While the new Phantom release will likely grab most of the release season attention, don’t sleep on these three new Scotty Cameron Studio Style models.
The rebirth of the Cameron Studio Style name was a big deal in the public last year. Nothing like a little splash of nostalgia to get golfers reaching for their wallets.
Ultimately, it wasn’t the name that was the big story of the Studio Style line. That honor belonged to the new Studio Carbon Steel (SCS) face insert.
The SCS insert also evoked some nostalgia, reminding Cameron fans of the face inserts on their beloved Terrylium liners and the original Studio-style heritage ones.
Nostalgia only carries things so far. It might motivate someone to check out a shooter, but they still have to perform. This was the strength of the SCS insert. Not only did it bring up memories of Cameron’s past, but it felt better than any Cameron face in recent memory.
With this line extension, golfers now have three more Studio-style players to choose from.
(Spoiler alert: One of the designs will pile even more nostalgia on top of Studio Style’s existing nostalgia.)
Studio carbon steel insert (SCS).
Like I said, bringing back the Studio Style name was an eye-catcher, but what makes the 2026 line worthy of expansion is the insert.
Although some of us may have hoped for a teryllium or German stainless steel insert, the design team at Scotty Cameron determined that carbon steel was the material of choice when it came to softness.
Longtime dig collectors have sung the praises of carbon steel for decades because of its smooth feel. So much so that they will paint their joints after use or simply accept that the carbon steel will rust a little over time.
Somewhere along the way, most milled oyster production switched to stainless steel, likely due to its improved durability and resistance to the elements. New deep grinding techniques could soften stainless steel faces to a point, but the soft feel of carbon steel was difficult to replicate effectively.
Perceived softness is related to affect tone
I remember the first time I asked someone to explain the difference in softness between carbon steel and stainless steel. Calling any kind of steel “mild” seemed ridiculous. After all, both are steel.
It is likely that one could drive a nail into a board with a carbon steel gauge just as effectively as one could with a stainless steel one.
After many years of night metallurgy classes at the local community college, I learned about all the major hardness grades of metals. Understanding the Rockwell, Brinell, Vickers and Mohs hardness scales allowed me to understand the subtle differences in the hardness of metals.
(I still secretly believe that all steels are strong.)
As far as stocks go, the hardness of metal is only part of the story of softness. It also includes the sound produced by the kicker. Your brain interprets the tone you hear as soft or loud.
Anything that affects the tone of the tire, such as the shape, material and grind, will affect the feel of the tire. A shooter that is clickable will be perceived as strong, while one with a more muted tone will be seen as softer.
In short, the combination of carbon steel, anti-rust nickel plating and bad-looking chain grinding give Studio pens a smooth tone and impact feel.
Enough of me using my Associates degree, let’s look at the new Studio style designs.
Studio Style Fastback 2 and Fastback 2 Long Design
The first two models have the same shape, but with different construction parameters. Both of them standard AND Long Fastback 2 design models start with the medium-hammer Fastback shape introduced in 2025. From there, each is equipped with a hydraulic neck, hence the “2” in their names.
Both models feature contrasting silver and black stripes to help stretch and distribute weight. As far as layout schemes go, many find this model quite versatile.
of Fastback 2 standard model comes in expected lengths and weights. For him counterbalanced Fastback 2 Long Designthe shaft is stiffer, with length extended to 38 inches. To compensate for the longer shaft and 17-inch grip, 25-gram tungsten weights are screwed into the soleplate.
(By the way, if you’re looking for a blacked-out Fastback 2, take a look last year’s Xperimental release.)
Both models will be available in right-hand and left-hand configurations.
Santa Fe Studio Style
I told you there was a double dose of nostalgia on the way. Those of you late to the tire party are probably thinking this gauge is a Newport 1.5. You are not wrong; you just don’t know that Santa Fe was the original name for the Newport with a flowing neck.
While the numerical name Newport 1.5 probably does a better job of explaining barrel construction in the modern era (the Newport shape with the 0.5 neck), I prefer Santa Fe the name.
I think an excess of numbers and rules takes something away from Cameron’s Art of Aesthetics.
(How should I talk. I’m the poster child for over-analyzing. Heck, I wrote 10,000 words about a new golf bag!)
Even so, there are times when I just want to get a name shooter Santa Fe and roll some balls with it. I don’t need to think about the neck number or any of the strong nonsense I ranted about above.
Sorry, left, you’re out of luck with this one.
It’s not a great Cameron release, but it’s fun
A three-post extension isn’t meant to be shocking, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be meaningful and enjoyable. Most importantly, the three new heads represent new customization options not served by the Studio Style 2025 release.
Quick assembly options are now quite extensive. You have a balanced face Fastbackeasy hanging Fastback 2 and deep hanging Fastback 1.5. If you are looking for zero torque, Fastback OC have you covered
Pricing is the same as last year with the stock length models at $499 and the Long Design Fastback 2 costing $50 more at $549.
of Santa Fe it doesn’t suit my swing at all, but I still want to roll balls with it.
Those of you who are one-shot people may not relate, but collectors know that some of the players in the collection are there for fun sessions on the practice green. These days, I mostly use zero-spin gauges on the range, but I have a few shooters who take time on the grass just for fun.
I can see Santa Fe Studio Style joining my Laguna 1.5 in this capacity. Crack a drink and roll some balls just to enjoy the warm afternoon on the field.
On this rainy winter day, that sounds like a spectacular afternoon to me.
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