Putting is one of the most important aspects of golf, and having the right putter can make all the difference. Face balanced blade putters have become increasingly popular among golfers of all skill levels, and for good reason. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what face balanced blade putters are, how they differ from other putter types, and their advantages.
What Are Face Balanced Blade Putters?
Face balanced blade putters are a type of putter that have a blade-style head and are designed to be balanced so that the face of the putter points directly towards the sky when it is balanced on a finger. This type of putter is typically shorter than other types of putters, and the blade-style head is usually smaller and less forgiving than a mallet-style putter.
How Are They Different from Other Putters?
The primary difference between face balanced blade putters and other types of putters is the balance point of the putter. With a face balanced blade putter, the balance point is located at the center of the putter face, which allows for a more stable stroke and helps to minimize unwanted twisting of the clubhead during the putting motion. In contrast, other types of putters, such as toe-balanced putters, have a balance point closer to the toe of the clubhead, which can cause the putter face to open or close more easily during the putting motion.
Advantages of Face Balanced Blade Putters
There are several advantages to using a face balanced blade putter. One of the biggest advantages is the stability of the putter during the putting motion. Because the balance point is located at the center of the putter face, there is less twisting of the clubhead during the stroke, which can help to keep the putter face square to the target line. This can lead to more accurate putts and fewer mishits.
Another advantage of face balanced blade putters is their shorter length. Because they are shorter than other types of putters, they can be easier to control and more comfortable to use for golfers of all skill levels. Additionally, the smaller blade-style head can help to provide a better feel for the ball at impact, which can be especially important for golfers who rely on touch and feel on the greens.
Choosing the Right Face Balanced Blade Putter
When it comes to choosing the right face balanced blade putter, there are a few key factors to consider. The first is the length of the putter. As mentioned earlier, face balanced blade putters are typically shorter than other types of putters. However, the length of the putter can vary depending on the manufacturer and model. It’s important to choose a putter length that feels comfortable and provides a consistent stroke for your putting style.
The second factor to consider is the weight of the putter. Face balanced blade putters can vary in weight, and it’s important to choose a putter weight that feels comfortable and provides a good balance for your stroke. Some golfers prefer a heavier putter for more stability, while others prefer a lighter putter for more feel and control.
Finally, it’s important to consider the design and appearance of the putter. While the performance of the putter is the most important factor, the design and appearance of the putter can also be important to some golfers. Many face balanced blade putters feature unique designs and finishes that can provide a personalized touch to your golf bag.
Tips for Using a Face Balanced Blade Putter
Once you’ve chosen the right face balanced blade putter for your game, there are a few tips that can help you get the most out of your putter. The first is to practice consistently with your putter to develop a consistent stroke and feel for the ball. This can include practicing on the putting green, as well as using putting aids and drills to improve your technique.
Another tip is to focus on your setup and alignment. Ensuring that your body is aligned properly to the target line can help you make more accurate putts. Additionally, focusing on your grip and hand position can also help you achieve a consistent stroke and better feel for the ball.
Face Balanced Blade Putters and Putting Styles
While face balanced blade putters are a great option for many golfers, it’s important to consider your putting style when choosing a putter. Some golfers may find that a mallet-style putter or a toe-balanced putter better suits their putting stroke and preferences.
If you have a more arcing putting stroke, a toe-balanced putter may be a better option for you. Toe-balanced putters have a balance point closer to the toe of the clubhead, which can help to facilitate a more natural arcing motion through the stroke.
On the other hand, if you have a straight-back, straight-through putting stroke, a face balanced blade putter may be the ideal choice. Face balanced blade putters are designed to promote a straight-back, straight-through stroke, which can be beneficial for golfers who prefer this type of putting motion.
Ultimately, the best putter for you will depend on your individual preferences and putting style. It’s important to try out different types of putters and see which one feels the most comfortable and provides the best performance for your game.
Maintenance and Care for Face Balanced Blade Putters
To ensure that your face balanced blade putter performs at its best, it’s important to properly maintain and care for the club. This can include regularly cleaning the clubhead and grip, checking for any damage or wear, and storing the putter in a protective cover.
Additionally, it’s important to replace the grip on your putter as needed. Over time, the grip can become worn and lose its tackiness, which can affect your grip and control on the putter. By replacing the grip, you can ensure that your putter provides optimal performance and feel on the greens.
