I Thought Blade Putters Were Dead - I May Have Been Wrong

Ever since L.A.B. Golf burst onto the scene, its Lie Angle Balance technology has been heralded as a game-changer for golfers who want to simplify their putting stroke by minimizing face rotation. But for blade enthusiasts, the options have always felt very limited.

There have been models such as the original Link.1 or the Bettinardi Antidote SB1, but their center-shafted design, with the shaft running directly through the CG, behind the center of the face, still looked too unconventional for some.

However, the brand new L.A.B. Golf Link 2.1 represents the first-ever heel-shafted putter in the Link family, merging the brand's patented Lie Angle Balanced technology with a much more traditional blade putter design.

Out of the box, the Link 2.1 looks notably industrial while still possessing a premium aura. It’s a narrow-body blade design, offering a far more classic appearance than the likes of the OZ.1i model and the DF3.i. The head is 100% CNC milled from 303 stainless steel and is finished in a gorgeous, sleek black PVD, which I think looks great.

However, setting it down behind the ball is where my traditionalist brain had to adjust a little, as despite testing numerous zero-torque putter options over the last few years, I always always revert back to a standard blade or mallet putter when competing. Which means the onset and shaft lean in play here takes some getting used to.

I struggled with shorter putts because of this initially, but the way the putter's shoulders round off onto the flange, and with the addition of a single alignment line, I could see why some golfers may love this from short range.

For those who prefer a slightly more substantial footprint, it's worth touching on the fact that L.A.B. Golf has also launched the Link 2.2 model alongside it. The Link 2.2 is a square back blade that delivers a wider profile and slightly larger footprint. It has a slightly more boxy look, almost like a stretched blade, which should inspire a bit more confidence for those needing a larger visual aid and more stability.

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Where the Link 2.1 excels is its feel through impact, producing a really responsive yet satisfyingly soft 'click' that blade users typically crave, and I have to say, it's right on par with some of the best putters on the market.

It feels incredibly premium and provides excellent feedback across the face, which I felt enhanced my pace control on longer putts.

The Link 2.1 operates just like its larger, more elaborate-looking siblings - it wants to keep the face square to your path throughout the stroke. Bringing that Lie Angle Balance stability into a heel-shafted profile without the putter twisting in your hands is a clever concept and may just be what traditionalists looking for a more automatic squaring of the face have been waiting for.

The stock model comes in at $499, with fully custom versions starting at $599. If you've been holding out for L.A.B. Golf tech in the shape of a traditional blade, this could well be the missing piece of the jigsaw that makes you bit the bullet. You won't be disappointed.