Best Zero Torque Putters 2026

Zero-torque putters have become one of the newest equipment trends in golf, so we set out to test as many models as possible. Between myself and the rest of the Golf Monthly team, we’ve tried all of the major releases heading into 2026, spending hundreds of hours both on practice greens and out on the course putting them through their paces. But what exactly is a zero-torque putter?

L.A.B. Golf, a brand known for its Lie Angle Balance technology, believes torque (the natural twisting force most putter heads produce during the stroke) is the enemy of consistent putting. According to the company, reducing or eliminating that twisting force helps keep the putter face square throughout the stroke. Zero-torque putters are therefore designed to minimise face rotation, unlike traditional putters which allow more natural twisting during the swing.

To achieve this, the head designs are often quite unconventional, which may not appeal to golfers who are used to a standard blade putter or who prefer to use one of the best mallet putters.

However, if you struggle with consistency on the greens or find it difficult to start putts on the intended line, torque could be part of the problem. In that case, it may be worth considering a putter designed to reduce or eliminate it, like the models we’ve tested and highlighted below. (Also check out our full top tier best putters guide as well for more putter buying advice).

The Quick List

Best Zero Torque Putters

Top pick

The OZ.1i putter stands out thanks to the exceptional stability of the head throughout the stroke. It features a completely new head shape for the brand and marks the first time a fly-milled, medium-depth stainless steel insert has been included in the lineup. This insert enhances the impact experience for golfers who prefer a firmer feel, while the standard full aluminum face remains available for players who favor a slightly softer sensation.

I tested this putter with my current ball of choice - the 2025 Titleist Pro V1x - and I loved the clicky acoustics and feel this club and ball combination produced. It reminded me of the likes of a Scotty Cameron Phantom or Odyssey Ai-One Milled putter - widely considered some of the best putters on the market.

The familiar 2° shaft lean option with the forward press grip, seen in previous L.A.B. Golf designs, is still available. However, golfers new to low-torque putters may find the 0° option looks and feels a little more natural at address.

Every L.A.B. Golf putter is carefully hand-balanced at the company’s headquarters in Oregon, ensuring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances. This does mean a slightly longer lead time compared to ordering a standard off-the-shelf putter, but the level of craftsmanship makes the wait worthwhile.

• Read our full L.A.B. Golf OZ.1i Putter Review

Best value

Typically, the latest innovations in golf technology come with a fairly hefty price tag, but Wilson has entered the zero-torque market at a far more accessible price point ($199/£229). The Infinite zero-torque range includes two models: the Lakeview, a mid-mallet design, and the 606, which was the model I tested on the course.

At address, the 606 presents a compact winged-mallet profile that should inspire confidence, although the footprint could arguably be a little larger. The putters are produced using Metal Injection Molding (MIM), an advanced manufacturing process that allows for beautifully refined shaping and precise mass placement to increase MOI and overall stability.

In terms of feel, the double-milled face pattern was a standout feature, producing a solid yet responsive sensation at impact. Mallet putters can sometimes dull feedback, but this milling helps deliver dependable distance control and promotes a consistent roll, even on off-centre strikes.

Wilson has precisely positioned the CG so that the shaft axis passes directly through it - the way the majority of manufacturers are designing zero torque putters. This ensures somewhat of a ‘toe-up’ approach, eliminating twisting and torque in the putter head.

Overall, the combination of stability, alignment clarity, and zero torque performance makes the 606 ideal for players seeking additional help and simplicity on the greens.

• Read our full Wilson Infinite The 606 Putter Review

Best firm feel

The only real criticism of the original DF3 was that the ball came off a bit soft and slow for some. The DF3i has been designed to correct this by replacing the face with a fly-milled stainless-steel insert bonded to the 6061 aircraft aluminum body, the same one found in the Oz.1i putter.

When it comes to feel, the DF3i delivers exactly what is promised thanks to the new stainless-steel insert. It's much faster off the face than the original model, something I felt was needed. This provided an extra pop, allowing me to have really impressive distance control when putting from longer range by not having to swing the putter back ludicrously far.

