As a passionate golfer and product reviewer, I’ve had the opportunity to test countless putters over the years. However, few have left me as impressed as the Kirkland Signature KS1-100% CNC Milled Blade Putter. This left-handed marvel from Costco’s in-house brand has taken the golfing world by storm, and for good reason. In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into what makes this putter a standout choice for southpaw golfers looking to improve their short game.
First Impressions: Unboxing the KS1
Upon receiving the Kirkland Signature KS1, I was immediately struck by its premium packaging. Costco may be known for its bulk offerings, but there’s nothing “bulk” about the presentation of this putter. The sleek box opens to reveal a putter that exudes quality and craftsmanship.
The first thing you’ll notice is the putter’s stunning appearance. The silver stainless steel head gleams with a professional finish that wouldn’t look out of place in a pro golfer’s bag. It’s clear that Kirkland Signature has put a lot of thought into the aesthetics of this club, and it shows.
Build Quality and Materials
Let’s talk about what’s under the hood. The KS1 is not just a pretty face; it’s built to perform. The putter head is crafted from 100% CNC milled 303 stainless steel. For those unfamiliar with the technicalities, CNC milling is a precision manufacturing process that ensures consistency and quality in every putter produced.
The use of 303 stainless steel is a smart choice. This material is known for its:
- Durability: It can withstand the rigors of frequent use without losing its shape or performance.
- Corrosion resistance: Perfect for those humid days on the course or accidental exposure to moisture.
- Feel: It provides excellent feedback on impact, allowing golfers to fine-tune their putting stroke.
The shaft is made of alloy steel, which complements the head nicely. It offers the right balance of flexibility and stability, crucial for maintaining control during your putt.
Key Features That Set the KS1 Apart
Now, let’s delve into the features that make the Kirkland Signature KS1 a standout putter:
- 100% CNC Milled Construction
The entire putter head, including the face, is CNC milled. This process ensures unparalleled precision in manufacturing. Every KS1 putter that rolls off the production line is virtually identical, providing consistency that golfers can rely on.
The milled face is particularly noteworthy. It creates a surface that imparts a true roll on the ball, reducing skidding and hopping that can throw off your putt’s line. This feature alone can shave strokes off your game, especially on longer putts where maintaining the intended line is crucial.
- CounterCore Mid Slim 2.0 Putter Grip
The grip is an often-overlooked component of a putter, but Kirkland Signature hasn’t cut any corners here. The CounterCore Mid Slim 2.0 grip is a game-changer. It’s designed to provide a comfortable, non-slip hold while also incorporating counterbalancing technology.
The “Mid Slim” profile strikes a perfect balance between control and feel. It’s not so thick that it feels unwieldy, but it’s substantial enough to promote a smooth, pendulum-like stroke. The counterbalancing helps to stabilize your putting motion, particularly beneficial for golfers who struggle with consistency in their stroke.
- Fully Adjustable Heel and Toe Weighting
This feature is where the KS1 really shines. The ability to adjust the heel and toe weights allows golfers to customize the putter to their stroke and preferences. While the putter comes with a standard weight configuration, Kirkland Signature offers a separate weight kit (sold separately) that allows for fine-tuning.
Why is this important? Every golfer has a unique putting stroke, and factors like green speed can affect how a putter performs. By adjusting the weights, you can:
- Alter the balance of the putter head
- Change the moment of inertia (MOI) to increase forgiveness on off-center hits
- Fine-tune the feel to match your preferences and playing conditions
This level of customization is typically found only in high-end, premium putters, making its inclusion in the KS1 a significant value proposition.
- Left-Handed Specific Design
As a left-handed golfer myself, I can’t stress enough how important it is to have a putter designed specifically for southpaws. The KS1 isn’t merely a reversed version of a right-handed putter; it’s engineered from the ground up for left-handed players.
This dedication to left-handed golfers is evident in the balance, weighting, and overall feel of the putter. It’s a refreshing change from the often-limited options available to left-handed players in the golf equipment market.
Specifications and Measurements
Let’s break down the key specs of the Kirkland Signature KS1:
- Length: 34.5 inches
- Head Weight: 340 grams (11.99 oz.)
- Flex: Stiff
- Color: Silver
The 34.5-inch length is a standard size that should suit most golfers. However, it’s always recommended to get fitted or try out different lengths to find what works best for your height and stroke.
The 340-gram head weight is on the heavier side of standard, which can be beneficial for several reasons:
- It promotes a smoother, more pendulum-like stroke
- It can help slow down the putting stroke, leading to better control
- The added weight can provide more stability through impact
The stiff flex ensures that the putter remains stable throughout the stroke, vital for maintaining accuracy and consistency.
Performance on the Green
Theory and specifications are all well and good, but the true test of any putter is how it performs on the green. I took the Kirkland Signature KS1 out for several rounds and countless practice sessions, and I’m pleased to report that it lives up to the hype.
Short Putts (3-5 feet)
On short putts, the KS1 shines. The precision milled face imparts a clean, true roll from the moment of impact. I found that the ball started on line consistently, with very little skidding. This is crucial for those nerve-wracking short putts that can make or break a round.
The weight of the putter head provides a sense of stability that inspires confidence. Even on downhill putts where a light touch is needed, the KS1 allows for excellent control.
Mid-Range Putts (10-20 feet)
This is where the KS1 really impressed me. The combination of the milled face and the adjustable weights allowed for exceptional distance control. After a brief period of adjustment, I found myself consistently leaving long putts within tap-in range.
The feedback from the 303 stainless steel head is exceptional. You can feel exactly where on the face you’ve struck the ball, allowing for quick adjustments if needed.
Long Putts (25+ feet)
Long-distance putting is often where the differences between putters become most apparent. The KS1 excels in this area thanks to its forgiveness and stability. Off-center hits still managed to stay on line reasonably well, which is a testament to the putter’s design and weight distribution.
