The Performance Golf RS 1 putter, officially branded as the Performance Golf RS1 putter, is an unconventional premium golf putter designed to reduce unwanted face rotation through a technology called Forward Axis Weighting. Instead of following the traditional approach of positioning substantial mass behind the shaft, the RS1 places most of its head weight toward the front.
Performance Golf claims this arrangement helps the putter face remain square more naturally during the putting stroke. The concept is interesting, but does it actually justify spending $399 or more on a new putter?
This independent Performance Golf RS1 putter review examines the engineering, specifications, shaft options, published testing experiences, differences from zero-torque putters, return policy, and potential drawbacks. It also explains how to determine whether this unusual club matches your putting stroke before making an expensive change.
Quick Verdict: Is the Performance Golf RS1 Putter Worth It?
The Performance Golf RS1 putter is worth considering if you struggle with inconsistent face rotation, prefer a more upright putting setup, and want to investigate an alternative to conventional mallets and zero-torque putters.
Its most distinctive feature is the forward-weighted clubhead. Combined with a 74-degree lie angle, distinctive alignment system, and Dual Pistol grip, the design encourages a controlled stroke with relatively limited face rotation.
However, there are meaningful limitations. The unfamiliar weighting may require adjustment on longer putts, the upright setup may not suit everyone, and the premium price is difficult to justify without comparing actual putting performance against your current club.
| Feature | Performance Golf RS1 |
|---|---|
| Starting price | $399 |
| Upgraded model | RS1+ — $429 |
| Technology | Forward Axis Weighting |
| Head weight | 360 grams |
| Weight distribution | More than 75% positioned forward of the shaft axis, according to the manufacturer |
| Lie angle | 74 degrees |
| Loft | 3.5 degrees |
| Standard length | 35 inches; selected RS1 configurations may offer 34 inches |
| Standard shaft | Stepless steel |
| RS1+ shaft | Low-torque graphite |
| Grip | Dual Pistol, with material depending on configuration |
| Hand orientation | Right-handed and left-handed options advertised |
| Return program | 365-day policy, subject to published conditions |
| Best suited for | Golfers seeking alternative face-stability and stroke-control characteristics |
Specifications and prices are based on Performance Golf’s published product information. Available configurations, optional services, checkout offers, and policies can change. Verify the exact selection before ordering.
What Is the Performance Golf RS1 Putter?
The RS1 is a premium mallet-style putter developed around a different approach to putter-head balance. Its primary engineering concept is called Forward Axis Weighting, with most of the head mass positioned forward of the shaft axis.
The putter was developed with club designer Chris McGinley, whose professional background includes work on golf club engineering and equipment development.
Performance Golf markets the RS1 as an alternative to conventional blade putters, rear-weighted mallets, and zero-torque designs. The objective is to help golfers reduce unwanted face movement and improve consistency without continually manipulating the hands through impact.
The RS1 combines a CNC-machined steel structure, carbon composite crown, aluminum components, specialized grip, and visible alignment lines.
These features make it different from a traditional blade putter, but unconventional engineering alone does not guarantee better results. The key question is whether its particular balance and setup help the individual golfer control face angle, start line, and distance.
How Does Forward Axis Weighting Work?
Forward Axis Weighting is Performance Golf’s term for concentrating more than 75% of the RS1 putter head’s mass ahead of the shaft axis. The company claims this creates a gravitational tendency that helps resist unwanted opening of the clubface.
To understand the concept, consider three common putter design approaches:
- Traditional blade putters: Often use a combination of head geometry, shaft placement, and toe hang that allows varying degrees of face rotation.
- Zero-torque putters: Seek to minimize rotational torque around a particular shaft axis through head balancing and shaft positioning.
- Performance Golf RS1: Uses deliberately forward-positioned mass and its shaft arrangement to create what the manufacturer calls Face Down Balance.
According to Performance Golf, the RS1’s weight distribution works with its upright lie angle to promote a more square-to-square putting motion.
However, gravitational effects in a static balance demonstration do not establish that the face will remain perfectly square during every real putting stroke. Dynamic performance also depends on the golfer’s grip pressure, shaft orientation, movement pattern, acceleration, and impact conditions.
