This article will target the difference between Face-balanced vs Toe-balanced Putters. Most professionals say that putting is the most important skill needed in a golf game. In a round of golf, count the putts that you made and you will realize that the score goes up and down from round to round and there’s oftentimes room for improvement. But which putter should you set your eyes at?
Toe balanced putters have more weight by the toe, making it swing in an arc (open to close). If your putting style matches this description, toe-balanced putters are for you. Face-balanced putters do not open and close as much and favor golfers who putt in a straight line. The heel-toe weighted putter is for those who putts in between an arc and a straight line.
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What Is Putter Head Balance?
The putter head balance determines if your putter has more weight in the toe (toe balanced) or in the striking plate (face balanced). The way to determine this is by using your finger to balance the putter by the shaft.
- If the part that strikes the ball faces upward, the putter is face balanced.
- If the putter’s toe points to the ground, it is toe balanced.
But is there more to it?
What Is A Toe-Balanced Putter?
Also called a blade, toe-down or toe-weighted putter, a toe balanced putter swings at an open to close arc. By design, this putter type opens during the backswing and closes during the through-stroke. This type of putter is best suited for golfers with an arced putting stroke.
What Is A Head-Balanced Putter?
Compared with a toe-balanced putter, a head-balanced putter does not open and close much during the putting motion. This type of putter is best for golfers who putt in a straight line during both back and through-strokes.
Your Putter Should Match Your Stroke
To be able to putt consistently, you should use the most appropriate putter for you. Do you putt in a straight line? Are you sure? Does it arc a little, or do you have a strong arc? A mismatch of playing style and equipment is disastrous in any sport. Do not fall into that trap.
Straight Line Putting Stroke
The most basic putting style follows a straight line. Just follow a straight line during the backstroke and let the clubface swing back like a pendulum. Simple and effective, straight strokes are best matched with a face-balanced putter.
Slight Arc Putting Stroke
Arced putts have varying degrees. A slight arc (less than 4 degrees) require a toe-balanced putter with a small toe hang.
Strong Arc Putting Stroke
Putting with a strong arc (more than 4 degrees) will require a toe balanced putter that has a bigger hang. Some professionals recommend a conscious effort to reduce such an arc combined with the use of a face-balanced putter.
Is Putter Fitting Worth It?
I started playing golf as a straight back and through putter. As I learned to read the different contours of different putting greens, I naturally developed an arched stroke. Upon realizing the style change, I tried different types of blade putters and found one that makes it a lot easier for me to putt.
I strongly recommend that you get yourself fitted for putters and all the other clubs that you use. There is nothing better than using the equipment that is suited to your game.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Golf Putter For Beginners?
There is no single putter that can serve as the universal stick for all beginners and high handicap players. As discussed in the article (above), you first need to determine what type of putting stroke comes naturally for you.
If you putt in a straight line, a face-balanced putter is the best for you. If you naturally stroke with an arc, toe-balanced putters is your best choice.
The best golf putter for a beginner is not something that is easily found, it takes some trial and error.
How Do I Choose A Golf Putter?
There are many variables that long time golfers consider when they choose a putter. For beginners, it is best to start by narrow it down by learning their most comfortable putting style. That way, they will know what works for them in the topic of Face-balanced vs Toe-balanced Putters.
If you already know what type is best for you, go further by holding a putter and doing a few practice strokes. If you find the putter too short, it is advisable that you choose a longer shaft. However, if your comfortable hold is below the putter’s grip, you will probably be more at ease choosing a shorter shaft.
The next step would be determining how fat or how skinny do you want your grip to be? Do you want it to have consistent diameter from top to bottom or are you more comfortable with a grip that becomes skinnier as down the shaft?
The next item to consider would be the color. Choose colors that would not cause distracting glare when you are putting. Also, choose a color that makes you feel good.
Those are just some of the factors considered when talking about how to choose a golf putter. As you get to know yourself and your playing style, you will start becoming more technical about it and your checklist when choosing a putter will get longer.
Should I Use A Blade Or Mallet Putter?
A blade putter is ideal for those who putt in an arc while most mallets are designed for golfers who swings back and through in a straight line. It is highly recommended that you figure out your putting style before choosing between a mallet and a blade putter.
