Face-Balanced vs Toe-Hang Putters: Which One Is Right for You?
Learn the differences and discover the best putter for your putting style
by Jake Tingey & Judd Lyon · Updated: 4/9/23
As every golfer knows, the putter is perhaps the most important club in the bag. It's the club that can make or break your round, and it's the club that requires the most precision and finesse. But with so many putters on the market, it can be difficult to know which is right for you. In this article, we'll compare two popular types of putters: face-balanced and toe-hang putters. We'll explain the differences between the two, outline their respective advantages and disadvantages, and help you decide which one might be best for your game.
First, let's define what we mean by face-balanced and toe-hang putters.
A face-balanced putter is one where the face of the putter points directly upwards when the shaft is balanced on your finger. This means the center of gravity of the putter head is directly in line with the shaft.
A toe-hang putter, on the other hand, is one where the toe of the putter points downwards when the shaft is balanced on your finger. This means the center of gravity of the putter head is closer to the toe of the putter than the heel.
Choosing the right putter for your game is crucial, as it can affect your stroke, aim, and overall confidence on the green. So, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, it's important to understand the differences between face-balanced and toe-hang putters and to choose the one that works best for your unique putting style.
Key Takeaways
- Determine your putting stroke (straight or arcing) to choose between face-balanced or toe-hang putters
- Consider your preferences for grip, shaft length, weight, and design
- Test different putters to find the best fit for your game
Face-Balanced Putters
Definition of Face-Balanced Putters
A face-balanced putter is a putter where the face of the putter points directly upwards when the shaft is balanced on your finger. This means that the center of gravity of the putter head is directly in line with the shaft.
Advantages of Face-Balanced Putters
- Good for Players with Straighter Putting Strokes: Face-balanced putters work well for players with straighter putting strokes because the club head's weight is evenly balanced along the shaft.
- Stable on Shorter Putts: The even weight distribution of face-balanced putters makes them more stable on shorter putts, allowing players to make shorter, more controlled strokes with greater accuracy.
- Ideal for Players with a Forward Press in Their Stroke: Face-balanced putters are ideal for players who incorporate a forward press into their stroke, as the club face stays square to the target line.
Disadvantages of Face-Balanced Putters
- Not as Suitable for Players with an Arcing Putting Stroke: Players with an arcing putting stroke tend to rotate the putter more during the stroke, which can cause the face of a face-balanced putter to open or close, resulting in missed putts.
- Can be Difficult to Control on Longer Putts: Face-balanced putters can be more difficult to control on longer putts, where a player needs to apply more force to the ball to achieve the necessary distance.
- Lack of Feel and Feedback for Some Players: Some players may find that face-balanced putters lack the feel and feedback they prefer, as the even weight distribution can result in less information about how the ball was struck.
Toe-Hang Putters
Definition of Toe-Hang Putters
A toe-hang putter is a putter where the toe of the putter points downwards when the shaft is balanced on your finger. This means that the center of gravity of the putter head is closer to the toe of the putter than the heel.
Advantages of Toe-Hang Putters
- Better for Players with an Arcing Putting Stroke: Toe-hang putters work well for players with an arcing putting stroke because the toe of the putter tends to rotate more during the stroke, keeping the club face square to the target line.
- More Control and Feel on Longer Putts: The weight distribution of toe-hang putters allows for more control and feel on longer putts, which require more force to achieve the necessary distance.
- Promotes a Smoother Stroke: The weight distribution of toe-hang putters promotes a smoother stroke, as the weight of the club head follows the natural path of the putting stroke.
Disadvantages of Toe-Hang Putters
- Less Stable on Shorter Putts: Toe-hang putters can be less stable on shorter putts, as the weight of the club head is closer to the toe of the putter.
- Not as Suitable for Players with a Straighter Putting Stroke: Players with a straighter putting stroke may find that toe-hang putters are not as suitable for their game, as the weight distribution of the putter is designed for players with an arcing stroke.
- Can be More Difficult to Aim for Some Players: Some players may find it more difficult to aim a toe-hang putter, as the weight distribution can affect how the putter aligns with the target line.
| Type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Face-Balanced Putters |
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| Toe-Hang Putters |
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How to Choose the Right Putter for You
When choosing the right putter, there are a few key factors to consider. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:
Analyze Your Putting Stroke
Before you choose a putter, it's important to analyze your putting stroke to determine what type of putter might work best for you. Consider the following:
- Do you have a straight putting stroke or an arcing putting stroke?
- Do you prefer a light or heavy putter?
- Do you prefer a putter with a soft or firm feel?
Consider Your Personal Preferences and Comfort Level
In addition to your putting stroke, it's important to consider your personal preferences and comfort level when choosing a putter. Think about:
- The size and shape of the putter grip
- The length of the putter shaft
- The weight and balance of the putter
- The overall look and design of the putter
Try Different Putters Before Making a Decision
Finally, the best way to choose the right putter for you is to try out various putters before making a decision. Take some time to test out different types of putters, including face-balanced and toe-hang putters, to see what feels most comfortable and effective for your game. Remember, the right putter can make a big difference in your putting performance, so it's worth taking the time to find the right one for you.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right putter is a crucial part of improving your putting performance. Face-balanced putters work well for players with straighter putting strokes, while toe-hang putters are better for players with an arcing putting stroke. To choose the right putter for you, analyze your putting stroke, consider your personal preferences and comfort level, and try out different putters before making a decision.