The true roll imparted by the milled face becomes even more apparent on longer putts. I noticed a significant reduction in the amount of bouncing and skidding, even on slightly imperfect green surfaces.
Consistency and Forgiveness
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the KS1’s performance is its consistency. Putt after putt, the ball reacts predictably, allowing you to build confidence and trust in your stroke. This consistency is vital for improving your putting over time.
The forgiveness of the putter is also noteworthy. While it’s always best to hit the sweet spot, the KS1 minimizes the negative effects of slight mis-hits. This can be a real stroke-saver, especially under pressure.
Adjustability in Action
I spent some time experimenting with the adjustable weights, and I was impressed by how noticeable the changes were. Adding more weight to the toe, for example, helped me to square the face more consistently at impact. Conversely, adding weight to the heel helped me to release the putter better on longer putts.
This adjustability allows the KS1 to grow with you as your stroke evolves or as you encounter different green conditions. It’s like having multiple putters in one.
The Feel Factor
Feel is subjective in golf, but it’s particularly crucial when it comes to putting. The Kirkland Signature KS1 offers a feel that I would describe as soft yet responsive. The 303 stainless steel provides a satisfying “click” at impact without being harsh or overly loud.
The CounterCore grip contributes significantly to the overall feel of the putter. Its slightly cushioned texture provides comfort without sacrificing feedback. The counterbalancing effect is subtle but noticeable, particularly in maintaining the rhythm of your stroke.
Aesthetics and Alignment
While performance is paramount, the look of a putter can have a significant impact on a golfer’s confidence. The KS1 scores high marks in this department. The clean, classic blade design is visually appealing without being flashy or distracting.
The alignment aid is simple yet effective – a single white line against the silver finish of the putter head. I found it easy to square the putter face to my intended line using this visual guide.
One minor nitpick: The Kirkland Signature branding on the putter is quite prominent. While this doesn’t affect performance, some golfers might prefer a more subtle branding approach.
Durability and Long-Term Performance
After extensive use, I can attest to the durability of the KS1. The stainless steel construction has held up exceptionally well, with no signs of wear on the face or body of the putter. The finish has resisted scratches and dings, maintaining its sleek appearance.
The adjustable weights have remained secure, with no loosening or rattling even after numerous adjustments. This speaks to the quality of the engineering and manufacturing process.
Value Proposition
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room – the value proposition of the Kirkland Signature KS1. Costco has built its reputation on offering quality products at competitive prices, and the KS1 is no exception.
When you consider the features offered by the KS1 – 100% CNC milling, adjustable weights, premium materials – you’d expect a price tag in the high-end range of the market. However, the KS1 comes in at a fraction of the cost of many comparable putters from big-name brands.
This value proposition is hard to ignore. You’re getting a putter with features and performance that rival those costing two to three times as much. For golfers looking to upgrade their short game without breaking the bank, the KS1 represents an outstanding opportunity.
Comparison to Other Putters
To put the KS1 into context, let’s briefly compare it to some other popular putters in the market:
- Scotty Cameron Newport 2: A legendary putter known for its feel and performance. The KS1 offers similar CNC milling quality and adjustable weights at a significantly lower price point.
- Odyssey White Hot OG: Another popular choice known for its insert technology. The KS1’s milled face provides a different feel but comparable performance in terms of roll and consistency.
- TaylorMade Spider X: A high-MOI mallet putter. While the KS1 has a different head shape, its adjustable weights allow for customization of MOI to suit individual preferences.
In each comparison, the KS1 holds its own in terms of performance while offering significant savings.
Who Is the KS1 For?
The Kirkland Signature KS1 is a versatile putter that can benefit a wide range of golfers:
- Left-handed golfers: Obviously, this version is specifically designed for southpaws, offering a high-quality option in a market that often overlooks left-handed players.
- Mid to high handicappers: The forgiveness and consistency of the KS1 can help improve the putting performance of golfers still working on their game.
- Low handicappers and pros: The precision milling and adjustability offer the performance and customization that skilled players demand.
- Value-conscious golfers: For those who want premium features without the premium price tag, the KS1 is an excellent choice.
- Golfers who like to tinker: The adjustable weights provide room for experimentation and fine-tuning.
Potential Drawbacks
In the interest of providing a balanced review, it’s worth mentioning a few potential drawbacks of the KS1:
- Limited head shape options: Currently, the KS1 is only available in a blade style. Golfers who prefer mallet-style putters may need to look elsewhere.
- Weight kit sold separately: While the adjustable weights are a great feature, it’s slightly disappointing that the additional weights aren’t included with the putter.
- Limited length options: The 34.5-inch length is standard, but some golfers might prefer other lengths that aren’t currently available.
Final Thoughts
After extensive testing and use, I can confidently say that the Kirkland Signature KS1-100% CNC Milled Blade Putter is a remarkable achievement in golf club design and manufacturing. It offers premium features, excellent performance, and outstanding value in a package that can benefit golfers of all skill levels.
The combination of 100% CNC milling, adjustable weights, and quality materials results in a putter that can compete with models costing much more. For left-handed golfers in particular, the KS1 represents a fantastic opportunity to own a high-performance putter without breaking the bank.
Is it perfect? No putter is. But the KS1 gets so many things right that its few shortcomings are easily overshadowed by its strengths. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer looking for a performance upgrade or a beginner seeking a putter that can grow with your skills, the Kirkland Signature KS1 deserves serious consideration.
In a market often driven by big names and hefty price tags, the KS1 is a refreshing reminder that quality and value can go hand in hand. It’s not just a good putter “for the price” – it’s a good putter, period. And the fact that it comes at a price point accessible to most golfers is the cherry on top.
