EPON i-33 Putter

EPON i-33 Putter Review

Today, I tested this premium golf club on the green.

The club I tested is the EPON i-33 Putter.

It features an N.S.PRO putter shaft. Loft is 3.3°, length is 34 inches, and total weight is 547g.

This is a beautifully crafted, traditional blade-style putter.

Many brands offer blade-style putters, and EPON has joined with this elegant model.

I once tested an earlier model with the same name, and what stood out was its exceptionally soft feel.

Recently, I visited a golf superstore and noticed that the putter section was dominated by mallet-style heads. Blade putters were rare, and L-shaped designs were virtually nonexistent.

The engraving “EPON JAPAN FORGED” instantly reminded me of the legendary AF-101 driver. It’s visually striking and elevates the excitement.

While some brands experiment with unique blade shapes, EPON sticks to a classic, timeless form with the i-33.

Although I’ve mainly used mallet putters, I’ve recently started exploring blade and L-shaped putters again. Blade putters help me visualize the line better, which makes them appealing.

While mallet putters help me feel the roll and overspin better, blade putters like the i-33 allow for sharper alignment and stroke precision.

The face features beautifully milled grooves—extremely fine and precise—similar to the previous model.

What does “i-33” actually mean?

The previous model had the same name. It reminds me of the Japanese ballad “Ai Sansan” by Hibari Misora, although that’s probably unrelated.

In Japan, number 33 also brings to mind famous athletes like Shigeo Nagashima, the legendary Yomiuri Giants player, and other icons like Etoo and Kawabata.

Golfer Jumbo Ozaki famously placed the number 33 on his ball and bag as a tribute to Nagashima. There’s even a Giants fan club called “Sansan-kai.”

The putter has a confident look at address. According to my trusted club craftsman, however, this appearance doesn’t always mean the face is perfectly square to the target.

He’s meticulously measured and disassembled many clubs and noted that some big-name brands have recently lost face angle accuracy due to factory changes.

It’s subtle—hard to detect visually—but measurable with precision tools. Even slight inconsistencies can matter.

That said, if a golfer is confident and makes putts, that’s what truly counts. But knowing EPON’s previous model was perfectly square boosts confidence in this new one too.

Some blade putters use dots instead of alignment lines. Personally, I prefer a solid line—it enhances my visual confidence.

This putter features a red alignment line, which is quite rare. It’s surprisingly clear and easy to see at address.

The sole is stunning—like a polished mirror. It’s the most reflective and aesthetically striking blade putter I’ve tested.

It’s undoubtedly a result of EPON’s attention to aesthetic detail and craftsmanship.

On the toe, you’ll find “FORGED × 5×MILLED” etched in. Presumably, this refers to a five-step milling process after forging—a mark of high-end manufacturing.

I wasn’t aware EPON had its own original putter grip. It’s a traditional shape and feels great in hand, though those who prefer oversized grips may find it less suitable.

Addressing the ball felt easy and natural—exactly what you’d expect from EPON. It’s neutral and traditional, making it easy to visualize the line.

Now, onto the actual feel…

What struck me first was the ultra-soft feel—truly exceptional for a metal-faced putter. Despite the precision milling and steel construction, the feedback was gentle and pleasant.

What’s the secret behind this luxurious feel? I tested the earlier i-33 and liked its soft feedback, but this version takes it even further.

I can’t give a definitive answer without comparing them side by side, but I strongly believe this new version is softer.

Alignment was easy, and performance was consistent. The cavity-back design provides more forgiveness than it appears—unlike traditional L-shaped putters.

A stylish yet forgiving club—a dream combination that’s been around for decades. I began with the Wilson 8813 and later used a PING Anser 2.

Switching from an L-shape to a blade felt easier due to the added forgiveness, although eventually, that ease became the new normal.

Blade putters like this offer excellent maneuverability and allow for natural face rotation. At the same time, they retain a level of forgiveness—almost like an automatic putter. That’s likely why so many golfers favor this shape.

On my first roll, I immediately noticed how well the ball rolled—and how easy it was to control. The soft feel made touch shots intuitive, helping me maintain distance control.

Imagine trying to thread nine 1mm threads through a 1cm hole, rather than a single 9mm thread. That’s how fine and delicate the control feels with this putter.

It’s not just about good roll—it’s about manageable roll. A harder feel would make distance control more erratic, but the i-33 offers a sense of leash-like control—almost like a “Ukai” (Japanese cormorant fishing), where the bird swims freely but is kept close by a guiding line.

Roll quality is critical in putting, but more roll isn’t always better. If the ball isn’t under control, you risk three- and four-putts.

The i-33 provides incredible touch and control. Whether you prefer a long follow-through or a compact stroke, it adapts to various stroke types.

This soft feel gets embedded into your body, sharpening your instincts and enhancing your putting. It’s forgiving, but not overly so—letting your skill shine while still supporting your stroke.

At first, I thought it was just a luxurious, beautiful putter. But after rolling a few balls, I was captivated by its exquisite feel. This is a putter that teaches you—one you’ll never tire of using.

