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5 Best Center Shafted Putters

Best Center Shafted Putters

Most recommended
Callaway StrokeOdyssey Stroke Lab Versa Putter
  • Hand Orientation: Right
  • Oversized Grip
  • Method of weight distribution
A good choice too
Pinemeadow Golf Site 2Pinemeadow Golf Site 2 Putter
  • Hand Orientation: Right
  • 34-Inch
  • Includes headcover
A good choice too
Callaway 2M CSOdyssey 2018 Black and Chrome O-Works Putters
  • Hand Orientation: Right
  • All-black finish
  • New Micro hinge Face Insert

Medicus CM2i
Medicus Overspin CM2i Cast CS Aluminium Insert Mallet Golf Putter
  • Hand Orientation: Right
  • Shaft Length: 35 Inches
  • Aluminium
Bettinardi InovaiBettinardi Golf 2018-2019 Inovai 5.0 Center Shaft Putter
  • Center-shafted design
  • Premium Lamkin grip
  • Aluminium

Choose the Best Center Shafted Putter

Customer’s Choice: the Best Rated Center Shafted Putters

77 users answered this survey. Please help us improve this review!

55.84% of users selected Callaway Stroke, 12.99% selected Pinemeadow Golf Site 2, 9.09% selected Callaway 2M CS, 11.69% selected Medicus CM2i and 10.39% selected Bettinardi Inovai. Every month we analyze your answers and change our rating.

The center-shafted putters are a category of golf clubs that have the shaft pass through the middle of the clubhead. These types of putters usually have two separate grips on either side, making it easier for right and left-hand players to use them without having to switch the grip position. 

The center-shafted putter is a unique type of club that has some disadvantages over other types while also offering some advantages to players with larger hands or people who suffer from arthritis since it can be easier on their joints when using this style of grip.

Benefits of the center-shafted putters:

  • They are useful for checking distances and accuracy;
  • They help with your distance control, especially when you need to gauge the length of a putt;
  • They allow for a better follow-through;
  • Longer than heel-shafted putters, which can be beneficial for taller golfers;
  • Center shafts are more stable because they do not bend as much as a toe or heel-shafted design would when the golfer is making an impact with the ball on the putting green;

A center-shafted putter is designed to provide the best follow-through by allowing more momentum and speed as you swing towards your target. This can help give you more accuracy when it comes time to sinking that long-distance shot!  

Picking out a putter can be a difficult task. There are so many different features and options to choose from, it’s tough to know where to start. But don’t fret! Golf experts are going to make this as easy for you as possible with this guide on the best center-shafted putters. 

In this guide, experts will answer all your common questions about these putters from product reviews and helpful tips that will help you find the perfect one for your game.

Odyssey Stroke Lab Versa Putter – the Editor’s choice!

Odyssey Stroke Lab Putters are different from what you’ve ever seen before. The eye-catching and versatile design captures the minute details that give golfers the ultimate in putting performance and control for distance, accuracy, and feel.

With a grip balanced to promote a smoother stroke and steel in both ends of the shaft to improve balance, your Odyssey Stroke Lab putter is sure to help you show off your skills on the course anytime soon!

These putters are created using weight distribution technology that allows these mallets can respond more quickly and precisely-impacting where you need them, every single time. In addition, this proprietary weight distribution system saves 40g at the hands while maintaining ball control and forgiveness alongside a higher feel.

Pros
  • The shaft material is graphite;
  • For left-handers;
  • Unique weight distribution;
  • Tip-heavy graphite;
  • Stiff;
  • Lower torque;
  • Great for smoother and accurate strokes;

Cons
  • Some people claim it is simply oversized, not super stroke;
  • Some users claim it is out of alignment;

Set your ball up for success with this Odyssey Stroke Lab Versa Putter. This revolutionary new putter includes a change in weight distribution to balance the head and lighten your stroke. Use it as a starter club, or advance from other Odyssey Strokes for accuracy on tough putts!


Pinemeadow Golf Site 2 Putter – the best for the high-contrast alignment!

With its flanged mallet head, the Pinemeadow Golf Site2 right-handed putter is perfect for beginners to professionals. As you inch your way up to more expensive clubs, don’t forget that it’s not just about price; this bet has plenty of accuracies and enough weight in the head without costing too much at all!

