Zero torque putters are all the rage on the PGA tour, but are they good for all golfers? In this guide, I’ll teach you about this style of golf putter and show you the best zero torque putters that you can buy today!
If you own one of these, let me know what you think by commenting below!
Key Takeaways
- Zero torque putters minimize face rotation during the stroke, helping maintain a square face at impact for improved consistency and accuracy on the greens.
- LAB Golf, PXG, and Odysset are the top brands for zero torque putters.
- Professional golfers like Adam Scott, Lucas Glover, and Wyndham Clark have adopted zero torque putters on the PGA Tour.
- Traditional putters may still work better for players with arcing strokes or those who prefer more feedback.
What are Zero Torque Putters?
Zero torque putters minimize or eliminate torque during your putting stroke on the green. Torque is the twisting motion of the putter head that occurs when the shaft and head are not perfectly balanced during the stroke.
These types of golf putters minimize rotation during the putting stroke, ensuring the putter face remains square to the ball at impact. Aluminum in the back enhances performance and feel by contributing to consistent ball speed and stability.
Zero-torque putters use advanced design techniques to maintain stability throughout the stroke, such as:
- optimized shaft placement
- balanced weighting
- innovative head geometry
The goal is to keep the putter face square during the entire stroke path to the intended line. These putters aim to improve consistency, accuracy, and overall confidence on the greens by reducing torque. This design eliminates torque, reducing unwanted twisting and improving alignment and accuracy.
Zero torque putters appeal to golfers looking for equipment that offers maximum forgiveness and minimal interference from unwanted clubface movement.
Are Zero Torque Putters Better than Regular Putters?
Zero torque putters are specifically engineered to resist face rotation throughout the stroke, benefiting players who struggle with consistency or tend to manipulate the clubface during the putting motion. Whether this is better largely depends on your stroke style, preferences, and performance needs on the golf course.
Traditional putters, on the other hand, often rely on toe hang or face balancing to match a player’s natural stroke arc. Some golfers prefer the feel and feedback of a conventional putter and may find it easier to control pace and distance with models they’re accustomed to. Tailored shafts available in varying weights and lengths can significantly enhance the performance of each putter head, allowing for balanced performance across different configurations.
Zero torque putters offer improved face stability and can help promote a more repeatable stroke, especially for those with straight-back-straight-through putting styles. However, traditional putters may still be a better fit for players with strong arcing strokes or those who prefer more feedback.
The evolving designs and trends in putter style reflect the dynamic nature of consumer preferences in golf equipment. Different loft angles, such as 3° or 5° loft, can affect ball roll and trajectory, providing specific performance expectations.
Ultimately, zero-torque putters can provide performance advantages in terms of face control and consistency, but their effectiveness is better evaluated through personal testing or putter fitting.
Which Golf Pros Use Zero Torque Putters?
Zero torque putters have gained attention recently, particularly among professionals looking for greater consistency on the greens.
Notable examples include players who have used putters from companies like L.A.B. Golf, one of the most prominent brands specializing in zero torque technology. L.A.B. Golf putters, such as the DF 2.1 and MEZZ.1, have appeared in the bags of tour pros, including Adam Scott and Lucas Glover, for many months.
Other golfers like Rickie Fowler have used L.A.B Golf and the Odyssey Jailbird Cruiser. Specific models like the MEZZ.1 and MEZZ.1 MAX, known as ‘golf mezz’, are praised for their stability and accuracy.
Wyndham Clark is another player who has used the Odyssey Jailbird Cruiser putter for some time. These players have praised the feel and balance provided by the torque-free design, attributing improvements in consistency and alignment on their putting.
While not all professionals have made the switch, the presence of zero-torque putters on major tours highlights their growing credibility and effectiveness, especially on the PGA Tour. As more players explore alternative equipment to gain an edge on the greens, it’s likely that other professionals will try them out as well.
What are the Best Zero Torque Putters?
L.A.B. Golf DF3
The L.A.B. Golf DF3 is a mallet putter that enhances stability and consistency. Priced from $559, the DF3 incorporates Lie Angle Balance (L.A.B.) technology, which minimizes torque throughout the putting stroke, helping keep the putter square on your intended line. This feature promotes a consistent and reliable stroke, regardless of the golfer’s technique.
Additionally, the DF3 includes a built in forward press that automatically positions the hands in a forward tilt, minimizing face opening during the stroke and promoting better alignment and control.
Compared to its predecessor, the DF 2.1, the DF3 offers a more compact and streamlined design while retaining a high Moment of Inertia (MOI). This ensures forgiveness on off-center hits, making it suitable for golfers seeking improved distance and directional control.
Customization is a key aspect of the DF3, with options available for lie angle, shaft length, grip type, and head weight. The putter also features subtle alignment aids to assist with accurate aiming.
An innovative feature of the DF3 is the “Gimme Getter,” a golf ball-sized cutout in the middle of the putter designed to scoop up the ball, adding convenience during play.
