Best Counter Balanced Putters Review

Whether you’re a novice of the world of golf and just hearing about it or a seasoned golfer who grew up with all kinds of theories on how to improve your game, the question on everyone’s mind these days is whether counterbalanced putters can give you an edge. The answer, however is inconclusive. Of course, even the best putters won’t do you any good if the problem is you, but some recommendations are in order; that’s why we’ve put together this best counter balanced putters review. Have a look to find your new favourite putter.

What Is a Counter Balanced Putter?

But, before we move on, we should elaborate on what a counter balanced putter actually is. Even if you’re not in the know, it’s pretty much easy to infer what these flatsticks are just from reading the name. 

In a nutshell, these are different from “traditional” or conventional putters, rather, in that they sport a head heavier by up to 50 grams (about 1.7 ounces) in some cases. This additional weight is then compensated or counterbalanced, if you will, by adding even more weight above the point where you grip the shaft. This is done, as you may well have guessed, by making the shaft longer, so that the balance point migrates a bit closer to your hands.

The Benefits

The idea and the one behind it are hardly new – putter makers have been doing it for years in an effort to increase the MOI (Moment of Inertia), which would, in turn, increases forgiveness (well, it does a lot more than that, but let’s keep it simple).

The reason counterbalanced putters are becoming all the rage these days is better attributed to more aggressive marketing campaigns than any truly innovative breakthroughs. Also, with the anchoring ban in effect since January 2016, counterbalanced putters have somewhat risen as a way of dealing with the new regulations. 

Best Counter Balanced Putters Comparison Table

Best Counter Balanced Putters Review

To answer the question we opened this piece with – whether these flatsticks improve your putt game or not, well… the safest way to go is to cop out by saying See what feels best and if it helps you avoid 3-putts.

However, we can make some recommendations to save you the legwork, so if you’d like to know more, feel free to read through our best counterbalanced putters reviews.

The Select Newport 2 is pretty much Scotty Cameron’s variation of the original Anser, and the Notchback is just a tweaked version to make it counterbalanced. It’s somewhat larger than the Newport 2, with a milled flange and a somewhat thicker topline. 

Even with the added weight, the Notchback is not all that heavy – there’s about 40+ grams missing from the neck, and they used that manoeuvring room to add balancing weight at the bottom (the exact weight varies depending on the shaft length).

The width is still the same as in the vanilla Newport 2, but the heel and toe jut out, so that the weight is moved to the back. That way, they managed to add a bit of forgiveness on off-centre hits and open the club for a more straight back-and-through stroke, as well.

Much like with the Notchback, the Futura 6M Dual Balance is just another flavour of an already existing Scotty Cameron putter – the Futura 6M. This is currently one of the more popular counterbalance putters, and with good reason.

It features additional weight in the heel and toe (which varies depending on the shaft length), plus a set of external weights that account for 20 grams each, irrespective of the shaft length. This makes the already forgiving mallet head even more forgiving on mishits.

Other than that, the Futura 6M DB features pretty much the same technologies as the rest of the series – 303 stainless steel head, a matching inlay, lots of customization options, the whole shebang.

Much like the rest of the Odyssey putters, the O-Works Tank #7 has one distinguishing feature – the microhinge steel plate that’s co-moulded into an elastomer layer. The idea behind the multi-material insert is making the putters softer and enhancing the forward roll, which, ostensibly, it does.

Speaking more specifically about the Tank #7, what sets it apart from the rest of the line is that it’s counterbalanced, with a full-shaft offset and overall heavier.

Add the somewhat more streamlined Versa Alignment, and the Tank #7 comes off as a strong candidate for the title of the best counter balanced mallet putter on the market.

One of the major selling points of the Bettinardi Studio Stock Series is the F. I. T. milling, which stands in for the usual honeycomb pattern and softens up the face so you get an almost buttery thud at impact.

Also, this milling will make the sweet spot seem larger, which should instil some confidence on the dance floor.

The Studio Stock #3 CB is certainly one of the top ranked counter balance putters, but what would make it even more popular among various golfers is making the price tag a bit more approachable. 

On the flipside, if you have the money to splash out, you’ll like the compact design with a slight toe hang, as well as the fact it’s faintly more forgiving than the vanilla Studio Stock #3 due to the added weight.

The SeeMore Si3 Black CB is a nice choice if you’re looking for a budget-friendly counterbalance putter – sure enough, it’s not cheap, but it won’t break the bank, either.

What’s nice about the Si3 CB and SeeMore in general is the amount of customization options available – when you go to their site, you’re essentially ordering the vanilla Si3, just make sure to check one of the two counterbalanced options (30 and 50 grams, respectively).

Another great feature about this putter (and, again, their entire range) is the RifleScope Technology that makes aligning the putt a breeze – all you have to do is cover the red dot, and you’re good to go.

The Ping Sigma G Doon CB is a part of the Sigma G Series, and as such, it features the same layered face (elastomer insert over anodized aluminum face), which gives it a nice, soft feel and a muted click at impact.

Being a mallet, the Doon CB is quite forgiving and great for square-to-square strokes, but being a counterbalanced mallet only adds to the forgiveness factor.

Coupled with the True-Roll milling (also a shared feature within the family), this allows for some really consistent distance control. 

Moreover, the increased stability due to the added weight helps with keeping a steady hand, which is especially welcome on short putts.

The Ping Cadence TR Anser comes in three distinct flavours – the Traditional, Heavy, and Counterbalance (the distinctions are pretty much intuitive).

Other than the varying weight and weight distribution, there’s really not much difference between the three models.

The True-Roll milling helps keep the ball speed consistent across the face, which enables you to have more distance control even on mishits.

Other than that, what sets the Anser 2 CB from the rest of the series is the added 50 grams of weight, plus a nice and generous 17-inch grip to help with your strokes.

Conclusion

On a balance (if you’ll pardon this pathetic excuse for a pun), irrespective of quality, counter balanced putters aren’t likely to supplant the more conventional flatsticks any time soon. The reason is not that they don’t work – they do, but they don’t work for everyone. Just like every “ground-breaking” innovation in recent times, it’s more about marketing than anything else (The Boy Who Cried Wolf, anyone?).

So, in conclusion, weigh your options (sorry, the topic is just too perfect for puns), take a couple of your best picks, and roll them a few times. If it works for you, then it works – congrats! You found yourself a new putter. Just don’t fall for the hype, these puppies have been in the game longer than you might think. Fairways and greens!