In the world of golf, having the right putter is essential for improving your performance on the green. Two popular putter shaft designs are the single bend and double bend putters. While both have their own unique advantages, it’s important to understand the differences between them to make the most informed decision. This article will explore the key characteristics of single bend and double bend putters, helping you determine which style is the right fit for your game.
Single Bend Putter
Design: Single bend putters feature a shaft that has a single angle or bend near the hosel, connecting the shaft to the putter head. This bend is responsible for the putter’s offset and face balance, which influences the stroke path and feel.
Face-Balanced: The single bend design typically results in a face-balanced putter. This means that the face of the putter remains parallel to the ground when balanced on your finger. Face-balanced putters are best suited for golfers with a straight-back-straight-through putting stroke, as they encourage a square face at impact.
Consistency: Due to their face-balanced design, single bend putters promote consistency and accuracy in putting strokes. Golfers who struggle with maintaining a consistent path may find single bend putters helpful in achieving a more predictable stroke.
Double Bend Putter
Design: As the name suggests, double bend putters have two distinct bends in the shaft, resulting in a more complex design. This design allows for greater customization of offset and toe hang, which can be beneficial for golfers with specific stroke tendencies.
Toe-Hang: Double bend putters usually result in varying degrees of toe hang. This means that when balanced on your finger, the toe of the putter will point downwards at a certain angle. Golfers with an arced putting stroke generally benefit from a toe-hang design, as it encourages the natural opening and closing of the putter face throughout the stroke.
Adjustability: Double bend putters often have adjustable features that enable golfers to fine-tune the putter’s weight, balance, and alignment. This customization can be particularly beneficial for those who require a more tailored fit to accommodate their individual stroke preferences.
Single Bend vs Double Bend Putters – Balance and Weight
Putter Model
Balance
Weight
Toe Hang
Face Balance
Scotty Cameron Select Newport 2
Face Balanced
350g
Mid-Hang
Slight Toe Hang
Odyssey White Hot OG Rossie
Slight Toe Hang
360g
Moderate Toe Hang
Slight Toe Hang
TaylorMade Spider EX
Face Balanced
355g
Mid-Hang
Slight Toe Hang
Ping Sigma 2 Tyne 4
Slight Toe Hang
365g
Mid-Hang
Slight Toe Hang
Cleveland Huntington Beach Soft Premier 11
Slight Toe Hang
345g
Moderate Toe Hang
Slight Toe Hang
Odyssey Triple Track Ten
Slight Toe Hang
360g
Moderate Toe Hang
Slight Toe Hang
TaylorMade Spider EX
Face Balanced
355g
Mid-Hang
Slight Toe Hang
Bettinardi Studio Stock 28
Slight Toe Hang
358g
Mid-Hang
Slight Toe Hang
Scotty Cameron Special Select Squareback 2
Face Balanced
350g
Mid-Hang
Slight Toe Hang
Ping Heppler Anser 2
Slight Toe Hang
345g
Moderate Toe Hang
Slight Toe Hang
Single Bend vs Double Bend Putters – Alignment Aids
Putter Model
Alignment Aid
Sightline
Dot
T-Bar
Scotty Cameron Select Newport 2
None
No
No
No
Odyssey White Hot OG Rossie
3 Lines
Yes
No
No
TaylorMade Spider EX
T-Bar
No
Yes
Yes
Ping Sigma 2 Tyne 4
None
No
No
No
Cleveland Huntington Beach Soft Premier 11
Single Alignment Line
Yes
No
No
Odyssey Triple Track Ten
Triple Track
Yes
Yes
No
Single Bend vs Double Bend Putters – Material and Finish
Putter Model
Material
Face Insert
Finish
Toe Hang
Scotty Cameron Select Newport 2
Stainless Steel
Aluminum
Silver Mist
Slight Toe Hang
Odyssey White Hot OG Rossie
17-4 Stainless Steel
White Hot Insert
Black PVD
Moderate Toe Hang
TaylorMade Spider EX
Multi-Material
Pure Roll Insert
Black
Slight Toe Hang
Ping Sigma 2 Tyne 4
Cast Aluminum
Dual-Durometer Insert
Platinum
Mid-Hang
Cleveland Huntington Beach Soft Premier 11
304 Stainless Steel
Speed Optimized Face
Satin Pearl
Moderate Toe Hang
Odyssey Triple Track Ten
Multi-Material
White Hot Microhinge Insert
Black PVD
Moderate Toe Hang
TaylorMade Spider EX
Multi-Material
Pure Roll Insert
Navy/White
Slight Toe Hang
Bettinardi Studio Stock 28
Mild Carbon Steel
F.I.T. Face Technology
Black PVD
Mid-Hang
Scotty Cameron Special Select Squareback 2
303 Stainless Steel
None
Silver Mist
Slight Toe Hang
Ping Heppler Anser 2
304 Stainless Steel
True Roll Face Technology
Platinum
Mid-Hang
Single Bend vs Double Bend Putters – Price Range
Putter Model
Price Range ($)
Scotty Cameron Select Newport 2
400-450
Odyssey White Hot OG Rossie
220-280
TaylorMade Spider EX
330-380
Ping Sigma 2 Tyne 4
200-250
Cleveland Huntington Beach Soft Premier 11
160-200
Odyssey Triple Track Ten
280-350
Bettinardi Studio Stock 28
400-450
Scotty Cameron Special Select Squareback 2
400-450
Ping Heppler Anser 2
220-280
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between a single bend and double bend putter ultimately depends on your personal putting style and preferences. If you have a straight-back-straight-through stroke, a single bend putter with a face-balanced design may be the best option. On the other hand, if you possess an arced stroke, a double bend putter with toe hang may better suit your needs. Ultimately, the key is to try out different putters and find the one that feels most comfortable and provides the best results on the green.
Ray Barnes, our Senior Staff Writer and a Golf Analyst with a PhD in Sports Analytics, is a beacon of insight in the golfing world. With a deep understanding of the sport's nuances, statistical analysis, and a talent for demystifying complexities, he provides in-depth analysis and captivating narratives that engage golf enthusiasts worldwide.
