bossbird: Don’t understand how once purchased it can play so differently
it has been theorized I believe that equipment is tied into your playing profile....
when new equipment is tested it isn't officially part of your playing profile so it isn't really effected by the VEM or extra variance you may see during a round... or … the helping VEM is turned up so you like the item you are testing and as such proceed to purchase it...
once you purchase it... your playing profile kicks in... your new putter then adopts a VEM factor more reflective of your current level of play... hence you notice a difference.
at least that is what I have read in part and how I have tried to understand this observation that is shared by those who test new equipment that seems to play great then changes suddenly after being purchased.