50 Words or Less
The L.A.B. Golf Directed Force 2.1 putter is radical in both its technology and its look. Offers a unique approach to putting and putter design.
Check out the new LAB Golf DF3 putter HERE
Introduction
The Directed Force 2.1 was the first putter to bring lie angle balancing to life. The idea behind lie angle balancing is that torque is removed from the putting equation – the putter stays perfectly square to the path without any manipulation. Is this the key to fewer putts? I tested the Directed Force 2.1 to find out.
Looks
This is, quite obviously, an unusual looking putter. When I posted a picture of it on social media, there were plenty of vomit emojis and snarky comments. There were also some open-minded golfers who said, “I’ll try anything if it will help me putt better.”
One of the things which you may not consciously realize is that the shaft is installed in the middle of the putter head. This creates an unobstructed top line, which some golfers may find beneficial to their aim.
The Directed Force 2.1 is available in red, blue, or black with thirty six alignment options. You can get everything from lines to dots to arrows in a variety of sizes and combinations.
Sound & Feel
Impact with the Directed Force 2.1 strikes a slightly tinny note – high pitched, metallic, but rather quiet. There is only the slightest whisper of audio feedback on mishits.
The sensation in my hands when I struck a premium ball was neither hard nor soft. It’s firm and solid, like giving the ball a slap. This head is very stable, but you can pick up some feedback on strike quality through your hands.
Despite having a high swing weight (F2), the Directed Force 2.1 feels light. The head weighs approximately 375 gram – heavier than your average putter head – but the lack of torque makes it feel lighter during the swing.
Performance
Let’s begin with an explanation of what makes this putter unique, starting with lie angle balance. L.A.B. Golf defines this as the putter’s ability to stay square to the path during the putting stroke without any adjustment from your hands. They claim that this leads to less involvement of the small muscles in the hands and the creation of a pendulum-like stroke. You can see this in action in a video on their website HERE.
Now let’s talk about their grips. L.A.B. Golf had to create their own grips, known as Press Grips, to accommodate the angle at which the shaft enters the head. As you can see below, the shaft goes into the grip off-center, allowing the hands to remain centered while the shaft leans forward. This creates a “built-in forward press.” You can use Press Grips on other putters and you can use L.A.B. putters with other grips, but L.A.B. recommends they be used together for best results. There are currently four Press Grips in different sizes and shapes and with different amounts of built-in shaft lean.
My first trip to the green with the Directed Force 2.1 was much like my initial experience with the BLaD.1: I made a lot of long putts and struggled with shorter ones. One key difference was the grip. The Directed Force 2.1 had the Press 2M grip which has a more square shape. While it’s much larger than my normal grip, the shape was more comfortable for me.
After learning about the “thumbs off the grip” method from L.A.B. Golf CEO Sam Hahn, I returned to the green with the Directed Force 2.1. My short putting improved noticeably, and there was a nice honeymoon phase where I was making a ton of long putts, too. As I mentioned in my review of the BLaD.1 (HERE), I had a little trouble taking all the “hit” out of my stroke, which I found essential with this putter. The lighter feel of the Directed Force 2.1 made me feel like I needed to swing harder, but the best results came when I trusted the putter to do the job.
The ultimate question with the Directed Force 2.1, as with the BLaD.1, is: do you want to modify your technique to use this putter? I don’t want to overstate the changes necessary – the putting motion is still the same – but there are some modifications required. Sam Hahn made an interesting analogy, comparing his putter to modern drivers. Players have had to change their swings to optimize modern drivers – teeing it higher, hitting up on the ball – but everyone agrees its worth it to get the benefits of superior technology. Will lie angle balancing prove to be a similar step forward? Only time will tell.
Conclusion
If you already walk up to every green feeling dangerous, the L.A.B. Golf Directed Force 2.1 probably isn’t for you. However, if you struggle on the greens and are looking for a new approach, it’s definitely worth a look. Depending on where you live, it can be hard to find a L.A.B. Golf putter to try, but the results may make the effort well worth it. You can also try a remote fitting for free 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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25 Comments
I think the “big” issue here is how much $$$ this sucker costs. I think if it was $<250 like your run of the mill Odyssey, a lot more people would try it and would maybe be willing to stick with it for a bit. For $400, people are basically expecting a magic pill and if they get worse before they get better, they might not practice with it enough to reap the benefits.
