Putter Comparisons

Counterbalanced Putters: What They Are and Who Should Use Them

By puttmasterPublished 4 min read

Counterbalanced putters have grown in popularity among both amateur and professional golfers as an alternative to traditional-length and arm-lock putters. Designed to improve stability, consistency, and control on the greens, counterbalanced models may be especially useful for players who struggle with shaky hands, inconsistent stroke paths, or confidence under pressure.

This article explores what counterbalanced putters are, how they work, who should consider using them, and how they compare to standard putters.

What Is a Counterbalanced Putter?

A counterbalanced putter is designed with additional weight added to both the head and the grip end of the club. This configuration shifts the balance point closer to the golfer’s hands, promoting a smoother and more stable stroke.

Key Design Features:

  • Heavier Putter Head: Typically around 350-400 grams, compared to traditional putter heads around 330 grams.

  • Extended Shaft Length: Most counterbalanced putters range from 36 to 38 inches, as opposed to the standard 33-35 inches.

  • Heavier Grip: Often includes a 100g+ grip or a weight plug under the grip to counteract the heavier head.

The goal is to increase the moment of inertia (MOI) and reduce wrist action, helping the golfer swing the putter more like a pendulum.

Why Use a Counterbalanced Putter?

The primary appeal of counterbalanced putters is enhanced stability during the stroke. They are engineered to minimize the impact of twitchy hands or wrists, which can cause mis-hits and poor speed control.

Benefits:

  • Improved Stroke Path: Keeps the face square to the target line longer.

  • Reduced Hand/Wrist Action: Especially helpful for golfers with the yips.

  • Increased MOI: Forgives off-center strikes.

  • Better Distance Control: More consistent speed on longer putts.

According to a 2023 study published in the Journal of Sports Sciences, golfers using counterbalanced putters showed a 12% improvement in face angle consistency compared to those using traditional putters.

Who Should Consider a Counterbalanced Putter?

Counterbalanced putters are not for everyone, but they can provide significant benefits for certain types of players.

Ideal For:

  • Golfers with the Yips: The extra stability reduces unwanted hand movements.

  • Players with Inconsistent Putting: Helps smooth out jerky or misaligned strokes.

  • Tall Golfers: The extra shaft length can improve posture.

  • Fans of a Pendulum Stroke: Works best for straight-back, straight-through techniques.

Not Ideal For:

  • Players Who Prefer Light Putters: The weight can feel bulky.

  • Golfers Who Use a Strong Arc Stroke: Counterbalanced models can hinder natural arc movement.

  • Travelers: Longer shafts may not fit easily in standard travel bags.

Expert Opinions and Tour Use

Though not as widely adopted as traditional or arm-lock styles, counterbalanced putters have been used successfully on tour. Notably, Adam Scott famously switched to a counterbalanced model after the anchoring ban in 2016.

Quotes from Experts:

  • David Edel, renowned putter designer: “Counterbalancing works well when matched to a player’s tempo and stroke type. It helps reduce the timing errors that plague many amateur golfers.”

  • GOLF Magazine’s 2022 Putting Lab: Found that mid-handicap golfers improved their three-putt avoidance rate by 9% using counterbalanced models.

Popular Counterbalanced Putters on the Market

Brand/Model
 Head Weight
 Shaft Length
 Grip Weight
 Alignment Aid
 Arc Type
TaylorMade Spider CB
 380g
 38″
 104g
 Yes
 Straight-back
Odyssey Stroke Lab Ten CB
 370g
 37″
 120g
 Yes
 Slight arc
Bettinardi Inovai 6.0 CB
 400g
 38″
 100g
 Yes
 Straight-back
Scotty Cameron Futura X7M CB
 375g
 38″
 110g
 Yes
 Slight arc

These models are engineered to promote balance and forgiveness and are available in both mallet and blade designs.

How to Choose the Right One

If you’re considering trying a counterbalanced putter, getting properly fit is essential. Factors to consider:

  • Stroke Type: A straight-back stroke pairs better with heavy, face-balanced heads.

  • Posture and Height: Taller golfers may find longer counterbalanced shafts more comfortable.

  • Feel Preference: Try different grip thicknesses and weight profiles.

Tips for Transitioning to a Counterbalanced Putter

  1. Practice Distance Control: The heavier head changes how you judge speed.

  2. Use Putting Aids: Tools like the Putting Arc or mirror aids can reinforce a pendulum motion.

  3. Focus on Tempo: Counterbalanced putters reward smooth, even-paced strokes.

According to Sam Goulden, founder of Tour Quest Golf: “Most players transitioning to a counterbalanced putter need a 2-3 week adjustment period to recalibrate touch and tempo.”

Final Thoughts

Counterbalanced putters aren’t just a gimmick—they’re a legitimate tool for golfers seeking more stability and consistency in their stroke. Especially useful for those with the yips or inconsistent mechanics, these putters can serve as a performance-enhancing upgrade. However, like all golf equipment, personal preference and proper fitting are critical.

Key Takeaways

  • Counterbalanced putters move the balance point closer to the hands for stability.

  • Ideal for golfers struggling with consistency or the yips.

  • Not suited for players who prefer lighter or strongly arcing putters.

  • Fitting and adjustment period are important for success.

If you’re serious about improving your putting, testing a counterbalanced putter might be your next smart move.

Sources:

  • Journal of Sports Sciences, 2023 Study on Putter Face Angle Consistency

  • GOLF Magazine Putting Lab, 2022 Results

  • Expert insights from David Edel and Sam Goulden

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