When it comes to putting, precision and control make all the difference between sinking the ball or missing by inches. One solution gaining traction in the golf community is the counterbalanced putter. But do counterbalanced putters work? This article explores the design, purpose, and impact of counterbalance technology in putters, helping you understand whether this type of putter could improve your game.
What is a Counterbalanced Putter and How Does It Work?
A counterbalanced putter is a type of putter that features additional weight in the grip end of the shaft to create a higher balance point. This counterbalance design enhances stability during the putting stroke and helps golfers achieve smoother, more controlled putts. By increasing the weight in the grip, manufacturers can reduce the relative effect of wrist movement, making the stroke more repeatable.
Counterbalance putters often include heavier putter heads to complement the extra weight in the grip. The combined effect of a counterweight and a heavier putter head is increased moment of inertia and a steadier stroke path. This approach is popular among players seeking better distance control and consistency, especially those who struggle with the yips or an unstable stroke.
Why Are Golfers Switching to Counterbalance Putters?
Many golfers have made the switch to a counterbalanced putter because of the promise of enhanced stability. After the USGA and R&A banned anchored putters, counterbalanced alternatives became a go-to choice. Using a counter-balanced putter offers a similar feel without violating the rules.
Additionally, counterbalance designs mimic the benefits of belly and long putters by shifting the balance point closer to the golfer’s hands. This not only steadies the stroke but also aids in aligning the putter head more accurately at impact. For those using a standard putter and struggling with consistency, switching to a counterbalance putter might be the change needed for improved putting results.
How Does Counterbalance Affect Putter Grip and Shaft?
The grip plays a central role in the counterbalance system. A counterbalanced grip is often thicker and heavier than a standard grip, which helps reposition the balance point upward. This design minimizes wrist action and enhances feel.
The shaft is also adapted in counterbalance putters to maintain structural balance. In some cases, a longer shaft is used to support the extra weight and maintain proper swing mechanics. Putter fitting becomes essential in these cases to ensure the grip, shaft, and putter head are all optimized for the golfer’s stroke.
Can a Counterbalance Putter Help with Long Putts and Distance Control?
One of the standout benefits of a counterbalanced putter is improved distance control, especially on long putts. The additional weight increases the club’s stability, which helps golfers maintain rhythm and tempo throughout the stroke. When the weight of the putter head is evenly balanced against the grip weight, the stroke becomes smoother, reducing mis-hits.
Golfers often find that the longer and more stable design of counterbalanced putters helps reduce fatigue over extended practice sessions or rounds. The steadier swing can help maintain consistency in distance control, even on tricky greens.
Are Counterbalanced Putters Good for the Yips?
Golfers experiencing the yips often benefit from switching to a counterbalanced putter. By shifting the balance point and adding weight to the grip, the putter becomes more stable in the hands. This added stability can reduce involuntary wrist movements that cause jerky strokes.
The size of the grip and the balance of the club help quiet the hands during the stroke. Many golfers have reported that using a counterbalanced version of their favorite putter style helped them regain confidence on the greens. If you’re battling the yips, using a counterbalanced putter could be a game-changer.
How Does Counterbalance Compare to a Standard Putter?
While a standard putter provides a traditional feel, it may lack the stability of a counterbalanced model. Standard-length putters typically have a lower balance point, which can lead to more wrist involvement and less control.
A counterbalance putter shifts the weight upward, providing a more pendulum-like motion. The stability can help golfers make more putts, especially under pressure. Though a standard putter may suit some putting strokes better, golfers looking for balance and stability often prefer the counterbalance design.
What Are the Best Counterbalance Putter Options?
Some of the top brands offering counterbalanced putters include Odyssey, Ping, and Scotty Cameron. The Odyssey putter lineup includes models specifically designed with counterbalance in mind. Ping also features counterbalanced putter heads in select models.
Scotty Cameron’s approach often includes high-quality components and balanced designs that offer enhanced feel. SuperStroke grips are a popular addition to counterbalance setups, and some models include the counter core system for customizable weighting.
How Does Putter Fitting Impact Counterbalanced Putters?
Proper putter fitting is crucial for maximizing the benefits of a counterbalanced putter. Since this type of putter alters the balance point, getting the right length and grip size is essential.
During a fitting, tools like SAM Putt Lab can help assess your stroke and recommend a configuration. Factors like the end of the putter, grip size, shaft length, and head weight are all evaluated. A well-fitted counterbalance putter can dramatically improve your putting stroke and confidence.
Are Counterbalanced Putters Good for Practice?
Using a counterbalanced putter during practice putting sessions can reinforce good habits. The heavier grip and putter head encourage a smoother stroke, reducing reliance on hands and wrists.
Practicing on a putting mat with a counterbalance putter helps build muscle memory and consistency. For players who want to improve their control of the putter and make more putts, incorporating this tool into training can be beneficial.
What Should You Consider Before You Buy a Counterbalance Putter?
Before purchasing, consider your putting stroke style, physical comfort, and current struggles. If you find that your standard putter feels unstable or you’re missing long putts, a counterbalanced putter could be the solution.
Golfers should also weigh the benefits of specific features like stroke lab shafts, grip type, and counterweights. For example, a putter with a SuperStroke grip or Stroke Lab shaft may provide additional balance and feedback. Trying different putters before making a decision ensures a better fit for your unique stroke.
Why Choose Us
Looking to find the perfect counterbalanced putter or get professionally fitted for one? At SwingFit, we specialize in custom golf equipment and fitting services tailored to your unique putting stroke and preferences. Our expert team is ready to guide you through the process and help you achieve more confidence on the greens. Visit us or contact us today to get started.
Conclusion
So, do counterbalanced putters work? For many golfers, the answer is a resounding yes. These putters offer enhanced stability, better distance control, and reduced wrist movement—factors that contribute to a more consistent putting stroke. Whether you’re battling the yips, transitioning from a belly putter, or simply looking to improve your game, a counterbalanced design could provide the performance edge you’ve been missing. Take the time to get properly fitted, explore various options, and you may find that this type of putter is the key to unlocking your best putting yet.