deuce
Grenade!
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2014
- Messages
- 17,203
- Reaction score
- 218
Introduction
A bit of background before I start this review. I am a professed STX fanatic. Before I picked up the XFORM3, I gamed an STX ProFIT 3. When I first started playing, I figured the quickest way to drop my scores was by putting well, and so I started the journey into finding the putter that would best help me in that endeavor. I was drawn to the "technologically innovative" putters such as those provided by Yes!, GEL, and RIFE and from there I was sucked into the world of inserts. When I first came across the ProFIT series, and found out that I could modify the putter by choosing amongst the interchangeable faces and back weights I knew I had to give it a shot. When I finally came across the ProFIT 3 at GolfSmith, it was love at first roll. With the softest insert, the ball stealthily rolled off the face and I knew I had my gamer. That was seven months ago, and while I have tried to knock it out of the bag with putters from more well known companies, it has held firm. That was until I read about the XFORM3 from STX. Hence, this review.
About STX
The STX journey to produce world class, technically superior equipment began in 1970. Our mission is to offer products and choices that go beyond industry standards and conventional thinking. Our quest is to always pursue unprecedented feel and performance in each and every detail. When you choose STX, you can trust that we believe in your passion for the game just as much as we believe in the equipment with which you play. So join us on this journey. The Time is Now.
From STX about the XFORM series
STX XFORM Series putters are 100% machined from extremely soft 304 stainless steel. Tour inspired designs combine classic elements with modern style. Their soft satin finish and distinctive milling lines create a glare free, rich appearance.
XFORM Putters are equipped with our deep diamond milling that promotes a quicker forward roll and produces the soft feel desired by the best players in the world.
XFORM3 specifications
Loft 3
Lie 71
Weight 355
Offset None
Lengths 34, 35
Handed LH, RH
Finish Soft Satin
Balance Face
When you ask people to list off the top putter manufacturing companies, STX is rarely a name you will hear thrown into that mix. They are predominately a lacrosse company, but they have been involved in the golf industry since 1970. They claim to have introduced face-insert technology to the world in the 1980's, and that they remain the acknowledged authority in this technology. Interestingly enough, with the XFORM series, STX has broken away from that tradition and moved to a deep, diamond patterned, 100% milled face.
About the deep milling technology
For those who prefer putters without inserts, STX now offers the feel and sound of traditional milled stainless steel. By utilizing our new Deep Diamond milling pattern, we were able to produce a non-insert putter with similar performance characteristics to a soft insert putter. The Deep Diamond mill pattern increases friction to promote forward roll and produces the soft feel desired by the best players in the world.
The deep diamond faced milling can be seen in this shot of the STX XFORM3.
Characteristics
The XFORM3 is a face balanced putter that carries a surprising bit of heft to it, weighing in at 355 grams. While it is considered a large mallet, it is deceivingly compact at address. Alignment aids are minimal, no painted dots or lines on the top of the putter. A lightly ridged center bar, about three quarters of a ball thick, sits behind the center shaft; both of which can be used for ball alignment. It's square shape provides further confidence at address, and weight has been moved to the outside bars to provide a high MOI for improved accuracy on off-centered ball strikes.
Side-view of the STX. One of only three markings on the putter can be see towards the back.
The putter is understated, no fancy colors with the exception of a splash of neon yellowish green on the face and on the side (both highlighting the STX brand), and on the putters underbelly (which highlights the model). The Golf Pride grip is a dull grey, which complements the stainless steel putter itself and once again a small splash of color lets your playing partners know you are gaming an STX flatstick. Additionally, the satin finish reduces glare even with the sun directly overhead. This produces a no-frills putter that states that it is there simply to go about the business of putting. That is a claim that holds up once you settle in for your first putt.
Playability
For some it may take some time to trust that a stainless steel putter will provide them with a soft roll off the face. STX claims that the 304 stainless steel provides such an experience. Coupled with the deep diamond milling, the ball does roll off the face quite smoothly, with no bounce. It is deceptively quiet, with a urethane ball (B330RX) there was just a whisper off of the putter face, and with a surlyn cover (e6) there was a soft click. One thing that took some adjusting was that with the putter at address, the hands are placed slightly ahead of the putter face. For a center shafted putter, this seems a bit out of the ordinary, and while STX claims this is a zero offset putter, this setup belies that claim. While this setup at address took some getting used to, the reviewer was able to adjust his stance appropriately, but this may cause some people to swear this putter off. Balls hit to the edge of the face did not seem to suffer significantly reduced speeds, and continued to track straight to the hole (provided one is lined up properly to begin with).
The XFORM3 at address. If you like your putters understated, you may like this one.
Parting Thoughts
STX is an often overlooked option in the world of putters. They are neither one of the large OEMs, nor one of the niche, custom shops. Despite this, they continue to provide solid offerings for those willing to give them a try. As a matter of fact, the XFORM1 and XFORM2 won the 2012 Players Choice Award from Golfing Magazine, and throughout the course of STX's history on the PGA Tour they have amassed 12 victories.
Out of the four putter lines STX currently offers, the XFORM series is definitively their high end. The XFORM1 is a plumbers neck, mid-hang putter; the XFORM2 is a flare neck, toe down design; and finally, the XFORM3 closes the gap for those who prefer a face balanced, center shafted, mallet.
This is most likely a putter – and company – that hasn't found its way onto many people’s radars. It should be worth mentioning however that the company does produce quality products. Being a leader in the lacrosse world, this is not a fly-by-night operation. Hopefully this review generates some interest, and if you see an STX putter in the future, give it a roll. You may be surprised at how well it feels.
