Putter Shaft Lengths

[Al Bundy]

I'm thinking about adding an inch to my putter when I re-grip it with a superstroke. 

I'm currently using a 35" odyssey protype #6. I've been feeling it's slightly too short even though I'm only 5'9". 

I know a lot of people and pros prefer a shorter putter around 33", but I always feel too hunched over when I try putting with my friends 33". It feels uncomfortable. 

What would be the disadvantages of using a longer putter? I'm generally a 2-putter depending on how far I am to the pin. 

Does anyone else prefer a longer putter shaft?

[No Mulligans]

I see two possible disadvantages.

1) Not being able to get your eyes directly over the ball when you take your putting posture.  (But maybe you still can get your eyes directly over the ball?  Or, maybe you could change the lie angle of the putter?)

2) Not extending your arms to a comfortable position with a longer putter.  I find it more difficult to control the putting stroke when my arms are bent too much at the elbows.

Wanting my arms comfortable extended (not locked elbows, just comfortable and natural), and wanting my eyes directly over the ball are the reasons I use a 32&1/2" putter.

Maybe if you experimented with less bend at the elbows you might find that the current length of your putter doesn't require you to hunch over so much.

 

[jamo]

Adding an inch of length would also change the swing weight, making the club feel lighter. 

[iacas]

2 hours ago, jamo said:

Adding an inch of length would also change the swing weight, making the club feel lighter. 

Heavier.

[boogielicious]

14 hours ago, Al Bundy said:

I'm thinking about adding an inch to my putter when I re-grip it with a superstroke. 

I'm currently using a 35" odyssey protype #6. I've been feeling it's slightly too short even though I'm only 5'9". 

I know a lot of people and pros prefer a shorter putter around 33", but I always feel too hunched over when I try putting with my friends 33". It feels uncomfortable. 

What would be the disadvantages of using a longer putter? I'm generally a 2-putter depending on how far I am to the pin. 

Does anyone else prefer a longer putter shaft?

I'm 5'10" and use a 35.5" putter. I was fit to that length. You don't necessarily need to have your eyes over the ball to be able to aim well (Stan Utley-The Art of Putting). Aiming is one of the keys to good putting. If you can get fit, I recommend doing that. It cost me $75 and the fitter adjusted length, lie (flatter to 68) and loft. My aim was then "dead-on-balls accurate". My posture is more upright, which is easier on my back, but my distance control and start lines are very good.