Putting has changed more in the last decade than almost any other part of the game. As golfers search for stability, consistency, and a stroke that holds up under pressure, alternative putting styles have surged in popularity.
L.A.B. Golf has emerged as one of the leaders in this movement. Their Lie-Angle Balanced putters are engineered to eliminate torque, but how you set up—standard, armlock, counterbalance, or broomstick—can dramatically change the performance and feel.
This guide breaks down each style so you can decide which one best fits your stroke, body type, and preference for feel.
1. Standard Length Putting
Overview
Standard length (typically 33"–35") is the most common putting style. It’s designed for golfers who want natural hand position, conventional stance, and the ability to manipulate feel more easily.
With L.A.B. putters, standard length is incredibly stable thanks to torque-free design, making this an ideal starting point for most players.
Pros
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Natural, familiar setup
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Maximum feedback and touch
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Works well for slight arc or straight-back strokes
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Easy to transition from traditional putters
Cons
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Less inherent stability than longer formats
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More dependent on hand and wrist control
Best For
Golfers who prefer traditional putting feel but want the benefits of Lie-Angle Balance technology.
2. Armlock Putting
Overview
Armlock putting uses a longer putter pressed against the lead forearm to create a fixed relationship between the shaft and lead arm. With L.A.B. putters, this creates a near-automatic forward shaft lean and dramatically stabilises the stroke.
Pros
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Extremely stable connection between arm and putter
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Reduces wrist break and unwanted rotation
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Encourages consistent loft at impact
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Great for golfers who struggle with yips or excessive hand motion
Cons
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Requires proper setup and fit
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Can feel restrictive to players who rely on touchy, handsy strokes
Best For
Golfers who want built-in stability and a stroke powered more by shoulders than hands.
3. Counterbalance Putting
Overview
Counterbalanced putters shift weight into the grip end to promote a pendulum-like motion. L.A.B. counterbalance models combine this with lie-angle balancing, creating a stroke that feels both anchored and fluid.
The heavier handle stabilizes the head, helping players maintain rhythm.
Pros
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Smooth, controlled tempo
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Reduces face rotation
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Helpful for longer lag putts
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Excellent for players with shaky hands or inconsistent strokes
Cons
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Slightly heavier overall feel
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Not ideal for very short or pop-style strokes
Best For
Golfers seeking stability but wanting a more traditional appearance than armlock or broomstick setups.
4. Broomstick Putting
Overview
Broomstick putting uses an extra-long putter held upright, with one hand high on the grip and the other low for guidance. Modern broomstick putting doesn’t use anchoring; instead, it leverages a tall posture and wide grip separation to stabilize the stroke.
When paired with L.A.B.’s torque-free engineering, the result is one of the smoothest, most repeatable putting motions available.
Pros
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Maximum stability of all putting styles
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Ideal for golfers with back pain (upright posture)
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Eliminates wrist flick and face rotation
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Fantastic under pressure due to simple mechanics
Cons
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Requires practice to develop consistent distance control
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Visually very different from standard putters
Best For
Golfers who want the most stable putting method available or those who benefit from standing taller over the ball.
Putting Style Comparison Chart
| Putting Style | Stability | Feel | Stroke Type | Difficulty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Medium | High | Arc or Straight | Easy | Traditionalists |
| Armlock | High | Medium | Straight or slight arc | Moderate | Wrist-restricted players |
| Counterbalance | High | Medium | Smooth pendulum | Moderate | Players wanting more control |
| Broomstick | Very High | Medium-Low | Pendulum | Moderate | Golfers needing max stability |
Which L.A.B. Putting Style Should You Choose?
Choose Standard Length if…
You want a traditional feel with modern stability.
Choose Armlock if…
You need help controlling wrist action or want a locked-in stroke.
Choose Counterbalance if…
You want a smooth, controlled motion without switching to a long or armlock setup.
Choose Broomstick if…
You want the most stable putting stroke or prefer standing upright.
Final Thoughts
L.A.B. Golf’s putter technology works across all four putting styles, but each offers a different way to stabilise your stroke and improve your consistency. Whether you're a traditionalist, a shoulder-driven armlock player, a tempo-focused counterbalance fan, or a devotee of the broomstick method, there’s a L.A.B. model built to make your stroke more repeatable.
Choosing the right style comes down to comfort, posture, and the amount of hand action you want in your stroke. Try a few setups, pay attention to your natural tendencies, and you’ll quickly discover the style that fits your game best.