag. None of this changes how the ball rolls, but if you’re the type who wants your gear looking pristine for years, it’s something to keep in mind.

Overall, the materials are functional and in line with the price. Stainless steel head, oversize grip, nothing exotic. It feels better than the ultra‑cheap no‑name putters you see in bargain bins, but it’s also not pretending to be a tour‑level milled piece. For a casual golfer or someone kitting out a starter bag, the material choices make sense and keep costs under control.

Durability is always a question mark with budget‑friendly clubs, but so far the XR5 has held up reasonably well. The stainless steel head is naturally tough, so you don’t have to baby it. I’ve tossed it in and out of the bag, let it knock against irons, and used it on a few scruffy practice greens. Structurally, there’s no issue – no loosening, no rattles, nothing that affects play. That part feels solid.

Where you start to see the compromises is in the finish and paint. After a few rounds, there were some light scratches on the sole and a couple of tiny marks around the edges of the head. The black finish on the bottom will definitely show wear over time, especially if you play on sandy or rough surfaces. The white alignment line paint looks fine for now, but based on the quality I wouldn’t be shocked if it chips or fades after a season or two of heavy use. It’s cosmetic, but worth knowing if you care about looks.

The grip durability is decent but not bulletproof. The oversize grip still feels tacky and comfortable after several uses, but you can tell it’s not a high‑end material designed to last forever. If you play a lot, I’d expect to replace the grip after a couple of seasons to keep it feeling fresh. That’s normal maintenance anyway, and at this price I don’t see it as a big drawback. The shaft itself is standard steel and hasn’t given me any reason to worry.

One small annoyance is the headcover situation. Mine came with a basic cover that does the job, but other buyers have reported not getting one at all. And honestly, the included cover doesn’t feel like it will last very long – thin material and basic stitching. If you want to keep the head looking decent, I’d either chase up the missing cover with the seller or just buy a cheap, sturdier generic one. Overall, I’d rate durability as good enough for casual golfers: it should last several seasons functionally, even if it starts to look a bit worn around the edges.

On the performance side, I’ve used the XR5 for a handful of full rounds plus several trips to the practice green. The biggest change I noticed was on short to mid‑range putts (inside 10–12 feet). The head feels stable through impact, and the oversize grip stops me from flipping my wrists. As a result, my start lines have been straighter. I’m still misreading breaks like an idiot sometimes, but when I aim correctly, the ball tends to start where I’m pointing more often than with my old blade.

The roll off the face is decent. It’s not super soft, but the ball gets rolling forward without much skid. On average greens at my local course, I had no trouble controlling distance after a bit of practice. On longer putts (20–30 feet), I did need a few rounds to really dial in the pace, mostly because the head weight and firmer feel are different from what I was used to. Once I adjusted, my lag putting was at least as good as before, and I left fewer putts embarrassingly short.

Forgiveness is reasonable for this kind of putter. Off‑centre hits lose a bit of distance and feel harsher, but they don’t shoot off wildly offline. The mallet design keeps the face fairly stable, so minor mishits still end up close enough for a tap‑in. If you’re used to a very small blade where mishits are punished heavily, you’ll appreciate the extra forgiveness and stability here. It’s not at the level of high‑end mallets, but for a mid‑price club it holds its own.

In terms of consistency, I’d say my three‑putts have dropped slightly since switching to this putter, mostly because I’m more confident over shorter second putts. It hasn’t turned me into a putting wizard, but it has taken some of the chaos out of my stroke. So performance-wise, it’s solid: not spectacular, not terrible, just a reliable tool that helps you roll the ball with a bit more control.

The FAZER XR5 is a 34-inch, right-handed mallet putter with a regular flex and 3 degrees of loft. It’s stainless steel, with a black and red colour scheme, and it comes advertised with an oversize grip and a headcover included. The specs are fairly standard for a modern mallet: 34" will suit most average-height players, and 3° loft is pretty typical to get the ball rolling without popping it up.

In practice, what you’re getting here is a straightforward mallet shape with alignment lines on top, a chunky grip, and a head that feels moderately weighted. It’s not super heavy, but it’s definitely more stable than a skinny blade. The balance point feels slightly towards the head, which I personally like for a smoother pendulum stroke. There’s no fancy insert tech or milling pattern marketing thrown at you – it’s just a basic milled-looking face that gives a firm but not harsh feel at impact.

One thing to flag: some buyers mention not receiving the headcover, even though it’s clearly listed as included. Mine actually came with one, but it was pretty basic – thin material, Velcro closure, and I wouldn’t count on it lasting years. If the headcover is important to you, just be aware it’s a bit hit‑or‑miss based on other reviews. The putter itself, though, is the main story here, and that part at least matches the description well enough.

So in terms of presentation, it’s fairly no‑nonsense: a simple mallet, basic graphics, oversize grip, and that’s it. No fancy packaging, no extras. For the price bracket it’s in, that’s fine by me. I’d rather the money go into a half‑decent head and grip than a flashy box I’ll throw away in five minutes.