The grip is comfortable and provides excellent stability, which will help ensure fewer missed puts. Along with its black finish, this club looks sleek and classy on any golfer.

Pros
  • High contrast alignment;
  • Has a headcover;
  • Accurate;
  • Easy to use;
  • Good price point;
  • Nice grip;

Cons
  • The paint may chip;
  • Only for casual golfers;
  • The headcover is flimsy;

Pinemeadow Golf Site 2 Putter is a great club for the money with high contrast alignment design. It includes a head cover and is easy to use and very accurate. The flanged mallet head has a nice grip, making it hot-right now black!


Odyssey 2018 Black and Chrome O-Works Putter – the best for low-handicappers!

The Odyssey 2018 Black and Chrome O-Works Putter eliminates the guesswork for extracting just the right amount of power to send your ball sailing over the green. The face is balanced, perfect for straight putting strokes.

Weighing in at 1 pound, it’s not too heavy to pose a balance issue on softer terrain yet still providing stability when you need it most. That is why this can be recommended for low-handicappers.

This putter, with an easy alignment feature that works well for both right-handed and left-handed players, gives you a smoother stroke in the game. With great grip and face-balanced design, this putter is worth your rock!

Pros
  • Designed for low-handicappers;
  • Made with steel;
  • Easy alignment;
  • Lightweight;
  • The balanced face;
  • Good for straight putting strokes;

Cons
  • Not for beginners;
  • Gets dirty and greasy quickly;
  • No 3 dots for alignment;

This putter has a soft feel insert for better contact with the ball, so you’ll be able to feel the motion of your stroke through your fingertips. The straight face is balanced, so it will work no matter which type of Putting Stroke you prefer! Bring balance back into the game today with the Odyssey 2018 Black and Chrome O-Works Putter.


Medicus Overspin CM2i Cast CS Aluminium Insert Mallet Golf Putter – the best for improved accuracy!

The Medicus Overspin CM2i Cast CS Aluminum Insert Mallet Golf Putter with Beveled Face Design is engineered to be easier and more accurate.

The CT Grooves help the putter-face stay still; no turning means better accuracy. The aluminum face insert provides a responsive but soft feel when in contact with the ball for excellent shot control.

This mallet design eliminates the need for separate clubs around the green such as an approach putter or wedges, meaning you won’t go hunting another club across the course; it’s all in this one product!

It’s never been easier to improve your putting skills without having to spend tons of money on different gadgets – get yours today!

Pros
  • Improved accuracy;
  • Beveled face design for perfect shots;
  • Soft but firm feel;
  • True Roll performance;
  • CT Groove tech;
  • True ball roll;
  • Tack-full performance;

Cons
  • Too heavy for some users;
  • Poor customer service;

Dominate your opponents with the Medicus Overspin CM2i Cast CS Aluminum Insert Mallet Golf Putter. Fully loaded to take charge on any hole, this putter is innovative in every way possible – from the beveled face design that eliminates the annoying lift-off, conventional putters, to CT Grooves that actually work as a set of tracks for improved accuracy.


Bettinardi Golf 2018-2019 Inovai 5.0 Center Shaft Putter – the best for durability!

The Bettinardi 2018-2019 Inovai 5.0 Center Shaft Putter is a rugged and classic-looking anodized black finish putter that promotes the straight putting stroke with this center-shafted design. The head of the putter features bi-metal technology for excellent balance and stability while being 100% milled from 6061 military-grade aluminum in its manufacturing facility outside of Chicago, IL, right here in America!

The Bettinardi Golf putters are finely crafted, durable, and classic-looking precision instruments for the discerning golfer. The minimalist center-shaft design provides stability by improving ball control with a straighter putting stroke where your hitting hand’s not accelerating or distracting from the clubface at impact. A perfect balance of technology, style, soundness, and feel.

Pros
  • Made in the United States;
  • Bi-metal tech;
  • Durable;
  • Classic design;
  • Durable;
  • Great contrast for alignment;

Cons
  • Expensive;
  • Not fully center-shafted design;

The Bettinardi Golf 2018-2019 Inovai 5.0 Center Shaft Putter has a high moment of inertia that creates a stable feel in your palm. Keep the putts going straight back and straight through with a center shaft design that promotes a natural putting stroke.