*Addition: Introduction to this club (I researched this club after writing this article)

Japanese golfclubs EPON i-33 Putter Review: Precision Forged Elegance with Unrivaled Feel

From the official website:

Introduction: Why the EPON i-33 Matters

When it comes to premium forged golf equipment, EPON is a name that stands among the elite. The EPON i-33 putter is a standout in their lineup, blending traditional aesthetics with advanced engineering to create a blade putter that delivers surgical precision and an extraordinarily soft feel.

🟢 POINT: The i-33 Putter Is a High-Precision Blade for Players Who Prioritize Feel and Control

Unlike mass-produced milled putters, the i-33 is precision forged and hand-finished in Japan, offering unparalleled softness, superb balance, and confident alignment for players who value consistency on the green.

🔵 REASON: EPON’s Forging Heritage and Engineering Precision

EPON is the consumer brand of Endo Manufacturing, a legendary forging house in Niigata, Japan. Known for its ultra-tight tolerances and premium material selection, Endo supplies components to multiple OEMs, including some of the world’s top-tier golf brands.

The i-33 is not just forged — it’s forged and 5x CNC-milled, combining the feel of classic forging with modern precision milling techniques. This process ensures:

• Face flatness with micron-level tolerance

• Square alignment from heel to toe

• Perfect weight distribution and center of gravity calibration

The result? A blade that feels responsive, yet incredibly forgiving by blade standards.

🟣 EXAMPLE: How It Performs on the Green

📌 Official Specifications:

• Loft: 3.3°

• Lie: 71°

• Length: 34.25 inches

• Weight: 550g

• Shaft: N.S.PRO putter-specific steel

• Grip: EPON standard rubber grip (mid-size, traditional shape)

• Finish: Mirror-polished chrome with deep milling on face

📌 Key Performance Attributes:

1. Feel and Feedback

The first thing you notice is how ultra-soft the feel is. Many golfers expect milled steel to produce a “click” — not here. The face absorbs shock and delivers a velvety impact that rivals even some insert putters.

2. Roll Consistency

Thanks to the deep and precise milling, the ball grips the face slightly before release, promoting true end-over-end roll with minimal skid. This helps reduce distance inconsistency on longer putts.

3. Alignment Confidence

The red alignment line (rare in most putters) stands out sharply against the chrome body, aiding in immediate and confident setup. It is especially useful in low-light or shaded green conditions.

4. Balance and Swing Path

The putter head has a moderate toe-hang, making it ideal for players with an arc in their stroke. The 550g total weight offers stability without being too heavy for delicate touch control.

🔴 POSITION: Who Should (and Should Not) Use This Putter

✅ Best For:

• Players who want maximum feel and feedback

• Golfers with an arced stroke (toe-hang suits this best)

• Those who prefer a classic blade look and sound

• Golfers transitioning from L-shaped or older Anser-style putters

❌ Not Ideal For:

• Beginners who need maximum forgiveness

• Players with a straight-back, straight-through putting stroke

• Those used to oversized or mallet-style grips

• Anyone who prefers extremely heavy or counterbalanced putters

🟡 Pros and Cons

🧠 SGE-Focused Content: Questions Users Are Asking

🔍 “Is the EPON i-33 worth the high price?”

Yes — if you are a feel-oriented golfer. The i-33 competes directly with putters from Scotty Cameron, Bettinardi, and even artisan brands like TP Mills, but offers a more traditional forging approach with superior material quality.

🔍 “How does the EPON i-33 compare to a Scotty Cameron Newport?”

While both are blade-style putters with toe hang, the i-33 offers softer feel, less auditory feedback, and a more organic shape. The Newport uses face inserts or multi-materials; EPON stays true to forged single-body integrity.

🔍 “Is it forgiving?”

Yes, for a blade. The deep milling and cavity-back heel-toe weighting provide surprising stability on off-center hits.

🔍 “Is the i-33 suitable for high handicappers?”

Only if the player is confident with putting mechanics. For beginners or those needing extra forgiveness, a mallet might be better suited.

📊 Performance by Head Speed (for Putting Tempo)

While distance is less of a factor in putting, tempo and weight matching are important. Here’s how the i-33 generally pairs:

🌐 Real Golfer Impressions (Collected from Global Forums & Translations)

“This putter feels like butter, yet it gives you total control over the roll. Never thought a blade could be this soft.”
— Golfer, USA (Translated from Japanese blog and verified comment)

“The red line surprised me. It stands out in a good way. Helps with alignment more than I expected.”
— Golfer, UK

“I own a Scotty, Bettinardi, and now this. The EPON i-33 wins on feel, period.”
— Golfer, Australia

🏁 Conclusion: A World-Class Blade Putter for Serious Golfers

The EPON i-33 is not just another putter — it’s a masterwork of Japanese engineering. For those who value precision, feedback, and craftsmanship above all else, this putter will elevate your putting game and redefine your expectations of what forged equipment can feel like.

It’s best suited to intermediate and advanced players who are confident in their stroke mechanics and seek a putter that rewards their touch and feel. If you fit that profile, the i-33 will not only meet your expectations — it will exceed them.

📚 Sources & Verification

• EPON Official Product Page – i-33 Putter

• Verified user reviews (Japanese blogs, translated and cross-verified)

• Golfer forums (GolfWRX, MyGolfSpy)

• Technical comparison with Scotty Cameron, Bettinardi, Ping, Mizuno models

Japanese page