Directed Force Review

[Hstead]

I recently received my Directed Force putter. Several weeks ago, I played a round with Monte. On about the fourth hole, I asked "what is that ugly F-ing putter you're using?"

 

Monte's response was along the lines of "don't try it or you will be buying one". So I said "let me see that thing". Now Monte was draining everything he looked at. Monte told me that he has always struggled with short ones, and this putter had saved his putting. After using it that day, the feel of the face staying square was phenomenal, so Monte was right, I had to order one. Every putt I hit that day started dead on line with the least amount of effort.

 

Monte sent me the owners number and I started reading and reviewing any and everything I could find online. There are multiple youtube videos demonstrating the technology and philosophy behind the putter. Basically, there is nothing else like it on the market. It is lie angle balanced, so getting fit is very important. The way the putter works, it resists twisting open or closed during the stroke because the putter is balanced around the lie angle. They have a device they invented called the "Revealer" that shows how the technology works.

 

Unfortunately for me, there were no fitters close to where I live. But fortunately, you don't have to visit a fitter either. I used the online video fitting. With the online fitting, you video your stroke and send them the specs on your current putter. I was using a Bettinardi Kuchar 2 that I really really liked. From the video, the fellas at Directed Force calculate what your lie and length need to be. It was really easy. After sending Bob, the owner, the fitting video, he told me what specs I needed and I placed my order.

 

Directed Force did and possible still does have a back order issue, so it was about 3 to 4 weeks from point of order until I received the putter, or which 5 days was shipping I believe. The demand for the putter is pushing their small operation to the limits. Which is good and bad, you have to wait a little to get your custom fit putter, but there are a bunch of people ordering for a reason, they work.

 

So now for the nitty gritty. How does this thing perform?

 

Appearance - IT IS UGLY. There is no other way to say it. I have NEVER EVER used anything that was far from "traditional" when it comes to putters. I have used an Anser looking putter for most of my career, then switched to Edel and this latest Kuchar 2. The Kuchar 2 is the farthest from the Anser looking putter I have ever used. I just can't look down at something I did not like to look at. My Edels of the past were also fairly standard in the appearance department. So this Directed Force was a huge challenge for me. I have never been able to pull off the mallet type putter due to my distaste for the way they look at address.

 

This putter performed so well when I tested it, I felt I could get over the looks. Also, for me, and your eyes may be different, but to me, I don't see all of the crazy stuff going on at the rear end of the putter when I put it down at address. The way the shaft is oriented, which is also different than anything on the market because it has built in shaft lean and is inserted into the grip at an angle, the shaft hides the back of the putter for the most part and all I can see is the leading ledge and the little "T" cross bar. So when I look down at the ball and the putter when putting, I don't see all of the junk in the back. That has helped me get over the look.

 

Everyone I hand this putter to, there first response is, "man that thing is ugly". And then they drain 5 in a row and their next response always is "what is the name of that putter" LOL

 

The fit and finish is very good. I like the black paint on the aluminum. I also like the black painted shaft. With the black paint, the white site lines really pop and makes alignment fairly easy.

 

Feel - So the appearance took some getting used to, but the feel has taken longer. The putter just looks like it has gerth and should be heavy, but it is not. They are fairly light, even at my 36" length, the putter still does not feel heavy. It is not too light, but definitely not heavy.

 

The aluminum face has some very nice scoring lines. I am not sure if it is the lines or the material or a combo of both most likely, but the face is not very hot at all. It might be the softest face I have ever used on a putter. Now this can be good and bad. For super fast greens it is great, for super slow greens not so much. You have to use more force with this putter than any other putter I have ever used.

 

It took a little time to adjust to, and a few three putts because I left the first putt woefully short, but eventually I have learned to adapt to the feel of the putter and my speed control is where it used to be with all of my other putters.