The Buyer’s Guide

Main Features:

  1. Length

Center shafted putters come in a variety of lengths. The length is measured from the center to the top of the grip and varies from 33 to 37 inches.  The length of your putter should be based on your height and the type of putting stroke you use. 

If you are around 5 feet tall or shorter, then a 33 to 34-inch center-shafted putter is best for you. The typical golfer with an upright posture will find it easier to keep their eyes aligned at the address when they set up if there is less shaft available above them in the form of a very short blade style putter.

However, taller golfers may benefit from longer blades that allow more room for error while still giving them the ability to get low over the ball. Longer blades give taller golfers more confidence since they can take bigger backswings without fear of hitting themselves in the chin with the butt-end of the putter. The downside to this length is that taller golfers are more likely to have their eyes misaligned at address.

You should also consider whether you take a straight back and through putting stroke or an arcing one where you sweep it out around your body before bringing it in towards the ball on your follow-through. If you are an arc stroke player then choose a center-shafted putter with less shaft above you for the maximum loft at impact so as not to hit yourself in the chin again!

  1. Materials:
  • Aluminum is one of the most common materials for center-shafted putters. It has a solid feel and sound, but it is not as durable when compared to other metals like stainless steel or titanium. Aluminum construction makes this type of putter lighter in weight than its counterparts which helps you create better flow with your stroke. However, they also tend to be more expensive due to their high-quality material composition;
  • Stainless steel is another common material for center-shafted putters. They give a great sense of stability and power that helps to keep your putting stroke straight and true, but they tend to be on the heavier side. Also, stainless steel holds up well over time unless it’s scuffed or dinged against hard surfaces like concrete floors in indoor driving ranges (which happens more often than you’d think);
  • Titanium has become an increasingly popular choice as a construction material because it’s incredibly durable. It will never flake, chip, rust, or corrode under any circumstances. That means that this type of putter can last forever if properly cared for with routine cleaning and maintenance every use. It also gives a sense of weightlessness and a solid but smooth feel, which helps you to improve your putting stroke consistency;
  • Graphite is another recently popular choice among center shafted putter manufacturers because it gives the same high-performance benefits as titanium without adding any additional weight. The only downside is that they tend to be more expensive than other types of materials like aluminum or stainless steel; however, their price comes down over time due to technological advancements in manufacturing processes (such as molding);
  1. Offset

The head of these putters is centered on the shaft. What about offset shafted putters? Shafted putters with a concave face are the most common type of shafted putter. The clubhead is set back when compared to the longest portion of the shaft. Putters with a large offset are going to be preferable for SBST golfers, but putters with a smaller offset are more suited to specialists.

It’s also crucial to remember that the majority of center-shafted clubs have very little offset — the TaylorMade TRUSS TB2 mallet is an exception with a half shaft of offset — which might influence your aim and ability to square up the face at impact. Some players dislike any offset, while others require half or full shafts of offset. It’s all about personal preference.

  1. Brand

Many people prefer center shafted putters because they tend to be more accurate. 

The most popular brands of center-shafted putters are:

  • Odyssey is a great choice for beginners. The company makes putters that have grip inserts to help control the speed of your stroke and prevent slipping. They also come in many different styles, colors, and finishes so you can find one with a design you love;
  • Scotty Cameron produces high-quality center shafted putters made from stainless steel and titanium alloys as well as beautiful designs on both metal and wood heads using multiple processes like polishing, plating, carving, or milling to produce unique features on every clubhead. Many people prefer this brand because it provides exceptional performance across various conditions such as wet or dry conditions;
  • Pinemeadow Golf is a company that makes center-shafted putters with high-quality materials like stainless steel and titanium alloys for their head, grip inserts to help control the speed of your stroke, and many different styles, colors, or finishes to choose from. This brand also provides exceptional performance across various conditions such as wet or dry conditions making it easier than ever before when you’re driving on the golf course;

Blade vs. Mallet Putters

Even though some putters are sold as either blades or mallets, there is almost always an option to buy the same head in both styles. So if you’re just getting started it’s probably best not to worry too much about what kind of grip you have right now. Then when trying out different kinds of grips on your new center-shafted putter, choose one that feels comfortable for you!

