Golf is a sport that requires precision and accuracy in every shot. One of the most important tools that golfers use is their putter, which is designed to help them sink the ball into the hole in as few strokes as possible. There are various types of putters, each with their unique features and benefits. Flow neck and slant neck putters are two of the most popular options. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between these two types of putters and help you decide which one is best for you.
What is a Flow Neck Putter?
A flow neck putter is a type of putter that has a curved or “flowing” hosel that connects the clubhead to the shaft. The curve is designed to allow the golfer to position their hands closer to the ball, which can help with accuracy and control. Flow neck putters are also known for their smooth and consistent feel, making them a popular choice among golfers who prefer a more traditional look and feel.
What is a Slant Neck Putter?
A slant neck putter is a type of putter that has a hosel that is angled towards the toe of the clubhead. This design allows the golfer to position their hands further back from the ball, which can provide more stability and a smoother stroke. Slant neck putters are also known for their clean and modern look, making them a popular choice among golfers who prefer a more contemporary style.
Differences Between Flow Neck and Slant Neck Putters
While both flow neck and slant neck putters are designed to help golfers improve their accuracy and control, they have some key differences that set them apart. Here are some of the main differences:
- Hosel Design: The most noticeable difference between these two types of putters is the hosel design. Flow neck putters have a curved or flowing hosel, while slant neck putters have a hosel that is angled towards the toe of the clubhead.
- Hand Position: The different hosel designs also affect the golfer’s hand position. Flow neck putters allow the golfer to position their hands closer to the ball, while slant neck putters position the hands further back from the ball.
- Style: Flow neck putters have a more traditional look and feel, while slant neck putters have a more modern and sleek appearance.
- Stroke: The different hand positions and hosel designs can affect the golfer’s stroke. Flow neck putters may provide more feel and control, while slant neck putters may provide more stability and a smoother stroke.
Which One is Right for You?
Choosing between a flow neck and slant neck putter ultimately comes down to personal preference and playing style. If you prefer a traditional look and feel and like to position your hands closer to the ball, a flow neck putter may be the best choice for you. If you prefer a modern and clean look and like to position your hands further back from the ball, a slant neck putter may be the better option.
Additional Considerations
When Choosing a Putter When choosing a putter, there are several other factors that you should consider beyond just the hosel design. Here are some additional considerations to keep in mind:
- Length: The length of your putter can affect your stroke and posture. A putter that is too short or too long can make it harder to align the ball and may lead to inconsistent strokes. Make sure to choose a putter length that feels comfortable and natural for your height and stance.
- Head Weight: The weight of your putter can also affect your stroke. A heavier putter may provide more stability and control, while a lighter putter may allow for a smoother stroke. Experiment with different head weights to find the one that feels best for you.
- Face Type: The face of your putter can have a significant impact on how the ball rolls. Mallet putters generally have a larger, more forgiving face, while blade putters have a smaller, more precise face. Choose a face type that suits your putting style and helps you achieve the desired ball roll.
- Grip: The grip of your putter can affect your feel and control. A thicker grip may provide more stability, while a thinner grip may allow for more feel and touch. Experiment with different grip types to find the one that feels best for you.
Ultimately, the best putter for you is the one that feels comfortable, allows you to align the ball well, and helps you achieve consistent strokes. Try out different putters before making a purchase to find the one that best fits your playing style and preferences.
Flow Neck Putters
| Putter Model | Head Weight (g) | Loft (degrees) | Lie Angle (degrees) | Shaft Length (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scotty Cameron Phantom X 5.5 | 350 | 3.5 | 70 | 33-35 |
| Odyssey O-Works Red 7S | 360 | 3 | 70 | 33-35 |
| Ping Heppler Tomcat 14 | 370 | 2.5 | 70 | 33-35 |
