If you’re struggling on the greens, a counterbalanced putter might be just what you need.
While most golfers love to practice their full swing at the range, the same isn’t usually the case with putting. But if you want to play your best golf ever, it’s time to change your practice mindset and focus more on putting.
Think about it, putting represents 30-40% of all shots during the round… So if you want to shoot lower scores, you need to improve your putting.
One way to have more confidence might be to switch putter styles. Choosing the correct putter is one of the bigger decisions when building your bag. Half the battle with putting is loving your flat stick (the club head, shaft, and grip all need to work together to give you tons of confidence).
Let’s get into how this type of putter might be just what you need.
Counterbalance Putters – Are They Worth It?
So, what is a counter balanced putter anyway?
Here’s a quick synopsis – standard putters have a balance point that is lower in the shaft (they also tend to be shorter as well). While counterbalanced putters have a balance point more in the middle of the shaft and it’s common for these putters to be slightly longer as well.
But there’s a lot more to it including the weighting grips, and the pros/cons of these putters. We’ll cover all of that, the best counterbalance putters, and more tools to help you find confidence on the greens.
Key Takeaways
- A counter balance putter is very different from standard putters due to their design.
- Using a counterbalanced putter can give you more stability as it has higher MOI in the design.
- A counterbalanced putter is an alternative to anchoring putting which was banned by the USGA and R&A.
Keep reading to learn more about these unique types of putters now.
Counterbalance Putter Design and Background
Before getting into the pros and cons of counterbalanced putters let’s rewind and talk about why they’re even an option. In the past players would use anchor putters for more stability and confidence on the greens. These were great for “shaky” putters who wanted to anchor their putters against their body.
This is where the belly putter came in.
Golfers had a more “pendulum” stroke by anchoring it against their body vs. a standard shot putter. Some of the most prominent players to use belly putters included Adam Scott, Ernie Els, Keegan Bradley, and other PGA Tour professionals.
As Fox Sports said, “The argument for anchoring is rooted in the belief that going to the anchored putter is a matter of comfort and preference. Certain players might improve from their traditional stroke, but that it is not necessarily a cure-all. Any success from the anchored putter comes from a place of skill or is psychological, but not from any sort of inherent advantage.”
These weren’t just for amateur golfers either; pros were loving them as well. During that time these putters won four of six major championships but the USGA and R&A had other plans.
They declared these types of putters were an advantage to golfers as they didn’t have full control of the putter. Despite no evidence the anchor ban was implemented which sent shock waves through the game of golf. But it didn’t eliminate long putters entirely, it just made it so that players couldn’t anchor it against their body.
Once these types of putters were banned there was a huge need in the market for a stable putter. This is where the design of counterbalanced putters made a huge push and why they’re still common with golf manufacturers.
The design makes them significantly heavier (oftentimes up to 50 grams than a normal putter head) and thus, more stable. This type of design is great for someone with the yips (aka the “Y” word in golf) and needs more stability on short putts.
Benefits of Counterbalance Putters
So, what are the benefits of these types of putters? Manufacturers claim there are quite a few so let’s address them and see how these types of putters can help your game.
Stability is usually the biggest benefit touted by club manufacturers which is something a lot of golfers are looking for. A more stable design can help the putter face stay square and not flip or open at impact – which should help make more putts.
Another benefit is that counterbalanced putters can make it easier to repeat the same smooth tempo. Since the putter is weighted differently the shaft tends to move slower which can also help improve the feel of the club.
The final benefit is that it increases MOI – aka forgiveness for better aim and hopefully, more made putts. But if you’ve never used this type of putter before, it can feel like a huge switch and is a decision you shouldn’t take lightly (especially if you’re putting well right now).
Downsides of Counterbalance Putters
Like anything in golf, there are some downsides to using an unconventional putter including:
- Too heavy: A counterbalanced putter is much heavier than a standard putter and might feel too heavy for some golfers. This can be a bigger issue on long putts when dialing in your speed control on lag putts.
- More expensive: These putters tend to cost more than most but as you’ll see in our list there are some budget options too.
- Adjustment: Lastly, it can take some getting used too anytime you put a new putter in the bag. Make sure to have plenty of practice time before trying to take this type of putter into a member guest tournament or other competitive event.
Best Counterbalanced Putters (Buying Guide)
If you need a new flat stick and think the pros outweigh the cons, we want to make your buying decision easier. There is not a huge selection of counterbalanced putters compared to standard putters but here are our favorites.
