The new generations of SWAG Golf offer an abundance of technology

The SWAG Golf Vandal isn’t just another big hammer trying to get into the high MIA conversation. It’s a statement from the Chicago-based outfit that they’re done being pigeonholed as “Cool headwear brand.”

With the Vandal and its stronger sibling, the Vandal X, SWAG is proving that precision grinding and “sparing” forgiveness can live in the same zip code.

If you’ve been following SWAG Putters, you know they don’t do subtle, but the Vandal is a different kind of sound—it’s engineered volume. Here’s why this hammer is currently one of the hottest clubs on the boutique golf market.

Heavy Lifting: Perimeter weighing with many materials

High MOI (Moment of Inertia) is a mathematical problem and SWAG solved it with a dual construction. The main chassis is carved from lightweight 6061 aluminum, which acts as the skeleton. The “meat” of the lacquer – the face and internal weight – is precision milled from 303 stainless steel. By marrying these two, they’ve managed to get the mass exactly where you need it without making the head feel like a real brick on a stick.

This aluminum-to-steel ratio allows for aggressive weight redistribution. On the standard Vandal, approximately two-thirds of the mass of the head sits within one-half inch of the circumference. This results in a head that stays extremely square even when you start toe-in. X pushes it even further.

Vandal vs. Vandal X: Choosing your hammer

The choice here depends on your visual preference and how much “help” you want. The Vandal is the sleeker of the two, offering a more compact look at address.

The Vandal is a great shape and feel for players who might be into something like SWAG Boss, and looking to move up to a fuller, bigger hammer. There’s nothing really offensive about the shape and its clean, sleek lines help frame the ball well for a confident shot. Vandal X goes much deeper.

The Vandal X model runs deep. This is what you want if you are fully ready to commit to a large and busy profile. Its profile is pushed further to move the center of gravity (CG) seemingly into the next time zone, encouraging the ball to get into true forward spin much quicker.

Just a heads up here, I noticed a nice increase in ball speed with X over the standard vandal form. Enough to notice!

Signature Drip Face Milling

It wouldn’t be a SWAG Putter without the signature Drip Face cutter. Beyond the “if you know, you know” aesthetic, the milling pattern serves a functional purpose. It’s designed to deliver smooth, crisp feedback on impact while neutralizing the side spin that typically plagues off-center hits. I really like the face feel of these inserts. There’s enough audio and feedback to come through without sounding tinny or loud. It’s a nice satisfying click from the face that makes you feel like you hit a good shot at it.

Alignment that tracks

The top line features a clever piece of kit: a rear-extended ridge that’s exactly the width of a golf ball. It creates a natural visual “runway” that frames the ball, making it nearly impossible to set up closed or open without it being noticed.

To keep all that stability in check, the Vandal comes with a black chrome KBS Tour double-bend shaft. This setup produces a balanced hang close to the face, making it the gun of choice for players who prefer a straight, direct backspin.

Swag Tax: Made in Chicago, at a price

While many OEMs are outsourcing their hammer heads to massive casting houses, SWAG is keeping it local. Every Vandal is designed, milled and finished by hand right in the Chicago area. You’re paying for 100 percent CNC milled quality, and you can see it in every tight tolerance and sharp edge where materials meet. It’s also great for me that SWAG is a hometown company about 45 minutes away from me!

Quality like this doesn’t come cheap. Expect to spend $777.77 for a Vandal or Vandal X. The good news is that unlike SWAG’s traditional “drop” modelthe Vandal series is a regularly stocked item, so anyone can get their hands on SWAG’s Vandal series of tech-packed machines.