Zach,
I think $400 for a putter that is relatively unknown can definitely be a tough sell. I disagree on the point of “sticking with it” though; if someone spends the money, I think they’ll be willing to give it a good chance.
Best,
Matt
Given that you likely use it at least twice as often as your driver, and it has the most impact on your score; to my way of thinking, your putter has every right to be the most expensive club in the bag.
Would you please provide more about the “thumbs off grip” method?
Jim,
It’s exactly what it sounds like: take your grip, then lift your thumbs off the grip. It eliminates (or nearly eliminates) your ability to “steer” the putter.
Best,
Matt
I made golf clubs for over 30 years in New Zealand. Prior to that I was a tour player winning six international tournaments despite poor putting. The LAB putters are the biggest and most significant improvement in putter design- ever.
Matt
Did you like the blade or the Mallet better? How much difference was there between the 2 for you?
Myles,
I had a strong preference for the Blad. It felt heavier, and I preferred the feel and sound of impact, plus the look is something I’m much more comfortable with. That said, both were really good at putting the ball in the hole.
Best,
Matt
Are these putters tour legal? Almost seems like these could be similar to the rocketballs scenario.
Yes, they are.
-Matt
Justin Tose putter with one for a month. I have the mallet and after 5 rounds I am not taking it out of the bag. I got passed the look of the mallet after I drained 201 4 footers in a row on a practice green. It’s legalized cheating inside 10 feet. Get custom fit online.
What shaft was on the one you tried? I’m planning to order this exact club and I am struggling to decide on which shaft to get. The KBS tour, the Stability Tour or the Ozik TP.
Christopher,
My LAB putter came with a standard black steel shaft. It might have been a KBS, but there was no branding on it, so I can’t be sure.
Best,
Matt
The Stability Tour and the OZIK TP are “Fully” branded on the shaft; if there was no branding, it was the KBS Tour shaft.
Is this putter available in 48” length? Thank you!
Jim Hawkins
Irmo, SC
You’ll need to check their website Jim – links included in the review.
– Meeks
Available in both Arm-Lock and Broomstick.
A lot of putter “performance” is about comfort and confidence. While I’ve only been playing my LAB DF 2.1 about 5 rounds, the difference in putting has been fairly dramatic for me. My level of confidence in making 10 feet and under putts been the area most positively affected. I have so much confidence in the ball going straight and where I am actually aiming. Often times, (maybe unconsciously), I tended to feather putts to the hole because I wasn’t confident in my line or that I could actually the the spots I was aiming at. My likelihood of hitting a 10 foot puut was the same as making a 25 foot putt. I now have the confidence that I assume I will make the 10 footer and am more surprised when I don’t. Similarly, my lag putting has slowly improved. I say slowly as I my previous putter was considerably heavier, so the difference in putter stroke has been a longer process. But my three putts are definitely decreasing as I am getting them to within 10 feet and less. Anyway, I have been pleased with the LAB and feel the confident in knowing I WILL hit the ball straight (aided by thumbs off approach).
I’m thinking it’s this one. #SecretGiveaway2021
How is this putter in terms of forgiveness. I have seen many reviews on these and just can’t pull the trigger yet as I feel i can practice more with my Las Vegas and see similar results
Randall,
It’s forgiving but not elite. At least equal to an Anser-style, probably a bit better.
-Matt
If you use a pendelum stroke to strike your putts you should definitely try this putter . Was fitted , tried , and found out my lie stroke angles are extreme (61 degrees max on fitting). Also discovered the true length I would be
comfortable with was 35.25 inches because I use a parallel line of sight setup (eyes 4 inches inside of normal over the ball at address) . Still I found this putter to be extremely comfortable and accurate. The thumbs off grip was extremely comfortable and aided in getting the ball to roll along and down the intended target line (end over end) by leading the hands down the line first. Putter only encourages proper setup and execution of putts if you want to improve. Get fitted and try it. Will check other L. A. B. Designs before making final decision on which one works best for me.
Where can I get fitted for this putter?
Bill,
I believe Club Champion is fitting LAB putters now.
Best,
Matt
Check there website for directions or locating a store. I have visited the local PGA store to test.