 

Putting is a lot mental, so I have tried to see the positives in the ball coming off of this putter so slow. First, I think it is beneficial on faster greens because you can hit very quick down hill putts with more confidence. Second, I think I can be more aggressive on every putt now. I just have to trust to give it a good wrap instead of being timid with this putter.

 

With all of that said, if you get one of these putters, you have now been warned, you have to hit the ball with this putter to get it to the hole compared to what you were using. Like with any putter though, your feel ultimately adjusts and your speed control will be fine.

 

Grip - Since the shaft enters the grip at an angle with the built in forward press, it is oval shaped. Again, something different and takes a little to get used to it, but I like the feel of the oval grip because it presses the grip more into my lifeline of my left hand. I have seen where others to not like the grip and change it, but for me, the grip is a plus.

 

Performance - Where the rubber meets the road for me. I can adjust to the appearance of different clubs over time. I played blades for a long time but switched to Ping i models a few years ago because the misses were better for me. I got over the thick top line and offset fairly quickly. Same with this putter. I have gotten over the appearance because this putter performs.

 

My results, and again yours may be different, but my results are this putter is similar on long putts, although I do start this putter on line a little better on long putts, than my previous putters. So lag putts, there is not a great deal of difference. Short putts are a different story. Short putts are so much easier I feel like I am cheating. The technology that does not allow the face to rotate as much really makes short putts so much simpler. My confidence is off the charts now inside of about 12 feet. This putter is so much easier to start on line, I just know now it is all about my read and speed control, because the putter is going to start it on the line I pick. I haven't made them all because my read has been wrong or my speed has been off, but my line is dead on some where in the 99% rate inside 12 feet. I no longer push or pull short ones. I can be aggressive and just trust that the putter is going to stay square to my arc and it does.

 

My tendency, especially under pressure was to rush my down swing a little and get my hands too far forward which would open the face and I would miss right on short ones at times. Now, with the built in shaft lean and the way the putter stays square, I have not made that mistake once. I have only played in two matches where there was any pressure at all, but this putter works so well it has increased my confidence to the point where I have no worries about the push now.

 

Summary - The putter is not cheap at $399 but I have made two WRX-like rationalizations for my putter ho-ing. This putter has and will decrease my scoring more than a driver or irons that I have dropped more on. This putter will also stay in the bag for a long long time and is actually an investment, both in skins-gained and "new putter" prevention. I do not see me buying another putter any time soon.

 

I have played golf for a long time. I can honestly say I have never been more excited or giddy to get a golf product more than this putter in my golfing life. After using Monte's, I have been like a 5 year old waiting on Xmas morning for the entire month of August. I just couldn't wait for it to go in the bag. So far it has not disappointed. Short putts are stupid easy. After adjusting to the look and speed, this putter just WORKS. Several guys I have let try mine are ordering one. Hopefully mine pays off in the long run.

[moonshine]

1. You should email your story to Kuchar as he may have better luck as well.

2. I don't care how ugly it is if it works...I never got that about people...men especially.

3. I'm still not in the camp that a putter makes a difference...got it or ya' don't IMO.

 

I did read your entire post...where are you in OH?

[grillkungen]

Hstead: Did you get fit for the same lie angle as your Edel putter?

[LoveSick666]

Just fyi on a couple things. The owner:s name is Bill Presse and they are based out of Reno, NV. Also, the weight of each putter is determined by the lie angle the person needs. I have a fairly flat lie angle on mine of 66* so mine is actually a little lighter then my buddy who has a 68* lie angle. More upright you go from there, the heavier the head weight.

It is a great puttercand i have seen it help a lot of people who were struggling on the greens. Hope it keeos working well fir you!

[herbygolf21]

Regarding the looks, I always tell people that she may not be the prom queen, but she is definitely putting out.

[hlca]

Is this putter more suited for folks with a SBST stroke, or does it work equally well for arc stokes?

[Kacee]

I have not tried the putter, but from what I understand the putter work with any stroke curve, as long as you dont do something funny and mess up the lie angle during your putt, the putter wont want to twist, even if you do, well every putters twist much more that this one and we all seem to be fine until now.

