Directed Force...who still likes it?

[MattM97]

Simple question, how does the DF2.1 feel on contact off center? Is it still a solid feeling or do you get a dull kinda impact off the face?

[vietnameeh]

Sorry to revive the thread.

Just picked up one a DF 1.0. Through reading older reviews/comments of the 1.0 about having distance control issues I thought I could overcome that.

I have only played 36 holes so far and it has been ok.

I do love the fact everything is starting on my line. The first 18 I played the greens were somewhat quick and this worked out making a few putts outside my normal range 10+footers. 3-4footers were confident inspiring.

Next 18 I played a course the greens had a bit of grain and boy was I having tons of trouble. Putts started online but there was no "pop/roll" like my Spider X. I was missing short putts because it catch the green and break. So I was compensating and trying to add some hit ... just made things worst.

It almost felt like I would hit a deadspot on the face and it would just dribble and not really roll on the short putts.

 

I know I probably have to give it more time and practice. It sounds like the 2.1 addresses these issues? Ive read that LAB is not longer upgrading 1.0s to 2.0s due to quality control issues

 

[Peter_b]

I have both the Blad and the DF 2.1 and I prefer the Blad because of the head weight. Will sell the DF2.1 within EU if someone pays the high price.

[SetTheBarrHigh]

I’m incredibly late to this party.

I stopped in the PGA store this afternoon for a new trip and the only thing that stopped me from walking out with a DF 2.1 was that the only two on the floor had some battle scars.

The press grip was helping with my inability to forward press at address.

 

Let the countdown begin on how long I last before pulling the trigger.

[vietnameeh]

I didn't realize how much adjusting I needed to get use to my 1.0 .... I almost lost confidence.

Then it finally started to click last round. taking better aim and trusting the ball will start exactly where I am now. Starting to really like it, everything starts where I aim and been getting some birdies to scare the hole just need to dial in that speed. Speed control is starting to get there as I get use to the feel.

I will echo the comments... everyone will have something funny to say until mid round when i start draining bombs (....for par) LOL then they kind of shut up and start going.... OOOOO it does feel good when you stroke it.... I see lie angle balanced... it feels square when you stroke it.... interestinggg

could be a honeymoon still, but I would look into upgrading to a 2.1 if the success continues.... since LAB no longer upgrades the 1.0s :(

Thankfully the putter paid for itself in skins money so good investment

I heard there may be a prototype in the works that will come out next year? Sam Hahn mentioned it in a youtube vlog stating it looks like a Martini Glass. I am hoping its a smaller version of the reno 2.1

 

I just need to hit more greens now! This Covid rust is taking a while to come off!

 

 

[gomuskies09]

Bought one of the Factory Seconds off of eBay about 2-3 weeks ago. Had been putting so bad that it was kind of an impulse purchase. I had been interested in them in a while and a few missed shorties on a Thursday evening plus a few cocktails and boom - new putter.

I was expecting to take a while to get used to it. Came on a Friday and I rolled a few at home that evening and ended up putting it right in play the next morning. Honestly it felt great from the beginning. The video about ball position really helped - I just tried to get the point where the shaft enters the clubhead in the middle of my stance.

The thing just feels like it wants to swing itself - I dont really know how else to explain it. I have never used an Edel or anything torque balanced so I wasn't sure what to expect. Feels like the lighter you grip it, the better it works almost. I've hit some with my thumbs off too like others have mentioned and it feels great.

I've used it a handful of times now -- so still in the honeymoon phase. But I really like what I am seeing so far. At first I had trouble getting the ball to the hole the first couple of times out, but I have been able to adjust for that. It certainly gets some weird looks and comments but if it improves my putting I dont really care!

The one I ordered was 71* lie angle and 34.75" long. I did not do a virtual fitting but just based it on what Odyssey's stock lie angle for center shafted putters is. I did cut just cut about 0.5" off today with the grip still on as I normally play my putters 34". And this week I ordered the updated Press Grip with the flat front to see how that feels.

So far so good -- love the idea of the Press Grip -- just not crazy about the sideways oval shape of it. Will see how the new grip feels.

Has anyone used the newer grips and can compare it to the original? I see that the new ones are lighter -- has that made any difference in feel?

[MattM97]

I'm currently checking every day on eBay and here for a used one, the hard part is finding a lefty in my specs, most have bee too short or way too upright. The hunt will continue for one, just can't spring for a new one or I would.

[PixlPutterman]

How much lighter are the Blad vs the Reno?

[MattM97]

Both start out at 370g but will depend on the balancing and length for what the final weight is. I'm sure @labgolf can confirm that.

[Peter_b]

DF2.1 many are struggling with distance control as I read. It either doesn’t roll well or the head is lighter, no idea. Using my Blad, my 1000 Euro Df2.1 after taxes and postage to EU is sitting in the corner collecting dust.

[kenstl]

I purchased the BLAD model and I am sold, albeit I came from the world of putting hell prior to making the switch. After using the same putter for over 20 years, I went through a 5 year period of trying every style and putter on the planet. I think I have finally landed on a good one and my HC and putting stats are confirming the change. Maybe just a hot streak or honeymoon period, but both my stats and my birdie count are up. I generally play 2x a week during the summer plus some additional rounds here and there.

