First Look: Edel Golf EAS 1.5 Putter

Edel Golf just announced the addition of the 1.5 model to their EAS (Edel Alignment System) putter line.

Granted, I find significance in every putter release but you may be wondering why this new Edel EAS 1.5 merits your attention. I hope to sate your wonder by exploring it from a couple of perspectives.

First, its appearance gives us the opportunity to become reacquainted with the Edel EAS putter line and Edel putter fittings. Second, we shall dive into how this new 1.5 model fits relative to the existing the line-up. I’d say it kind of fits with its kin. In fact, this putter disturbs the production paradigm of the other EAS putters. Let us start the Edel education and metal machinations forthwith.

Edel EAS putters: Fitting comes first

Edel Golf is proud of their putter fitting process. With good reason. Last July, I was fortunate enough to experience it firsthand. If I had to define the process in a single word, I’d say it is extensive.

Edel EAS putters are customized for alignment, stroke path, pace of stroke and even the natural bias of your eyes. Don’t be surprised if where you think you are aiming your putter is not where you are aiming your putter.

I love how my Edel fitter, Kevin Arabejo,described the goal of the process: “The club will functionally be fit to each individual so each individual knows the putter is aiming where they think they are aiming, able to judge distance more efficiently and fix path.”

Be sure to read my whole take on the process here. I also get into the Edel Golf fitting process in this episode of No Putts Given below.

Fitting the EAS 1.5 into the existing line

So where does the new 1.5 fit into the EAS line? I bet you are thinking it fits between the 1.0 and 2.0. That’s correct! Who says math is hard? In terms of aim bias, the numbering is right on. The shape and the lines of the head make the 1.5 a left-aiming putter. It fits the continuum as expected between the more left-aiming 1.0 and more central-aiming 2.0. OK, so there we go. Mystery solved.

That solves the numbering mystery but it does not divulge the real secret of the EAS 1.5. For that, we need to revisit the tale of torque.

Edel EAS Putters: Torque-balanced designs

The fitting options, including the interchangeable alignment inserts, separate the Edel EAS putters from other putters. Additionally, the fact that all the putters are torque-balanced makes the EAS putters unique. What is torque balance? Let’s let Edel Golf tell us.

The revolutionary Torque Balanced technology from Edel Golf significantly reduces the negative effects of torque, promoting a smoother and more consistent motion and allowing the putter head a greater opportunity to return to square at impact. Torque Balanced technology strategically removes weight from the toe of the putter, creating a “toe- up” balance point versus traditional toe-down or face-balanced putters. With an optimally weighted design, the Torque Balanced putter is less susceptible to the forces of torque during the putting stroke. The Torque Balanced technology is contained completely within the sole of the club, allowing the putter to maintain a sleek and traditional look at address.

What does Torque Balanced technology look like in the putter? Physically, there are a couple of things. First, they have a toe-up toe hang. This is achieved by removing weight from the toe and placing a weight in the heel. Naturally, the neck plays a role as well.

What is the purpose of Torque Balanced technology? The design reduces the effect of torque, aka twisting of the putter, during the stroke. The lack of torque should allow you to deliver the putter to the ball with less variation in face angle. This in turn leads to more putts on line. Obviously, David Edel could explain it better but that is how I interpret the design intention.

This brings us to the EAS 1.5 room-dwelling elephant.

The EAS 1.5 is NOT torque-balanced

Yes, you read that right. This new EAS model is not complying with the torque-balanced mandate followed by its brethren. In fact, its toe only makes it about halfway up. Does that mean the 1.5 is face-balanced? Indeed, it does.

Some of you may have noticed that this putter is the only one in the cohort featuring a plumber’s neck. Good catch. That new neck is the source of the increased toe hang. It sounds odd describing a face-balanced putter as having increased toe hang but going from toe up to a horizontal toe hang is technically an increase in toe hang.

Why toss the torque?

Good question. I see a couple of motivations. First, the design of the EAS 1.5 adds to the line a putter that fits straight or slight arcing strokes. While torque-balanced designs should fit all strokes, they may feel a bit unfamiliar initially to someone new to the design. The EAS 1.5 should feel more familiar to many players right away. If the player feels comfortable, then the fitter can dial in alignment and weighting and you are all set.

EAS 1.5 Putter – A traditional blade-style shape with a plumber’s neck hosel but with the unique trait of being face-balanced.  The plumber’s neck offers a traditional look favored by some of the world’s best. While most plumber’s neck-styled putters have a significant amount of toe hang, due to the weighting of the 1.5 it is face-balanced.  The parallel lines of the design in addition to the hosel will help right-aimers aim their putter more to the left.

Familiar look

The other reason to offer the EAS 1.5. in my opinion, is that it looks like our old friend the Anser. While the EAS 1.0 also provides Anser vibes, the plumber’s neck cements the look for the 1.5. It looks familiar and that is a great entry point for people not familiar with the EAS line or the Edel brand. Perhaps the EAS 1.5 will be a gateway putter to Edel designs.

The Torque Balance technology does play a role in the design, though. The toe is still hollow and there is a weight in the heel. With this design, the EAS 1.5 achieves face balance without needing a long neck. Long necks are the design element that most putter makers would include when building a face-balanced blade.

While I love long neck putters, they are a bit of an oddity in the putter market. Putter shoppers could see a long-neck blade as something unfamiliar and avoid it. Essentially, the Torque Balance technology allows Edel to avoid oddity. The EAS 1.5 looks familiar and will draw potential customers. Some may leave with the 1.5 but some may gravitate to the other, more unconventional, heads after their fitting. The EAS 1.5 could play the role of ambassador for the other Edel EAS putters.

The new Edel EAS 1.5: In a fitting cart near you

The introduction of the Edel EAS 1.5 means you have another option in the Edel fitting process. This model will attract new customers to the EAS putter line. Previous customers, like me, will also be curious to see how the new model compares to their current Edel.

You can order the new Edel EAS 1.5 and the other EAS models online at the Edel website but I strongly recommend you go through the fitting process to be confident you are getting the best Edel for you.

Click “Get Fit” on the Edel site to find a fitter. That fitter is likely to be nearby since both Golftec and Club Champion are certified Edel fitting shops.

Find out more at EdelGolf.com.