Center-Shaft vs Zero-Torque Putters: Which Design Fits Your Putting Stroke?

 

The way you naturally roll the putter should have a big say in what type of head and shaft setup you play. Some golfers have more arc in their stroke and like to feel the face open and close. Others prefer a putter that feels quieter and more stable from takeaway through impact.

You’ll notice those differences when comparing putter heads or shopping for putter heads only for a custom build. In a center-shafted model such as the Integra Center Shaft Putter, the shaft sits closer to the middle of the head. That gives you a different look over the ball and can change how you aim and feel the face during the stroke.

Meanwhile, a zero-torque model such as the Heater Hi9 Zero Torque Putter is designed to resist face rotation, so you don’t feel like you have to work as hard to square the putter through impact. Mallet putter heads, meanwhile use a larger shape and weight distribution to add stability, particularly when you miss the center of the face.

So, which one should you put in the bag? Here are some considerations.

 

Understanding center-shaft putters

 

Center shaft putters are pretty much what they sound like: their shaft comes into the head at or close to the center instead of entering near the heel. That gives you a very different look at address when you set the putter behind the ball.

Many center-shafted designs like the Integra Center Shaft Mallet Putter are face-balanced or have very little toe hang. Balance one across your finger, and you’ll see the face point mostly toward the sky rather than the toe dropping toward the ground.

That setup can work well if you have less arc and less face rotation in your putting stroke. If you tend to rock your shoulders, face-balanced center shaft putters may feel comfortable. You may also appreciate the same putter heads when you keep your hands quiet and move the putter back and through without much opening and closing of the face.

Some golfers also simply aim center shaft putters better than typical mallet putters. With the shaft sitting closer to the middle, the shaft and center of the face can look easier to line up with the ball and your intended start line. Some left-eye-dominant players like that view as well, although eye dominance alone shouldn’t decide what you put in the bag.

 

 

What about zero-torque putters?

 

Torque usually comes up when golfers talk about shafts. But with putters, it’s also about how much the head wants to twist as you make your stroke. The shaft doesn’t always line up with the head’s center of gravity in traditional mallet putters, so you can feel some torque as the face rotates back and through.

Some golfers handle that naturally. They like to feel the toe release and have no trouble getting the face back to square. Others feel like they’re fighting the putter, especially when they start using their hands to control the face through impact.

A zero-torque putter is designed to take much of that twisting tendency out of the head. By lining up the shaft axis more closely with the center of gravity, the face resists unwanted rotation during the stroke.

This can make your putter heads feel quieter and more stable. You can make your stroke without feeling like you have to steer the face or use your hands to square it at the last second. This can help you start the ball on your intended line much more easily, especially if you struggle with face control.

 

Choose the best putter for your putting stroke

 

At Monark Golf, you can compare putter heads such as the Integra Center Shaft Mallet Putter and Heater ZZ-3 Zero Torque Putters. Right- and left-handed options are available, so you can find a setup that fits your game. Spend $300 on a single order and you’ll also qualify for free shipping.

 

Need help comparing putter heads only? Call Monark Golf at (877) 551-4653 to discuss your options.


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