The Ping Sigma 2 putters are an upgrade on the original Ping Sigma G putters that were launched in 2017.
The 2-piece Dual-Durometer face is different as the softer front piece is now the same PEBAX synthetic material as the firmer rear piece, rather than the aluminium face of the Sigma G.
This not only gives a different look with the black finish, but also a softer sound, although I would say that it is still reasonably firm as insert putters go, which is a good thing.
The face has 3° of loft and still features the True Roll (TR) design of variable depth grooves that aim to reduce the drop off in ball speed for any mis-hits so that the ball has more chance of still reaching the hole and going in.
This is one of the more subtle and well thought out face groove patterns on the market and it does the job as well as creating the impression of a little worn patch in the centre of the face where the grooves are deeper, which makes you like a better putter than you might otherwise be.
The really big difference with the Sigma 2 is something you can't really see and that is the mechanism under the grip that allows you to vary the length of the shaft from 32 to 26 inches in any amount you want.
Ping has done adjustable length putters before with the first being the Karsten TR putters in 2014, but that was an optional extra and had a ring at the bottom of the grip that you adjusted using a key.
With the Sigma 2 putters you still adjust the length using a key, but now this fits in the top of the grip and as you turn it the grip effectively slide up and down the shaft until you get the length you want.
On the back of the shaft there are hash marks showing the different lengths and I found the easiest way to adjust the putter is to hold the head in one hand and the wrench in the other and turn the wrench so you can see the grip move over the hash marks as you adjust it.
The 32 inch length is marked at the bottom and then each mark is an increase of a quarter of an inch. It is very clear but it would have been nice to see some more numbers next to the lines for each extra inch.
This ingenious idea is not only simple to understand and use, but it is hidden from view and is one of the best technological devices I have seen in my time reviewing golf clubs.
As someone who regularly finds 35 inch putters too long and 34 inch putters too short, being able to go for 34.5 inches without having to get someone to chop the shaft down and replace the grip saves time and money and means I can get exactly the right length by adjusting it myself.
Taking length off the shaft will affect the swing weight a little as it changes by half a swing weight for every inch of adjustment. However this is just physics and you can't get away from that.
This is not going to be a noticeable amount and it is going to be the overall feel of the putter that you will be adjusting for, so once you get the length and lie right then you will probably adapt to whatever the swing weight of the putter will be.
Adjusting the shaft to the correct length means that the putter will sit better, your eyes will be in a better position over the ball and the weighting in the head design will work properly through the stroke as the head will be sitting flat, so from here on in any misses are probably due to operator error.
If you need the lie adjusted from the standard 70° then this can still be done through Ping custom fitting by up to 2° or 4° depending on the model.
I tested the midsize PP60 grip with the flat front, but there is also the option of the PP61 pistol shaped grip or the larger more rounded PP62 if you prefer.
There are 10 models in the range so you should find one you like in either the Platinum or 'Stealth' black finish.
The usual suspects from the Sigma G range are there from Anser, Arna, Kushin C, Tyne, Tyne 4 and Wolverine H and these are shown in the Gallery section below, but there are also 3 new shapes which I will take you through now:
Ping Sigma 2 ZB 2 Putter Review
Ping's putters have long come in Straight, Slight Arc and Strong Arc set ups to suit your stroke and you can find out what type you have using the excellent iPing App.
The Sigma 2 ZB 2 is one of the Strong Arc models which effectively means that it is a toe hang putter with more weight in the toe to square the face of those with an open to closed stroke.
When you take the cover off the 350g head, the high square toe and short offset hosel give it a classic look.
It is quite an oversized design that has echoes of a Ping Zing 2 and when it is at address starts to look quite chunky with a thick leading edge and a bold alignment line.
The sound from the Sigma 2 insert seemed to vary depending on the head shape and of the three new models the ZB 2 was probably the loudest with a reasonably hollow sound.
The longer head does help the MOI to make it as forgiving as an Anser and if you want a generous style blade then the ZB2 is worth checking out.
Ping Sigma 2 Fetch Putter Review
The Fetch putter has an unusual design for Ping but you can immediately see why it is given this name.
Just place the hole in the putter over the ball and then dab down on it and it will pick it up off the green for you. That is obviously after you have been conceded it for the win rather than picking it up because you have missed again.
The lack of weight in the middle of the head gives the Fetch a softer feel and quieter sound than the other models I tried and as mallets go, it is quite a compact size.
Even though the 365g head is face balanced for the Straight Arc brigade, it does seem to want to fall open at address so make sure that you get your hand position correct and then you should be fetching your ball from the bottom of the cup.
Ping Sigma 2 Valor Putter Review
Another face balanced Straight Arc putter is the high-MOI Valor head.
At 365 grams with the weight focused on the outside bars going down the back of the head, then this will give you great stability on shorter putts.
Of the three models here, the sound was the best for me as it was between the two, with a solid response that was not too hollow.
Like the Fetch, it does want to fall back on its haunches at address, but of the three models this was my favourite as I do like a face balanced mallet and the long alignment line on the back of the putter is something I like to use to help me line up.
Ping Sigma Putter Review Summary
With a great choice of heads, a very good face the Sigma 2 range of putters would be on everyone's short list anyway.
However with the addition of the adjustable length grip, it takes them to the next level with a level of personal adjustability that is easy to use and understand.
Together with the iPing App it really does allow you to self-fit yourself into a putter, although some expert advice from a pro would probably get you there quicker, but either way it is going to be easy to set up the putter the way you want.
It is great to see some original thought and innovative technology in a putter that is affordable and going to bring real benefits to the golfer. Well done Ping.