In general, golf swings do not vary much. The grip, swing and tracking are usually very similar, regardless of the golfer. But when it comes to putting, golfers tend to have different postures, grips and swings in an attempt to sink that birdie into a piece of cake.
The manufacturers of golf clubs have even come to ask for “different”, creating putters that have interesting head designs and shaft lengths. A characteristic that many golfers have begun to adopt is the central axis putter. The best central shaft putters come with all the other features found in a traditional folded shaft putter.
But why can a central shafted putters ask? First, the central shafted putters increase the balance since the axis is centered on the clubhead. Another reason why people like central axis putters is that it is very easy to align the putter and make sure that the face of the putter is square in the direction.
While there are many options when it comes to central shafted putters, some putters stand out more than others. From top quality materials and performance to great value, some putters are better than others. And we created this guide to help you identify the 12 best central axis putters on the market.
Table of Contents
What is a Center Shafted Putters?
Now, for those who do not know, a Central Shafted Putter is more or less what is read on the can. A putter with an shafted that connects to the head, not on the heel where you will usually find it, but rather towards the center of the head. Sometimes it will be in the money, and sometimes it will slightly favor the heel side.
Of course, heel putters are much more common, but their central axis counterparts have their own niche, and it has been steadily growing for the last quarter of a century or so. The trend seems to have started more or less when the late and great Payne Stewart took the 1999 US Open, with Phil Mickelson as a finalist.
What Are the Benefits of Center Shafted Putters?
So why would someone want a central axis putter? Well, most of them are balanced, with a weight evenly distributed between the heel and the toe. Together with the axis that enters the head in the equidistance between the heel and the toe (or around), this allows you to execute a straight backward and direct blow (SBST) with the least possible drift or without drift.
Here is a penny of free tips on how to check if your flagpole is really balanced: take approximately six inches behind your head and try to balance it with one finger. If it stays horizontal, you have a balanced putter on the face in the hands (or on the finger, rather).
On a more serious note, some players and coaches notice that with a putter with a heel your mishits will be more likely to go in one direction than in another.
On the other hand, with its counterparts with central axis, it could never mark where their mishits will go. If you can live with such compensation (easier to achieve an SBST, but there is no way to control the mishits), then you may want to go with a central axis putter.
Top 10 Best Center Shafted Putters
- Odyssey Stroke Lab
- Ping Golf Sigma G Men’s Putter
The Centre-shafted putters have been part of the game since most of us can remember. In the 60s and 70s, you were almost strange if you didn’t own an old-school “bullseye” or “golden goose” putter. But since Ping introduced the revolutionary Anser model, many golfers have made the switch to balanced face or heel putters and central axis blades abandoned forever.
There are only a handful of models available from the biggest brands in the game, and that despite the fact that Payne Stewart and Zach Johnson won multiple Majors with one in the bag.
But although its popularity may be declining, we believe that many fans could benefit from a putter that seems very simple to set up and use. To test our theory, we talk to three leading designers and face four central axis models to evaluate the pros and cons.
Odyssey Stroke Lab
Odyssey is one of the best putters in the world that have been used by Tour Players to win over a hundred PGA events and more than 600 world events.
Key features:
- Stroke Lab Axis
- Micro Hinge Face
- Single weight distribution
Innovation has been the soul of Odyssey and with its new line of Stroke Lab putters, Odyssey has included many different features that change the game. The first and most notable change is the new Stroke Lab Shaft that has a new weighting style. More weight has been moved to each end of the shaft to increase balance and reduce total torque.
Another feature is the Micro Hinge Face that is commonly found in Odyssey White Hot putters. This style of face increases the upper turn and causes the ball to “jump” from the face, which results in a more consistent turn. A high contrast paint job facilitates the direction and alignment of the ball.
Golfers can choose between a 35, 34 or 33 inch long putter. Two types of grip are also available and include a standard Odyssey grip and a large Super Stroke grip.
✅ Pros
- Smooth Roll
- Excellent Feel
- Great Balance
🚫 Cons
- Price
The Odyssey Stroke Labs V-Line Putter is by far one of the best Odyssey center shaft putter on the market today!
Ping Golf Sigma G Men’s Putter
The Sigma series features true rolling grooves, which now cover the entire face with variable widths to offer improved speed control when you hit putts out of center. The aluminum front insert is backed by elastomer to provide a smoother feel and constant ball speed.
Key features:
- 100% Milled Club Head
- High MOI
- High Contrast Anodized Finish
Could you want a simpler putter than Ping Sigma G Kinloch? A weighted blade on the toe and heel with a single line of sight focuses attention right on the back of the ball and on the perfect location of the impact. The slight shape of the wing gives the impression of being forgiving and stable as an MOI putter, which is completely unexpected in a blade. Ping PP60 flat front grip and aluminum facial insert feel fantastic and thanks to facial grooves. The rhythm control is really consistent, especially when you get ultrafast greens.
✅ Pros
- Well Balanced
- Easy To Swing
- Premium Quality
🚫 Cons
- Price
Bottom line
While central shaft putters may seem like a special element compared to a traditional offset putter, they can really help your game. If you have difficulty aligning the ball or feel that you cannot hit it in the center of the club face, a central axis putter may be for you!
A positive aspect of central axis putters is that if you already like a certain type of putter head style, you will still like that style even with a different axis location. Another positive aspect is that many golf club manufacturers manufacture their most popular models with a central axis as an option.
The last great feature of central axis putters is that there are putters for all budgets. From high-end putters like Odyssey to economic brands like Ray Cook, there will be a central axis putter in its price range.
The Review
Best Center Shafted Putter
Check out our review of the best center shafted putter on the market today before heading out and making a purchase.
Review Breakdown
- Odyssey Stroke Lab
- Ping Golf Sigma G Men’s Putter
Great content! Super high-quality! Keep it up! 🙂