It was on shorter distances that the patented Lie Angle Balance technology truly shone. The notion of just aiming and rocking my shoulders when putting from 10ft and in was something I enjoyed and I saw great success on straighter putts. The putter simply wants to stay square and I felt simply putting with the ‘larger muscles’ was the best way I could complement it.

• Read our full L.A.B. Golf DF3i Putter Review

Best roll

The TaylorMade Spider Tour putter has helped move the brand from the middle of the pack to the very top of the putter market, largely thanks to its popularity among both professionals and amateurs. Looking to build on that success, TaylorMade has now introduced its first zero-torque model - the 5K-ZT.

Starting with the aesthetics and this is a very attractive putter. The updated Spider logo and scripting look excellent on the sole of the thoughtfully designed head, while the blue accents contrast perfectly with the silver and black body. The blue, silver and black color scheme really stands out, and the all-blue Spider headcover is one of the coolest stock headcovers I’ve seen from a brand in quite some time.

Much of the technology found in the popular Spider Tour models remains, with TaylorMade including the Pure Roll insert alongside a milled version of the True Path alignment system. I was particularly impressed with how this framed the ball at address, helping me hole plenty of putts from inside 15 feet.

Finally, the updated sole camber made a noticeable difference during testing. The putter sat beautifully square and neutral at address, which really boosted my confidence over the ball and ultimately led to more putts dropping on the course.

• Read our full TaylorMade Spider 5K-ZT Putter Review

Best blade

Blade putter releases have been relatively rare in recent months, as zero-torque designs have largely taken centre stage, closely followed by traditional mallets. Bettinardi deserves credit for going against the trend and delivering a high-performing blade-style zero-torque putter for golfers who prefer a more compact head shape over the larger, chunkier mallets.

The Antidote SB1 exudes class thanks to its precision milling and diamond blast finish across the head, which is exactly what you would expect from one of the leading brands in premium putters. As you might expect, this is the smallest head among the models featured in this guide, but I still found alignment easy thanks to the ‘T’ alignment feature visible at address. The face itself has been engineered by removing 55 percent of the surface through a deep groove pattern, meaning less of the ball contacts the face at impact. This helps reduce vibrations and produces the remarkably smooth feel you would expect from a high-end milled putter.

Given that this is a centre-shafted putter (a style that can sometimes be slightly less forgiving than traditional designs) I actually found the Antidote to be impressively forgiving. I did struggle a little more inside 15 feet compared to some of the other options in this guide, although I largely put that down to testing on slower winter greens here in the UK, combined with the putter’s very soft feel off the face. I’m confident my performance from this range will improve in the summer when the greens are faster. For golfers looking for a blend of looks, feel and performance alongside the latest in putter technology, the Bettinardi Antidote SB1 is an excellent option.

• Read our full Bettinardi Antidote SB1 Putter Review

Best soft feel

Despite seemingly every manufacturer having released a zero-torque putter option over the past couple of years and Scotty Cameron teasing us with Tour Only low-torque options, it’s only now that the brand introduces us to what they are calling OC low-torque putters.

At address, the Phantom 11R OC is a sleek, high-MOI mallet that boasts an exceptionally clean aesthetic. The single, short sight line offers clean alignment and I felt it helped match the putter face up square to my target, particularly when using a line on the ball as well.

The minimal one-degree of shaft lean is something that I love with this putter. It promotes a natural hand position and a clear, unimpeded view of the topline. The ‘R’ in its name signifies softer, more rounded edges than the standard Phantom 11, which is far more linear and sharper, creating a flowing and confidence-inspiring profile.

What really helps this putter stand out against others in the same category is the weight of the head and, therefore, the feel you receive back from it. This feedback is also a product of the club's entire body construction due to the head weighing 15 grams heavier than standard models, all while balanced by a custom black shaft and a tapered Scotty Cameron Matador Mid grip, ensuring the putter feels connected in your hands.

The performance is something to admire for anyone who fights an overactive putter face and wants a premium-looking putter that provides the same feel and feedback as some of the best putters on the market.

