SWAG Golf’s new mallets offer a wealth of technology

The SWAG Golf Vandal isn’t just another big weed trying to get into the high MOI conversation. It’s a statement from the Chicago-based outfit that they’re done being tied up as a “cool cover product.”

With the Vandal and its beefier sibling, the Vandal X, SWAG proves that precision grinding and “salvage” forgiveness can live in the same zip code.

If you’ve followed SWAG Putters, you know they don’t do subtle things, but the Vandal is a different kind of loud – engineered volume. Here’s why this mallet is currently one of the most interesting clubs on the boutique golf market.

Heavy Lifting: Multi-Material Perimeter Weighting

High MOI (Momentum of Inertia) is a mathematical problem, and SWAG solved it with a two-factor structure. The main chassis is carved from lightweight 6061 Aluminum, which acts as a skeleton. The “meat” of the putter – the face and inner blades – is precision milled from 303 Stainless Steel. By marrying the two, they were able to push the bulk where you needed it without making the head feel like a real brick on a stick.

That aluminum-to-steel ratio allows for aggressive weight redistribution. In a typical Vandal, about two-thirds of the head’s weight resides within half an inch of the perimeter. This results in a head that stays remarkably square even when you start toe it off. IX pushes it even further.

Vandal vs. Vandal X: Choosing Your Mallet

What you choose here depends on what you like and how much “help” you want. Vandal is the better of the two, offering a more compact look for the address.

The Vandal is in great shape and feel for players who might be into something like a SWAG Boss, and want to go for a full, big mallet. There’s nothing really offensive about the shape and its clean, smooth lines help frame the ball well for a confident stroke. Vandal X goes much deeper.

The Vandal X model goes deep. This is what you want when you are fully prepared to commit to a large and chargeable profile. Its profile is pushed back to move the Center of Gravity (CG) into the forward position, encouraging the ball to enter the true forward line more quickly.

Looking up here, I saw a decent amount of ball speed with the X over the standard Vandal shape. Enough to be careful!

Signature Drop Face Milling

It wouldn’t be a SWAG Putter without the signature Drip Face milling. Besides the beauty of “if you know, you know”, the milling pattern serves a functional purpose. It’s designed to provide a soft, quick response while creating the side spin that often plagues outside strikes. I really like the feel on the face of these putters. There’s enough sound and response that comes through in the hands without tinny or thuddy. A satisfying click to the face that makes you feel like you hit it right.

Sequential alignment

The top line features a clever piece of kit: a rear guide line that fits exactly the diameter of a golf ball. It creates a natural visible “track” that makes the ball independent, making it almost impossible to set it closed or open without seeing it.

To keep all that stability, the Vandal comes with a black double-bent KBS Tour shaft stock. This setup produces a hang that is almost equal to the face, making it the weapon of choice for players who prefer a straight back, straight-through stroke.

“Swag” Tax: Made in Chicago, for a price

While many OEMs are moving their mallet heads out of the big casting houses, SWAG is staying put. Every Vandal is designed, milled, and finished by hand right in the Chicago area. You are paying for 100% CNC quality, and you can see it in all the tight tolerances and sharp edges where things meet. It’s also great for me that SWAG is a hometown company about 45 minutes from me!

Quality like this doesn’t come cheap. Expect to shell out $777.77 for the Vandal or Vandal X. The good news is that unlike SWAG’s traditional “downgrade” model, the Vandal series is a permanent fixture, so anyone can get their hands on a Vandal series packed with SWAG technology.