Belly putter or Long putter?

[The Pro Newbie]

I have the choice of a Ping "long" putter (broomstick) with a two piece grip, or a Manta belly putter with a one piece grip. I'm 5'11, which putter would you guys recomend getting?

[B-Con]

Have you tried them both?

[The Pro Newbie]

The Ping is local and the Manta is off ebay. I've tried both a belly and a long putter before, not putting due to no sporting good stores have left handed bellies around here. But even with a right handed belly/long I feel comfortable with the stroke.

[Old1964]

I just started using a Ping broomstick this season (due to back problems) and love it. I am making more putts consistently. The belly-putter didin't feel as stable for me, but that's just my 2 cents.

The most difficult thing I found with the broomstick was developing a smooth swing that really worked for me. I didn't like the Keegan Bradley setup but like the grip - pencil grip, I think they call it.

Enjoy!

[The Pro Newbie]

I really like the PING, i've used it 3 rounds, and have been draining alot more putts.

[TourSpoon]

I am a belly convert and found that I pretty much use the same set-up and grip (left hand low) as I did with conventional putting. The stroke is more stable and not that much different than normal so it only took me a month to really adapt. The broomstick may have a slightly larger learning curve. It really comes down to which one works better for you. With the belly, I have taken an average of almost 2 putts off my average (over 15 rounds) so I know it has helped especially from 7-15 feet. My belly had a 2 piece grip but I changed it out for the Winn blue belly grip.

[inthecup]

I picked up a Manta Belly putter recently.  I think an advantage is that you can putt conventionally with it if you want to.  On very long lag putts I like to swing conventionally.  I improved my putting from 10 feet and in a lot and I am money from 5 feet and it.

[CrazyHorsePete]

You could get the long putter, try it and see if you like it.  If you don't, you could cut down the shaft to your belly length and re-grip it.

I was in the same predicament as you: I didn't know if I wanted belly or long.  I couldn't find a belly or long putter at a local shop that was long enough for me (I'm 6'3" and stand pretty upright; 42" is too short for a belly and 48" is too short for a long putter).  So I ordered components and built my own.  I bought a long putter shaft, cut it to the right length, and it felt awkward to me.  So I chopped the shaft down a few inches to make a belly putter, and couldn't be happier with the result.

[GaijinGolfer]

Neither.

[inthehole]

Neither.

This. On topic - anybody see Feherty last night - Fuzzy has no love for anchored putters either ouch !!

[TourSpoon]

Originally Posted by inthehole

This. On topic - anybody see Feherty last night - Fuzzy has no love for anchored putters either ouch !!

Or the modern hot golf ball that is a "rocket".