Golf Putter Terminology

Simply Explained for Golfers Who Just Want to Play Golf

After hundreds (okay… probably thousands) of customer questions over the years, we realized something was overdue: a clear, easy-to-read glossary of putter terms.

Putter talk can get overly technical fast. This page breaks down the most common terminology—so you can spend less time decoding gear and more time enjoying the game.

The Most Common Putter Terms

Armlock Putter
A setup where the grip rests along your lead forearm to help steady the stroke (popular after the anchoring rule change).

Blade Putter
A traditional, compact head—often loved for feel and feedback.

Long Putter 
A longer putter designed for a more upright posture and pendulum-style motion.

Center of Gravity (CG)
The balance point of the head—where the putter “wants” to sit.

Center-Shafted
The shaft enters closer to the middle of the face. Often helps golfers who tend to miss left (right-handed players).

Counter-Balanced
Extra weight added toward the grip end for stability and smoother tempo.

CNC Milling
Computer-guided machines mill the putter from solid steel with tight tolerances for consistency and feel.

Face-Balanced
When balanced, the face points up. Often fits straighter back-and-through strokes.

Flat Lie
A flatter shaft angle at address. Often fits golfers whose eyes sit more inside the ball line.

Flange
The back portion of the head—affects alignment, stability, and forgiveness.

Heel-Shafted
Shaft enters closer to the heel. Common in putters with toe hang.

Heel-Toe Weighting
Weight pushed to the heel and toe for forgiveness on off-center strikes.

Lie Angle
The angle between the shaft and the ground at address.

  • Standard: 71–72°

  • Upright: 75–79°

  • Flat: 67–70°

Mallet / Mid-Mallet
Deeper heads designed for stability (mallet) or a blend of stability + classic look (mid-mallet).

MOI (Moment of Inertia)
A measure of how resistant the head is twisting on mishits. Higher MOI = more stability.

Offset / No-Offset / Onset
How the shaft sits relative to the face:

  • Offset: shaft sits forward of the face

  • No-offset: shaft is in line with the face

  • Onset: shaft enters slightly behind the face

Toe Hang (Toe Balance)
When balanced, the toe points down. Often fits strokes with more arc.

Upright Lie
A more upright posture at address—often fits golfers with eyes over (or near) the ball line.

Zero Torque
Designs aimed at minimizing face rotation through impact by how the shaft and CG align.

Advanced Putter Terminology (If You Want the Details)

If you love the “why” behind the build, these terms explain how putters are made, weighted, and finished—helpful, but not required to roll great putts:
Stepped/stepless shafts, double-bend, heel/toe weighting, toe-up balance, matte finish, milled face, 303 stainless steel, perimeter weighting, leading edge, center of percussion.

Final Thought

Golf equipment should support your natural motion—not force you into someone else’s. Knowing these terms helps you make confident choices without overthinking the game.

Now that you know the language, explore putters that match your setup and your preference.
Explore Bell Putters