Updated January 6, 2024. This article was thoroughly audited by multiple golf experts and coaches for its accuracy. You can read more about our rigorous testing protocol here.
Center-shafted putters offer true roll and improved accuracy for amateur golfers looking to find a soft feel and more consistency to their putts.
These specially made putters typically have a mallet design and larger putter heads to balance and reduce impact twisting.
Each center-shafted putter on our list offers golfers the ability to improve their putting with a minimal learning curve, great for amateurs that want to spend their time on the course and not the practice green.
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Table of Contents
How to Choose the Right Center Shafted Putter
Length
Most centers shafted putters offer lengths ranging from 33 to 35 inches. That may not seem like much of a difference for most golfers, but the length of a putter shaft can be a huge problem if it creates an out-of-sync stroke on the green.
A short putter could create a hunched-over stance for tall golfers that prevents the player from smoothly returning the flatstick to the golf ball.
Finding the right shaft length may take some trial and error, but finding a comfortable length that encourages a smooth stroke that provides consistency on the putting surface is crucial.
Price
Putters can vary wildly in price based upon the quality of the club and how it performs on the green.
Low price putters typically start around $30. These putters can provide consistent roll and touch, but golfers should expect that the club is made from cheap materials and may not last long.
Mid-range putters cost anywhere from $75-$200. These putters provide the most value for their performance. In this range, golfers will find well-made putters with an assortment of great features.
Most pros typically carry Scotty Cameron putters on the PGA Tour. These high-end putters routinely cost between $300-$500 but deliver outstanding performance.
Blade vs Mallet Putters
Blade putters offer an elongated face with a low profile that rarely rises above the midpoint of a golf ball. Blade putters are lightweight and offer premium control for golfers who like putting on an arc.
A high-end blade putter provides consistent distance on lag putts with heel and toe balancing.
Mallet putters are larger and heavier than blade versions. Mallets offer more distance control and are great for golfers who like a straight-back, straight-forward putting stroke. A well-crafted mallet putter offers golfers premium performance with a smooth roll.
Both putters provide tour-proven shapes and designs that appeal to amateurs and professional golfers alike.
Milled or Insert
Another big choice golfers must make is between a milled face or face insert-driven hitting area.
A milled face means the company used a machine to mill the face, creating a textured surface that offers softness and distance control. In addition, a milled face will have a crisscrossed look that increases friction on the golf ball for a better roll.
A face insert is typically made from a composite material that is added to the face as a strip directly onto the center of the hitting area of the putter. Benefits of face inserts include enhanced softness and improved feel with excellent distance control.
Offset
Every putter offers an offset to help the golfer get a clean line of sight on the golf ball. Golfers can misread a putt due to visual perception issues caused by the putter’s face.
The hope of offset is to remove those perception faults by providing a clear view of the golf ball so that golfers can visualize the putting line.
Some golfers prefer more offset with their putter, typically playing with a gooseneck putting shaft. The curved shaft allows the face to be behind the shaft’s path to the golf ball, allowing better consistency with a straight-back, straight-forward putting stroke.
Check our detailed guide: How to Choose a Putter
Best Center Shafted Putters 2024
TaylorMade Spider GTX Center Shaft Putter
Best All-Around Center-Shafted Putter
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Specs
- Head: Mallet
- Loft: 2.5 degrees
- Length: 34, 35 inches
- Head Weight: 365 grams
Pros
- Lightweight feel with exceptional stability
- Pure Roll2 Insert delivers smooth performance
- Impressive long-range distance control
Cons
- Larger head does require more precision ball striking
The TaylorMade Spider GTX Silver Center Shaft putter is an excellent choice for amateur golfers seeking improved stability and consistency on the greens.
The head features a high-MOI design with a premium Pure Roll2 insert for soft feel and smooth roll.
But what really sets it apart is the True Path alignment system with a unique silver center shaft. With the center shaft design, the putter frames the ball perfectly while promoting better face angle control through the stroke.
Amateurs will find aligning putts and keeping the face square much easier.
The Spider GTX center shaft makes it easier for amateurs to stroke putts on the intended target line by minimizing twisting at impact.
