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The SWAG Boss 2.0 putter is their newest model, a full-sized traditional mallet. Part of the SWAG 2024 Core Collection. Drip Face milling improves spin and feels great. Strong forgiveness.
Introduction
After over six years in business, unbelievable growth, a Major win, and a PGA Tour victory, SWAG Golf is giving their putter line up a refresh. The 2024 SWAG Core Collection consists of six different models, including the all new SWAG Boss 2.0. As someone who has gamed nearly every model of SWAG putter, testing the Boss 2.0 immediately went to the top of my “Must Do” list. Here’s what I found.
Looks
The SWAG Boss 2.0 is a beautifully executed, full-sized traditional mallet. At address, what stands out most is the Tour Satin Mist finish. This finish is unique in that it doesn’t produce glare, but it isn’t dull either. It’s a subtle improvement on the norm that reflects SWAG’s attention to detail.
Another thing many people miss about SWAG’s putters is that they are 100% CNC milled which creates a level of consistency and precision that hand shaping can’t compete with. Pairing this approach with an unparalleled eye for shaping and proportion creates putters that are much more than retreads of classic designs.
Putting the SWAG Boss 2.0 (left) next to the original Boss, the Boss 2.0 is clearly larger. However, when I measured them, the Boss is actually longer from front to back (by less than 1/8″) and it’s slightly wider at it’s widest point. The Boss 2.0 achieves its larger footprint with a face that’s roughly 1/4″ longer from heel to toe. It’s also longer across its back edge. This creates a shape that is fuller and more square than the original.
The other major changes to the Boss 2.0 are the sole design and the face milling. New for the 2024 Core Collection is Drip Face milling, which is not only stunning to look at, it carries a performance benefit. The drip motif continues on the sole which is covered almost completely with a melting skull.
We also have to mention the head cover. The 2024 Core Collection Naked putters – “naked” being a reference to the lack of paint fill – come with a carbon fiber melting skull cover. You’re not going to find a better stock putter cover anywhere, period.
Finally, the SWAG 2024 Core Collection putters are offered in both Tour Satin Mist and Black PVD finishes. If you opt for the Black PVD (which costs $499 versus $399 for Naked), the putter comes on a Black Chrome shaft. You also get to choose from five head covers: a colorful NASA melting skull, a poker king, a Chicago dog, George Washington, and black and green “SWAG Cola”.
Check out the SWAG Handsome Too Flow HERE
Sound & Feel
The Drip Face milling on the SWAG Boss 2.0 putter is beautiful, functional, and it helps to create a wonderful impact sensation. It’s quiet, creating a muted “tock” with a premium golf ball. Through the hands, the feel is soft and very solid.
Feedback from the SWAG Boss 2.0 is precise, but you need to be paying close attention. Even on big misses, this putter won’t make an ugly sound, get loud, or sting your hands. However, there are fine changes to the sound, and you can feel the impact location if you’re locked in.
Comparing the Drip Face to the deep milling of the original Boss [review HERE], the differences were subtle. The sound of the Boss 2.0 is a bit duller which can enhance the soft feeling. Also, I noticed the additional weight more than I expected. The Boss 2.0 felt more solid at impact, like it was delivering a heavier blow.
Performance
The SWAG Boss 2.0 looks very similar to the original Boss, but it’s a significant departure in two ways. First, it’s heavier. At 365 grams, it weighs 12 grams more than the Boss. This bumps up the swing weight and, in my opinion, is a very noticeable change. Where I found the Boss to be nimble, the Boss 2.0 feels as big as it looks. For players who prefer a heavier head, this is the SWAG putter for you.
The other major change is the toe hang. The original Boss has toe hang that’s around 4 o’clock, similar to most Ansers. The SWAG Boss 2.0 has a double bend shaft that creates just a touch of toe hang, similar to the SWAG Savage Too [review HERE]. Like the heavier weight, this isn’t inherently good or bad, it’s simply another fitting option. This is the only putter in SWAG’s Core Collection that’s close to face balanced, making it the best choice for players who try to swing straight back and through.
On the green, the added size and weight lead to improved forgiveness. I’ve gamed the Handsome Too [review HERE] for years, so switching to a heavier, near face-balanced putter typically leads to more mishits. With the SWAG Boss 2.0, the misses didn’t matter that much. The heavier head kept the ball on its intended line with appropriate speed.
The Drip Face milling – previously known as Predator among DGAP collectors – doesn’t just look cool. Per SWAG, it’s designed to “reduce side spin from off-center putts.” While my Foresight GCQuad [review HERE] doesn’t measure side spin on putts, I did use it to test Drip Face putters against several other face millings from SWAG. On both the SWAG Boss 2.0 and the new Handsome Too Flow putters, the Drip Face provided a small but measurable improvement in skid distance and spin consistency. Like most putter technologies – upgraded shafts, higher MOI, or face improvements – the difference is not night and day. No putter upgrade will turn you into peak Tiger, but small improvements will add up to strokes saved over the course of a round or a season.
Finally, the SWAG Boss 2.0 comes stock with the Lamkin Deep Etch grip, which has been my favorite putter grip for the last couple years. SWAG offers it in eight different colors. If you opt for the Black PVD version, your list of grip options expands to include the Lamkin Sink Paddle with stacked skulls and the Lamkin Sink Fit [review HERE] with stacked kings, each in four different colors. You can also choose a leather Grip Master grip for an additional $20.
Conclusion
The SWAG Boss 2.0 is both entirely new and everything I expected. This full-sized mallet adds important new fitting profiles to SWAG’s Core Putters, allowing those that want a heavier, near face-balanced putter into the fold. At the same time, the Boss 2.0 delivers everything I’ve come to expect from SWAG: premium craftsmanship, superb attention to detail, and unparalleled style.
Visit SWAG Golf HERE
He founded Plugged In Golf in 2013 with the goal of helping all golfers play better and enjoy the game more.
Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.
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4 Comments
Another lovely review. I’ve been very happy with my original boss. However, I went back to my Scotty 5.5. It’s a tad slimmer. I think that at some point bigger isn’t better. All in all, I think that in a way a relationship with a putter is a bit like a real life romantic relationship…better to stick with one! Going back n forth only creates problems ;)
Having a “sidepiece” may be fun, but it ultimately takes away from the real deal.
For me, far too heavy. But it is a nice looking mallet.
This is a good looking putter. It reminds me of another putter I own-TM Monte Carlo 72 OS in 304 stainless steel. . Is the Boss stainless? A few year ago I started using a TM TP Collection Brandon model but with a L-Neck shaft. I really like the way the L-Neck shaft sets up. Apparently Scottie Sheffler likes if too as his new TM Spider has the L-Neck shaft. Is the boss available with the L-Neck shaft?
Dale,
Yes, the Boss 2.0 is stainless steel. It’s only offered with the double bend shaft right now.
Best,
Matt