The useful question is whether this design helps you return the putter face consistently to your intended starting direction.
What Is Face Down Balance?
Face Down Balance is the name Performance Golf gives to the RS1’s balancing behavior. The manufacturer demonstrates the clubhead’s tendency to rotate into a particular position when supported or released under controlled conditions.
This is different from the familiar face-balanced and toe-hang descriptions used for conventional putters.
Face Down Balance describes a property of the club’s mass distribution. It should not be interpreted as proof that a golfer can eliminate pushed putts, pulled putts, or three-putts simply by changing equipment.
Performance Golf RS1 Putter Specifications Explained
The specifications help explain why the RS1 may feel different from conventional putters even before a ball is struck.
| Component | Specification | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Head mass | 360 g | Influences overall head feel and momentum |
| Forward weight distribution | 75%+ | Central design feature intended to influence face behavior |
| Lie angle | 74° | Creates a more upright address than many conventional configurations |
| Loft | 3.5° | Interacts with shaft lean and impact delivery to influence launch |
| Face | CNC-machined steel | Provides the primary striking surface |
| Crown | Carbon composite | Supports the intended mass distribution |
| Rear structure | Machined aluminum T-Wing | Contributes to the head geometry and balance |
| Sole | Three-zone relief | Designed to accommodate the club’s address and movement geometry |
| Alignment | Three parallel lines plus a perpendicular face reference | Helps establish a visual starting direction |
| Grip | Dual Pistol | Creates a distinctive hand-placement feel |
These specifications describe the manufacturer’s product design. They are not independent measurements from a TopGolfe laboratory or a promise of a particular reduction in strokes per round.
Why Does the RS1 Have a 74-Degree Lie Angle?
The RS1’s 74-degree lie angle encourages a more upright relationship between the golfer, shaft, and putting surface than many common putter configurations.
Performance Golf associates this geometry with a more compact stroke arc and reduced face rotation.
That approach may appeal to golfers who prefer standing more directly over the ball or who want a straighter visual putting motion.
But a 74-degree lie angle is not universally better. A golfer with different proportions, posture, eye position, or stroke characteristics might prefer another configuration.
Before buying, consider how the club soles at address, how your hands naturally hang, and whether the supplied length encourages a comfortable posture.
Performance Golf RS1 vs. RS1+: What’s the Difference?
Performance Golf offers the standard RS1 and the more expensive RS1+. Both share the central forward-weighted putter design.
The primary differences are the shaft and grip configuration, rather than an entirely different clubhead.
| Feature | RS1 | RS1+ |
|---|---|---|
| Advertised price | $399 | $429 |
| Head design | Forward Axis Weighting | Forward Axis Weighting |
| Head weight | 360 g | 360 g |
| Lie angle | 74° | 74° |
| Loft | 3.5° | 3.5° |
| Shaft | Stepless steel | 15 mm low-torque graphite |
| Grip | Dual Pistol rubber; other options may vary | Dual Pistol polyurethane |
| Expected distinction | More conventional, solid shaft feel | Different vibration response and overall weight characteristics |
Choose the standard RS1 if you want to evaluate the forward-weighting design without paying extra for a graphite shaft.
Consider the RS1+ if you already prefer graphite putter shafts, want the advertised low-torque construction, or find its sound and vibration characteristics more comfortable.
The $30 difference should not be interpreted as a guaranteed performance improvement. Feel is subjective, and different shaft construction can change the experience without ensuring more made putts.
Also verify available lengths. The manufacturer’s product listings do not always display identical configurations, and certain standard RS1 purchase options may include a 34-inch length while other pages emphasize 35 inches.
What Do Independent RS1 Putter Reviews Actually Report?
Independent equipment reviewers have published hands-on experiences with the RS1, providing useful context beyond the manufacturer’s promotional demonstrations.
These reviews are relevant, but they should not be treated as a single controlled scientific experiment. Each tester has a different putting stroke, experience level, preferred equipment, and evaluation process.
Plugged In Golf: Forgiveness and Stroke Consistency
Plugged In Golf’s Matt Saternus reported that the RS1 provided good forgiveness, a controlled feel, and a repeatable putting motion during his testing.
