Looking for a putter with a red shaft that helps you lock in distance and accuracy on the greens? This guide highlights five strong options suited for different players, from custom shaft replacements to complete putters designed for stability. Whether you’re a long-time mallet aficionado or exploring a stepped-shaft approach for a smoother stroke, these picks address common needs like weight distribution, torqueworth, and alignment. Read on to find the best match for your style and skill level.
| Product | Best For | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|
| New KBS Tour GPS 120 Putter Shafts | Custom shaft upgrades | Color & finish options, red/matte finish for visibility |
| KBS GPS Putter Shafts .370 | Graphite shaft upgrade | Lightweight graphite with precise diameter specs |
| KBS GPS Putter Shafts .355 | Stable feel with similar benefits | Alternate diameter for compatibility |
| PGM Golf Putter | Anti-twist mallet with alignment aids | Low CG and stepped shaft for stable roll |
| Orlimar F80 Mallet Putter | High forgiveness on off-center shots | Oversize grip and balanced design |
The following sections break down each option, focusing on who benefits most, how the shaft or head design helps, and practical considerations. A concise buying guide at the end will help you compare features like alignment aids, MOI, and hand orientation across styles.
New KBS Tour GPS 120 Putter Shafts
This option is a shaft upgrade rather than a full putter. Best for players who want a red-accented finish for visibility and a precise 120-gram weight class. The red/matte finish can help with alignment against the ball and line on the green. It suits golfers who already own a trusted head but want a performance-focused shaft to fine-tune feel and consistency.
Best for internal feel tuning and visibility during the putting stroke. The red tone is chosen to emphasize alignment cues, especially useful in mixed lighting on practice greens. Consider this if you prefer a custom shaft setup over a new head.
Caution: Individual compatibility with your current head is required; confirm tip and butt dimensions before ordering. Installation may necessitate professional shaft fitting for optimal stiffness and balance.
KBS GPS Putter Shafts .370
Best for golfers seeking a graphite shaft with a precise .370 inch tip diameter. The lightweight graphite helps reduce swing weight and can improve tempo, especially for players with a smoother stroke. The red option aids in line focus and can complement a bright alignment target on the ball.
Better for players who want a balance between traditional feel and modern shaft technology. The .370 diameter supports a stable tip entry, which aids on-center contact. Consider this if you have compatible mallets or blades and want a lighter shaft profile.
Caution: Some players may experience a slightly different feel compared with steel shafts. Verify compatibility with your putter head’s hosel and bend style before purchasing.
KBS GPS Putter Shafts .355
Best for players who need a slightly smaller tip diameter and similar weight profile to the .370 version. The .355 option provides a subtle change in flex response and torque, which can influence feel at contact. Red coloring continues to aid alignment and visibility on the ball.
Choose this if you want a near-identical weight class with a marginal change in diameter for compatibility with certain putter heads. As with other GPS shafts, ensure proper tuning and fit with your chosen head.
Caution: Availability of exact diameter compatibility varies by head model. Check your shaft-fitment guidelines before purchasing.
PGM Golf Putter
Best for players who want a complete mallet putter with anti-twist technology and an alignment aid. The stepped steel shaft helps minimize torque, while a low center of gravity promotes a smooth roll. The high-MOI mallet head resists twisting on mishits, improving stability on challenging greens.
Better for players who benefit from a built-in alignment system and a head designed to minimize face rotation. This option provides a robust, forgiving platform for players who miss toward the toe or heel.
Caution: Heavier feel and thicker alignment lines may take time to adjust if you prefer a lighter setup or blade-style heads.
Orlimar F80 Mallet Putter
Best for golfers seeking extreme forgiveness with a mallet head and a red-accented design. The F80 features high MOI, rear heel and toe weighting, and a well-balanced shaft that supports a stable stroke. A soft face insert adds feel and a muted impact sound for consistent feedback.
Better for players who want a forgiving setup for mis-hits and a comfortable grip. The oversized grip supports a relaxed grip pressure, reducing wrist action during the stroke.
Caution: Some players may find the large mallet size less suitable for tight greens or for those who prefer a blade feel on shorter putts.
Buying Guide
What should I look for in a putter with a red shaft?
Look for shaft compatibility with your current head, and consider whether you want a complete putter or a shaft upgrade. Red shafts can aid line alignment, but color alone doesn’t affect performance. Check weight, tip diameter, and bend type to ensure a proper fit with your head.
Is MOI important for putting?
Yes. A higher MOI head resits twisting on off-center hits, helping keep putts on line. Mallets generally offer higher MOI than blades, which can benefit beginners and players who struggle with accuracy on mishits.
Should I choose a graphite or steel shaft?
Graphite shafts tend to be lighter, which can help with tempo and follow-through for some players. Steel shafts offer a more traditional feel and consistent feedback. Your swing speed and desired feel dictate the best choice.
How important is alignment aid on the putter?
Alignment aids are a practical aid for most players. They help with pre-shot setup and line consistency. If you struggle with alignment, prioritize a putter with clear visual cues or a built-in alignment system.
What about compatibility and installation?
When purchasing shafts or putters, verify compatibility with your current grip, grip size, and hosel or head design. Professional installation may be beneficial to ensure proper seating, torque handling, and weight balance.
What’s the best choice for beginners?
Beginners often benefit from higher MOI mallets and forgiving designs. The Orlimar F80 Mallet Putter offers a forgiving profile with an emphasis on alignment and feel, which can help new players build a reliable stroke.
FAQ
- Do red shafts affect performance? Red shafts do not inherently change performance; they mainly aid in visual alignment and line focus during the stroke.
- Which shaft diameter is best? The choice between .370 and .355 depends on head compatibility and personal feel; confirm with your putter head’s specifications.
- Are mallet putters better for beginners? Mallets typically offer higher MOI and forgiveness, which can help beginners with straight, confident rolls.
- Should I upgrade shafts or buy a new putter? Upgrading shafts can enhance feel and line, while a new mallet putter can provide a more forgiving head and alignment system.
- What is the main benefit of a stepped shaft? A stepped shaft can reduce torque and improve consistency in the stroke by stabilizing the shaft during the swing.
- Is professional fitting necessary? A fitting helps ensure correct length, lie, loft, and weight for your stroke, which is particularly important with shaft upgrades.