| TaylorMade Spider X Navy | 355 | 3 | 70 | 33-35 |
| Titleist Scotty Cameron Special Select Squareback 2 | 340 | 3.5 | 70 | 33-35 |
| Scotty Cameron Special Select Flowback 5 | 360 | 3.5 | 70 | 33-35 |
| Odyssey Toulon San Diego | 350 | 3 | 70 | 33-35 |
| Ping Sigma 2 Valor 400 | 400 | 2.5 | 70 | 33-35 |
| TaylorMade Spider EX Navy | 355 | 2.5 | 70 | 33-35 |
| Titleist Scotty Cameron Special Select Newport 2.5 | 340 | 3.5 | 70 | 33-35 |
Slant Neck Putters
| Putter Model | Head Weight (g) | Loft (degrees) | Lie Angle (degrees) | Shaft Length (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scotty Cameron Phantom X 7 | 350 | 3.5 | 70 | 33-35 |
| Odyssey White Hot OG #1WS | 350 | 3 | 70 | 33-35 |
| Ping Heppler Ketsch | 365 | 2.5 | 70 | 33-35 |
| TaylorMade Spider FCG Navy | 355 | 3 | 70 | 33-35 |
| Titleist Scotty Cameron Special Select Del Mar | 340 | 3.5 | 70 | 33-35 |
| Scotty Cameron Special Select Newport 2 | 350 | 3.5 | 70 | 33-35 |
| Odyssey Stroke Lab Ten | 360 | 3 | 70 | 33-35 |
| Ping Vault 2.0 ZB | 350 | 3 | 70 | 33-35 |
| TaylorMade Spider X Copper | 355 | 3 | 70 | 33-35 |
| Titleist Scotty Cameron Special Select Newport | 340 | 3.5 | 70 | 33-35 |
Loft Comparison
| Putter Model | Flow Neck Loft (degrees) | Slant Neck Loft (degrees) |
|---|---|---|
| Scotty Cameron Phantom X 5.5 | 3.5 | N/A |
| Odyssey O-Works Red 7S | 3 | N/A |
| Ping Heppler Tomcat 14 | 2.5 | N/A |
| TaylorMade Spider X Navy | 3 | N/A |
| Titleist Scotty Cameron Special Select Squareback 2 | 3.5 | N/A |
| Scotty Cameron Special Select Flowback 5 | 3.5 | N/A |
| Odyssey Toulon San Diego | 3 | N/A |
| Ping Sigma 2 Valor 400 | 2.5 | N/A |
| TaylorMade Spider EX Navy | 2.5 | N/A |
| Titleist Scotty Cameron Special Select Newport 2.5 | 3.5 | N/A |
| Scotty Cameron Phantom X 7 | N/A | 3.5 |
| Odyssey White Hot OG #1WS | N/A | 3 |
| Ping Heppler Ketsch | N/A | 2.5 |
| TaylorMade Spider FCG Navy | N/A | 3 |
| Titleist Scotty Cameron Special Select Del Mar | N/A | 3.5 |
| Scotty Cameron Special Select Newport 2 | N/A | 3.5 |
| Odyssey Stroke Lab Ten | N/A | 3 |
| Ping Vault 2.0 ZB | N/A | 3 |
| TaylorMade Spider X Copper | N/A | 3 |
| Titleist Scotty Cameron Special Select Newport | N/A | 3.5 |
Lie Angle Comparison
| Putter Model | Flow Neck Lie Angle (degrees) | Slant Neck Lie Angle (degrees) |
|---|---|---|
| Scotty Cameron Phantom X 5.5 | 70 | N/A |
| Odyssey O-Works Red 7S | 70 | N/A |
| Ping Heppler Tomcat 14 | 70 | N/A |
| TaylorMade Spider X Navy | 70 | N/A |
| Titleist Scotty Cameron Special Select Squareback 2 | 70 | N/A |
| Scotty Cameron Special Select Flowback 5 | 70 | N/A |
| Odyssey Toulon San Diego | 70 | N/A |
| Ping Sigma 2 Valor 400 | 70 | N/A |
| TaylorMade Spider EX Navy | 70 | N/A |
| Titleist Scotty Cameron Special Select Newport 2.5 | 70 | N/A |
| Scotty Cameron Phantom X 7 | N/A | 70 |
| Odyssey White Hot OG #1WS | N/A | 70 |
| Ping Heppler Ketsch | N/A | 70 |
| TaylorMade Spider FCG Navy | N/A | 70 |
| Titleist Scotty Cameron Special Select Del Mar | N/A | 70 |
| Scotty Cameron Special Select Newport 2 | N/A | 70 |
| Odyssey Stroke Lab Ten | N/A | 70 |
| Ping Vault 2.0 ZB | N/A | 70 |
| TaylorMade Spider X Copper | N/A | 70 |
| Titleist Scotty Cameron Special Select Newport | N/A | 70 |
Head Weight Comparison
| Putter Model | Flow Neck Head Weight (g) | Slant Neck Head Weight (g) |
|---|---|---|
| Scotty Cameron Phantom X 5.5 | 350 | N/A |
| Odyssey O-Works Red 7S | 360 | N/A |
| Ping Heppler Tomcat 14 | 370 | N/A |
| TaylorMade Spider X Navy | 355 | N/A |
| Titleist Scotty Cameron Special Select Squareback 2 | 340 | N/A |
| Scotty Cameron Special Select Flowback 5 | 360 | N/A |
| Odyssey Toulon San Diego | 350 | N/A |
| Ping Sigma 2 Valor 400 | 400 | N/A |
| TaylorMade Spider EX Navy | 355 | N/A |
| Titleist Scotty Cameron Special Select Newport 2.5 | 340 | N/A |
| Scotty Cameron Phantom X 7 | N/A | 350 |
| Odyssey White Hot OG #1WS | N/A | 350 |
| Ping Heppler Ketsch | N/A | 365 |
| TaylorMade Spider FCG Navy | N/A | 355 |
| Titleist Scotty Cameron Special Select Del Mar | N/A | 340 |
| Scotty Cameron Special Select Newport 2 | N/A | 350 |
| Odyssey Stroke Lab Ten | N/A | 360 |
| Ping Vault 2.0 ZB | N/A | 350 |
| TaylorMade Spider X Copper | N/A | 355 |
| Titleist Scotty Cameron Special Select Newport | N/A | 340 |
Conclusion
In conclusion, both flow neck and slant neck putters are great options for golfers looking to improve their accuracy and control on the green. Understanding the differences between these two types of putters can help you choose the one that is best for your playing style and preferences. Whether you prefer a traditional or modern look and feel, there is a putter out there that can help you sink more putts and improve your game.
