Gateway Wizard Putter Full Review

Gateway Wizard Putter Full Review

For players seeking a reliable, bead-equipped putter that offers exceptional control both on the putting green and from the tee, the Gateway Wizard is a disc that demands attention. Its consistent flight and wide array of plastic options make it a workhorse for anyone from the new player establishing their putting stroke to the seasoned veteran needing a stable approach disc they can trust in the wind.

At a glance

:::flight-numbers-card manufacturer: Gateway mold: Wizard category: putter speed: 2 glide: 3 turn: 0 fade: 2 stability: stable rim_width: 10mm weight_range: 165-175g :::

How it actually flies

The Gateway Wizard, with its bead and flat top, delivers a flight that lives up to its numbers: a straight, stable push with a reliable, gentle fade at the end. Fresh out of the box, in a firm plastic like SureGrip S or Evolution, it flies very true. On a flat release for putting, it holds its line with minimal deviation, dropping into the chains with a confident finish. Its low speed (2) means it won't carry too far past the basket on misses, which is a significant advantage.

From the tee or for approaches, the Wizard truly shines. Given a clean, flat release with moderate power (say, 200-250 feet of arm speed), it will fly straight with impressive torque resistance, especially for a putter. The fade (2) kicks in predictably, allowing for controlled hyzer approaches that land softly. It resists turning over even in light headwinds, making it a dependable choice when precision is paramount. For players with stronger arms, it can handle a fair amount of power before showing any high-speed turn, making it a viable option for shorter, controlled drives. It's surprisingly forgiving of minor off-axis torque (OAT) on approach shots, often correcting itself to a stable flight path. As it beats in, particularly in softer SureGrip blends, the fade lessens slightly, and it develops a touch more glide, becoming even straighter for longer before a very gentle finish.

:::flight-path stability: stable turn: 0 fade: 2 :::

Plastic, honestly

Gateway is renowned for its bewildering array of Wizard plastics, each offering a distinct feel and flight characteristic. * SureGrip (S, SS, SSS, OG, Super Stupid Soft, etc.): This is the flagship blend, available in numerous stiffness levels. * SureGrip S (Stiff): Offers the most stability and durability within the SureGrip line. It holds its flight path longer and beats in slower, making it excellent for driving and approach work where you want a consistent, firm feel. Grip is good in most conditions. * SureGrip SS (Soft) / SSS (Super Soft): These softer blends offer exceptional grip, particularly in colder or wet conditions. They absorb impact well, making them "stickier" in the chains and on the ground. However, they beat in faster, losing a bit of their initial fade and gaining some straightness over time. They are less ideal for driving due to their flexibility, which can lead to flutter if not released cleanly. * RFF (Really Flippy Flexible): An extremely flexible and gummy blend, RFF Wizards are incredibly soft and offer maximum chain-grabbing potential. They beat in quickly and can develop a touch of turn for touchier anhyzer lines or straight-to-understable putting as they age. Not recommended for driving. * Evolution (Evo): Gateway's premium, durable plastic. Evo Wizards are significantly more overstable out of the box than their SureGrip counterparts and maintain that stability for a very long time. They are less grippy than SureGrip but offer superior durability for hitting trees and resisting wear. Ideal for stable driving putters or windy approaches. * Diamond: A clear, grippy, and very durable blend, similar to Evolution but often with a slightly different feel. Also excellent for stable driving and approach shots.

For general putting, a SureGrip SS or SSS is a popular choice for its grip and chain-sticking ability. For a driving or approach Wizard, SureGrip S, Evolution, or Diamond will provide the best combination of stability and durability.

Where it sits

The Gateway Wizard sits squarely in the category of stable, beaded putters, making it a direct competitor to classics like the Innova Aviar (specifically the KC Pro Aviar) and the Discraft Challenger. Compared to the Innova KC Pro Aviar, the Wizard often feels a touch deeper in the hand and can be slightly more overstable out of the box, especially in its firmer plastics. Both offer excellent control and a reliable fade, but many find the Wizard's bead to be a bit more pronounced, providing a different feel that some prefer for consistent grip. Versus the Discraft Challenger, the Wizard typically exhibits a similar flight path, but the Challenger might feel a little shallower in the rim for some players. The Wizard's strength truly lies in its vast plastic options, which allow players to fine-tune their putter feel and flight more precisely than with many other molds. While the Aviar and Challenger are fantastic, the Wizard's ability to be found in everything from super-gummy RFF to ultra-durable Evolution gives it a slight edge in customization.

Buying advice

For most players, a 170-175g Wizard is the sweet spot. Lighter weights (165-169g) can be useful for touchy approaches or for beginners seeking a straighter flight with less effort.

Plastic recommendation: * For putting: Start with a SureGrip SS or SSS. These offer excellent grip and chain-grabbing properties. If you prefer a firmer feel, try a SureGrip S. * For driving/approaches: Grab an Evolution or Diamond plastic Wizard for maximum durability and consistent overstability. A SureGrip S or OG will also work well and beat into a straighter flight over time.

It's highly recommended to buy multiples, especially of your preferred putting plastic. Putters take a lot of abuse, both from hitting the chains and the ground, and having a consistent stack for practice is invaluable. As they beat in, you can cycle them: keep a fresh one for stable approaches, and let a beat-in one become your straight-flyer.

The Wizard is an excellent disc for all skill levels. Beginners will appreciate its straight flight and controlled fade, which helps develop good putting form without being overly flippy. Experienced players will value its wind resistance, torque resistance, and versatility for driving and approaching.

FAQ

Is this a good beginner putter?

Yes, absolutely. Its stable flight and predictable fade are excellent for learning consistent putting strokes and controlled approach shots.

What weight should I throw?

Most players will find success with a Wizard in the 170-175g range for putting and driving. Lighter weights (165-169g) can be useful for beginners or for those seeking a straighter flight with less power.

Does it work for forehand approaches?

Yes, especially in firmer plastics like SureGrip S, Evolution, or Diamond. Its inherent stability and bead provide good torque resistance, allowing for clean, controlled forehand flick approaches.

How fast does it beat in?

This depends heavily on the plastic. Softer SureGrip blends (SS, SSS, RFF) will beat in relatively quickly, developing a straighter flight and less fade within a few weeks of regular use. Firmer SureGrip (S, OG) and premium plastics (Evolution, Diamond) are much more durable and will hold their original flight characteristics for a long time.

Is the dome consistent run-to-run?

Generally, Gateway Wizards tend to have a flatter top, which is part of their appeal. However, like many manufacturers, minor variations can occur between production runs and plastic blends. Evolution plastics often feel a bit flatter, while some softer SureGrip blends might have a very subtle pop-top. These variations are usually minor and don't drastically alter the flight.

This article contains affiliate links. BasketBound may earn a commission when you purchase through them, at no additional cost to you.

This article contains affiliate links. BasketBound may earn a commission when you purchase through them, at no additional cost to you. BasketBound is a Datafathom publication.

Related Articles

Where to buy Gateway Wizard Putter Full disc golf on eBay

Find current listings, deals, and pre-owned Gateway Wizard Putter Full disc golf on eBay: Shop Gateway Wizard Putter Full disc golf on eBay.

Where to Buy

Check current price on Amazon (affiliate link — as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases)