Putting is one of the most important aspects of golf, and having the right putter can make all the difference. One type of putter that has gained popularity in recent years is the “slant neck putter.” In this article, we’ll discuss what a slant neck putter is, its benefits, and how to choose the right one for you.
What is a Slant Neck Putter?
A slant neck putter is a type of putter that has a hosel that angles back towards the shaft, creating a slanted look. This design is intended to help golfers align their putts more easily and achieve a more consistent stroke. The angle of the hosel can vary, with some putters having a more severe slant than others.
Benefits of a Slant Neck Putter:
- Improved Alignment: The slanted neck of the putter makes it easier for golfers to align their putts with the target line. The angle of the hosel helps to frame the ball at address, which can lead to a more consistent setup.
- Reduced Face Rotation: The slant neck design also reduces the amount of face rotation during the putting stroke. This can help golfers maintain a more square clubface through impact, leading to more accurate putts.
- Better Feel: Many golfers find that slant neck putters offer a better feel and balance than traditional putters. The design can help golfers achieve a smoother stroke, resulting in more consistent putts.
Choosing the Right Slant Neck Putter:
When choosing a slant neck putter, there are a few factors to consider:
- Hosel Angle: The angle of the hosel can vary between putters, with some having a more severe slant than others. Consider which angle works best for your stroke and alignment preferences.
- Head Design: Slant neck putters come in a variety of head designs, including mallets and blades. Choose a head design that suits your personal preferences and putting style.
- Weight: The weight of the putter can also affect how it feels and performs. Consider whether you prefer a heavier or lighter putter, and choose one that feels comfortable and balanced in your hands.
Different Types of Slant Neck Putters:
There are several different types of slant neck putters, including:
- Anser-style putters: These putters have a classic blade design and a slanted neck that connects to the heel of the putter. They are popular among golfers who prefer a traditional look and feel.
- Mallet-style putters: These putters have a larger head and a slanted neck that connects to the center of the putter. They are popular among golfers who want more stability and forgiveness on the greens.
- Mid-mallet putters: These putters are a hybrid between a blade and a mallet and have a slanted neck that connects to the back of the putter. They are popular among golfers who want a balance of feel and forgiveness.
- Double-bend putters: These putters have a slanted neck that is bent twice, creating a “double bend” in the shaft. They are popular among golfers who want a putter that sits closer to the ground and promotes a straighter stroke.
How to Use a Slant Neck Putter:
Using a slant neck putter is similar to using any other putter, but there are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Align the ball properly: The slanted neck can help with alignment, but it’s still important to position the ball correctly in relation to your feet and the target line.
- Make a smooth stroke: The design of the putter can help promote a smoother stroke, so focus on keeping your stroke rhythmical and even.
- Practice with the putter: As with any new club, it’s important to practice with a slant neck putter to get comfortable with the feel and the way it performs on the greens.
How to Fit a Slant Neck Putter:
Fitting a putter is an important step in optimizing your performance on the greens. When fitting a slant neck putter, consider the following factors:
- Length: The length of the putter should be customized to fit your body and putting stance. A putter that is too long or too short can lead to inconsistent stroke mechanics and poor performance.
- Lie Angle: The lie angle of the putter should be matched to the golfer’s posture and putting stance. This ensures that the putter head is square to the target line at impact.
- Loft: The amount of loft on the putter face can affect the ball’s roll and trajectory. Golfers should choose a loft that complements their putting stroke and the greens they play on.
- Grip: The grip on the putter should feel comfortable and secure in the golfer’s hands. There are many grip styles and materials to choose from, so find one that suits your preferences.
Maintenance and Care:
Proper maintenance and care can help ensure that your slant neck putter performs well and lasts for many rounds. Here are a few tips:
- Clean the putter after each use: Use a soft cloth to wipe down the putter head and shaft after each round. This helps prevent dirt and grime from building up on the club.
- Store the putter in a protective cover: A head cover can help prevent the putter from getting scratched or damaged during transport or storage.
- Check the alignment aids regularly: Over time, the alignment aids on the putter may become misaligned or worn. Check them regularly and have them re-aligned or replaced if necessary.
Slant Neck Putter Comparison Chart
| Brand | Model | Length (in) | Loft (degrees) | Lie (degrees) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Odyssey | O-Works Red #7S | 34 | 3 | 70 |
| TaylorMade | Spider X | 35 | 2.5 | 70 |
| Callaway | Stroke Lab | 33 | 3 | 70 |
| Titleist | Scotty Cameron Phantom X 12.5 | 33 | 3.5 | 70 |
| Cleveland | Huntington Beach SOFT Premier 11 | 34 | 3 | 70 |
Top Slant Neck Putters on the Market
| Brand | Model | Head Shape | Material | Price ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Odyssey | O-Works Red #7S | Mallet | Stainless Steel | 229 |
| TaylorMade | Spider X | Mallet | Aluminum | 349 |
| Scotty Cameron | Select Fastback 2 | Blade | Stainless Steel | 399 |
| Ping | Sigma 2 Valor | Mallet | Aluminum | 249 |
| Cleveland | Huntington Beach SOFT Premier 11 | Blade | Stainless Steel | 129 |
Slant Neck Putter Loft and Lie Angle Chart
| Loft (degrees) | Lie (degrees) | Average Ball Speed (mph) | Launch Angle (degrees) | Spin Rate (rpm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 70 | 107 | 1.9 | 2750 |
| 3 | 70 | 102 | 2.0 | 2500 |
| 3.5 | 70 | 98 | 2.1 | 2250 |
| 4 | 70 | 94 | 2.2 | 2000 |
| 4.5 | 70 | 90 | 2.3 | 1750 |
Slant Neck Putter Shaft Length Chart
| Player Height (ft) | Recommended Putter Length (in) |
|---|---|
| 5’0″ – 5’3″ | 32-33 |
| 5’4″ – 5’6″ | 33-34 |
| 5’7″ – 5’9″ | 34-35 |
| 5’10” – 6’0″ | 35-36 |
| 6’1″ and taller | 36+ |
Slant Neck Putter Grip Comparison Chart
| Brand | Model | Grip Material | Size (in) | Weight (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golf Pride | Tour SNSR Contour Pro | Rubber | 1.0 | 76 |
| SuperStroke | Traxion Pistol GT | Polyurethane | 1.0 | 50 |
| Lamkin | Sink Fit Skinny Pistol | Rubber | 0.58 | 65 |
| Winn | Excel Midsize Pistol | Polymer | 1.1 | 63 |
| Iomic | Absolute X Putter | Elastomer | 1.1 | 48 |
Conclusion:
Slant neck putters are a popular choice among golfers who are looking for improved alignment, reduced face rotation, and better feel on the greens. When choosing a slant neck putter, consider the hosel angle, head design, and weight to find the right putter for your game. With the right putter in hand, you can improve your putting and lower your scores on the course.