With its innovative alignment system and counterbalanced design that caters to an amateur’s swing, the Spider GTX is ideal for golfers seeking more consistency in their long-range game.
Evnroll ER2 Center Shaft MidBlade
Most Accurate Center-Shafted Putter
Specs
- Head: Blade
- Loft: 3 degrees
- Length: 33-35 inches
- Head Weight: 340-370 grams
Pros
- Very forgiving on off-center strikes
- Premium forward roll without skipping and hopping off the face
- Excellent balance throughout the stroke
Cons
- Higher price point may deter casual golfers
The Evnroll ER2CS is a fantastic option for golfers seeking improved stability and alignment from a unique take on a traditional blade design putter.
The 304 stainless steel head features clean lines and a minimalist head shape that frames the ball nicely at address. Milled micro-grooves along the sweet spot generate topspin with minimal bouncing for better control and consistency on the greens.
But what I really love about the ER2CS is the Face Guided Performance shaft. With its centered setup, this shaft promotes better alignment, face angle control, and a clean pendulum motion throughout the stroke.
Due to its center shaft design, I found the putter much easier to square at impact when stroking putts. My pace control and direction were very consistent while playing with the ER2CS.
For golfers seeking a blade look and feel with innovative center shaft alignment assistance, the Evnroll ER2CS perfectly blends tradition with technology.
Pinemeadow Golf Site 2
Best Center-Shafted Putter for Beginners
Specs
- Head: Mallet
- Loft: 3 degrees
- Length: 33-35 inches
- Head Weight: 345 grams
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Wide high-contrast alignment guide
- Solid forgiveness on off-center strikes
Cons
- No face milling causes lack of feel
The Pinemeadow Golf Site 2 putter is a great budget-friendly option for golfers looking for a well-made, consistent mallet option.
As soon as I picked it up, I was impressed by the weight and quality feel of the putter head. The clean white finish frames the ball cleanly at address. For golfers struggling with their consistency, the Site 2’s alignment guide helps produce a more reliable roll.
During my time with the Site 2, I found the putter delivered a nice smooth stroke and good distance control on the greens. The face seems very forgiving even on mishits.
For me, the putter’s consistency can improve the putting of beginners and high handicappers.
Considering the inexpensive price of around $50, this putter exceeded my expectations.
If you’re a beginner or casual golfer on a budget, I recommend taking a closer look at the Pinemeadow Site 2 mallet due to its solidly reliable performance.
Jamesmilr Topspin Tour Feel Mallet Putter
Best Center-Shafted Putter for High Handicappers
Specs
- Head: Mallet
- Loft: 3 degrees
- Length: 34 inches
- Head Weight: 355 grams
Pros
- Curved face promotes accurate forward roll
- Softer steel provides an exceptional feel
- Very affordable center shaft putting option for budget seekers
Cons
- Wholly unique head shape is quite busy at address
The JAMESMILR TOPSPIN mallet style putter is an innovative option for golfers seeking improved roll and consistency on the greens.
The mallet-style head is CNC milled with a unique pattern that works great with its rounded face to promote quick forward roll. I found the putter performed exceptionally well on long-range lag putts due to the milling.
The company claims the putter’s micro-grooves generate over 1,000 RPMs of topspin to get the ball rolling end-over-end right off the face. I can attest that the rounded face does produce excellent forward roll and consistency, even on off-center strikes.
Alignment is easy, thanks to the clean parallel lines that frame the ball at address with a clear line of sight. The head shape is rather busy and could be reshaped to look more pleasing.
The TOPSPIN Tour Feel mallet putter can be a game-changer for golfers struggling with skidding ball roll and inconsistency on the greens.
Ray Cook SR550
Best Budget Center Shafted Putter
Specs
- Head: Mallet
- Loft: 3 degrees
- Length: 34, 35 inches
- Head Weight: 365 grams
Pros
- Solid balance with winged head shape
- High MOI with impressive forgiveness
- Excellent accuracy from short ranges
Cons
- Doesn’t have the craftsmanship of a top-tier putter
Our top choice for golfers on a budget that need a center-shafted putter is the Ray Cook SR550. Known for their value-conscious putters, Ray Cook designed the SR550 to offer power with a deft touch on lag putts from distances over 50 feet.