He also compared it with a L.A.B. DF3i, evaluating performance indoors and on an outdoor green. His observations suggested comparable ball-speed consistency on certain indoor measurements, while the DF3i retained a small advantage on some longer, intentionally mishit putts.
The distinction matters because forgiveness is not an all-or-nothing feature. A putter can perform well on centered strikes while another maintains slightly more consistent speed on severe heel or toe misses.
See the Plugged In Golf RS1 review for the original tester’s findings.
Breaking Eighty: Short-Putt Confidence and Feel
Breaking Eighty’s Sean Ogle described strong short-to-medium-range putting performance during his experience with the RS1, particularly when comparing it with other modern stability-oriented putters.
He also reported that the RS1’s impact feel differed from his preferred putter and that the included headcover could be awkward to put on and remove.
Those observations highlight an overlooked buying factor: a putter can provide useful stroke stability while still feeling unfamiliar or less satisfying at impact.
Read the Breaking Eighty RS1 putter review for his complete evaluation.
Golfers Authority: Adjustment on Longer Putts
Golfers Authority’s Paul Liberatore described a learning period while adjusting to the RS1’s feel and lag-putting behavior.
This is an important consideration for players who already have reliable distance control with another putter. A new design may improve confidence on short putts while initially making longer putts less predictable.
Before switching, the relevant question is whether any gains in face control outweigh the effort required to recalibrate speed.
See the Golfers Authority RS1 evaluation.
What Can We Reasonably Conclude?
The independent reviews suggest that the RS1 can be a credible alternative to conventional and zero-torque putters, particularly for golfers who appreciate its face-stability characteristics.
However, the available reviews do not establish a universal percentage improvement in putting accuracy, strokes gained, or three-putt avoidance.
Individual reports of improved rounds should be treated as personal results rather than guaranteed outcomes for every buyer.
RS1 vs. Zero-Torque Putters: Which Design Makes More Sense?
Forward-weighted and zero-torque putters are often compared because both target unwanted clubface movement. However, their mechanical strategies are different.
Zero-torque designs generally attempt to reduce rotational torque around the shaft axis through balancing and shaft placement. The RS1 deliberately places much of its mass forward of the shaft axis to influence balance and movement in another way.
| Characteristic | RS1 | Zero-Torque Putter | Traditional Mallet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary idea | Forward-positioned head mass | Reduced torque about a selected shaft axis | Forgiveness, alignment, and mass distribution |
| Balance behavior | Face Down Balance | Designed for relatively neutral torque behavior | Depends on model and shaft configuration |
| Stroke preference | Promotes reduced face rotation | Depends on design and golfer | Depends on head and fitting |
| Setup | 74° upright standard lie | Varies by manufacturer and model | Varies by manufacturer and model |
| Feel | Distinctive forward-weighted response | Varies with shaft, head, and construction | Wide variety of impact sensations |
| Best decision criterion | Start-line and speed consistency | Start-line and speed consistency | Start-line and speed consistency |
Neither category can claim universal superiority. The same golfer may aim one design more accurately while achieving better lag-putting control with another.
Golfers comparing RS1 vs. L.A.B. Golf putters should prioritize fitting and repeatable results rather than choosing based only on marketing terms such as gravity assist or zero torque.
Does the RS1 Alignment System Help You Aim?
The RS1 uses three parallel alignment lines and an additional reference near the putter face. The visual design is intended to help golfers establish a consistent starting direction.
That can be useful if your usual problem is repeatedly aiming the clubface left or right of the intended line.
But alignment assistance is highly individual. Some golfers prefer prominent parallel lines, while others find several markings distracting.
Our guide to using a golf ball alignment tool explains how ball markings and putter-face references can work together to improve setup consistency.
The important distinction is that visual alignment does not select the correct break for you. A perfectly square face aimed at the wrong starting line can still miss.
How to Test the Performance Golf RS1 Before Replacing Your Current Putter
A new putter should be evaluated against your current equipment using a repeatable process. Relying on a few impressive makes can exaggerate the apparent benefit of a new club.
The following is an independent testing framework for golfers, not a claim that TopGolfe conducted this test with the RS1.
Test 1: Short-Putt Start Line
Find a relatively straight putt from approximately five feet. Use the same ball model, target, and general setup for both putters.