• Read our full Scotty Cameron Phantom 11R OC Putter Review

Best for alignment

While PXG has dabbled in high-stability designs before, the Hot Rod ZT is the brand's first zero-torque putter released with a conventional (by zero-torque standards) neck configuration, marking a step change from previous models like the Allan putter and the Mustang.

The Hot Rod ZT has already gone straight into the bag of the big-hitting Marco Penge following his move to PXG's PGA Tour roster at the start of this season. It poses a striking look, featuring a modern precision-milled 6061 aluminium head with a sleek black finish. The head distributes mass through a high-MOI mallet shape that frames the ball cleanly at address and the overall size, along with the alignment cues, will inspire confidence over a putt for those who need it.

The putter is engineered with 6° of measured loft, although it only plays around 3° thanks to the integrated forward press grip on the putter. Out on the greens, the stability was instantly noticeable when putting from inside 10 feet. The Hot Rod ZT felt almost automatic, and thanks to the easy alignment and zero-torque design, it allowed me to just rock my shoulders and trust the face to return squarely to the ball. Off-center strikes were also incredibly forgiving, largely thanks to the concealed tungsten and four interchangeable sole weights, which raise the MOI significantly in this large mallet.

If you are looking for a switch-up with your flatstick and want to embrace the zero-torque revolution without compromising on premium feel, the PXG Hot Rod ZT is one of the putters you should test this year.

• Read our full PXG Hot Rod ZT Putter Review

Most stable

We were big fans of the Square 2 Square Jailbird when we reviewed it earlier this year, so we were particularly excited to get our hands on the Cruiser version. This model features a heavier head and longer length, both designed to provide maximum stability throughout the putting stroke.

At address, the putter looks very similar to the standard-length Jailbird Square 2 Square, retaining the features we liked so much in the original. Alignment remains simple and effective thanks to the highly contrasting sections and the three dots positioned near the face. The longer length won’t suit everyone, but during testing I actually felt more comfortable over the ball because of it. The extended 17-inch grip allows for counterbalance weighting while still giving you the option to choke down and hold the putter in a more traditional way. I found this really helped me dial in my tempo and distance control, and it almost acted like a training aid by encouraging a better release through impact.

Like the original Square 2 Square Jailbird, there is a slight adjustment period with this putter, particularly when it comes to longer lag putts. However, once you get used to the feel, the results can come quickly. The Ai-One insert with variable face thickness seemed to play a big role in improving distance control, and out of all the zero-torque putters I’ve tested, the Odyssey Ai-One Square 2 Square Jailbird Cruiser was easily the most consistent.

• Read our full Odyssey Ai-One Square 2 Square Jailbird Cruiser Putter Review

Best aesthetic

The Formula Series is built around the concept of matching torque profiles to a golfer’s stroke, offering three distinct options rather than forcing every player into one mould. While the Formula (low-torque, face-balanced) and the Formula (super-low torque, 45° of toe hang) cater to those with a slight arc, the Formula 90 is the true zero-torque putter, designed with 90° of toe hang. This club is engineered to keep the face square to the path of the stroke, attempting to return the face at impact back to where it started at address.

The head is a shape that really suits my eye, and I think aesthetically it is right up there with some of the best looking putters on the market. It’s a fairly compact, wide-bodied mallet that sits beautifully behind the ball at address.

One of the biggest wins is the aesthetic nature of the crown. I absolutely loved the alignment cues on top of the Formula 90. The combination of the deep black finish and the three crisp white sight lines provided an immediate visual confirmation that you are perfectly aimed and really helped my putting from short range. It removes any doubt and allowed me to focus purely on pace, which is exactly what a great mallet putter should do.

The brand’s classic deep milling technology delivers a pleasant feel through impact, providing that satisfying, muted click that translates perfectly to pace control. There were very few vibrations through the head and shaft, yet it delivered enough feedback that control distance with longer putts was not affected.

