CounterBalance Putters: Do they really help?

If you happen to’re struggling on the greens, a counterbalanced putter may be simply what you want. 

Whereas most golfers like to apply their full swing on the vary, the identical isn’t normally the case with placing. However if you wish to play your finest golf ever, it’s time to alter your apply mindset and focus extra on placing.

Give it some thought, placing represents 30-40% of all photographs through the spherical… So if you wish to shoot decrease scores, it’s essential enhance your placing.

One technique to have extra confidence could be to change putter kinds. Selecting the right putter is without doubt one of the greater choices when constructing your bag. Half the battle with placing is loving your flat stick (the membership head, shaft, and grip all must work collectively to present you tons of confidence).

Let’s get into how this kind of putter could be simply what you want. 

Counterbalance Putters – Are They Price It?

So, what’s a counter balanced putter anyway?

Right here’s a fast synopsis – commonplace putters have a stability level that’s decrease within the shaft (additionally they are usually shorter as nicely). Whereas counterbalanced putters have a stability level extra in the midst of the shaft and it’s widespread for these putters to be barely longer as nicely.

However there’s much more to it together with the weighting grips, and the professionals/cons of those putters. We’ll cowl all of that, the perfect counterbalance putters, and extra instruments that will help you discover confidence on the greens. 

Key Takeaways 

• A counter stability putter may be very completely different from commonplace putters attributable to their design. 
• Utilizing a counterbalanced putter may give you extra stability because it has increased MOI within the design. 
• A counterbalanced putter is an alternative choice to anchoring placing which was banned by the USGA and R&A. 

Hold studying to be taught extra about these distinctive kinds of putters now.

Counterbalance Putter Design and Background

Earlier than entering into the professionals and cons of counterbalanced putters let’s rewind and speak about why they’re even an choice. Prior to now gamers would use anchor putters for extra stability and confidence on the greens. These have been nice for “shaky” putters who needed to anchor their putters towards their physique.

That is the place the stomach putter got here in.

Golfers had a extra “pendulum” stroke by anchoring it towards their physique vs. a regular shot putter. A number of the most outstanding gamers to make use of stomach putters included Adam Scott, Ernie Els, Keegan Bradley, and different PGA Tour professionals. 

As Fox Sports activities stated, “The argument for anchoring is rooted within the perception that going to the anchored putter is a matter of consolation and desire. Sure gamers may enhance from their conventional stroke, however that it’s not essentially a cure-all. Any success from the anchored putter comes from a spot of talent or is psychological, however not from any form of inherent benefit.”

These weren’t only for beginner golfers both; execs have been loving them as nicely. Throughout that point these putters gained 4 of six main championships however the USGA and R&A had different plans.

They declared a lot of these putters have been a bonus to golfers as they didn’t have full management of the putter. Regardless of no proof the anchor ban was applied which despatched shock waves by the sport of golf.  Nevertheless it didn’t eradicate lengthy putters completely, it simply made it in order that gamers couldn’t anchor it towards their physique. 

As soon as a lot of these putters have been banned there was an enormous want out there for a secure putter. That is the place the design of counterbalanced putters made an enormous push and why they’re nonetheless widespread with golf producers.

The design makes them considerably heavier (oftentimes as much as 50 grams than a standard putter head) and thus, extra secure. Such a design is nice for somebody with the yips (aka the “Y” phrase in golf) and wishes extra stability on quick putts. 

Advantages of Counterbalance Putters

So, what are the advantages of a lot of these putters? Producers declare there are fairly a couple of so let’s handle them and see how a lot of these putters will help your recreation.

Stability is normally the largest profit touted by membership producers which is one thing loads of golfers are in search of. A extra secure design will help the putter face keep sq. and never flip or open at influence – which ought to assist make extra putts. 

One other profit is that counterbalanced putters could make it simpler to repeat the identical easy tempo. For the reason that putter is weighted in a different way the shaft tends to maneuver slower which may additionally assist enhance the texture of the membership.

