Why are they so interesting right now? Torque-balanced putters are gaining interest right now because they address a critical issue in putting—face twisting during the stroke. Traditional putters can rotate due to off-center hits or inconsistencies in a golfer’s motion, leading to inconsistent strikes. Torque-balanced putters are designed to keep the face square throughout the stroke, improving accuracy and start line consistency. While this is easy to say, they are definitely not for everyone.
The main reason to get a torque-balanced putter is to achieve a more stable and consistent stroke by eliminating unwanted face rotation. For golfers who struggle with keeping the putter face square at impact—especially those who tend to push or pull putts due to wrist movement or inconsistent face control—a torque-balanced putter helps by naturally keeping the face aligned throughout the stroke.
On the other hand, the main reason to not get one is if you have a strong arc in your putting stroke. You might struggle with a torque-balanced putter as they are designed to keep the face square rather than naturally rotating. Some golfers prefer the feedback and natural rotation of traditional putters.
Zero-torque putters are designed to minimize face twisting during the putting stroke, ensuring the putter face remains square to the target line. This is achieved by aligning the putter’s center of gravity directly beneath the shaft axis, effectively eliminating torque. As a result, golfers can maintain a more consistent and accurate stroke.
Putting is a personal aspect of the game, and preferences differ. Some players may find significant benefits in stability and accuracy, while others might prefer traditional designs. As with any equipment change, it’s essential to test different models and go through a putter fitting to determine what type of puter best suits your stroke.
Several manufacturers have developed zero-torque putters, each incorporating unique technologies to achieve torque-free performance:
Bettinardi – Bettinardi Antidote
Lab Golf – LAB DF3
Odyssey – Square to Square
Here is another article on golf.com that talks about these types of putters: Torque Putters – golf.com