On the face of the putter, Ray Cook milled the center for a better feel and response. The lack of an insert does disappoint, but it is not unexpected for a putter at this price point.
If you value keeping the price low over high-tech features, then the Ray Cook SR550 remains a great place to start.
The face-balanced mallet putter offers strength from long distances with the softness and consistency that golfers of all skill levels crave.
The SR550 provides a solid forward roll for mid-range putts that stays along your target line, allowing you to easily finish holes with short par efforts.
Accompanying the putter is a full head cover that protects the putter as you ride in the cart, a great accessory that keeps the nicks and scratches off the finish.
Made for high handicappers or the beginning golfer just getting started, the Ray Cook SR550 might not carry the sophistication of other center-shafted putters, but for the lower price, it remains difficult to find a better putter that meets these specifications.
TaylorMade Truss
Best Center Shafted Putters for Low Handicappers
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Specs
- Head: Mallet
- Loft: 3 degrees
- Length: 33-35 inches
- Head Weight: 345 grams
Pros
- Exceptional stability throughout the stroke
- Precision milling helps minimize bouncing
- Center shaft produces a direct sightline to the golf ball at address
Cons
- Unique shape might turn off traditional golfers
From TaylorMade, the center-shafted Truss is a blade-style putter that provides exceptional performance with a compact face that features the patented and popular Cobalt Blue Pure Roll Insert.
As mentioned before, it starts and stops on the Truss putter with the advanced face insert. Although the insert isn’t nearly as wide as other inserts, it provides the sound, feel, and vibration dampening that we want from a cushioned insert.
Putts off the insert leave the face smoothly without bounce or skidding, making it a weapon that golfers love to deploy from long range.
The hosel is flush with the face for additional stability and high MOI. You won’t find that the Truss does much twisting during the stroke, offering a locked feel that increases confidence in struggling golfers.
Adjustable sole weights on the toe and heel provide more customization for golfers who like to tinker with their equipment.
An exciting center-shafted putter from one of our best golf equipment manufacturers, the TaylorMade Truss is a tremendous success that brings the goods with each putt.
Bettinardi INOVAI 6.0 CTR
Best Luxury Center Shafted Putters for Low Handicappers
Specs
- Head: Mallet
- Loft: 3 degrees
- Length: 32-36 inches
- Head Weight: 358 grams
Pros
- F.I.T. face milling delivers incredible touch from anywhere on the green
- Soft insert helps with responsiveness
- Winged mallet shape helps with stability and accuracy
Cons
- Expensive price point, best for serious golfers
The best center-shafted putter for golfers looking for a high-quality model is the Bettinardi INOVAI 6.0 CTR.
Ideal for advanced and professional golfers, the INOVAI 6.0 CTR is a classically built center-shafted putter that offers premium performance.
The best feature of the Bettinardi putter is the F.I.T. technology. The feature concerns the CNC milled face with the soft insert that provides an exceptional feel and touch.
The winged mallet design provides stability throughout the putting stroke. One of the big reasons the putter has a high MOI is the balanced winged mallet that keeps the putter square through the impact zone.
Great for straight-back, straight-through strokes, the putter delivers smooth performance with impressive accuracy.
The putter features the company’s patented stainless steel shaft that fits well into the head for a seamless transition that doesn’t feel weak or rattled. Instead, golfers can expect that the craftsmanship shines through on each putt.
Yes, the putter is expensive, rivaling the cost of what you’d find with a Scotty Cameron model. But the price is justified by the performance. For a higher-end mallet putter, you’ll struggle to find a better-made putter than the INOVAI 6.0.
Cleveland Huntington Beach Soft 10.5
Best Value Center Shafted Putter for Mid Handicappers
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Specs
- Head: Mallet
- Loft: 3 degrees
- Length: 34, 35 inches
- Head Weight: 365 grams
Pros
- Dual-milled face offers superior performance
- Face balanced design keeps the ball rolling smoothly
- Softer feel with the stainless steel body
Cons
- Plain design doesn’t have the bells and whistles of modern mallets
Cleveland Huntington Beach Soft 10.5 putter is the best mallet option on our list. The center-shafted putter has a large sloped mallet-style head that offers stability and reliability on long and short putts.