What is a blade putter? A blade-style putter has a smaller head and a compact shape, which can come in handy when you have to fit the stroke into tight spots. However, because of this small size, it requires a more accurate aim than mallet styles do. So if your putting form tends to be less consistent at times then maybe you should consider trying out a mallet instead!

What is a mallet putter?  A mallet-style putter is a large head with a long shaft that increases the amount of face rotation in your stroke. This style tends to be more forgiving when you don’t aim perfectly and can also help prevent wrist break at impact, which makes for straighter shots overall even if they’re not always going exactly where you want them to!

A center-shafted putter is the most common type of club in golf because it’s easy to use and provides consistent results. If you’re not sure what kind of grip works best for your game then these are probably the best choice! Just like with blade or mallet styles, there isn’t much difference when using a center-shafted. 

The only real differences come into play if you switch grips but since many people aren’t ready for that step yet anyway it’s okay to hold off on worrying about this one too much just yet!

Other things to consider when buying a center-shafted putter:

  • Price range;
  • The quality of the parts and materials used in constructing the putter (such as steel, graphite, or stainless-steel);
  • The design of the putter head;
  • How well it feels in your hands when you are standing over the ball, ready to make a stroke;
  • Whether or not different weights can be added to customize where the center-of-balance is for each individual golfer’s needs;
  • How well it stays balanced in its stroke when the golfer has added extra weight to their putter head;
  • The size and color of your grip (as this is what you will be looking at during every swing);
  • How comfortable the length feels in your hands? You should stand over a putt with both eyes open – not just look down and see that the handle fits nicely into one hand while keeping your other hand outstretched for balance. Your dominant eye should be able to focus on where you want the ball to go without straining or craning either neck/head forward or backward due to an awkward sized grip;

FAQ

Why choose a center-shafted putter?

Center-shafted putters are made with a straight shaft. The center of the clubhead is placed directly behind the ball, while traditional mallet putter heads have offset designs to make putting easier. This balanced design allows for the accuracy that is more consistent and less strain on your back muscles while you’re lining up shots.

One of the biggest advantages that center-shafted putters offer is how it helps improve your putting accuracy. Instead of having to use as many hands and wrist movements, you can now rely on a more natural pendulum swing where all the weight shifts from one pelvis bone to another within your body. This means better acceleration because there will be less tension involved in swinging or rolling through impact with far fewer inconsistencies compared to standard blade putts. 

In addition, because of the center shaft’s more balanced weight distribution and how it helps maintain a straight line towards your target at all times. You can now make a putt with greater stability – having less wrist action in order to get back on track. Overall, if there is one type of putter that will improve accuracy by leaps and bounds faster than any other style out there today, this would be it without question.

Does Scotty Cameron make a center shaft putter?

Scotty Cameron putters are center-shafted, but only a few left-handed models have the face balanced.

What is the best putter for distance control?

The best center-shafted putters for distance control are the Vokey SM Series 60, 56, and 52 models. These all feature a standard length neck but with an offset hosel to ensure good contact between the face of your putter head and the ball at impact. The leading edge is made from stainless steel that will help your stroke stay smooth even if you’re using mid-level or low-quality balls. 

This type of design also ensures that there’s no need to worry about whether this would be too much weight on the grip end (or not enough) since it balances out evenly across both ends of this clubhead model

Do any pros use center-shafted putters?

There are several well-known professional golfers who use center-shafted putters for various reasons. Rory McIlroy, the world’s number one golfer currently uses an Odyssey Works #TW Putter with a full-length hosel in his quest to become dominant on the greens. 

Other famous professionals like Mike “Pipeline” Kelly (who is the best know at this time as Tiger Woods’ former caddie) and Craig Stadler also used center shafted putters in their day. In fact, Craig Stadler’s PING Karsten Anser putter with a full-length hosel was one of the most successful center-shafted designs ever.

Are heavier putters better?

The heavy putters may be better for some people, but it all comes down to personal preference. There are lighter center-shafted putters on the market that are just as good. The weight of the putter is not something to take into consideration when looking for a new center-shafted putter.

