Double Bend Putter Shaft: 4 Things to Consider Before Going In Your Bag

Double Bend Putter Shaft: For every birdie putt sunk and eagle snatched from the jaws of par, countless strokes linger in purgatory – agonizingly close yet stubbornly refusing to drop. For many a golfer, the quest for putting nirvana boils down to finding the perfect putter. While head shape and material receive plenty of attention, the unsung hero of putting prowess often gets overlooked: the putter shaft. Today, we delve into the world of the double bend putter shaft, dissecting its impact on your putting game and helping you decide if it’s the key to unlocking those elusive greenside theatrics.

The Anatomy of a Double Bend

Unlike its single bend counterpart, the double bend shaft boasts a distinct kink near the hosel, followed by another subtle bend further down the shaft. This unique design creates a face-balanced putter, where the center of gravity (CG) sits directly beneath the clubface. This promotes a putter head that resists twisting throughout the stroke, leading to more square strikes for improved accuracy and distance control.

The Green Machine: Advantages of the Double Bend

Advocates of the double bend putter shaft swear by its numerous benefits. Here are a few key advantages to consider:

• Enhanced Aim: The lower lie angle created by the double bend allows for a clearer view of the putting line. This visual advantage translates to better face alignment at address, a crucial ingredient for consistent putting.
• Face Balanced Bliss: As mentioned earlier, the face-balanced design minimizes face rotation during the stroke. This is particularly beneficial for golfers who struggle with excessive flipping or shutting the putter face through impact, leading to mishits and distance inconsistencies.
• Feel the Flow: The face-balanced nature of the double bend shaft can also promote a smoother putting stroke. With less resistance to square contact, the putter head feels more connected throughout the stroke, allowing for better feel and control.
• Arc Angels Beware: For golfers with a straight putting stroke, the double bend putter can be a dream come true. The face balance promotes a pendulum-like motion, ideal for those who minimize body movement during putting.

The Double-Edged Sword: Potential Drawbacks

While the double bend boasts several advantages, it’s not a universal panacea. Here are some potential drawbacks to consider:

• Feel Factor: Some golfers find the double bend putter to have a less responsive feel compared to a single bend shaft. The additional weight and bends can introduce a slight dampening effect, which some players may perceive as a lack of feedback.
• Fitting First: The double bend isn’t a magic bullet for every putting style. Golfers with a strong arcing stroke may find the double bend putter to hinder their natural putting motion. Getting properly fitted is crucial to determine if the double bend aligns with your putting mechanics.
• Looks Can Be Deceiving: The aesthetics of the double bend putter can be a turnoff for some golfers who favor the more traditional look of a single bend shaft. Remember, though, that looks shouldn’t dictate performance; choose the putter that inspires confidence on the green.

Finding Your Putting Sweet Spot: Testing the Double Bend

The true test of any putter lies in its performance on the putting green. Here are some tips to help you determine if the double bend shaft is your putting soulmate:

• Hit the Lab: Schedule a fitting session with a qualified club fitter. They can analyze your putting stroke and recommend putter configurations, including single and double bend shafts, to see which one best suits your mechanics and preferences.
• The Putting Green Awaits: Don’t just rely on static fitting. Take both single and double bend putters to the practice green and see how they feel in your hands. Hit numerous putts, focusing on feel, alignment, and distance control.
• Trust Your Gut: Ultimately, the putter that instills confidence and inspires you to roll putts with conviction is the right choice. If the double bend feels comfortable and produces consistent results, then it might be your putting partner in crime.

Double Bend or Bust? The Final Putt

The double bend putter shaft offers a unique option for golfers seeking improved putting accuracy and distance control. While its face-balanced design and enhanced face alignment hold significant advantages, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Experiment with both single and double bend putters, consider your personal putting style, and trust your putting instincts. Remember, the perfect putter is the one that unlocks your inner putting genius and has you holing putts with laser-like precision. So, grab your clubs, hit the green, and embark on your own double bend putting odyssey!