Custom DW Davis Putter with review

[TheDominator273]

Back in the beginning of March I contacted DW Davis about getting a custom putter made similar to my Scotty Cameron Circa 62 #6. I love my Cameron but the head has always felt light to me, I prefer what some would consider a very heavy head (370-400g). DW said he wouldn't be able to get the weight up to 400g without using some weld bead or lead tape to get the weight up. He guessed that the head weight would be in the 360-370g range without and I decided that would be close enough.

 

Going over specs with DW was a breeze, communication was stellar at the beginning. We nailed down the specs and I paid the same day and was quoted a 2-3 week lead time. Eight days later I sent DW an email just to check in and see how things were going and I asked if I could get a progress picture. Two days after that I received his response saying that the face was milled and the B back was cut and that as soon as the plumbers neck was welded on he would send pictures. After not hearing back for four days I checked in with DW again and he said he hadn't made it into the shop yet so the neck wasn't welded so he still didn't have pictures for me. I knocked around a couple ideas I had for adding some cosmetic beauties but decided against it due to the extra time and cost it would add on, and on the 25th, two weeks after I initially asked for pictures DW sent me an email saying that the head was finished and he would have pictures for me.

 

As promised DW delivered the pictures in the morning, but as soon as I got the pictures I knew it wouldn't work, it was simply an Odyssey #9 with a V notched in the back. I used a #9 style for a little bit at the beginning of last year and it didn't work for me.

 

 

 

After some back and forth with DW where I can admit I was angry, and he handled it very well and agreed to grind down the toe to get the look that I was after. Fast forward to today, I received the putter and immediately went out to the closest course. It happened to be closed but there were still cups cut so I went ahead and putted for a good hour and a half or so. Before I get into the review of how it turned out here are pictured DW sent of the finished product.

 

 

 

Ok so I spent some solid time on the green putting with my DW Prototype and my Scotty Cameron and there are things I like about the DW Prototype, and some things I didn't like.

 

I'll start off with the positives. To start with I like the head weight of the Prototype more than the Scotty, 360g vs 330 on the Cameron. I also like the sound and feel of the Prototype more than the Scotty. Its a lower pitch and a more solid feel is the best way I can describe it. I also like the darker finish on the head.

 

Now for the negatives. The finish is not the greatest, its darker than the plain stainless would be but it is not very consistent or durable. I'm pretty sure that the finish will be worn completely off on the sole within a few rounds or usage. I also do not like the blade length from heel to toe, it is too short for my liking although that is something I can get used to having used a Ping B60 for years. I am also less than thrilled with the toe still being bigger than the heel and the grind job leaves something to be desired. The final thing that I am not terribly pleased with is the weld on the plumbers neck is not cleaned up at all and it bugs me quite a bit.

 

Overall DW is a nice enough guy to work with, I think he got slammed with orders from WRXers and it was a little overwhelming for him, but if you are looking for something that he already has the shape of and doesn't have to customize, do not want to go too crazy on the customization and are looking for a cheap price point than DW is your guy.

 

Now it wouldn't be a review thread without my own pictures

 

 

Scotty vs Prototype

 

 

 

and a few of the collection

 

[simple36]

Completely agree with the point that he may have got slammed with orders after the original review came out and was gorgeous for the price. The first few pictures in that thread were very very high quality work and after everyone said they placed their orders the welds weren't being cleaned up as nice and the quality went down. I can personally attest for the poor quality of the grinding down that was done on the back of the putter DW did to make it at least somewhat resemble the Scotty. It's uneven and just looks like a rush job. I feel like he is a great option if you don't want something too special or different from OTR options with maybe a few minor changes. Looks like I will be doing some work on this putter to clean it up a bit.

[NickPhillips]

Just a question, did you send pictures or tell him you wanted t** to look like your scotty?

[TheDominator273]

In the first email I told him I wanted it to look like mu Scotty, and when explaining where I wanted the face stamped I sent this picture

 

 

[TooMuchAwesome]

What finish did you decide on? I agree with simple when he states the grind job looks uneven. He made a valiant effort after you weren't satisfied with the first pics, but I am extremely hesistant to order one now. I won't comment on the weld, that should speak for itself by the pictures. I was going to go with a twisted neck on one of the Protype 2 heads he was supposed to be getting in soon, but I think I'll save up over the summer and get a Byron instead. Maybe I'll give him a shot at a project once things slow down for him. Thanks for the detailed update!