Odyssey Stroke Lab Versa Putter
One of the top names in the putter world is Odyssey Golf. Ever since the 2-ball design in the early 2000s this brand has helped tons of golfers. The Stroke Lab Versa is one of the few counterbalanced putters from Odyssey but also one of their most highly reviewed as well.
According to Odyssey, “Odyssey Stroke Lab Putters incorporate a unique new method of weight distribution, led by the innovative new Stroke Lab shaft to improve the physical dynamics of the stroke.vThe tip-heavy graphite and steel shaft saves 40 grams* that’s relocated into each end of the putter to change performance dynamics.”
The shaft is stiffer with lower torque so it’s heavier and provides you with more control in your stroke. The extra weight makes it easier to repeat a smooth roll and the alignment should help get it started on the proper line too.
It also has the feel of epic White-Hot series which are still some of the most popular available. They also have multiple head options including a modified 2-ball, mallet, and blade. Plus, several grip options too.
Scotty Cameron Futura 6M Putter
Scotty Cameron has one of the best counterbalanced putters if you’re willing to pay a premium price. The mallet style design is no doubt one of the best looking clubs on the market and has tons of benefits.
Here’s what Scotty Cameron said about this amazing counterbalanced putter, “Combining MOI-enhancing design concepts from the previous Futura X family such as the external weights positioned off the back flange, the Futura 6M offers the ultimate in forgiveness and resistance to twisting on off-center strikes.”
These putters aren’t as easy to find but if you can, they’re one of the best in golf.
See More Si5
If you want a counterbalanced putter that is highly customizable with interchangeable weights it’s hard to beat the See More SI5. The See More putters aren’t as popular as big brands like Odyssey or Scotty Cameron but were used to win three major championships. Not to mention they specialize in center shaft putters as well.
The Si5 is highly customizable as you can custom order the shaft, length (from 30–39 inches), lie, grip, and counterbalance kit with interchangeable weights. For those golfers who want to finely tune their flat stick, it’s hard to beat this option.
As See More said on their website, “The Si5 RST Hosel features a sleek and simple near center shaft design with enhanced perimeter weighting for a confident look at address, great stability, and strong visual feedback. A lighter weight milled aluminum insert also enhances feel and balance.”
Overall, this is one of the best counterbalanced putters out there!
Tour Edge HP-Series (Best Counterbalanced Budget putter)
If you’re looking for a budget friendly counterbalance putter this is a great option. For a small price you can get huge benefits to your putting performance in this 36 or 38-inch design.
According to Tour Edge, “In the HP Series, an additional 60 grams is placed in the grip end of the club to counter the heavier putter head. Counterbalance technology increases the club’s moment of inertia (MOI) for stability throughout the stroke.”
There are two types of heads as well – a mallet or blade style to match your own performance preference. Both head options feature a great alignment system to get the ball started on the right line. Not to mention, it’s one of the lowest priced putters available.
Also, don’t forget to check out the Tour Edge Counterbalance Putter N2 38″ putter as well thanks to its soft feel.
Wilson Infinite
Wilson has a great counterbalance putter in their Infinite design. This double-milled face putter has a great look that reduces glare thanks to the matte club head. While the face promotes consistent impact and distance control.
Not to mention it has counterbalanced technology. This moves the weight more in your hands for a more controlled putting stroke. It’s also very affordable, a great option if you’re on a budget.
Counterbalanced Putter Grips
Aside from counterbalanced putters, there are grips that can help too. If you aren’t willing to switch to a new type of putter yet, you can always buy a counterbalanced grip too.
These grips distribute the weight to make the putter even more stable despite a standard putter design. This changes the equilibrium point as well and great for golfers who struggle from short range.
Here are some of our favorite picks for the best counterbalanced putter grips.
- Winn Counterbalanced putter grip: Winn makes some of the best grips in the game including ones for golf putters. This 15-inch is a great choice if you’re using a counterbalanced putter and has a very tacky feel.
- SuperStroke Traxion Tour: This counterbalanced putter grip is one of the best looking and long-lasting grips in golf. SuperStroke dominates the putter grips market and this model has a countercore weight system. Here’s how they described it, “Designed to accept all SuperStroke “Tech-Port” accessories including the CounterCore weight system to engage the larger muscles for a more stable and repeatable putting stroke. Utilizing such muscles helps to reduce putter face angle rotation caused by wrist manipulation while improving putting stroke path for greater consistency.”
FAQs About Counterbalanced Putter Heads
Do you have more questions about finding the right putter for your game? If so, keep reading the most frequently asked questions and answers to learn more now.
Are counterbalance putters good?