The ultimate profit is that it will increase MOI – aka forgiveness for higher intention and hopefully, extra made putts. However when you’ve by no means used this kind of putter earlier than, it could actually really feel like an enormous change and is a call you shouldn’t take evenly (particularly when you’re placing nicely proper now).

Downsides of Counterbalance Putters 

Like something in golf, there are some downsides to utilizing an unconventional putter together with:

• Too heavy: A counterbalanced putter is way heavier than a regular putter and may really feel too heavy for some golfers. This is usually a greater challenge on lengthy putts when dialing in your velocity management on lag putts.
• Costlier: These putters are likely to value greater than most however as you’ll see in our checklist there are some funds choices too.
• Adjustment: Lastly, it could actually take some getting used too anytime you set a brand new putter within the bag. Make sure that to have loads of apply time earlier than making an attempt to take this kind of putter right into a member visitor match or different aggressive occasion.

Finest Counterbalanced Putters (Shopping for Information) 

If you happen to want a brand new flat stick and suppose the professionals outweigh the cons, we wish to make your shopping for choice simpler. There’s not an enormous collection of counterbalanced putters in comparison with commonplace putters however listed here are our favorites. 

Odyssey Stroke Lab Versa Putter 

One of many prime names within the putter world is Odyssey Golf. Ever for the reason that 2-ball design within the early 2000s this model has helped tons of golfers. The Stroke Lab Versa is without doubt one of the few counterbalanced putters from Odyssey but in addition one in all their most extremely reviewed as nicely.

Based on Odyssey, “Odyssey Stroke Lab Putters incorporate a singular new technique of weight distribution, led by the progressive new Stroke Lab shaft to enhance the bodily dynamics of the stroke.vThe tip-heavy graphite and metal shaft saves 40 grams* that’s relocated into every finish of the putter to alter efficiency dynamics.”

The shaft is stiffer with decrease torque so it’s heavier and offers you with extra management in your stroke. The additional weight makes it simpler to repeat a easy roll and the alignment ought to assist get it began on the right line too. 

It additionally has the texture of epic White-Sizzling sequence that are nonetheless among the hottest accessible. In addition they have a number of head choices together with a modified 2-ball, mallet, and blade. Plus, a number of grip choices too. 

Click on right here to be taught extra now.

Scotty Cameron Futura 6M Putter

Scotty Cameron has among the best counterbalanced putters when you’re keen to pay a premium worth. The mallet type design is little question among the best trying golf equipment available on the market and has tons of advantages.

Right here’s what Scotty Cameron stated about this superb counterbalanced putter, “Combining MOI-enhancing design ideas from the earlier Futura X household such because the exterior weights positioned off the again flange, the Futura 6M affords the last word in forgiveness and resistance to twisting on off-center strikes.”

These putters aren’t as straightforward to seek out however when you can, they’re among the best in golf.

See Extra Si5

If you would like a counterbalanced putter that’s extremely customizable with interchangeable weights it’s exhausting to beat the See Extra SI5. The See Extra putters aren’t as widespread as large manufacturers like Odyssey or Scotty Cameron however have been used to win three main championships. To not point out they concentrate on heart shaft putters as nicely.

The Si5 is extremely customizable as you possibly can customized order the shaft, size (from 30–39 inches), lie, grip, and counterbalance package with interchangeable weights. For these golfers who wish to finely tune their flat stick, it’s exhausting to beat this selection.

As See Extra stated on their web site, “The Si5 RST Hosel incorporates a modern and easy close to heart shaft design with enhanced perimeter weighting for a assured take a look at handle, nice stability, and robust visible suggestions. A lighter weight milled aluminum insert additionally enhances really feel and stability.”

Total, this is without doubt one of the finest counterbalanced putters on the market!

Click on right here to be taught extra now.

Tour Edge HP-Sequence (Finest Counterbalanced Funds putter) 

If you happen to’re in search of a funds pleasant counterbalance putter it is a nice choice. For a small worth you may get large advantages to your placing efficiency on this 36 or 38-inch design.

