Putter type for the arc'd path

[Albatros]

Face balanced vs. toe down

First let me say that this post is based on MY opinion and I'm not representing it as fact or the same for everyone.

Now, I've read here and in general how certain types of putter balance, face balanced vs. toe down, are better suited for certain types of strokes. The "straight back and through stroke" seems to be better suited for a face balanced putter and the "arc'd path" seems better suited to a putter with toe flow. (this is what I've read) I'm focusing this thread on the arc'd path. The arc'd path has two lines of interest. The first line is the "intended line" which is the line upon which you want the ball to start. The second is the line that the putter follows, which has an arc to it. This means that the putter comes inside the intended line on the backswing, squares to the intended line at impact, and swings back inside the intended path on the follow through.

I've always had an arc'd putter path. But contrary to what I've read, I use and prefer face balanced putters. They just feel more comfortable to me. When I think about why, here's my reasoning:

My stroke as I said has an arc to it. However, my putter doesn't open and close by manipulation. The arc is caused by my shoulder/arms triangle turning on a tilted spine which takes the putter away from the ball and back through. The putter face opens and closes on the intended line, but it STAYS SQUARE to my arc. No manipulation of the face at all. For this reason, the face staying square to my stoke's path, I think a face-balanced putter works better for my stroke. I have other putters with toe flow and it really feels like the toe is dragging on the way back and I have to manipulate it closed on the way through the ball, even if its ever so slightly.

In the end it all comes down to personal preference, but I'd like to read your thoughts on this.

[tanj]

Well actually by putter path is actually both...

 

I some inside on an arc on the back stroke but after I hit the ball, the putter will continue in a striaght line.

 

Having said that, I used to love face-balanced putters but in the last few years, my Scotty has grown on me and now when I try to go back to a face-balanced putter to try to regain my 'lost' touch, I putt terribly.

 

Now, I'm going from a face-balanced Odyssey White Hot #5 ---> Scotty Cameron SS NP2 ---> Callaway Tour Blue TT2. One day I might end up with a heel shafted putter.

 

Now back to the topic, I can't really give my opinion because I am an arc + straight through putter.

 

Josh