The Directed Force 2.1 is the flagship putter of L.A.B. Golf. There is a lot of chatter about this lie-angle balanced putter so we wanted to see whether it could compete against the best mallet putters of 2022.

As you will see, there is some excellent performance from this putter from 20 feet and, although we know it may not be the prettiest one out there, some bonus points are earned for functionality.

L.A.B. Golf Directed Force 2.1 Putter Details

We tested the L.A.B. Golf Directed Force 2.1 putter as part of our Best mallet putters in 2022 test. When considering ties, the Directed Force 2.1 took 10th place. The putter features the same technology that L.A.B. Golf has implemented in all of its putters: face angle technology. L.A.B. stands for “lie angle balance.” If you struggle with excess putter head rotation, the Directed Force 2.1 will help. Combining this with the alignment technology, the putter is supposed to make putting considerably easier. 

Players looking for a pendulum-style stroke with improved distance control will find the L.A.B. Golf Directed Force 2.1 a smart choice. The integrated forward-press technology promotes proper hand position. Ultimately, the larger muscles are incorporated into the stroke.

The 6061 aircraft aluminum putter head was also heat-treated to provide a consistent feel. You can choose between black, blue or red if you go the custom route. The alignment lines on the top of the golf putter look quite a bit like the Triple Track design on a Callaway golf ball.

Pros

• Integrated forward press
• Customization options
• Three alignment lines
• Lie angle balanced for very little head rotation
• Consistent distance control from 20 feet
• Good feel and consistent roll

Cons

• Hard to align on shorter putts
• Strange -looking clubhead takes time to get used to
• Some golfers feel it sets up open for the shorter putts

How We Test 

In testing the best mallet putters of 2022, we analyzed 27 putters. A total of 12,000 putts were taken and each was analyzed and recorded to collect data. We studied putters at five, 10 and 20 feet and picked a winner for each category. If you compare results from our previous mallet putter testing, you will notice that this year’s test focuses on making one-putts from 5, 10 and 20 feet. 

L.A.B. Golf Directed Force 2.1 Putter Review

The L.A.B. Golf Directed Force 2.1 was ranked 10th overall, scoring 83.10/100. As you will see from the individual scores from each distance, the L.A.B. Golf Directed Force 2.1 putter shines in the 20-foot range.

Performance From Five Feet 

From five feet, the L.A.B. Golf Directed Force 2.1 took 15th place, the worst of all the categories and one of the worst in our 2022 mallet putter testing. The problem we discovered with the five-foot range is that the putter has just too much going on. First, the design should allow for a square face throughout the stroke but the putter sets up a bit open. Secondly, the alignment lines make it hard to get the putter on track from a short distance. Ultimately, testers struggled with consistency from this range.

Performance From 10 Feet 

The 10-foot putt range reflected slightly improved performance with jump to 10th place. 

Performance From 20 Feet 

From 20 feet, the L.A.B. Golf Directed Force 2.1 finished second with impressive distance control, feel and consistency. This is a club worth considering if you struggle with consistency on longer putts.

Although the performance from five feet is not nearly as strong as others in the test, a few of the testers mentioned that they could get used to the funky alignment on the short putts.

Overall 

The results from 20 feet redeemed the L.A.B. Golf Directed Force 2.1. A second-place finish from the 20-foot mark indicates lie-angle balancing technology may help golfers struggling with the unwanted rotation of the putter head. If you have a straight-back and straight-through stroke and are looking to make your game more consistent, the L.A.B. Golf Directed Force 2.1 would be one to look at.

Tester Feedback

Here is some specific tester feedback about L.A.B. Golf Directed Force 2.1: 

• Good feel
• Alignment is helpful on long putts but not as much on short putts.
• Putter sets up open
• Couldn’t get it lined up correctly on a short putt
• Really impressive distance control
• Felt smooth considering the look and the size
• Felt a bit light to some players (custom weighting is available)
• Rolls well off the face

Bottom Line 

The L.A.B. Golf Directed Force 2.1 performs as advertised. From the 20-foot range, the putter face stays stable, has limited rotation and will help you control distance. However, the overall look is a bit funky. It took our testers some time to get used to. Undoubtedly, for a smaller brand working its way up, it competed pretty well in the 2022 mallet test. 

FAQ

Is the L.A.B. Golf Directed Force 2.1 worth it?

The best thing about the L.A.B. Golf Directed Force 2.1 is its performance from 20 feet. If you are working to keep the face angle square from long range, the putter is well worth the money.

L.A.B. Golf Directed Force 2.1 vs. Mezz.1—Which is better?

In the 2022 Mallet Putter test, the L.A.B. Golf Directed Force 2.1 had a slightly better overall finish than the Mezz.1. Interestingly, the Directed Force 2.1 is stronger on long putts and the Mezz.1 is stronger on short putts. Maybe L.A.B. Golf will figure out a way to marry the two in 2023.

Is a L.A.B. Golf Putter for high handicappers?

Any golfer can use the L.A.B. Golf putters and can order them customized to their requirements. L.A.B. Golf allows you to complete the process on their website and provides data of your putting stroke to help with the putter build-out.