Based on Tour Edge, “Within the HP Sequence, an extra 60 grams is positioned within the grip finish of the membership to counter the heavier putter head. Counterbalance know-how will increase the membership’s second of inertia (MOI) for stability all through the stroke.” 

There are two kinds of heads as nicely – a mallet or blade type to match your individual efficiency desire. Each head choices characteristic an amazing alignment system to get the ball began on the appropriate line. To not point out, it’s one of many lowest priced putters accessible.

Click on right here to be taught extra now.

Additionally, don’t neglect to take a look at the Tour Edge Counterbalance Putter N2 38″ putter as nicely due to its smooth really feel.

Wilson Infinite 

Wilson has an amazing counterbalance putter of their Infinite design. This double-milled face putter has an amazing look that reduces glare due to the matte membership head. Whereas the face promotes constant influence and distance management.

To not point out it has counterbalanced know-how. This strikes the burden extra in your arms for a extra managed placing stroke. It’s additionally very reasonably priced, an amazing choice when you’re on a funds.

Click on right here to be taught extra now.

Counterbalanced Putter Grips 

Except for counterbalanced putters, there are grips that may assist too. If you happen to aren’t keen to change to a brand new kind of putter but, you possibly can all the time purchase a counterbalanced grip too. 

These grips distribute the burden to make the putter much more secure regardless of a regular putter design. This modifications the equilibrium level as nicely and nice for golfers who battle from quick vary. 

Listed below are a few of our favourite picks for the perfect counterbalanced putter grips. 

• Winn Counterbalanced putter grip: Winn makes among the finest grips within the recreation together with ones for golf putters. This 15-inch is a good selection when you’re utilizing a counterbalanced putter and has a really cheesy really feel. 
• SuperStroke Traxion Tour: This counterbalanced putter grip is without doubt one of the finest trying and long-lasting grips in golf. SuperStroke dominates the putter grips market and this mannequin has a countercore weight system. Right here’s how they described it, “Designed to just accept all SuperStroke “Tech-Port” equipment together with the CounterCore weight system to interact the bigger muscle tissues for a extra secure and repeatable placing stroke. Using such muscle tissues helps to scale back putter face angle rotation attributable to wrist manipulation whereas enhancing placing stroke path for better consistency.”

FAQs About Counterbalanced Putter Heads

Do you may have extra questions on discovering the appropriate putter in your recreation? In that case, maintain studying probably the most ceaselessly requested questions and solutions to be taught extra now.

Are counterbalance putters good?

They’ve their advantages and are utilized by a superb quantity of golfers – each skilled and amateurs. If you happen to’re somebody that wants some additional stability they’ll have a huge impact in your stroke (and hopefully make extra putts.

Will a counterbalanced putter profit my recreation?

It could possibly allow you to roll extra constant putts due to the size and additional weighting. However they’re actually not for everybody and wouldn’t advocate the change until you’ve tried different strategies to enhance placing. This may embrace altering grips and placing routines (to not point out sufficient apply) because it’s a giant change. 

How do you utilize a counterbalanced putter?

Such as you would with a regular putter – there’s nothing completely different it’s essential do when it comes to setup or grip. The weighting of the putter may be very completely different and can “do the exhausting give you the results you want.” That’s why so many golfers like switching to this kind of putter. 

Can you chop down a counterbalanced putter? 

Sure, you possibly can reduce down a counterbalanced putter but it surely’s not one thing that we recommend. Bear in mind, extra weight is what makes these putters so nice.

So when you do must make your putter shorter, it’s finest to take away the grip first. For the reason that grip is weighted in a different way from most grips you’ll want to chop the shaft then reinstall the grip to get the advantage of these golf equipment. 

Ought to I take advantage of a blade or mallet?

Deciding on a blade vs. mallet is a giant choice in golf as every membership head has its personal execs/cons. The pinnacle weight is normally completely different and the alignment as nicely.