Some golfers prefer a heavier putter that feels sturdier in their hands. However, it is important to find the ideal weight for your particular swing and preference. Lighter putters allow you to apply less force when striking the ball that can be helpful if you have a faster stroke speed or are developing better putting mechanics. 

If you tend to hit with heavy force when using your current club, then perhaps going up half a pound will help make things easier on yourself from further away from the hole. Make sure any change in weight doesn’t throw off what used to work well for you!

Are center-shafted putters illegal?

No, center-shafted putters are not illegal. In fact, there is a good chance you have used one without knowing it! If your putter has a shaft that runs through the center of the clubhead and ends in a grip at the bottom, then yes – technically speaking, this is still considered the “center-shafted” design. 

However, most golfers refer to any flat stick with no hosel as being either an end or butt-shafted model (because of where they place their hands). This includes blades, mallets, and even some center-hosel models which are very popular with golfers who struggle to keep the ball on the clubface at impact.

Are center-shafted putters better than the end or butt-shafted?

Not necessarily. There is a big difference between overall weight distribution in your hands vs where that weight is placed along the length of your arms. If you have ever tried holding a baton during an orchestra performance it can be quite awkward because of how light they tend to be – this results from their design being centered around balance rather than power delivery (which makes sense for keeping time). 

While playing golf might not require as much finesse, achieving consistent accuracy does rely on maximizing control over every aspect of the putter. This includes weight distribution and center-shafted models definitely offer a unique feel which you may or may not prefer – but either way, it is nice to have options!

Is the S7K putter legal on the PGA Tour?

The S-Series putters were not allowed on the PGA tour until 2012 when both John Merrick and Webb Simpson won with them. As of now, they are legal for competition as long as there is no evidence that suggests otherwise.

What does a heavier putter grip do?

A heavier putter grip will add more weight to the front side of a putter, which can help with stability and making your stroke feel smoother.  You can feel more of the weight being distributed on the front side, making it easier to get correct contact with your putter face. 

A center-shafted putter will help to distribute weight more evenly throughout the iron, making it easier for you to have perfect contact with your ball.  It can also improve accuracy by helping you maintain better balance and align the head of the club properly.

What is a face-balanced putter?

Face-balanced putters distribute weight along the face to increase head stability and prevent twisting. It’s actually a design that can be used with both heel-shafted and center-shafted models, although it appears more commonly on center shafts. 

The benefits of the face-balanced design are the same as with heel-shafted putters: better stability, more consistent head speed, and an easier release.

While it may seem like all golfers should use center-shafted models because they offer so many advantages there are still some people who prefer heel or toe weighted clubs for their own personal reasons (i.e., if you have a very strong grip, face-balanced putters can be inaccurate due to the natural tendency of the clubface to rotate closed).

How often should you replace the putter?

You should replace your putter technology when it becomes loose or has any problems. Most of the time, you will have to buy a new one every year. You can also just use this as an excuse to shop for something that looks really good at the store!  That is not a bad idea either. 

The golf club company Pinemeadow claims that its center-shafted putters will last for up to two years under normal conditions, but this can’t be verified by our testing. As always, consult your local pro shop before you purchase any equipment; they know how best to care for the clubs in their area and would love nothing more than to help you out!

Do center-shafted putters reduce wrist action?

When you are putting, your goal is to have as little body movement as possible. If you are using a center-shafted putter, it will help reduce the amount of wrist action that can cause an error in your stroke and lead to missed shots. A good example of this concept is when you use a broomstick for putting practice because it has no face weight, just a pure shaft!

Are center-shafted putters more accurate?

Almost all high-quality center-shafted putters have a hosel lofts design. This allows the putter to be more consistent when hitting the ball because it gives you a little bit of forgiveness in your stroke. There will still be some variability, but that is why there are always pencil marks on the top line for aiming purposes!

Video Tutorial: Ask the Expert: Center-Shafted Putters

Final thoughts 

If you’re looking for a center-shafted putter that will improve your game, this guide is for you. There are so many different features and options to choose from it can be difficult to know where to start. You’ll find our experts’ top picks for center-shafted putters and be able to make an informed decision on which one is best for you. So don’t delay! Get started now by reading this guide and finding your perfect match.