When LA GOLF acquired SIK Golf, there was a lot of surprise and curiosity. After all, Descending Loft Technology (DLT) has proven itself on the biggest Tour in the world in the hands of Bryson DeChambeau, and had even found its way into Cobra’s putter lineups. So, when it was announced that LA GOLF was now running the show, many of us wondered what we would see happen first.
As it turns out, things are going to move full steam ahead, and today they are announcing their newest putter model into the SIK putter catalog, the FLO M. But rather than a typical release piece, we were able to get the new design in hand and put it through its paces. Ready to know more? Then let’s dig in.
Quick Take
Options are always a good thing, and SIK has continued to evolve their lineup to bring DLT to more people. The FLO M may simply appear to be the FLO on a diet, but that 70g diet has created a putter that looks like a mallet and feels like a blade. DLT is as effective as ever, though the shape itself is going to get some hot and cold reactions. For sheer performance, SIK continues to deliver the most consistent roll over the broadest range of putting strokes.
SIK FLO M – Design
Before we get into what I saw on the greens, there is a bit to unpack as to the “why” of SIK’s newest flatstick.
The M in the name here actually stands for “modified”, and while it’s simple, it is also incredibly apt. The FLO shape is entirely intact, and for those unaware, SIK themselves admit that it is “aesthetically unorthodox”. The goal is to stretch out the CG while also increasing the MOI, but visually there is a familiarity to the outline, it is reminiscent of the Spider shape, just flattened.
This, however, is a fully milled putter from a solid block of 303 Stainless Steel without any use of supplementary or alternative materials anywhere in the putter. It is because the putter is solid metal that the original FLO was quite hefty, tipping the scales in each of the four necks at over 400g. That made it a challenge to get into the hands of a large segment of golfers who want the benefits of a mallet but at a more traditional weight. It also made it hard to get play on Tour. It is with that in mind that SIK set out to “modify” the FLO, and viola, the FLO M was born.
The FLO M is about 10% smaller than its bigger sibling within the realm of 70g of weight savings depending on the neck option selected. Even at a weight which is now on par with the blades in the lineup, the patented Descending Loft Technology (DLT) is alive and well, it also remains the most effective variable loft design ever. With lofts of 4, 3, 2, and 1 degree from top to bottom on the face, DLT ensures that any angle of attack through the stroke is met with a consistent launch angle and immediate roll.
Clearly, LA GOLF and SIK can talk the talk when it comes to the FLO M, but does it walk the walk? Read on to see.
SIK FLO M – Performance
I received the FLO M in the plumber’s neck orientation for this review, but again it is worth mentioning that just like its bigger brother, there will also be swept (flow), slant, and double bend options. As for the shaft, I worked with a standard steel setup, but the new LA GOLF P-Series putter shafts are available through custom orders as an upcharge ($410.00 to be exact). Something to keep in mind, each putter is made to order, SIK doesn’t have pre-built stock sitting around, so the timelines are a little longer to ensure a 100% accurate build.
Visually, I enjoy the FLO M, but I know there will be a lot of people who look at it and go “woah”. I was already familiar with the FLO shape through my time at the THP Tech Studio, it was there I coined it in my head as a “smashed spider”. Now, that isn’t meant as a derogatory note, after all, that shape is one of the most successful of all time through how it moves the discretionary weight to impact the CG and MOI of the putter. For SIK, they wanted the benefits, but fully milled, so making the back flange much thinner makes a lot of sense. Again, it will be a polarizing putter, until people get it on the greens.
The FLO M takes everything I enjoyed about the FLO and makes it much more manageable. The stability and balance is 100% still here, even as a golfer who doesn’t tend to work best with a plumber’s neck, this setup was quite free through my putting stroke. The biggest thing I noticed immediately wasn’t the size, but the weight. I believe side by side, the difference in FLO and FLO M is minimal which makes sense given the “10% smaller” talk SIK is throwing around entirely logical. The weight though, the difference 70g makes is immense. The claim is that it is a mallet that feels like a blade, and in total honesty, I agree with that after having it on course and practice greens. Visually and MOI wise, you get the appearance of a mallet, but the feedback is that of a much smaller putter.
Speaking more on that feedback, the DLT is in full effect, and it works marvelously. Between myself using a variety of stroke types and AoA’s on the putter as well as getting it into the hands of many of my high school kids, the roll was as true as I have come to expect from DLT. The section on the face is on the small side, but if you are missing more outside than where it is placed, loft is the least of your worries. Through impact, the 303 Stainless sound/feel jumps out at you with its “tock” feedback that is softened through the DLT, removing surface area that impacts the ball. The feel (SOUND) is quite good, and in line with the “top” milled putters on the market in this price range.
In all, the FLO M was a lot of fun to get out and about. Even working with the full site line version (there is also a single topline option) which is out of my wheelhouse, the setup behind the ball was easy and confidence inspiring. Again, the looks are not going to be everyone’s thing, and LA GOLF as well as SIK acknowledge that, but options are always a win for us golfers.
Have you rolled a SIK putter before? What do you see in the new FLO M model? Jump into the conversation with thousands of golfers either below in the comments or directly on the THP Community and let us know!
The Details
Availability: 5/31/2022 on their website
Price: $449.99
Neck Options: Plumber, Slant, Double Bend, Swept
Custom Options: LA GOLF P-Series Putter Shaft ($410.00), Various Grips, Various Custom Covers