The L.A.B. Golf DF3 best suits golfers, prioritizing maximum stability and a straight-back, straight-through putting stroke.
Click here to buy the L.A.B. Golf DF3 putter.
PXG Allan Putter
The PXG Allan Putter, priced at $399, is engineered to provide exceptional stability and consistency, particularly benefiting golfers with arcing putting strokes. Its standout feature is the Zero Torque Balance Technology, which minimizes face rotation during the stroke, helping maintain a square face through impact, similar to the innovative design of a square putter.
Bob Parsons, the founder and CEO of PXG, has significantly influenced the design of this putter. His brother Allan Parsons’ philosophy of enjoying golf is integrated into the putter’s design, emphasizing the personal touch behind PXG products.
The putter’s design incorporates a unique ‘S’ hosel, positioning the shaft axis directly above the center of gravity. This configuration creates a toe-up balance point, enhancing stability and reducing twisting. The hollow body construction contributes to a soft yet responsive feel, while the ultra-thin face aids in consistent roll and energy transfer.
Additional features include adjustable sole weights, allowing golfers to fine-tune the putter’s swing weight to their preference. The putter also boasts a refined Pyramid Face Pattern to promote a smooth and consistent roll across the face.
Buy your Allan putter today:
Evnroll Zero Z1 Putter
The Evnroll Zero Z1 Putter, priced at $550, is a high-MOI mallet designed for golfers seeking maximum stability. Its standout feature is the FaceForward design, achieved through a reverse-offset hosel that aligns the shaft with the putter head’s center of mass.
Constructed from 100% milled 6061 aircraft aluminum, the Z1 incorporates two 85-gram tungsten weights in the front heel and toe. This weight distribution enhances stability and resistance to twisting during the stroke. Evnroll’s patented SweetFace groove technology also ensures consistent energy transfer across the face, promoting uniform ball speeds even on off-center hits. The presence of grooves affects the feel and sound of the ball upon contact, providing a firmer feel that can impact performance.
The putter also features adjustable weighting, allowing customization to match individual preferences. Its unique alignment aids, including two bold white lines and a hollowed-out “zero,” assist in accurate targeting.
Overall, the Evnroll Zero Z1 best suits players seeking a customizable, stable putter that offers consistent ball speeds with minimal effort.
Odyssey Square 2 Square Jailbird Cruiser
The Odyssey Ai-ONE Square 2 Square Jailbird Cruiser, priced at $299, is a budget-friendly mallet-style putter designed to enhance stability and consistency, particularly benefiting golfers seeking forgiveness on the greens. The putter grip is crucial in this design, enhancing confidence and control for the player.
Some of the features I like on the Ai-ONE Square 2 are:
- the Ai-ONE insert, developed using artificial intelligence to promote consistent ball speeds across the face
- the White Hot face insert, providing a soft feel at impact
The putter’s heavy construction, featuring a 380g head and a 38-inch shaft, contributes to an anchored feel, aiding in a simplified putting stroke. The modern center-shafted design promotes a square face throughout the stroke, minimizing face rotation. This design ensures the putter returns square to the ball at impact, which is vital for achieving better accuracy and consistency in putting strokes.
The Odyssey Ai-ONE Jailbird Cruiser is well-suited for golfers looking for a budget-friendly option that offers forgiveness and stability.
Bettinardi Antidote SB1
The Bettinardi Antidote SB1, priced at $429, is a premium blade putter with advanced performance features. It is an excellent choice for golfers who favor classic putter designs but still want added stability. Each putter is milled from a single block of high-grade metal, providing a soft, responsive feel at impact.
Despite its compact blade shape, the Antidote SB1 is designed with strategic weight distribution to enhance stability throughout the putting stroke. This helps minimize face twisting and maintains a square alignment at impact, promoting consistent roll. Additionally, the design ensures that the putter face stays square to the target line, allowing golfers to focus on their stroke mechanics without worrying about face rotation.
The Antidote SB1 has a really sleek profile that appeals to most golfers. The modern weighting gives it the forgiveness often associated with larger mallet-style putters.
This putter is ideal for players who strongly prefer blade putters but don’t want to compromise on performance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zero Torque Putters (FAQs)
Are zero torque putters legal in tournament play?
Yes, zero torque putters are fully legal and conform to USGA and R&A equipment rules. Many PGA Tour professionals currently use them in competition.
Do zero torque putters work for all golfers?
Zero torque putters work best for players with straight-back-straight-through putting strokes or those struggling with consistency. Golfers with strong arcing strokes will prefer traditional putters with toe hang.
What’s the difference between zero torque and face-balanced putters?
Zero torque putters align the shaft with the center of mass to eliminate twisting throughout the stroke. Face-balanced putters only prevent the toe from dropping when balanced horizontally but may still experience torque during the actual putting motion.
Do zero torque putters help with yips?
Many golfers report that zero torque putters help reduce the effects of the yips by limiting face rotation. The increased stability can help players struggling with consistency or nervous putting.
Last update on 2025-05-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