The high MOI putter won’t twist in your hand, a great feature that too many golfers don’t seek out when buying a new center-shafted putter.
The Optimized Speed Face Technology delivers consistent distance, even on off-center strikes.
One of the most forgiving putters you’ll find at this price point, the Huntington Beach Soft 10.5 features a stainless steel shaft that keeps your hands level with the face for smooth contact.
What’s wonderful about the Huntington Beach line of putters is how it offers exceptional value to weekend warriors. For a very affordable price, this putter will last years, providing dynamic performance.
The Huntington Beach putter line, including the Soft 10.5, also offers a soft CNC milled face that delivers incredible touch.
From inside 20 feet, the putter’s stability shines by increasing accuracy and giving you the chance of making more putts that other golfers will miss with an inferior putter.
A great putter that makes putting easy, the Cleveland Huntington Beach Soft 10.5 is a real winner.
Questions & Answers
Why choose a center shafted putter?
A center shafted putter provides many benefits to golfers struggling with consistency in their putting game.
A center-shaft putter works best with a straight-back, straight-forward stroke with the head moving as if it is on a pendulum. Golfers who prefer to be directly over the golf ball at the address will also find a center-shafted putter to provide a pleasing experience.
By not putting with an arc motion, the golfer reduces the possibility of not returning the putter to square at impact. Golfers offer a better chance of the putter staying on the intended putting line by going straight back and straight through.
Who should play a center shafted putter?
Center-shafted putters are ideal for golfers who need to simplify their stroke. Since the straight-back, straight-forward stroke works best with these putters, golfers struggling to find consistency with an arc stroke should try this putter with the straight stroke.
With a broader, rounded head, a center-shafted putter is great for beginners and high handicappers that lack distance control on longer lag putts. This style of mallet putter is heavier, providing consistent distance that helps make sure you minimize the length of par putts.
A center-shafted putter should be considered by any level of golfer looking for a forward-facing center of gravity that delivers solid impact.
What does a putter offset do?
Offset is when the leading edge of a putter’s shaft is ahead of the face when the golfer addresses the golf ball.
With the ball sitting further back in the stance, the golfer’s hands must stay ahead of the golf ball during the putting stroke. Most pros feel the forward press of the hands helps provide stability throughout the stroke.
Center-shafted putters offer very little offset. Since the shaft goes into the center of the head near the face, there’s no room for offset.
This design could turn away golfers who prefer offset to their putters, but the clean approach could offer unseen benefits for golfers needing serious help on the greens.
What is a face balanced putter?
A face-balanced putter has a head that is balanced from heel to toe. This means that if you held the putter in your hand, it would balance flat on your palm with the shaft sticking at an angle, like at address.
The face of a face balanced putter is parallel to the ground to help the golfer prevent skidding and skipping after impact is made onto the golf ball.
The face of this style putter closes and opens far less when a golfer uses a straight-back, straight-forward putting stroke. Golfers who like to putt with an arc that moves inside and finishes square should avoid a putter balanced along the face.
How often do I replace putter technology?
Golfers usually keep their putters for many years. Replacing a putter is generally done because the golfer has lost confidence in the club. While new putters offer new technology, there’s not as big a difference from old to new, like woods and irons.
That said, a new putter, like a Ray Cook model, can work wonders for golfers struggling to find consistency on the green.
A new center-shafted putter that’s face-balanced can provide golfers a tool to unlock their struggles on the green. This style of high-end, high-quality putter offers clean weight distribution and lie angle for a direct line of sight to the golf ball.
Conclusion
My choice for the best center-shafted putter, the TaylorMade Spider GTX, delivers solid all-around performance with unmatched balance that works great with a straight-back stroke.
The putter has several worthwhile features including the company’s Pure Roll2 insert. The insert, made from high-grade urethane, offers a softness that offers touch when dealing with tough side-to-side breakers.
I also really liked how TaylorMade set up the alignment line with this putter. At address, the wide light gray bar provides a nice visualization for the eyes to help you line up, not just the center point, but the entire ball to the face.
A great putter for golfers that want a top-tier center-shafted model, the Spider GTX remains one of the most capable and affordable.