The response from our readers when we first released spy pics of the STX Xform 1 putter was quite surprising. We received a ton of emails and private messages asking for us to do a review of this model….the MGS readers seem to really like the fresh & clean, new look offered by the STX Xform 1 model.  So without further ado…..

Putter Tested: STX Xform1

(Written By: GolfSpy Dave) I first became aware of the STX brand name when I learned about lacrosse as freshman in college.  As a west coast kid, lacrosse was not a sport that I had been exposed to as a youth.  Today, there are lots of lacrosse and field hockey clubs out here in the west, but not so back in my day.  I remember the STX name because it seemed to be on every piece of lacrosse equipment, and also because it seemed the perfect name for a company selling “sticks”.

STX Golf came on my golfer radar a few years back when their putters with multiple insert options caught my eye.  I believe that it was a STX Sync1 with a green insert that I first noticed.  That opened the door to discovering the ProFit line.  With some STX putters, you selected one insert and that was that.  However, the ProFit line featured interchangeable inserts.  I thought that it was a cool idea to have a putter that you could adjust to meet the speed of the greens you play.  In retrospect, STX deserves some credit for pioneering in the current adjustable putter market.

While the STX Xform Series does continue the STX putter plan of two possible inserts, I think that it is easy to see that the STX Xform line represents something more.  The Xform putters show a huge leap in aesthetics from the previous STX putters.  When the Xform1 arrived at Golfspy Dave HQ, one question immediately came to mind.  Has STX produced a putter that plays as amazing as it looks?

STX XFORM1 Features:

• Material: 100% Milled
• 304 Stainless SteelWeight: 350 grams
• Loft: 3 Degrees
• Lie Angle: 71 Degrees
• Toe Hang: 4:00
• Length Tested: 34″
• Offset: Full
• Milled Face Option

BALL USED: Callaway Hex Chrome

FEEL

Most of the time when I test out putters I have a fairly good idea of what to expect in the feel category.  Asking a few simple questions (Insert or not? Carbon or Stainless? Cavity or solid back?) will usually point me in the right ballpark for feel.  The STX Xform1 was a bit of a feel enigma.  The head is made from 304 stainless steel (yes 304, not 303).  The model that I tested has a milled face rather than an insert, and the back of the putter is completely cavity free.  These features would typically point me toward a firm feeling putter.  As such, I was surprised to discover that the Xform1 is a very soft feeling putter.  Very soft.  Confusingly soft.  I actually had to ask my contact at STX if the putter is hollow.  It just feels too soft for a stainless steel head.  Thankfully, STX got back to me before my construction curiosity caused me to take the Xform1 to the band saw.  The putter is indeed solid metal.  However, I learned the simple math fact that 303 does not equal 304.

Most stainless steel putters are milled from 303 stainless steel.  I am not going to get into a discussion of metallurgy and alloys, but I will pass along what STX told me.  304 stainless is much softer than 303 stainless, and that is the reason that the feel is surprisingly soft.  If you want more metal tech, you can find out more about 304 Stainless HERE.  STX also said that most companies use 303 because 304 is so soft that it gums up the milling machines during production.  Again, I am not a metallurgist, but I can see how a softer metal could get stuck in the works whereas a harder one would just fall away.  Whatever the production issues, by using 304 stainless, STX has created one of the softest feeling stainless steel putters that I have ever rolled.  It definitely feels closer to a carbon steel putter than it does a traditional 303 stainless one.

LOOKS

I think that the Xform1 is the most artistic mass-produced putter that I have ever seen.  I can’t think of another putter that has such an aesthetic presence.  (If I am overlooking another artsy putter, please do leave a comment after the article.)  This putter makes me want to describe it in the same way one would describe an art piece.  The flowing lines lead one’s eye to the various design components. It is easy to spend more than a few minutes just checking out the Xform1.  I really like the Xform1’s interpretation of the plumbers neck.  We get the full-offset of the traditional plumbers, but we also get a swooping edge that flows down to the thin topline as well as purely aesthetic milled circles.  The parallel mill lines down the back of the putter are amazingly precise, and also quite functional when aiming the putter.  The matte grey of the body is coupled with a polished sole, with the entire head accented with bright green paintfill.

While the looks of this putter show still show its relation to the blades of the past, the Xform1’s looks truly stand out from the other putters in the marketplace.

My only aesthetic complaint is actually directed at the headcover and grip.  I think that these should have matched the bright green elements rather than the grey.  I know that the grey with green accent scheme matches the putter head, but a bright green STX headcover would really stand out in a bag.  I think that the brighter accessories would attract more attention from other golfers on the course, or even in the shop.  Who in the shop wouldn’t walk over to check out the putter with the glowing green grip?

SET-UP & ALIGNMENT

The Xform1 uses the ever-present sight line to assist the player with aiming the ball.  Wait, no it doesn’t.  The Xform1 doesn’t have a line! It has a dot.  Rejoice my line-fearing brethren, we have a new choice!  OK so that may be a bit much, but seriously, how many of the putters in your local shop have a sight line?  It’s refreshing to see one that doesn’t have a line.  The aesthetics of the putter also prove functional at address.  The lime green sight dot puts you on the sweet spot, and the square face and top line point you in the right direction.  The putter definitely squares to target at address.  The lines on the back are parallel to the face, helping you to square the face to the target line.  The blunt toe on the putter is perpendicular to the other lines on the head and also seems to assist in alignment.  I understand that some of you need a line to aim, but even so, you will want to try this putter.  The design of the head definitely promotes accuracy, especially if you don’t like sight lines (internet high-five to you).  FYI, the other two models in the Xform Series are also line-free.

PERFORMANCE

The 304 stainless construction really makes the Xform1 feel amazing on the course.  Impact is buttery smooth, but the ball still comes off at a good clip.  Admittedly, the lack of line that I like so much may make aiming the Xform1 as issue for some.  However, every single other person who tried out the Xform1 agreed that it looked amazing and that I line would have marred the aesthetics.

At impact, the tone is very muted.  This actually makes for quite an interesting combination when coupled with the soft feel.  You almost expect the ball to just slowly ooze off of the face.  Don’t be fooled though, the Xform1 gets the ball moving.  Balls do not explode off the face, but they do come off and start rolling immediately.  The roll off the face reminds me of the roll off the face of the Yes! C-grove and the Nike Method’s polymetal face.  No hopping or skidding off the face of the Xform1, the ball just rolls.  I can only attribute this to the 304 stainless (yes, again) and to the milling pattern on the face.

Remember too that the Xform1 is also available with an “electric yellow, thermoset” insert.  I can only imagine how soft the as advertised “softer” insert feels.  The milled face rolls the ball so well and feels so soft that I really question the necessity of the softer insert model.

• Distance Control = 9.5
• Accuracy = 9.0
• Sound & Feel = 9.5
• Appearance = 10.0
• Alignment = 8.9

OVERALL = 93.8

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 STX Xform1 is a: Slight Arc

OVERALL

The looks of the STX Xform1 make it stand out from the putter pack like a Ferrari in a parking lot full of Civics.  I am very pleased to report that the putter is also great on the course.  If you have only previously associated the STX name with lacrosse and field hockey gear, you really need to add golf to that list.  Head to the shop and get one of these in your hands.  The STX Xform1 is truly one of the must-roll putters of 2012.