TearDrop TD-1 Putter
TearDrop Golf has sprung back onto the golf equipment scene after its prominent run in the late 90s and early 2000s. The brand has leveled up their once cutting edge technology and packaged it into a new, sleek design with a modern look and feel. TearDrop’s new TD series offers three unique shapes: a mallet, a D-shaped hybrid design, and a classic thin blade. We will take an in-depth look at the TD-1, but regardless of your preference, you can expect a premium and unique design with enhanced control featuring the classic Roll Face technologies that TearDrop is famous for.
The Looks
The TearDrop TD-1 is about as clean looking of a putter as you will come across. Featuring a matte black finish, the TD-1 looks fantastic behind the ball. I have always been a fan of a black finish on everything from irons to wedges and the TD line is no exception. Immediately at address the most unique aesthetic aspect of the TD-1 is the Leading Edge Alignment System that spans the width of the putter face. I have to admit at first that I was unsure how I felt about the white line across that face, perpendicular to the traditional flange alignment line. After several rounds with the alignment system, I immediately fell in love, not so much because of the look, but the benefits that came along with it. More on that later.
The black and white theme is carried throughout. Behind the face features a classic TearDrop logo and the theme continues around to the sole. The Roll Face circular milling on the sole is a really nice touch and adds to the premium feel. All in all, the TD-1 checks all the boxes for me in the looks department.
How Does it Feel?
Before we talk about how the TearDrop TD-1 feels at impact, there are a few other factors at play here. First off, the TD line offers a wide variety of grip options that will allow you to tailor how the putter feels in your hands. I would argue liking the grip and how it feels in your hands is one of the most important parts of a putter, so just something I wanted to make sure to point out. Specifically regarding the TD-1, the crank hosel provides moderate toe-hang and full shaft offset that gives this putter a classic feel. Those with a slight arched stroke will benefit the most from this set up.
Thanks to the CNC milled Friction Face, the TearDrop TD-1 has a soft feel that provides impressive feedback at impact, and produces a consistent end-over-end roll. Pure strikes in the center of the face will feel ultra soft while heel and toe strikes will be a bit more solid.
How Does it Sound?
The TearDrop TD-1 Putter gives impressive feedback in the hands, but important audible feedback as well. There’s a muted “thud” at impact, with a more subdued, quiet tone compared to many other blade putters. The sound feels soft and satisfying. The “thud” becomes a bit more of a “click” with heel and toe strikes, but this feedback is expected in a blade style putter.
On-Course Performance
I’d like to preface my feedback with the fact that I am normally a mallet fan through and through. After the initial adjustment period, I quickly took a liking to The TearDrop TD-1. My favorite piece of design element, and one I was initially skeptical about, was the curved face. This face provides decreasing lofts as you move from the top of the face down to the sole. This Roll Face technology is what started it all and where the TearDrop name came from. The curved face mimics the curve of a tear drop. This dynamic loft provides a consistent roll regardless of angle of attack at impact. I slightly forward press my putts so the Roll Face helps add loft to get my ball rolling tightly.
I found the TD-1 to help me get the ball started on my line with an end-over-end roll. That said, this thing felt automatic from 10 feet and in (where my game needed help the most). Pair the Role Face with the Leading Edge Alignment System, the TD-1 really felt like it was point and shoot. Game changer. Like all other blades, mishits will see speed drop off as compared to higher MOI mallets like the TD-5 and TD-7. If your lag putting is on point and you could use some help knocking home those testy knee knockers, the TD-1 can certainly assist.
Final Thoughts – Teardrop TD-1 Putter
The TearDrop TD-1 Putter is the culmination of clean aesthetics and reborn technology. My favorite parts are the matte black finish, a super practical alignment aid all combined with Roll Face technology. If you are looking to try out a new flat stick, and maybe one your buddies haven’t seen before, then Teardrop is calling your name. Premium feel and a consistent roll regardless of strike makes the TD-1 a lethal weapon on the greens.