Below are stats from the Hole 19 app I use: Since the BLAD on past 20 rounds - 1.7 per hole (avg 30.6) overall, 1.9 on GIR holes on the my last 20 rounds since getting the putterPrior putting stats on the prior 30 rounds before the BLAD - 1.9 per hole (avg 34.2), 2.1 on GIR holes.

I have had a number of rounds in the high 20's with my lowest round at 26. Obviously chipping and iron play help determine this number as well, but being consistent on the 3-5 footers while rolling in a bomb here and there has really helped my stats.

[labgolf]

Try swinging the putter longer, not harder to get it to the hole from long range. Without question, the newer versions are better for speed.

[vietnameeh]

I have adjusted and is amazing!

I will probably look into getting a 2.1 eventually :) unless this OG just flat out works.

My whole game has struggling but this has saved me some blow up rounds ... made 101ft worth of putts last tournament round!

[labgolf]

Nice! Yeah once you get the hang of it, using gravity to control speed is much more consistent than using acceleration. With other putters, you run the risk of mishits with long strokes. Not only will you mis hit less with the balanced putter, it doesn't really matter if you do since the face is so forgiving. Enjoy!

[Peter_b]

What has changed from B1 to B2? It is thinner, what else? Is the weight still the same. Asking cause I have both and I feel more secure with the B1.

[gomuskies09]

So I cut down my 2.1 by a 1/2 inch and also switched from the OG Press Grip to the Press II..... have I screwed up the putter? Maybe its in my head but it doesn't feel the same during the stroke. I didn't think anything about it when i cut it down and switched the grip but now I am paranoid that I messed up the Lie Angle Balancing. Putted OK this weekend -- but shoved some out to the right. Certainly could be user error (and probably is).

Didn't love the new grip at first -- was bigger than I thought it would be -- like SuperStroke 3.0 big. And it also felt really slick. The combo of size and slickness made me grip it tighter to hang on to it. Bought some tennis racket grip tape and the tackiness really helped.

[5baytjd]

Half an inch won't be the end of the world on the lie angle balance. To get the swing weight back to what it was, get your club repair guy to get the internal shaft weights that are glued in (so no rattle).

I went from 34" down to 33" on my B2, and Sam gave me the recommendation on how much weight to add. Get him to give you the skinny on what to do on your 2.1, the folks at L.A.B Golf are REALLY great about working with their customers.

Also, I would scrub the Press II with some Bar Keepers Friend, to remove any manufacturing residue.

[gomuskies09]

Appreciate the response. I was just a bit concerned because when I got the 2.1 and would balance it on my finger there seemed to be no bias as to where the face would go --- now it seems like when i balance it on my finger there is a tendency for the toe to want to point up. So that got me thinking and worried I screwed something up.

I sent a message to them on their website - thanks for the suggestion.

I'll try the Bar Keepers Friend if I start to dislike the tennis grip wrap.

[gomuskies09]

Appreciate the response. I was just a bit concerned because when I got the 2.1 and would balance it on my finger there seemed to be no bias as to where the face would go --- now it seems like when i balance it on my finger there is a tendency for the toe to want to point up. So that got me thinking and worried I screwed something up.

I sent a message to them on their website - thanks for the suggestion.

I'll try the Bar Keepers Friend if I start to dislike the tennis grip wrap.

[kenstl]

I also use a tennis grip wrap, I just couldn't get used to to the feel of the grip.

[BigEx44]

Just curious. I bought a Directed Force about 5 years ago.

Has the technology and/or design changed enough that it would be worthwhile to sell the old and purchase another?

Or has there not been a lot of change?

[5baytjd]

The tungsten weighting they are using now (denoted by the "T" in 2.1T model number) makes for better for speed control on longer putts. So if that is anything you struggle with, then an upgrade might do you well. You'll also want to send a new remote fitting video in to LAB Golf, just to confirm nothing has changed in your specs and how you are swinging the putter (now after 5 years).

[Peter_b]

Titanium is 45% lighter than steel never heard it to be used for weighting. Actually it does not makes sense at all except its TITANIUM! Why not take Vibranium?

[5baytjd]

Brain fade on my part, it is TUNGSTEN they are using now.

[Peter_b]

Ah OK that sounds better, although Vibranium would be great :) About cutting Lab Putters just dont. If you do you need to send them in for re-weighting. Just grab it shorter. One of my LABs is 36" inch but I found I putt way better at 34" very wristy like Nicklaus, Snedecker, Trump cough he really does. The putter is balanced everywhere along the shaft as long as you dont change it length, lie, grip. So just grab it shorter.

[2th Dr]

 

I might be a fan if the B.2. ? Bought the stainless steel one first and loved it. Wanted to try the brass one too. Softer face and a little heavier (30g).

[labgolf]

It is somewhat universally agreed that the new ones feel much better. The shafting and tipping process has provided much better feedback and speed control.