This blend of cutting-edge stability and traditional milling on the face makes the Formula 90 instantly playable for anyone looking to switch into the zero-torque putter space. The premium price point will have golfers questioning whether to pull the trigger, but if you are serious about purchasing a zero-torque putter that offers arguably the best aesthetics and feel on the market, then the Toulon Formula 90 is worth taking the plunge.

• Read our full Toulon Formula 90 Putter Review

How we test

Here at Golf Monthly we take product testing very seriously and you can be assured that all of our reviews and buyers' guides are built upon a rigorous testing procedure, as well as the knowledge and experience of the test team.

The putter testing category is led by Sam De’Ath, with other members of the Golf Monthly team also contributing to the evaluation process. Our testing takes place outdoors on real greens, using a range of premium golf balls to build a complete picture of each putter’s design, feel, sound and appearance. With multiple writers involved, we’re able to efficiently test the majority of the biggest product launches and clearly communicate their strengths and weaknesses. We also have a new Performance Lab in which we can test putters in a controlled setting as well and we can also get data in this testing area as well.

Above all, our goal is to provide honest and insightful reviews. No manufacturer can pay for a positive verdict, and our team always shares their genuine opinions, highlighting both the good and the bad.

How to choose your putter

The putter is arguably the most important club in the bag, as it’s the one we use more than any other. Because of this, it’s important to think carefully about what you want from a putter and what feels comfortable in your hands. A confidence-inspiring design that suits your eye and matches your stroke can save countless shots on the greens, and a reliable flat stick is often one of the quickest ways to lower your handicap. The growing popularity of zero-torque putters could prove to be a real game-changer for golfers of all ability levels, and we’d certainly recommend anyone struggling on the greens to consider giving one a try.

So what should you think about before making a purchase? Below are some key factors to consider when choosing a new putter, particularly if you’re thinking about switching to a zero-torque model.

Feel & Sound

The feel and sound of the ball coming off the face are important, but so too is how the putter feels in your hands. If you’re not comfortable with the feel of a putter it’s unlikely you’ll feel confident using it, so that’s something to consider right away.

Generally, a quieter sound tends to indicate a softer feel, while a louder sound usually suggests a firmer response. There’s no right or wrong choice here, it simply comes down to personal preference. Trying a variety of putters can help you discover what feels most comfortable. A firmer feel is often created by shallower grooves, or even a completely smooth face, where the sound isn’t absorbed or dispersed as effectively. They work better with softer feeling golf balls, whereas soft-feeling putters work best with firmer golf balls.

Weighting

Many putters (including some listed above) come with adjustable weights in the sole that will alter the feel of the putter. This can be useful, providing you understand the purpose of the weighting. Golfers with a jerky putting action may prefer a lighter putter, although opting for more weight may reduce it, depending on what your goals are. If your stroke is quite smooth and slow, however, a heavier putter will suit that more. The speed of the greens you play on is important too. Slower greens might require more weight, while faster greens require less.

Grip

The putter grip plays a huge roll in the confidence you feel with a putter. Get one that feels right and sits in your hands comfortably while allowing you to return the putter back to the ball squarely and consistently. Generally speaking, strokes with a lot of arc will require a thinner grip (which is why you tend to see thinner grips on blades and thicker ones on mallets), but this is very much down to personal preference. With zero torque putters the grips that come as standard tend to work best as they have been specifically designed to work in conjunction with the head.

Looks

Ideally you should get a putter that you like the look of as the aesthetics can play a role in inspiring or diminishing confidence on the greens. However, when it comes to L.A.B. putters for example they aren't necessarily the most pleasing on the eye so you may have to make some compromise there and prioritize performance above all else, because that's what really matters, surely?

Value

If you are looking for value then zero torque putters are probably not going to suit your requirements as currently they tend to be among the more premium priced putters on the market. There's a reason for that though, as the individual design, technology and craftsmanship that goes into making these putters are always going to ensure a higher price, but the assistance you get on the greens make that extra cost worthwhile.

Finally for more putting advice, check out our guides on best putters for high handicappers, best L.A.B. putters and best cheap putters.

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