[drewtaylor21]

Thanks for the writeup Heath!

 

I really wish I could try one of these things, I keep hearing how amazing they are, but it's a lot of coin for an putter I'd be embarrassed to use. If the performance is that good though, obviously worth it....

[Hstead]

Thanks for the writeup Heath!

 

I really wish I could try one of these things, I keep hearing how amazing they are, but it's a lot of coin for an putter I'd be embarrassed to use. If the performance is that good though, obviously worth it....

 

I catch all kinds of crap from my buddies about its appearance. Today a friend said it looked like it should be sitting beside my fire place as a tool.

 

I am used to the slow face now and my distance control is as good/bad as it used to be. Actually I rarely three putt. This putter is just so easy to start on line. I like it more and more the more I get to use it.

 

The lie angle is slightly flatter than the Edel, one degree.

 

I'm in the armpit of Ohio called Ironton and hope to be somewhere else soon lol

[The Chicken Connoisseur]

How do you decide between the normal or oversize grip? Also I tried one in a shop, and I hated the material of the grip. Nightmare for sweaty hands guys like myself. I know you can put any grip on, but it seems like that would ruin it...

[LoveSick666]

Putting a different grip on doesn't really affect the science behind the putter. I work i a shop and we have sold at least 40-50 of these putters over the last 1-2 years.(we were one of the first shops to carry them) i put a SS pistol gt 2.0 on mine and I've seen numerous grips used by different people. The grip is unique but it really only helps those who forward press with a normal putter. It just gives you that forward press feeling without having to actually do it. I don't forward press because to me it changes the loft and face angle of the putter.

[The Chicken Connoisseur]

Putting a different grip on doesn't really affect the science behind the putter. I work i a shop and we have sold at least 40-50 of these putters over the last 1-2 years.(we were one of the first shops to carry them) i put a SS pistol gt 2.0 on mine and I've seen numerous grips used by different people. The grip is unique but it really only helps those who forward press with a normal putter. It just gives you that forward press feeling without having to actually do it. I don't forward press because to me it changes the loft and face angle of the putter.

 

Sorry I'm confused... Wouldn't the grip be for people who DONT forward press? Because like you said you don't have to actually do it

[LoveSick666]

No it gives the feeling of having a forward press without actually pushing ut forward and changing the loft/face angle of the putter. I had the stock grip originally like everyone else but since i dont normally forward press, having my hands in that position wasnt comfortable for me

[The Chicken Connoisseur]

No it gives the feeling of having a forward press without actually pushing ut forward and changing the loft/face angle of the putter. I had the stock grip originally like everyone else but since i dont normally forward press, having my hands in that position wasnt comfortable for me

 

This isn't making sense... The shaft has forward lean but the grip goes on straight. If you put on a standard grip, you would have to forward press way more...

[bd59]

The DF grip installation hole is cut at an angle not straight in, parallel to the grip like normal grips. So normal grip will be a normal setup to the player.

[The Chicken Connoisseur]

The DF grip installation hole is cut at an angle not straight in, parallel to the grip like normal grips. So normal grip will be a normal setup to the player.

 

Exactly. Which is why I'm not understanding this other guy

[nova6868]

I don't understand either. Seems like if you put a normal grip on the shaft you would be forced to forward press.

[LoveSick666]

I dont know how i could explain it better, sorry. All i know is you dont have to forward press more or at all if you dont want to with any grip on it. The stock Press grip as it's called does have the hole thru it cut at an angle. Maybe it's just my perception but with it made this way it feels like you are already in a forward press position without having to manipulate the club. We have put numerous different grips on these putters and have had no issues. I apologize if i am not explaining myself clearly enough. Maybe Bill the owner will see this thread and chime in and do it better. Lol

[herbygolf21]

The putter is built with 1.5* of forward shaft lean (forward press). The grip allows you to maintain that amount of forward press while keeping your hands perpendicular to the ground. Typically with forward press your hands are not perpendicular, they are pressed forward of that position. If you put a standard grip on this putter, you still have forward press, but your hands are in a normal forward press position that is no longer perpendicular to the ground.