STX Golf website: http://www.stxgolf.com/
A bit of background before I start this review. I am a professed STX fanatic. Before I picked up the XFORM3, I gamed an STX ProFIT 3. When I first started playing, I figured the quickest way to drop my scores was by putting well, and so I started the journey into finding the putter that would best help me in that endeavor. I was drawn to the "technologically innovative" putters such as those provided by Yes!, GEL, and RIFE and from there I was sucked into the world of inserts. When I first came across the ProFIT series, and found out that I could modify the putter by choosing amongst the interchangeable faces and back weights I knew I had to give it a shot. When I finally came across the ProFIT 3 at GolfSmith, it was love at first roll. With the softest insert, the ball stealthily rolled off the face and I knew I had my gamer. That was seven months ago, and while I have tried to knock it out of the bag with putters from more well known companies, it has held firm. That was until I read about the XFORM3 from STX. Hence, this review.
About STX
The STX journey to produce world class, technically superior equipment began in 1970. Our mission is to offer products and choices that go beyond industry standards and conventional thinking. Our quest is to always pursue unprecedented feel and performance in each and every detail. When you choose STX, you can trust that we believe in your passion for the game just as much as we believe in the equipment with which you play. So join us on this journey. The Time is Now.
From STX about the XFORM series
STX XFORM Series putters are 100% machined from extremely soft 304 stainless steel. Tour inspired designs combine classic elements with modern style. Their soft satin finish and distinctive milling lines create a glare free, rich appearance.
XFORM Putters are equipped with our deep diamond milling that promotes a quicker forward roll and produces the soft feel desired by the best players in the world.
XFORM3 specifications
Loft 3
Lie 71
Weight 355
Offset None
Lengths 34, 35
Handed LH, RH
Finish Soft Satin
Balance Face
When you ask people to list off the top putter manufacturing companies, STX is rarely a name you will hear thrown into that mix. They are predominately a lacrosse company, but they have been involved in the golf industry since 1970. They claim to have introduced face-insert technology to the world in the 1980's, and that they remain the acknowledged authority in this technology. Interestingly enough, with the XFORM series, STX has broken away from that tradition and moved to a deep, diamond patterned, 100% milled face.
About the deep milling technology
For those who prefer putters without inserts, STX now offers the feel and sound of traditional milled stainless steel. By utilizing our new Deep Diamond milling pattern, we were able to produce a non-insert putter with similar performance characteristics to a soft insert putter. The Deep Diamond mill pattern increases friction to promote forward roll and produces the soft feel desired by the best players in the world.
The deep diamond faced milling can be seen in this shot of the STX XFORM3.
Characteristics
The XFORM3 is a face balanced putter that carries a surprising bit of heft to it, weighing in at 355 grams. While it is considered a large mallet, it is deceivingly compact at address. Alignment aids are minimal, no painted dots or lines on the top of the putter. A lightly ridged center bar, about three quarters of a ball thick, sits behind the center shaft; both of which can be used for ball alignment. It's square shape provides further confidence at address, and weight has been moved to the outside bars to provide a high MOI for improved accuracy on off-centered ball strikes.
Side-view of the STX. One of only three markings on the putter can be see towards the back.
The putter is understated, no fancy colors with the exception of a splash of neon yellowish green on the face and on the side (both highlighting the STX brand), and on the putters underbelly (which highlights the model). The Golf Pride grip is a dull grey, which complements the stainless steel putter itself and once again a small splash of color lets your playing partners know you are gaming an STX flatstick. Additionally, the satin finish reduces glare even with the sun directly overhead. This produces a no-frills putter that states that it is there simply to go about the business of putting. That is a claim that holds up once you settle in for your first putt.
Playability
For some it may take some time to trust that a stainless steel putter will provide them with a soft roll off the face. STX claims that the 304 stainless steel provides such an experience. Coupled with the deep diamond milling, the ball does roll off the face quite smoothly, with no bounce. It is deceptively quiet, with a urethane ball (B330RX) there was just a whisper off of the putter face, and with a surlyn cover (e6) there was a soft click. One thing that took some adjusting was that with the putter at address, the hands are placed slightly ahead of the putter face. For a center shafted putter, this seems a bit out of the ordinary, and while STX claims this is a zero offset putter, this setup belies that claim. While this setup at address took some getting used to, the reviewer was able to adjust his stance appropriately, but this may cause some people to swear this putter off. Balls hit to the edge of the face did not seem to suffer significantly reduced speeds, and continued to track straight to the hole (provided one is lined up properly to begin with).
The XFORM3 at address. If you like your putters understated, you may like this one.
Parting Thoughts
STX is an often overlooked option in the world of putters. They are neither one of the large OEMs, nor one of the niche, custom shops. Despite this, they continue to provide solid offerings for those willing to give them a try. As a matter of fact, the XFORM1 and XFORM2 won the 2012 Players Choice Award from Golfing Magazine, and throughout the course of STX's history on the PGA Tour they have amassed 12 victories.
Out of the four putter lines STX currently offers, the XFORM series is definitively their high end. The XFORM1 is a plumbers neck, mid-hang putter; the XFORM2 is a flare neck, toe down design; and finally, the XFORM3 closes the gap for those who prefer a face balanced, center shafted, mallet.
This is most likely a putter – and company – that hasn't found its way onto many people’s radars. It should be worth mentioning however that the company does produce quality products. Being a leader in the lacrosse world, this is not a fly-by-night operation. Hopefully this review generates some interest, and if you see an STX putter in the future, give it a roll. You may be surprised at how well it feels.
STX Golf website: http://www.stxgolf.com/
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