Popular Face Balanced Blade Putters
| Brand | Model | Length | Loft | Lie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scotty Cameron | Select Newport 2 | 34″ | 3.5° | 70° |
| Odyssey | White Hot Pro 2.0 #1 | 33″ | 3° | 70° |
| Ping | Sigma 2 Valor 400 | 35″ | 3° | 70.5° |
| TaylorMade | TP Patina Soto | 34″ | 3.5° | 70° |
| Cleveland | Huntington Beach SOFT 12.5 | 34″ | 3° | 70° |
| Mizuno | M-Craft 1 | 35″ | 3° | 70° |
| Bettinardi | BB1 Tiki | 34″ | 3° | 70° |
| Titleist | Scotty Cameron Special Select Squareback 2 | 34″ | 3.5° | 70° |
| Wilson | Staff Model Blade | 35″ | 3° | 70° |
| Cobra | King Vintage Sport Blade | 34″ | 3° | 70° |
Putter Lengths for Face Balanced Blade Putters
| Brand | Model | Length Range |
|---|---|---|
| Scotty Cameron | Select Newport 2 | 33″, 34″, 35″ |
| Odyssey | White Hot Pro 2.0 #1 | 33″, 34″, 35″ |
| Ping | Sigma 2 Valor 400 | 33″, 34″, 35″ |
| TaylorMade | TP Patina Soto | 33″, 34″, 35″ |
| Cleveland | Huntington Beach SOFT 12.5 | 33″, 34″, 35″ |
| Mizuno | M-Craft 1 | 33″, 34″, 35″ |
| Bettinardi | BB1 Tiki | 33″, 34″, 35″ |
| Titleist | Scotty Cameron Special Select Squareback 2 | 33″, 34″, 35″ |
| Wilson | Staff Model Blade | 33″, 34″, 35″ |
| Cobra | King Vintage Sport Blade | 33″, 34″, 35″ |
Loft Angles for Face Balanced Blade Putters
| Brand | Model | Loft Range |
|---|---|---|
| Scotty Cameron | Select Newport 2 | 3.5° |
| Odyssey | White Hot Pro 2.0 #1 | 3° |
| Ping | Sigma 2 Valor 400 | 3° |
| TaylorMade | TP Patina Soto | 3.5° |
| Cleveland | Huntington Beach SOFT 12.5 | 3° |
| Mizuno | M-Craft 1 | 3° |
| Bettinardi | BB1 Tiki | 3° |
| Titleist | Scotty Cameron Special Select Squareback 2 | 3.5° |
| Wilson | Staff Model Blade | 3° |
| Cobra | King Vintage Sport Blade | 3° |
Lie Angles for Face Balanced Blade Putters
| Brand | Model | Lie Range |
|---|---|---|
| Scotty Cameron | Select Newport 2 | 70° |
| Odyssey | White Hot Pro 2.0 #1 | 70° |
| Ping | Sigma 2 Valor 400 | 70.5° |
Materials Used for Face Balanced Blade Putters
| Brand | Model | Material |
|---|---|---|
| Scotty Cameron | Select Newport 2 | 303 Stainless Steel |
| Odyssey | White Hot Pro 2.0 #1 | 304 Stainless Steel |
| Ping | Sigma 2 Valor 400 | 17-4 Stainless Steel |
| TaylorMade | TP Patina Soto | 303 Stainless Steel |
| Cleveland | Huntington Beach SOFT 12.5 | 304 Stainless Steel |
| Mizuno | M-Craft 1 | Forged 1025 Mild Carbon Steel |
| Bettinardi | BB1 Tiki | Soft Carbon Steel |
| Titleist | Scotty Cameron Special Select Squareback 2 | 303 Stainless Steel |
| Wilson | Staff Model Blade | 304 Stainless Steel |
| Cobra | King Vintage Sport Blade | 304 Stainless Steel |
Conclusion
Face balanced blade putters are a popular choice among golfers for their stability and accuracy on the greens. They are a great option for golfers of all skill levels who are looking for a shorter, more stable putter that provides a good feel for the ball at impact. If you’re in the market for a new putter, consider trying out a face balanced blade putter to see if it’s the right fit for your game.
