Epon i33 Putter Review

The Epon i33 putter was produced late in 2009 and available to only select accounts. Only 300 pieces were produced which were sold out extremely quickly in Japan and globally. Endo factory has not produced many putters, in fact I ‘m really not sure if they have ever produced any putters in the past.

The i33 was in development for over a year and features a familiar anser design that has subtle adjustments that make it unique and very attractive to gaze upon.  Produced of soft forged S20C steel which carries a Rockwell hardness rating of  HRB80 the feel at impact is surprisingly soft. Usually forged putters do vibrate softer than stainless putters but this one takes the cake producing a rewarding impact that feels expensive and of the highest quality. 

I have played several rounds with this putter as well as put it to the test on my own putting green at home and feel comfortable enough to post this review, please enjoy!

Feel
This is one of the best feeling putters I have ever hit and I have had the honor of hitting everything from GSS camerons to Gold’s Factory putters with German Silver inserts. Very few putters anywhere or ever have felt this great, it’s soft, muted, and firm not at all mushy in any way.

Roll
It rolls just as well as many of the top putters on the market today, In this department its on par with everything else. Let’s face it, it’s very difficult to improve upon roll in this day and age with all of the advancements in design and technology made recently.
Balance
This is where some peoples opinions may differ from mine, I really enjoy overweight putters and this one is exactly that at around 369 grams. Some will say that throws the balance off but really in my opinion to each is own and maybe on faster greens I would prefer a bit lighter weight head for a more delicate touch but where I play regularly it does the job. Heavier heads help me stabilize the stroke and get the ball through the average greens imperfections.

Aesthetics
I would prefer they didnt put the steps near the back face of the putter as to me it looks cheap and does nothing for performance, I do feel that engraving the lie and loft was unnecessary as well because like many I changed my loft for the forward press in the hands i have and flattened out my lie angle by a degree making the stock engraving inaccurate.  The almost blank sole is very sexy but in chrome it gets scratched up fairly quick. Everything else is very nice about the putter the shape and rounded heel and toe as well as the matte satin style finish from visual angles while putting was a good decision on the part of Epon to avoid glare
Quality
It’s all there 100% and best part is you can feel it when you stroke the putter and at impact, it doesn’t feel cheap instead it feels solid, stable, expensive, and rewarding. The craftsmanship is excellent and the putter is pretty much flawless in this category. Kudo’s to Epon for staying true to their QC ethics.

My Final Take 
If you can afford this putter and enjoy anser style designs we here at GTI & TSG highly suggest it, on top of all that IF you wanted it adjusted we can send it to Master Sasaya for a different finish, removal of some of the engravings to help you shed weight, tungsten or visual aid work and maybe even your own design on the sole.  The putter is shipped in a stunning black box and comes with an original i33 Epon head cover, it’s very nice! The stock shaft is the Shimada 121-P 120g heavy putter shaft at 34″ coming in at around a total head weight of 540 grams. Lie = 71* & Loft = 3.3*.

We were told that an additional run of 100pcs may be coming in the future to satisfy international market demands. TSG has secured 5 more putters available to ship now. 

[nggallery id=45]