The Performance Golf RS1 putter takes an unconventional approach to face stability – and the Forward Axis Weighting is creating a big impression as a result.
While Zero Torque putters have become the big trend, the RS1 from Performance Golf takes a different angle in design with the Forward Axis Weighting.
PG have positioned approximately 75% of the putter head weight in front of the shaft axis rather than concentrating mass behind it, with the design reducing unwanted face rotation.
The RS1 combines that forward-weighted construction with a distinctive mallet head and a relatively upright 74° lie angle that work together as a complete setup rather than relying on head balance alone.
The stability and forgiveness is what it is all about, although the unusual weighting and address position make the RS1 – and the graphite shafted RS1+ – a putter that divides opinion.
Pros & Cons
✅ Forward Axis Weighting offers a genuinely different approach to reducing unwanted face rotation
✅ Strong forgiveness in independent testing, with consistent ball-speed retention on off-centre contact
✅ Multi-material head combines a machined steel face, carbon-composite crown and aluminium rear section
✅ Choice of steel or graphite shafts provides different overall weight, sound and feel characteristics
✅ Both RS1 and RS1+ are available right and left-handed
❌ The standard 74° lie is significantly more upright than many conventional putters and will not suit every address position
❌ The standard retail build is 35 inches, so golfers needing another length should discuss options with Performance Golf before ordering
❌ Unusual weighting can require time to learn, especially for longer-putt pace control
❌ The steel-shafted version’s more pronounced impact sound will not appeal to everyone
❌ Starting at $399, this is a premium purchase rather than an inexpensive experiment
Performance Golf RS1 Putter Specs & Design
The RS1 features a unique design not seen before in a putter, taking a different approached to the modern Zero Torque trend.
Performance Golf use a multi-material mallet construction built around a CNC-machined steel face, a lightweight woven carbon-composite crown and a CNC-machined aluminium “T-Wing” tail.
The lightweight upper and rear sections allow more mass to be concentrated towards the face – 75% in fact – to create a distinctive forward-weighted balance.
Forward Axis Weighting means approximately 75% of the head’s mass sits ahead of the shaft axis, and the result is Face Down Balance, which counters the head’s tendency to rotate away from square.
Another important feature is the 74° standard lie angle, which is around four degrees more upright than a typical putter and is intended to encourage a setup closer to the ball with a more upright stroke plane
The sole of the RS1 putter has three sculpted relief zones, while the alignment system uses three parallel lines and a perpendicular face line to help frame the ball and establish intended starting direction.
The two versions of the putter are the RS1 and RS1+ and they share the same head design, Forward Axis Weighting, loft and lie with the only difference being the shaft and grip.
The RS1 has a Stepless steel shaft and Dual Pistol rubber grip, while the RS1+ features a low-torque graphite shaft and a Dual Pistol polyurethane grip.
As a result the RS1 is heavier overall with a solid feel and more active sound, and the RS1+ a lighter overall package with a softer impact character.
Performance Golf RS1 Putter Review: Is It Any Good?
The Performance Golf RS1 is a distinctive alternative for golfers who struggle to deliver the face consistently – and delivers results despite being a design that divides opinions.
Its forward-weighted head, upright setup and shaped grip offer a different experience from both a conventional mallet and many centre-of-gravity-balanced low-torque putters.
Like the best zero torque putters, it excels for stability and forgiveness despite taking a completely different route to achieve it.
The main caution is fit. A 35-inch putter with a 74° lie will not suit every golfer and it is very much worth trying the RS1 or RS1+ out before you commit to it being the answer to any putting problems.
FAQs
How much does the Performance Golf RS1 putter cost?
The RS1 retails at $399 with a steel shaft and rubber Dual Pistol grip. The RS1+ costs $429 with a low-torque graphite shaft and polyurethane Dual Pistol grip. You can use the Performance Golf discount code GOLFREVIEWSGUIDE for savings.
What are the standard RS1 specifications?
The RS1 has a 360g head, 35-inch length, 74° lie and 3.5° loft. It is available in right and left-handed options.
What is the difference between RS1 and RS1+?
They share the same head and geometry. The RS1 uses a stepless steel shaft and rubber grip, while the RS1+ uses a 15mm low-torque graphite shaft and polyurethane grip for a lighter overall build and different feel.
What is Forward Axis Weighting in the Performance Golf putter?
It is Performance Golf’s design approach that places approximately 75% of the head weight in front of the shaft axis. The aim is to reduce unwanted face rotation rather than rely on a conventional rear-weighted balance.
James is an avid golfer and reviews golf equipment and new gear for GolfReviewsGuide.com as well as providing the latest golf news. You will find him on a golf course wherever possible.