A blade type putter tends to favor golfers with a extra in to out stroke. These type of putters have extra “toe hold” which makes it simpler to open and shut the face all through the stroke. Make sure that to learn our finest blade putters right here. 

Whereas the other is true for mallet putters. As a result of form a lot of these putters are heavier and simpler to make a extra straight again, straight by placing movement. Make sure that to learn our finest mallet putters right here. 

Plus, mallet putters have one thing {that a} conventional putter doesn’t have – improved alignment. Since a mallet membership head is a a lot greater golf membership it makes it simpler so as to add extra alignment aids to get the ball began off on the right line. If you happen to battle with aiming the putter with the golf ball correctly, it could be time to change to a mallet.

What’s the best putter size?

Whereas the design of your putter is essential, the size is equally essential. Research have discovered that almost all golfers use putters which are too lengthy and negatively influence efficiency. The usual size putter is normally 33–35 inches however there isn’t any one measurement matches all.

Click on right here to be taught extra about discovering the appropriate putter size.

How lengthy is a counterbalance putter?

Counterbalanced putters are usually a couple of inches longer than regular putters that are 33–36 inches for males. Most counterbalanced putters are 37–39 inches to alter the burden and equilibrium level. This is the reason it could actually really feel like such a giant change for golfers who change kinds.

Associated Placing Assets

Would you like much more sources to take your placing to the subsequent degree? In that case, try these coaching aids and drills now. 

Finest Coaching Aids

Having the appropriate putter is half the battle on the subject of making extra putts. However that doesn’t imply you shouldn’t give attention to method and sufficient apply both.

Listed below are a few of our favourite placing aids that will help you apply with goal.

• Placing Tudor: I as soon as had a coach say that it’s best to make apply so exhausting that golf on the course feels straightforward. This placing assist will make golf tougher due to the marbles and easy however advanced design. If you can also make loads of putts with this system in apply it’s best to make a ton of putts on the course too. 
• Again to Fundamentals Professional Path Placing Mirror: Your eye and shoulder alignment play an enormous function in making extra putts. In case your eyes are too far over the ball (or too far beneath) it’s almost inconceivable to see the road precisely. To not point out your shoulder alignment may mess together with your stroke too. This mirror helps with each and makes it simpler to really feel the appropriate putter path too. Click on right here to learn our full evaluate now. 

Finest Drills 

Lastly, don’t neglect that it’s essential apply placing to see an enchancment in your efficiency on the inexperienced. We advise shopping for an indoor placing mat (listed here are our prime picks) and going by these apply drills. Even 10–quarter-hour per day could make an enormous distinction in your total confidence when you get to the golf course. 

My Expertise

I’ve performed the sport for a number of a long time however can’t say I’ve ever used a counterbalanced golf putter. It’s not like I used to be actively avoiding them, I simply by no means felt the necessity to attempt one. I’ve all the time felt comfy with a regular putter (I favor mallet to blade) and a standard size.

However I’ve seen a number of folks in my golf teams which have used lengthy putters and counterbalanced putters with success. A lot of them declare to have a big impact on their total placing and confidence ranges, particularly from quick vary. 

Simply keep in mind, placing is generally about confidence and searching down at a membership that may allow you to make extra putts. Whether or not that’s a standard putter or counterbalanced putter, discover the golf tools that works finest for you. 

There isn’t any “a technique” to putt as historical past as proven us. Everybody has their very own distinctive type, grips, and routines to get the ball within the gap. Check out completely different putters and lengths to seek out the one that may assist your recreation probably the most. 

Closing Ideas 

Now that anchoring is not allowed by the guidelines of golf, this kind of putter will help sure kinds of golfers.

These putters present extra stability which in principle, ought to result in making extra putts. However when you’re utilizing a regular putter at the moment and placing nicely, I don’t suppose there may be any cause to change. 

If you happen to don’t wish to purchase a brand new putter, go for a counterbalanced putter grip as a substitute to reap loads of the identical advantages.