 

I hope that is easier to understand.

[The Chicken Connoisseur]

The putter is built with 1.5* of forward shaft lean (forward press). The grip allows you to maintain that amount of forward press while keeping your hands perpendicular to the ground. Typically with forward press your hands are not perpendicular, they are pressed forward of that position. If you put a standard grip on this putter, you still have forward press, but your hands are in a normal forward press position that is no longer perpendicular to the ground.

 

I hope that is easier to understand.

 

Yeah this is quite obvious but it's the opposite of what the other guy is saying lol

[kyle75]

Monte let me hit a couple of putts with his during the playing lesson at the Columbus clinic. I have to agree with everything that Heath said, it is a really weird looking putter, but it really rolls the ball well. If I had not ordered an Edel the week before, I would have bought one already.

[PureStrikes54]

Best 10 feet and in putter I've ever owned but the lag putting leaves something to be desired. the one I own is much heavier than normal putters and you almost have to take no stroke on greens stimping at 11+. Tough to be precise but boy does this thing start a ball on your intended line.

[nova6868]

The grip thing seems like a bit of a distraction. It really forces you to use their putter grip. There had to be some other way to have an angled shaft and still have the grip portion straight.

[The Chicken Connoisseur]

Would the arm lock converter grips do the same job?

 

http://www.arm-lockgolf.com/Shop_Grips

[herbygolf21]

Would the arm lock converter grips do the same job?

 

http://www.arm-lockgolf.com/Shop_Grips

 

There are a couple of huge differences. The first being that the arm lock grip is tapered. This will change your hand position depending upon where on the grip you hold it. The further down you hold them the more behind the ball your hands become whereas the Press grips are parallel keeping your hand position consistent at the back edge of the ball regardless of where on the grip you hold it.

 

The second issue is the weight of that group. The arm lock is well over 200 grams, which would cause a counterbalancing effect.

[jut111]

My directed force has arrived. Excited to give it a try tomorrow in quite possibly my last round of the year. Planning on lots of indoor work over the winter, but just trying it out on the carpet and I'm excited. It feels almost idiot proof which is exactly what I need.

[Schnee]

My directed force has arrived. Excited to give it a try tomorrow in quite possibly my last round of the year. Planning on lots of indoor work over the winter, but just trying it out on the carpet and I'm excited. It feels almost idiot proof which is exactly what I need.

 

Ooh! That means mine should be here soon!

[glensmithis]

How long did it take to arrive? I am about to send in my video for a fitting.

[jut111]

I placed my order Nov 1st and got it this past thursday - and I cheaped out on shipping (UPS Ground)

 

Played my first round with it today. Wow, I'm really excited. Thing is just point and shoot, started almost everything on my intended line which is not something I'm normally good at. Seems easier to align for me as well for some reason.

 

Distance control will take some getting used to, I left a few long putts way short (but holed all but 1 of those). As Heath mentioned, you have to give it a whack. I actually like that though, I rather be able to putt aggressively then be tentative as I tend to get yippy on the delicate ones.

[glensmithis]

I placed my order Nov 1st and got it this past thursday - and I cheaped out on shipping (UPS Ground)

 

Played my first round with it today. Wow, I'm really excited. Thing is just point and shoot, started almost everything on my intended line which is not something I'm normally good at. Seems easier to align for me as well for some reason.

 

Distance control will take some getting used to, I left a few long putts way short (but holed all but 1 of those). As Heath mentioned, you have to give it a whack. I actually like that though, I rather be able to putt aggressively then be tentative as I tend to get yippy on the delicate ones.

 

Which putter did you use prior to the DirectedForce? How different were the specs from the fitting than your previous putter?