Alternate between the RS1 and your current putter in small groups rather than completing every stroke with one club first.
Record made putts, misses left or right, and whether the ball starts along the intended line.
A putting string line can provide additional feedback. See our string line putting drills for a simple method of evaluating start-line consistency.
Test 2: Mid-Range Putting
Move to putts of approximately 10 to 15 feet. Track whether the ball begins on the intended line and how close misses finish to the hole.
Do not measure success only by the number of putts made. A ball can start perfectly but miss because the read or speed was incorrect.
Separating those variables helps determine whether the putter improves face control or simply feels more exciting during the first few strokes.
Test 3: Lag-Putting Distance Control
Hit putts from approximately 25 to 35 feet and measure the distance of each ball from the hole. Record both putts that finish short and putts that roll too far beyond the target.
This is especially valuable with the RS1 because the unusual balance and shaft configuration may require adaptation when making longer strokes.
Consider whether the club creates more consistent speed without requiring excessive conscious effort.
A Practical Putter Comparison Scorecard
| Test | What to Measure | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Short putts | Make percentage and miss direction | Start-line confidence |
| Mid-range putts | Starting direction and finish distance | Combined accuracy and control |
| Long putts | Average distance from the hole | Lag-putting quality |
| Off-center strikes | Variation in distance and direction | Practical forgiveness |
| Setup comfort | Posture, alignment, and grip feel | Fit and repeatability |
| Repeated sessions | Results across multiple practice days | Reduces novelty and one-session bias |
If you perform better only during the first few short putts but consistently lose distance control from farther away, the equipment change may not be an overall improvement.
For golfers working on setup consistency before purchasing a new putter, our putting mirror comparison explains different ways to evaluate eye position, alignment, and stroke-path feedback.
How Much Does the Performance Golf RS1 Putter Cost?
Performance Golf advertises the standard RS1 at $399 and the RS1+ at $429 through its official U.S. store.
The price difference reflects the upgraded graphite shaft and associated grip configuration. Both versions use the same fundamental head design and forward-weighting concept.
At this price, the RS1 is a premium golf club purchase, not an inexpensive putting experiment.
Before ordering, compare the complete checkout total, including any applicable taxes, selected upgrades, optional offers, and shipping conditions.
See the official Performance Golf RS1 product page for the current configuration and price.
Hidden Costs: What to Check Before Ordering the RS1
The advertised putter price is only one part of the buying decision. Several additional details deserve attention.
Optional Subscription Offers at Checkout
The official product page displays an optional training-content offer associated with a free trial and a recurring membership charge of $29 per month after the trial period.
This is separate from the physical putter purchase. Buyers should inspect their cart and checkout selections carefully to determine whether any optional membership or digital service has been added.
Do not assume that every offer described as free remains free indefinitely. Review the trial length, renewal terms, cancellation procedure, and total order before submitting payment.
Return Shipping and Packaging
Performance Golf advertises a 365-day money-back guarantee, but its published refund policy specifies conditions for eligible returns.
The company requires customers to obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) before sending an item back. Its policy also places responsibility for return shipping on the customer.
According to the published terms, returned products must not be destroyed or excessively worn, damaged, or altered. Items are subject to inspection, and the company provides instructions for packaging and returning the product.
Keep the original packaging when possible and understand the written requirements before relying on the return promise.
Fitting and Grip Changes
Golfers who need a different length, lie angle, or grip configuration should verify available custom options before purchasing.
Ordering a club that does not fit properly can create additional expenses or force the golfer to adapt to an unsuitable setup.
Modifications can also raise questions under a return policy that limits eligibility for altered items. Obtain written clarification before changing the putter during the return period.
Is the RS1 365-Day Money-Back Guarantee Legitimate?
Performance Golf publishes a 365-day return policy for eligible physical products, including its golf clubs. The existence of a written policy is useful, but it is important to understand the difference between promotional wording and the complete return conditions.
The company’s published policy requires an RMA, customer-paid return shipping, suitable product condition, and an inspection process.
This means a return is not necessarily as simple as putting the club in any box and mailing it back without authorization.
Before ordering, confirm the return period, applicable refund amount, shipping responsibility, and whether any optional digital services are governed by separate billing terms.
