LAB have released a something that looks very different from your average putter and comes with some unique performance characteristics as well as a distinctive look.
The LAB Direct Force 2.1 sparked lots of interest when Adam Scott put it into play for the 2019 Masters. But does this putter actually work? Hannah Holden got hold of one to find out.
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LAB Direct Force 2.1 Putter Review: NCG Summary
NCG SUMMARY
Although it make take a bit of time to get comfortable with the LAB Direct Force 2.1 putter is well worth the patience. The performance benefits are amazing and I’m convinced using it can only make me a better putter.
I must say the unique design may not appeal to everyone but the forgiveness from the oversized club head gives is worth giving it a chance.
PROS
- Very forgiving
- All-black design is smart
- Helps with distance control
CONS
- Style might not be to everyone’s taste
LAB Direct Force 2.1 Putter Review: First Impressions
Overall, I really like the look of this LAB putter. Yes, it’s big, it’s bold, it’s different – but I think once you get use to using the putter you’ll find it sits really nicely behind the ball.
I am also a fan of the all-black finish across the entirety of the putter. Visually it is a good-looking product – something completely different to other golf putters.
Due to the abstract design, there will be those who have reservations and prefer a slightly more conservative look to your putter. LAB can help with that too as they offer a blade version as well. That is a good alternative if the size and shape of this head and putter face is just too much.
However, the blade putter won’t be as forgiving, as this one I tested has a higher MOI and is more forgiving from off-centre strikes.
LAB Direct Force 2.1 Putter Review: The verdict
For those of you who aren’t familiar with LAB Golf, it stands for Lie Angled Balanced. This means the putters are designed to resist torque. Torque is a force that causes rotation. In terms of putting, that is something that causes the face to open and close.
A part of the Lie Angle Balanced story is the fact that the putter is 100% symmetrical – meaning the weight is completely balanced throughout the putter. LAB say this will create more consistency with the face angle at impact – with the putter head staying square to your swing path.
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At address, the most noticeable thing about the putter is the shaft is in the centre of the club. Usually, it’s at the front near the clubface. It’s initially strange to look at, if you haven’t used anything like this before.
Noticeably, the shaft also isn’t centred in the middle of the grip. This is designed to give you a natural forward press, which is something a lot of golfers struggle with as it often doesn’t feel right.
A forward press with your putter controls loft and the way the ball launches and rolls. What I really like about this putter is that it’s already pre-set and it feels very natural. I don’t feel like I’m forward pressing and so I can focus on alignment.
The large, oversized head is designed to have high MOI, so toe and heel strikes aren’t going to affect the direction all that much.
The feel of the face feels very soft which is something I prefer. I really like the feel and the way the putter rolls the ball. It instantly feels well balanced.
I have been testing this for a while now and, despite how it may look different to your average mallet or blade putter, I see no valid reason why I shouldn’t put this in my bag.
My pace control is exceptional with the LAB Direct Force 2.1 – really helping with long putts. I feel like it is really easy to control my start line and with these benefits I just don’t see how it can’t make me a better putter.
However, I would say that it does take a bit of time to get adjusted. It looks different, it feels different and you are probably going to have to change your stroke slightly.
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Initially, I was somewhat uncomfortable using the LAB Direct Force 2.1 putter, but the performance advantages it gave me quickly changed that.
With custom fitting available, you can get the right putter for you that can help maximise your game more efficiently. There are 36 different alignment options to allow you to pick the one that you feel the most comfortable using.
LAB Direct Force 2.1 Putter Review: The Details
Available: Now
RRP: £389 / $399
Shaft lengths: 33”, 34”, 35”
More information: Scottsdale golf website
- RELATED: Best putters 2024
- RELATED: Best mallet putters 2024
- RELATED: The 6 best putters to transform your mid-handicap into a low-handicap
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