[displayname]

Whatever you paid for that, I would have probably requested some of the price back. He swung, and missed if you ask me. At first I was thinking "it's not to bad", but once you did the side by side, it's easy to see that he missed the mark here.

[lightningbolt444]

I would have asked for my money back immediately. Dont care if it is a low cost option it is not what was requested and while he is low cost compared to other custom builders he is not low cost in the scheme of putters. Something looks off on the notch as well to me.

[golf_junkie27]

Ever since Tucker started the original thread, he's been bombarded with requests. Personally, I would be willing to wait a lot longer than a couple of weeks as other putter artisans can take months. Also, I would send him pics of what I wanted based off his picture gallery and/or as many pics of exactly what I wanted, dimensions included, if possible.

I ordered one from him and was happy with everything except the milling. It's not that he did a terrible job is just that I did not ask for deeper milling. In my case, I got exactly what I asked for.

I'm sorry that you're not happy with the weld job. Perhaps he can clean that up for you?

[CWB]

"......I prefer what some would consider a very heavy head (370-400g)...."


I saw this post and had an ahha moment.
Cleveland Gutcheck 2 cut down to 34" is in my collection.
(I need to check loft and lie, probably needs a few degrees down)

[TooMuchAwesome]

I would be willing to wait, as well. But I will not sacrifice quality for price. No one on this board can tell me this is to the standards of Bm, Slighter, Lamont, or any other other putter specialist you can custom order through. I wish he had a better website that show options for head styles and finishes with specific pictures. Like I said before, I was looking to order the protype 2 blank head with some simple customization that he said he was getting in "soon-within two weeks." I was given this reply in early March and have yet to receive a follow up email. Kind of glad though because I've had the chance to read these reviews. His work seemed to be outstanding, at first, but I am definitely hesitant to pay $200+ for a custom stamped protype when I can find an OTR model for nearly half the price on the BST.

[simple36]

[quote name='golf_junkie27' timestamp='1365554323' post='6796845']
Ever since Tucker started the original thread, he's been bombarded with requests. Personally, I would be willing to wait a lot longer than a couple of weeks as other putter artisans can take months. Also, I would send him pics of what I wanted based off his picture gallery and/or as many pics of exactly what I wanted, dimensions included, if possible.

I ordered one from him and was happy with everything except the milling. It's not that he did a terrible job is just that I did not ask for deeper milling. In my case, I got exactly what I asked for.

I'm sorry that you're not happy with the weld job. Perhaps he can clean that up for you?
[/quote]
I will be cleaning it up a bit sometime in the near future. I will update with pics when it actually gets done.

[TheDominator273]

[quote name='TooMuchAwesome' timestamp='1365533730' post='6794503']
What finish did you decide on? I agree with simple when he states the grind job looks uneven. He made a valiant effort after you weren't satisfied with the first pics, but I am extremely hesistant to order one now. I won't comment on the weld, that should speak for itself by the pictures. I was going to go with a twisted neck on one of the Protype 2 heads he was supposed to be getting in soon, but I think I'll save up over the summer and get a Byron instead. Maybe I'll give him a shot at a project once things slow down for him. Thanks for the detailed update!
[/quote]
I went with a black oxide finish. From the looks of it is just Caswells and isn't going to last very long. Once it wears and I (and by I, I mean my little brother simple36) take a grinder to it to even out the back and the weld I (actually mean myself this time) will probably torch it to get a finish like the TP Mills in the group photos

[quote name='lightningbolt444' timestamp='1365545461' post='6795903']
I would have asked for my money back immediately. Dont care if it is a low cost option it is not what was requested and while he is low cost compared to other custom builders he is not low cost in the scheme of putters. Something looks off on the notch as well to me.
[/quote]
The notch looks off because originally it was a V cut into the back and when he went to grind it I told him I wanted it more rounded coming into the notch

[quote name='golf_junkie27' timestamp='1365554323' post='6796845']
Ever since Tucker started the original thread, he's been bombarded with requests. Personally, I would be willing to wait a lot longer than a couple of weeks as other putter artisans can take months. Also, I would send him pics of what I wanted based off his picture gallery and/or as many pics of exactly what I wanted, dimensions included, if possible.

I ordered one from him and was happy with everything except the milling. It's not that he did a terrible job is just that I did not ask for deeper milling. In my case, I got exactly what I asked for.