Consult the official Performance Golf refund policy for the controlling details.
Performance Golf RS1 Putter: Pros and Cons
Potential Advantages
- Distinctive forward-axis weighting concept.
- Designed to reduce unwanted face rotation.
- Clear multi-line alignment references.
- Premium multi-material construction.
- Standard steel and upgraded graphite shaft options.
- Right-handed and left-handed configurations advertised.
- Positive face-control observations in independent equipment reviews.
- Relatively strong forgiveness reported by independent testers.
- Published return policy provides an extended evaluation window, subject to conditions.
Potential Disadvantages
- Premium initial purchase price.
- Unconventional head shape may not suit traditional preferences.
- More upright setup may be uncomfortable for some golfers.
- Long-distance putting feel may require adjustment.
- Limited length options compared with a fully customized fitting.
- The large alignment system may feel visually distracting.
- Graphite shaft upgrade does not guarantee better results.
- Return shipping is the buyer’s responsibility under the published policy.
- Optional checkout subscriptions require attention.
- Manufacturer performance claims are not a guarantee of individual improvement.
Common Mistakes When Evaluating the RS1 Putter
Expecting gravity to make every putt. Forward Axis Weighting changes head-balance characteristics, but the golfer must still read the green, align properly, and control speed.
Comparing only short putts. Test the club at multiple distances before deciding that improved five-foot confidence justifies replacing your current putter.
Ignoring lie angle and length. An unfamiliar setup may change posture and stroke mechanics, even when the putter feels stable.
Assuming RS1+ is automatically better. Shaft upgrades alter feel and construction; they do not guarantee lower scores.
Overlooking return conditions. An extended guarantee still includes procedures and eligibility requirements.
Failing to review optional checkout offers. A trial membership may become a recurring expense if the buyer chooses the offer and does not cancel as required.
Confusing face stability with green reading. A stable putter face cannot compensate for repeatedly choosing the wrong starting line or pace.
Who Should Consider the Performance Golf RS1?
Golfers who fight excessive face rotation: The RS1’s forward-weighting approach may be worth comparing with their existing putter.
Players who prefer an upright putting posture: The 74-degree lie may feel comfortable for golfers whose setup is compatible with this geometry.
Golfers dissatisfied with conventional mallets: The RS1 offers a substantially different mass-distribution approach.
Players interested in zero-torque alternatives: Its balance concept provides another option to assess through real putting results.
Analytical golfers: Players willing to measure start-line accuracy, lag distance, and repeatability are better positioned to determine whether the design helps.
Who Should Avoid the Performance Golf RS1?
Golfers happy with their current putter: A new design is not automatically an improvement over an existing club that already produces consistent results.
Players who prefer traditional blade aesthetics: The RS1’s unconventional head may be distracting.
Golfers needing a different standard lie or length: Confirm fitting options rather than assuming that the advertised configuration will work.
Budget-conscious players: Putting lessons or structured practice may provide better value when a golfer has not identified an equipment-related problem.
Players expecting automatic improvement: A premium putter cannot guarantee more made putts or eliminate three-putts.
Is the Performance Golf RS1 Putter Legal Under the Rules of Golf?
Performance Golf states that the RS1 conforms to the Rules of Golf.
The USGA and The R&A regulate golf club design through the Equipment Rules. Relevant provisions address club configuration, shaft alignment, adjustability, and other performance characteristics.
However, the USGA’s publicly accessible equipment database does not list putters in the same manner as certain other golf club categories. Therefore, readers should not treat the absence of a public putter entry as either proof of conformity or proof of nonconformity.
For competition use, confirm the exact model and any modifications with the manufacturer and an appropriate rules authority when necessary.
See the USGA Equipment FAQ for further information.
Final Verdict: Is the Performance Golf RS1 Putter a Smart Purchase?
The Performance Golf RS1 putter is an interesting premium alternative to traditional mallets and zero-torque designs. Its forward-positioned weight, upright lie angle, distinctive alignment system, and Dual Pistol grip create a putting experience that differs meaningfully from many conventional clubs.
Independent equipment reviews suggest that the design can provide effective face control and forgiveness for certain golfers. However, those experiences do not establish that every player will putt better with it.