They have their benefits and are used by a good amount of golfers – both professional and amateurs. If you’re someone that needs some extra stability they can have a big impact on your stroke (and hopefully make more putts.
Will a counterbalanced putter benefit my game?
It can help you roll more consistent putts thanks to the length and extra weighting. But they’re certainly not for everyone and wouldn’t recommend the switch unless you’ve tried other methods to improve putting. This might include changing grips and putting routines (not to mention adequate practice) as it’s a big switch.
How do you use a counterbalanced putter?
Like you would with a standard putter – there’s nothing different you need to do in terms of setup or grip. The weighting of the putter is very different and will “do the hard work for you.” That’s why so many golfers like switching to this type of putter.
Can you cut down a counterbalanced putter?
Yes, you can cut down a counterbalanced putter but it’s not something that we suggest. Remember, more weight is what makes these putters so great.
So if you do need to make your putter shorter, it’s best to remove the grip first. Since the grip is weighted differently from most grips you’ll need to cut the shaft then reinstall the grip to get the benefit of these clubs.
Should I use a blade or mallet?
Deciding on a blade vs. mallet is a big decision in golf as each club head has its own pros/cons. The head weight is usually different and the alignment as well.
A blade style putter tends to favor golfers with a more in to out stroke. These style of putters have more “toe hang” which makes it easier to open and close the face throughout the stroke. Make sure to read our best blade putters here.
While the opposite is true for mallet putters. Due to the shape these types of putters are heavier and easier to make a more straight back, straight through putting motion. Make sure to read our best mallet putters here.
Plus, mallet putters have something that a traditional putter doesn’t have – improved alignment. Since a mallet club head is a much bigger golf club it makes it easier to add more alignment aids to get the ball started off on the correct line. If you struggle with aiming the putter with the golf ball properly, it might be time to switch to a mallet.
Also read our post about single bend versus double bend putter shafts.
What is the ideal putter length?
While the design of your putter is important, the length is equally important. Studies have found that most golfers use putters that are too long and negatively impact performance. The standard length putter is usually 33–35 inches but there is no one size fits all.
Click here to learn more about finding the right putter length.
How long is a counterbalance putter?
Counterbalanced putters tend to be a few inches longer than normal putters which are 33–36 inches for men. Most counterbalanced putters are 37–39 inches to change the weight and equilibrium point. This is why it can feel like such a big change for golfers who switch styles.
Related Putting Resources
Do you want even more resources to take your putting to the next level? If so, check out these training aids and drills now.
Best Training Aids
Having the right putter is half the battle when it comes to making more putts. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t focus on technique and adequate practice either.
Here are some of our favorite putting aids to help you practice with purpose.
- Putting Tudor: I once had a coach say that you should make practice so hard that golf on the course feels easy. This putting aid will make golf harder thanks to the marbles and simple but complex design. If you can make a lot of putts with this device in practice you should make a ton of putts on the course too.
- Back to Basics Pro Path Putting Mirror: Your eye and shoulder alignment play a huge role in making more putts. If your eyes are too far over the ball (or too far under) it’s nearly impossible to see the line accurately. Not to mention your shoulder alignment can also mess with your stroke too. This mirror helps with both and makes it easier to feel the right putter path too. Click here to read our full review now.
Best Drills
Finally, don’t forget that you need to practice putting to see an improvement in your performance on the green. We suggest buying an indoor putting mat (here are our top picks) and going through these practice drills. Even 10–15 minutes per day can make a huge difference in your overall confidence once you get to the golf course.
My Experience
I’ve played the game for several decades but can’t say I’ve ever used a counterbalanced golf putter. It’s not like I was actively avoiding them, I just never felt the need to try one. I’ve always felt comfortable with a standard putter (I prefer mallet to blade) and a normal length.
But I have seen several people in my golf groups that have used long putters and counterbalanced putters with success. Many of them claim to have a huge impact on their overall putting and confidence levels, especially from short range.
Just remember, putting is mostly about confidence and looking down at a club that can help you make more putts. Whether that’s a conventional putter or counterbalanced putter, find the golf equipment that works best for you.
There is no “one way” to putt as history as shown us. Everyone has their own unique style, grips, and routines to get the ball in the hole. Test out different putters and lengths to find the one that will help your game the most.
Final Thoughts
Now that anchoring is no longer allowed by the rules of golf, this type of putter can help certain types of golfers.
These putters provide more stability which in theory, should lead to making more putts. But if you’re using a standard putter at this time and putting well, I don’t think there is any reason to switch.
If you don’t want to buy a new putter, opt for a counterbalanced putter grip instead to reap a lot of the same benefits.