I'm sorry that you're not happy with the weld job. Perhaps he can clean that up for you?
[/quote]
my brother will be cleaning the weld up for me at some point

[quote name='CWB' timestamp='1365554612' post='6796879']
"......I prefer what some would consider a very heavy head (370-400g)...."


I saw this post and had an ahha moment.
Cleveland Gutcheck 2 cut down to 34" is in my collection.
(I need to check loft and lie, probably needs a few degrees down)
[/quote]
I had a similar ah ha moment while perusing the lower level storage area of 2nd swing when I came across the Gutcheck, the moment didn't last long as it only took a couple putts to determine I hated the feel coming off the face. That said I love the shape and will probably pick one up at some point for my B back collection I have going

[ajschn06]

[quote name='TooMuchAwesome' timestamp='1365556028' post='6797065']
I would be willing to wait, as well. But I will not sacrifice quality for price. No one on this board can tell me this is to the standards of Bm, Slighter, Lamont, or any other other putter specialist you can custom order through. I wish he had a better website that show options for head styles and finishes with specific pictures. Like I said before, I was looking to order the protype 2 blank head with some simple customization that he said he was getting in "soon-within two weeks." I was given this reply in early March and have yet to receive a follow up email. Kind of glad though because I've had the chance to read these reviews. His work seemed to be outstanding, at first, but I am definitely hesitant to pay $200+ for a custom stamped protype when I can find an OTR model for nearly half the price on the BST.
[/quote]

$200+? Wow he must have really jacked up his prices...

[TooMuchAwesome]

[quote name='ajschn06' timestamp='1365640489' post='6806129']
[quote name='TooMuchAwesome' timestamp='1365556028' post='6797065']
I would be willing to wait, as well. But I will not sacrifice quality for price. No one on this board can tell me this is to the standards of Bm, Slighter, Lamont, or any other other putter specialist you can custom order through. I wish he had a better website that show options for head styles and finishes with specific pictures. Like I said before, I was looking to order the protype 2 blank head with some simple customization that he said he was getting in "soon-within two weeks." I was given this reply in early March and have yet to receive a follow up email. Kind of glad though because I've had the chance to read these reviews. His work seemed to be outstanding, at first, but I am definitely hesitant to pay $200+ for a custom stamped protype when I can find an OTR model for nearly half the price on the BST.
[/quote]

$200+? Wow he must have really jacked up his prices...
[/quote]

[size=4]That's what I was quoted. I pulled up an old email where he answered a question about the price..."cost will vary by material & process of metal forming. Full CNC milled - cast, forged & skim milled. Hand ground etc."[/size]

[Rpardygolfpro]

[quote name='ajschn06' timestamp='1365640489' post='6806129']
[quote name='TooMuchAwesome' timestamp='1365556028' post='6797065']
I would be willing to wait, as well. But I will not sacrifice quality for price. No one on this board can tell me this is to the standards of Bm, Slighter, Lamont, or any other other putter specialist you can custom order through. I wish he had a better website that show options for head styles and finishes with specific pictures. Like I said before, I was looking to order the protype 2 blank head with some simple customization that he said he was getting in "soon-within two weeks." I was given this reply in early March and have yet to receive a follow up email. Kind of glad though because I've had the chance to read these reviews. His work seemed to be outstanding, at first, but I am definitely hesitant to pay $200+ for a custom stamped protype when I can find an OTR model for nearly half the price on the BST.
[/quote]

$200+? Wow he must have really jacked up his prices...
[/quote]


I think those prices reflect getting "everything" done custom finish, stamping's and custom design he is quick to respond and willing to make almost anything you throw at him within reason. If your unsure of the look of something make sure you have plenty of back and forth's with him he can show you his interpretation of what your asking for and then you can go back and forth from there. he is really good about responding but he has been swamped with orders and requests from my understanding. But for the price you are getting something "customized" for all intensive purposes at a fraction of the cost but go into it knowing what you want and have your expectations set out and I think D.W can help you out.