At $399 for the standard version and $429 for the RS1+, the purchase should be evaluated against your current putter’s actual results, not simply the promise of new technology.
Consider the RS1 if you struggle with face consistency, appreciate its upright setup, and can test whether its balance improves your short-putt accuracy without sacrificing distance control.
Avoid it if your putting problems primarily involve reading greens, choosing the wrong speed, or inconsistent practice rather than equipment fit and face control.
Before buying, review the exact club configuration, full checkout total, any recurring offers, and the written return conditions.
The best putter is not the one with the most unusual engineering. It is the one that consistently helps you start the ball on your intended line and control the distance.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Performance Golf RS1 Putter
What is the Performance Golf RS1 putter?
The Performance Golf RS1 is a premium mallet-style putter that uses Forward Axis Weighting to influence clubface stability. Its design places more than 75% of the head weight ahead of the shaft axis, according to the manufacturer.
Is the Performance Golf RS1 putter worth the money?
It may be worth considering for golfers whose putting stroke benefits from its balance, upright setup, and alignment design. It is less compelling when an existing putter already provides reliable start-line and distance control.
How much does the Performance Golf RS1 putter cost?
The manufacturer’s published U.S. prices are $399 for the standard RS1 and $429 for the RS1+. The final cost depends on selected options, taxes, and any additional checkout services.
What is the difference between the RS1 and RS1+?
Both use the same core forward-weighted head design. The standard RS1 has a stepless steel shaft, while the RS1+ uses a low-torque graphite shaft with a different grip configuration. The graphite version costs more but does not guarantee better putting results.
Is the RS1 a zero-torque putter?
No. The RS1 uses Forward Axis Weighting and Face Down Balance, a different design approach from putters engineered to minimize torque around the shaft axis.
What does Face Down Balance mean?
Face Down Balance is Performance Golf’s description of how the RS1’s unusual head-weight distribution responds to gravity. The feature is intended to influence face stability but does not guarantee that every golfer will deliver a square clubface at impact.
Is the Performance Golf RS1 available left-handed?
Performance Golf advertises right-handed and left-handed RS1 configurations. Confirm that your preferred shaft, grip, and length are available for the selected hand orientation before ordering.
Is the RS1 putter legal for tournament golf?
The manufacturer states that the RS1 conforms to the Rules of Golf. Golfers with questions about a specific club or modifications should verify its status with the manufacturer and relevant rules authority.
Does Performance Golf offer a money-back guarantee?
Yes. Performance Golf publishes a 365-day return policy for eligible products, subject to requirements involving return authorization, product condition, packaging, inspection, and customer-paid return shipping.
Is the RS1 suitable for beginners?
A beginner may be able to use the RS1 if it fits their setup and stroke. However, its premium price and distinctive feel may be difficult to justify before the golfer understands their putting needs. Instruction and practice should remain priorities.
Can the RS1 eliminate three-putts?
No putter can guarantee the elimination of three-putts. The RS1 may help certain players control face movement, but three-putting also involves distance control, green reading, initial putt length, and execution under pressure.
Sources and Editorial Method
This article is an independent, source-based analysis of the Performance Golf RS1 putter. Specifications and commercial terms were checked against manufacturer information, while performance observations were attributed to published equipment reviewers. TopGolfe does not claim to have physically tested or measured the RS1.
- Performance Golf — RS1 Official Product Information: Club construction, model specifications, pricing, and advertised features.
- Performance Golf — Return Policy: Return eligibility, shipping responsibilities, and authorization procedures.
- Performance Golf — Terms of Service: Commercial and refund conditions.
- Plugged In Golf — RS1 Putter Review: Independent testing observations, feel, forgiveness, and performance comparisons.
- Breaking Eighty — Performance Golf RS1 Review: Putting experience, impact feel, and equipment observations.
- Golfers Authority — RS1 Review: Independent evaluation of fit, distance control, and design.
- Northeast Golf — RS1 Putter Review: Additional firsthand equipment observations.
- USGA — Equipment FAQ: Information on equipment conformity and club evaluation.
Prices, specifications, availability, and commercial conditions may change. Verify current information with the manufacturer before purchasing. TopGolfe is not affiliated with Performance Golf and has not received compensation for this independent guide.