PUTTER REVIEW! – Edel DeVincenzo Series 18 {Prototype}

Putter Tested: Edel DeVincenzo Series 18 Prototype

“That’s different..I like it”

(Written By: GolfSpy Matt) I know that I’ve got something unique on my hands when I have to revise half of the items on my list of putter features.  Such is the case with the Edel DeVincenzo Series 18.  Where most putters have offset, this putter has onset.  Where most putters have toe hang, this putter balances with its toe straight up.

The putter tested here is actually a prototype for Edel’s upcoming DeVincenzo Series 18 putter.  It weighs in at a beefy 385 grams (the production model will be 395), much of which comes from the tungsten weights that are used to create the “toe up” effect.  While I’m generally not a fan of heavy putters, something about the way that the Edel is balanced makes it swing very easily.  I don’t think anyone in our test group would have guessed its weight had it not been stamped on the face.

When the DeVincenzo Series is launched (expected to be at the PGA Show in Las Vegas), Edel will offer custom length, lie angle, and custom anodized finishes.  The DeVincenzo Series will also be available in belly and long putter configurations.

Putter Features:

• Aluminum
• 385 grams
• 12:00 toe hang, or toe up
• Torque Balanced
• Full Shaft+ Onset
• Lamkin 3Gen Grip

BALL USED: Titleist Pro V1

FEEL

“Responsive” was the single most-used word in describing the feel of the Edel DeVincenzo.  Everyone in the test group felt that the putter offered very clear feedback as to where on the face the putt was struck, which I found unusual and impressive for a high MOI mallet.  Beyond that, the feel of the putter was neither mushy-soft nor clicky.  If pressed, I would say that it was just slightly softer than average.

The production model of the DeVincenzo will offer a Pixl insert, so the feel will be different than the aluminum face tested here.  I have been told that the Pixl insert will create a softer feel.  The biggest advantage of the Pixl insert is that off-center strikes are supposed to travel the same distance as center strikes.

LOOKS

The quote at the outset of this review tends to summarize how our test group felt about the looks of the Edel DeVincenzo.  While not a traditional beauty, it is devoid of wings, claws, handlebars, and all the other things that some putters just plain U-G-L-Y.  In fact, when you ignore the holes (which you will at address, for the most part), the head is a fairly normal shaped mallet.

One thing worth noting about Edel products, for those not familiar with them, is that they are beautifully made.  I think it would be easy for a putter with this many design features to come out looking cheap and poorly made.  This is absolutely not the case here: the DeVincenzo looks like a functional sculpture that someone really poured tremendous time and effort into.

SET-UP & ALIGNMENT

In a stark departure from some of our recently reviewed putters, the Edel DeVincenzo sports three sight lines.  The look is definitely unique because the lines are not continuous from the front of the putter to the back: instead, each line is broken into three segments (topline, from of flange, back of flange).  When I spoke with the Edel representatives at the PGA Show, they informed me that, based on what you aim the best, you can even order the putter with different paintfill variations (ex: middle line painted, two outside lines un-painted).  Alternately, if you have some paint, acetone, and patience, you can do your own experiments to find what you aim the best.

Our test group found the DeVincenzo to be very easy to line up.  The fact that the sight lines were not continuous seemed to help it to appeal to those who don’t like sight lines (me) as well as though who do.   Regardless of their preconceived preferences, everyone in the test group was able to set the DeVincenzo down and quickly knock in some six to ten footers on our practice green.

PERFORMANCE

Performance testing was done by 7 golfers.  The testers were given the putter and asked to hit putts of all lengths (3 to 20 feet).  They were then asked to rate the putter from 1-10 in each of the following categories:

• Distance Control = 9.3
• Accuracy = 9.4
• Sound & Feel = 9
• Appearance = 8
• Alignment = 9.6
• OVERALL = 90.6

FIT FOR STROKE™

Don’t change your stroke. Change your putter.

The (FIT FOR STROKE™) concept was developed by PING, yet another genius fitting system they have developed for golfers.  It works hand-in-hand with the iPING Putter App which is highly suggest everyone getting (IT’S FREE!).  You might be surprised to find out that the stroke you think you have isn’t the stroke you actually have.

This addition to the MGS reviews will allow you to become a more consistent putter by matching you with models that better fit your stroke type.  They will be broken down into three categories: (1) Straight – for face balance putters  (2) Slight Arc – for mid toe hang putters  (3) Strong Arc – for toe down putters

“Results from hundreds of player and robot tests at PING offer overwhelming scientific support for the effectiveness of fitting for stroke. In recent years more diagnostic tools and testing equipment have become available, and the results prove that a golfer’s consistency improves when their putter balance matches their stroke type. It was interesting to observe that golfers putt more consistently with stroke-appropriate models, but they also show a personal preference for these models, too. Prior to putting with them, golfers are drawn to models that fit their eye, even before they fit their stroke.” says PING.

The Edel DeVicenzo Series 18 is a: STRAIGHT

OVERALL

For the truly straight-back-straight-through putter who is looking for a putter that just wants to swing square to the target line, the Edel DeVincenzo is going to be a perfect fit.  I could also see it as a happy marriage with someone who just wants to see (onset) and feel (toe up) something different out of a putter.  If either of these sound like you, be on the lookout for an Edel fitter in your area.