[TooMuchAwesome]

[quote name='Rpardygolfpro' timestamp='1365642482' post='6806431'] [quote name='ajschn06' timestamp='1365640489' post='6806129'] [quote name='TooMuchAwesome' timestamp='1365556028' post='6797065'] I would be willing to wait, as well. But I will not sacrifice quality for price. No one on this board can tell me this is to the standards of Bm, Slighter, Lamont, or any other other putter specialist you can custom order through. I wish he had a better website that show options for head styles and finishes with specific pictures. Like I said before, I was looking to order the protype 2 blank head with some simple customization that he said he was getting in "soon-within two weeks." I was given this reply in early March and have yet to receive a follow up email. Kind of glad though because I've had the chance to read these reviews. His work seemed to be outstanding, at first, but I am definitely hesitant to pay $200+ for a custom stamped protype when I can find an OTR model for nearly half the price on the BST. [/quote] $200+? Wow he must have really jacked up his prices... [/quote] I think those prices reflect getting "everything" done custom finish, stamping's and custom design he is quick to respond and willing to make almost anything you throw at him within reason. If your unsure of the look of something make sure you have plenty of back and forth's with him he can show you his interpretation of what your asking for and then you can go back and forth from there. he is really good about responding but he has been swamped with orders and requests from my understanding. But for the price you are getting something "customized" for all intensive purposes at a fraction of the cost but go into it knowing what you want and have your expectations set out and I think D.W can help you out. [/quote]

Actually, I was quoted for just a head, thats without the upgraded shaft or any extra stamping.. so no, some of his heads vary in price. Not everything starts at the stated base price on his website.

EDITED to remove $ details

[TheDominator273]

I don't want this to get locked so I won't say exactly what I paid but it was less than $200 that someone else got quoted but more than the $119 advertised price on his site

[Thaddy]

You get what you pay for. That putter certainly looks like it should cost less than $200.

[NickPhillips]

Well my putter came in the mail, looks great! The pictures I received made it look as though there were varying shades of black, but there is not, it looks great. As others have said, the neck weld could have been cleaned up, but it does not really bother me. I texted it out indoors, and have a round scheduled for tomorrow so I will be able to really put in the test then. Here are my pictures. The pictures make it look like the grip isn't on straight, but it is.

[dxb]

Nice, is that the Black Oxide finish?

[NickPhillips]

[quote name='dxbrobbo' timestamp='1365920456' post='6837049']
Nice, is that the Black Oxide finish?
[/quote]

Yes, its the black oxide.

As for the review, Friday I played Indian Creek - Creeks Course in Carrolton, Texas. It was a great day with the sun out and not too much wind. I was on the practice putting area for about 45 minutes just getting warmed up and test this putter. There are some good, and some bad's.

For the good:
I am glad I chose the black Iomic Grip, I have never had one, the texture and stickiness is amazing. The putter had a easy to read sight line that sits in the sweet spot of the putter and not exactly center, which is nice. I love the twisted neck, even though that doesn't help the putting, it makes it look better IMO. Swing great and did not have a tendency to roll as some putters with offset weights do. The communication with DW Davis was quite well and he is VERY urgent to correct any issues that arise. From the first email to in my hands took about 3 1/2 weeks. Very fast if you ask me. He said he just started working with a milling company so more designed should be avaliable! The price point was spot on, I am not going to say what I paid, but will say less than a scotty!

For the bad:
I believe the putter grip is VERY slightly misaligned as I noticed I felt straight to the pin, but my putter head was always slightly open... After closer inspection, I believe it is because the grip is just a hair off, easy fix. Second, the angle of the toe v. Heel of the putter head is different than I am use to. When I am holding the putter, the toe is slightly lower than the heel and I accidently drug it when practicing. I actually got use to It very fast and did not have any problems with this on the 18 I played, so it was t a issue, just different. Lastly, was the cheap headcover, I threw it away to be honest, and slipped on my GolfWRX bomber style headcover, not a big issue at all but the headcovers are cheap.

Overall, I love the putter, I think it looks great and the weight is spot on, once I realign the grip, I think this thing will be flawless. And I do mean the grip realignment is a tad off, nothing crazy. This will definitely be in my bag or a good while, the cameron is out and my DW Davis is in.

For those who are thinking of purchasing one, here is what I ordered if it will help you:
Newport 2 Style Head - Black Oxide Finish
Twisted Neck
Black shaft
Black Iomic Grip
My Initials stamped on the heel of the face
Company Logo and '1 of 1' stamped on heel
Weight stamped on right bumper

That's it, thanks!

[simple36]

[quote name='BlackDiamond' timestamp='1365963967' post='6839695']
Just spent some time reading this novel of a thread, and it seems like there are many that fully understanding the machining process. I want to give my $.09 from the standpoint of a machinist.

