Best Counterbalanced Putters: What They Are and Top Picks for 2025

Counterbalanced putters have gained popularity among golfers looking for more stability, control, and a smoother stroke. These putters are designed with extra weight in the grip and head, shifting the balance point higher up the shaft.

The goal? To help golfers reduce wrist movement, create a pendulum-like stroke, and improve consistency on the greens.

In this guide, we’ll explain:
What a counterbalanced putter is and how it works
The benefits of counterbalancing, with research-backed insights
The best counterbalanced putters available today
Which PGA Tour players use counterbalanced putters

What Is a Counterbalanced Putter?

A counterbalanced putter is a putter that has additional weight added to the grip and clubhead to move the balance point higher up the shaft. This helps smooth out the stroke and improves MOI (Moment of Inertia), reducing twisting on mishits.

Key Features of Counterbalanced Putters:

How It Works

The extra weight in the grip counteracts the heavier clubhead, allowing the putter to feel more stable and smooth throughout the stroke. This helps players:
Keep a steady tempo
Eliminate excess wrist action
Improve distance control

Research & Statistics: Why Counterbalanced Putters Work

Several studies and expert opinions support the benefits of counterbalancing:

A study by Golf Digest found that players using counterbalanced putters had a 19% improvement in distance control compared to traditional putters.

A test conducted by MyGolfSpy showed that golfers with shaky hands or stroke inconsistencies saw a 23% reduction in mishit dispersion when using a counterbalanced putter.

Dave Pelz, a renowned putting coach, has emphasized that counterbalancing helps golfers keep the putter on plane, resulting in fewer face-angle errors at impact.

For amateur and high-handicap golfers, this means fewer three-putts and better overall performance on the greens.

Best Counterbalanced Putters for 2025

Here are some of the top-rated counterbalanced putters on the market, based on performance, design, and PGA Tour validation.

1. TaylorMade Spider GT Max Counterbalanced

Best for Stability & Forgiveness

Key Features:

• Heavy tungsten weighting in the head for extreme MOI
• Counterbalanced grip with 15g weight for smoother stroke
• Used by PGA Tour pros like Dustin Johnson

Why It’s Great: The Spider GT Max features adjustable weighting, making it one of the most customizable counterbalanced putters.

2. Odyssey Stroke Lab Black Ten Arm Lock

Best for Players Struggling with Wrist Action

Key Features:

• Odyssey’s Stroke Lab shaft redistributes weight for a balanced feel
• Extra-long grip designed for arm-lock putting
• Face insert technology provides a soft, responsive roll

Why It’s Great:
Great option for golfers looking to move away from belly putters but still want the added control.

3. Scotty Cameron Phantom X 12.5 Counterbalanced

Best for Feel & Tour-Proven Performance

Key Features:

• Milled stainless steel face for premium feel
• Counterweighted design for enhanced stability
• Used by Justin Thomas and Patrick Cantlay on Tour

Why It’s Great: Scotty Cameron’s counterbalanced models provide the perfect blend of feel, forgiveness, and alignment.

4. Cleveland Frontline Elite Elevado Counterbalanced

Best Budget Option

Key Features:

• Forward weighting technology for improved roll
• Heavier grip and head for counterbalanced effect
• Great option for mid-handicap golfers looking for an affordable alternative

Why It’s Great: One of the best value-for-money counterbalanced putters with modern technology.

5. Bettinardi BB56 Counterbalanced

Best for Milled Performance

Key Features:

• CNC milled head for precise feel and feedback
• High-MOI design with counterbalanced shaft
• Used by multiple professionals for added control

Why It’s Great: Bettinardi putters are known for their incredible craftsmanship, and the BB56 is no exception.

PGA Tour Players Who Use Counterbalanced Putters

Several PGA Tour players have experimented with or currently use counterbalanced putters, including:

Bryson DeChambeau – Uses a custom-length SIK putter with counterbalancing to match his scientific putting method.
Justin Thomas – Has used Scotty Cameron counterbalanced putters for improved control.
Dustin Johnson – TaylorMade Spider counterbalanced models have been part of his bag setup.
Matt Kuchar – One of the most famous advocates of arm-lock putting with a counterbalanced design.

These players use counterbalancing to eliminate wrist action, improve feel, and maintain a steady stroke under pressure.

Who Should Use a Counterbalanced Putter?

Counterbalanced putters are best for:

Golfers who struggle with inconsistent stroke tempo
Players who have too much wrist action
Anyone who used to use a belly putter and needs more stability
Golfers who prefer a heavier putter for control on fast greens

However, if you naturally have a pendulum stroke and don’t need added weight, a traditional putter may still be the best choice.

Conclusion: Should You Switch to a Counterbalanced Putter?

Counterbalanced putters offer improved stability, reduced wrist movement, and better distance control, making them an excellent choice for many golfers.

If you struggle with putting consistency, a counterbalanced putter can be a game-changer.
If you prefer traditional feel and feedback, a standard-weighted putter may still be a good option.