Single Bend vs Double Bend Putter (Pros and Cons)
If you searched for “single bend vs double bend putter,” I suspect you are all in on improving your skills on the green.
After all, you can easily shave 6-8 strokes off of each round if you learn how to guide the golf ball on the green.
But – as you’ve probably learned – choosing the right putter can be a challenging task.
It’s important to find a putter that pairs with your skill level and strengths, and making the right choice starts with good information.
This write-up will give you everything you need to make a smart purchase.
Double Bend vs. Single Bend Putter: Overview
Two of the most widely available golf putters in the market are single-bend and double-bend putters.
If you have a straight style putting stroke stroke, a single bend or double bend putter is the best fit for your game.
These putters are more similar than different, so let’s start with an overview of each option, then we’ll dive into the differences.
What is a Single Bend Putter?
As you can probably guess, a single bend putter is a putter that has one bend in its shaft. It is important to note that the bend is in the shaft of the golf club, not in the hosel (see photo below).
The single bend shaft gives each putter a slight offset.
So what does that mean for a golfer?
When you go to address the ball with the face of the putter, your hand will be slightly ahead of the ball.
How do I know if I have a single bend putter?
These putters are fairly easy to identify. You should expect:
- A single bend in the shaft
- A shaft that goes directly into the putter head
- A mallet-style putter head (most common)
Important note: A single bend putter should not be confused with a plumbers neck putter.
Who should use a single bend putter?
If you have a straight stroke when you putt (straight back and straight through), a single bend putter is a great option to work with.
If you don’t want a blade putter and you’re looking to keep things simple, a single bend golf putter has a clean, less complicated look.
If you’re trying to switch from an arcing stroke to a straight stroke, a single bend putter shaft is a good place to start.
Pros and Cons of a Single Bend Putter
What is a Double Bend Putter?
A double bend putter is a putter that has two bends in the shaft of the club. It is important to note that the bend is in the shaft of the golf club, not in the hosel (see photo below).
These two bends aren’t usually dramatic, but rather they form a subtle “S” in the shaft of the putter which helps golfers balance the putter face.
Both double bend and single bend shafts contribute to what’s called a face balanced design.
How do I know if I have a face balanced putter?
Take your putter and try to balance it using one finger underneath the club shaft.
If the face automatically rotates and point upwards, you have a face balanced putter.
How do I know if I have a double bend putter?
You should expect:
- A double bend in the putter shaft (may be a subtle “S”, look closely)
- A shaft that goes directly into the putter head
- A mallet-style putter head (most common)
Who should use a double bend putter?
If you have a straight stroke when you putt (straight back and straight through), a double bend putter may be a good addition to your golf bag.
If you want a mallet putter and are trying to switch from an arcing stroke to a straight stroke, a double bend shaft is one of your best options.
If you tend to push or pull the ball, a double bend putter should help you hit straighter putts.
Pros and Cons of a Double Bend Putter
Single Bend vs Double Bend Putter Differences
As I mentioned earlier, these putters are more similar than different.
However, there are few differences worth pointing out.
| Single Bend | Double Bend |
| One bend in the shaft | Two bends in the shaft, usually in a subtle S shape |
| Clean and simple design (best for minimalists) | Slightly more complicated design (best for those who prefer unique aesthetics) |
| Slightly less forgiving | More club head stability and less rotation |
Golfers often want to know: Is a single bend putter better or is a double bend putter better?
That really depends on your preference. Assuming you have a straight back and through putting stoke, both options are ideal, but the single bend putter feels less complicated to work with.
Top Recommendations for a Single Bend Putter
If you’re in the market for a single bend putter, start with TaylorMade Spider X or Spider GT (single bend).
Why TaylorMade Putters?
To start, TaylorMade’s Spider models are responsible for 11+ PGA Tour wins in a 2 year span.
That’s pretty impressive!
The Spider GT is one of the best single bend putters on the market.
TaylorMade’s design team placed most of the putter weight into two steel wings. This setup helps the Spider GT maintain its stability, even on off-center strikes.
Polyurethane face inserts help promote a consistent golf ball roll on each putt.
A successful day of putting often comes down to a stable consistent stroke.
TaylorMade’s Spider putters focus on those two components.
What Golfers are Saying
- Great feel and balance!
- Love the alignment aid.
- Definitely improved my putting.
Top Recommendation for Double Bend Putter
If you’re in the market for a double bend putter, start with the TaylorMade Spider Tour 20 Double-Bend (hard to find in stock) or the PXG 0211 putter.
Since the TaylorMade Spider Tour 20 is getting harder to find, let me highlight some of the advantages of the PXG option.
PXG 0211 Putter
As with most double bend shafts, the PXG 0211 is designed to minimize twisting and help golfers go straight back and straight through with their putting motion.
The top of the putter head features what PXG calls the Runway Reticle. The alignment aid is really useful for keeping that club face properly aligned.
Much like the TaylorMade Spider, most of the putter weight is moved to the outside of the golf club. This promotes a consistent stroke on each putt.
A headcover is included with your purchase.
What Golfers are Saying
- The best putter for distance control.
- Love this putter!
- Even better than I hoped.
- Great alignment aid feature.
Share Your Thoughts and Experiences
Do you own a single bend or double bend putter?
I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Feel free to share pros, cons and your experiences with putters in these categories.