"Lbj": Like the others mentioned, you get what you pay for. I don't know how detailed the ordering process was, but I do know that designing a one off putter is completely impossible without the input of a customer. Did he send you any type of rendering or drawing? If it was entirely machined with a cnc, there must have been some type of 3d model, which he could have at least provided specs from. I ask because, if so, you could easily demand your money back, especially if the putter you received was entirely different from the model he provided. Otherwise, based upon Nick phillips putter and some of the others I have seen, DW seems to do some pretty good work. Although they are not up to my machining standards, you can definitely tell he has a grasp on shaping and contouring putter by hand. It's extremely easy to tell a tight tolerance machined putter, compared to a hand shaped head. If you cannot see any of the machining (other than the face). then more than likely, they buffed and ground it all off. Which is fine to me, but the putters never end up sitting right.

If you order a putter from someone, rushing them, or bombarding them with questions, will only yield something a product less than perfect.

What I would do, is give DW a chance to fix or adjust the putter. DO NOT do all the work your self. Otherwise it would be a complete waste, and you would not be giving the guy a chance to redeem himself.
[/quote]

He did give him a second chance, he made it somewhat closer to what he wanted but it is still not what he was expecting. His grinding around the back is uneven and and the weld is not ground down. I personally would never let something of that quality leave my shop with my name on it or attached to it in any way. At this point he is cutting his losses and I will be making it into what I know my brother originally wanted. I was there for the whole thing and was there for the frustration of this putter being nowhere close to what he asked for.

[indyvai]

[quote name='BlackDiamond' timestamp='1366042443' post='6849087']
Well in that case I misunderstood. I would never allow something not up to standards leave either. It would make a good paper weight!
[/quote]

+1... I had a similar experience and as soon as I held him accountable for poor work he got nasty. Best thing to do is cut and run!

Any update on fixing it up?

[simple36]

[quote name='indyvai' timestamp='1367496715' post='6956425']
[quote name='BlackDiamond' timestamp='1366042443' post='6849087']
Well in that case I misunderstood. I would never allow something not up to standards leave either. It would make a good paper weight!
[/quote]

+1... I had a similar experience and as soon as I held him accountable for poor work he got nasty. Best thing to do is cut and run!

Any update on fixing it up?
[/quote]
Not yet, with the high school season finally upon us I am extremely busy.

[indyvai]

[quote name='simple36' timestamp='1367499184' post='6956635']
[quote name='indyvai' timestamp='1367496715' post='6956425']
[quote name='BlackDiamond' timestamp='1366042443' post='6849087']
Well in that case I misunderstood. I would never allow something not up to standards leave either. It would make a good paper weight!
[/quote]

+1... I had a similar experience and as soon as I held him accountable for poor work he got nasty. Best thing to do is cut and run!

Any update on fixing it up?
[/quote]
Not yet, with the high school season finally upon us I am extremely busy.
[/quote]

I always forget since based on your screen name it sounds like you're my age! Good thing for you...

[avgjoe]

[quote name='indyvai' timestamp='1367496715' post='6956425']
...and as soon as I held him accountable for poor work he got nasty...
[/quote]



that ain't good!

[TooMuchAwesome]

[quote name='indyvai' timestamp='1367496715' post='6956425']
[quote name='BlackDiamond' timestamp='1366042443' post='6849087']
Well in that case I misunderstood. I would never allow something not up to standards leave either. It would make a good paper weight!
[/quote]

+1... I had a similar experience and as soon as I held him accountable for poor work he got nasty. Best thing to do is cut and run!

Any update on fixing it up?
[/quote]

Care to elaborate at all?

[indyvai]

[quote name='TooMuchAwesome' timestamp='1367519049' post='6958957']
[quote name='indyvai' timestamp='1367496715' post='6956425']
[quote name='BlackDiamond' timestamp='1366042443' post='6849087']
Well in that case I misunderstood. I would never allow something not up to standards leave either. It would make a good paper weight!
[/quote]

+1... I had a similar experience and as soon as I held him accountable for poor work he got nasty. Best thing to do is cut and run!

Any update on fixing it up?
[/quote]

Care to elaborate at all?
[/quote]

I don't want to start anything or sound vindictive, so I'll say that I had him do a mod job that went so wrong that he deemed it "too far gone to fix" and expected to keep the money because he "doesn't work for free". If you want the rundown PM me...