Arm lock putters are a popular alternative for golfers struggling with short putts or looking for more stability. The direct answer to the question “how long are arm lock putters” is that most off-the-shelf models range from 38 to 42 inches in total length. But the right length for you depends on more than just height. Your forearm length, grip size, and stance all matter.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get it right — including how to measure, fit, and avoid the common pitfalls that trip up new arm lock users.
How to Measure an Arm Lock Putter Correctly?
Before you can find the right length, you need to understand what “length” really means for a putter. Unlike a standard putter, arm lock putters have an oversized grip that extends a foot or more up the shaft.
Total length is measured from the heel of the targeted putter (where it rests on the ground) to the butt end of the grip. This is the same way any putter is measured — just make sure the sole is flat on the ground, as if addressing a ball.
Use a long ruler or a 48-inch flat ruler for accuracy. Place the ruler behind the golf putter, with the sole soled, and read the measurement at the top of the grip.
That number is your total length. It includes the grip, which on an arm lock putter can be 14 to 17 inches long. So a 40-inch arm lock putter might have a shaft that is only 24 inches long. Don’t confuse shaft length with total length — they are not the same.
Finding Your Ideal Arm Lock Putter Length
Now that you know how to measure, the next question is: what length should you use? The goal is to have the putter brace against your lead forearm about 3 to 4 inches below the elbow. If it’s too short, the grip ends inside your wrist, and you lose the stability. Too long, and you’ll have to raise your hands or hunch over.
Here’s a simple test you can do at home with a broomstick or alignment rod:
- Stand in your normal putting posture, with your lead arm relaxed.
- Hold the rod along your forearm so that it extends past your wrist. The rod should touch the inside of your forearm.
- Mark the spot on the rod where it meets your wrist bone. Measure from that mark to the end that extends toward the ground (simulating the sole). Add about 2 inches for the head.
- That number is a starting point for your ideal arm lock putter length.
Height charts are rough guides, but here’s a general range:
| Height | Typical Arm Lock Length |
|---|---|
| Under 5’8″ | 37–39 inches |
| 5’8″ to 6’2″ | 39–41 inches |
| Over 6’2″ | 41–43 inches |
But don’t rely solely on height. Some tall players have short forearms, and some shorter players have long forearms. The test above is more precise.
Critical Consideration: The Arm Lock Fit Test
Before you buy, try this: take a standard putter, hold it with your lead hand only, and extend your arm so the putter lies flat on the ground. Then slide your hand up the shaft until the grip reaches about 3 inches past your wrist. That’s roughly where the top of the grip should end.
Measure the distance from that point to the sole — that’s your target length. If the club you’re considering differs by more than an inch, you likely need a different length.
The Grip Length Factor
Many golfers overlook how much the grip affects overall playing length. Arm lock grips are long, typically 10 to 17 inches. If you swap a 12-inch grip for a 16-inch grip on the same putter, the total length increases by 4 inches. That changes where the grip ends on your forearm.
Stacking Lengths: What Happens When You Change the Grip
When you replace a grip with a longer one, you add the extra grip length to the total unless you also trim the shaft. For example, a putter that was 39 inches with a 12-inch grip becomes 43 inches with a 16-inch grip if you don’t cut the shaft.
This can ruin the fit. Always check the grip length and adjust the shaft accordingly. Most custom fitters will trim from the shaft tip when shortening, never from the grip end.
Common arm lock grip lengths:
| Grip Model | Length (inches) |
|---|---|
| SuperStroke Flatso ArmLock | 16.5 |
| Winn Arm Lock | 15 |
| Odyssey Arm Lock grip (stock) | 14 |
| Golf Pride SNSR Arm Lock | 17 |
Arm Lock vs. Wrist Lock: One Length Doesn’t Fit Both
People often confuse arm lock putters with wrist lock putters, but they are different. Arm lock putters are 38–42 inches and brace against the full forearm. Wrist lock putters are shorter, about 35–37 inches, and anchor only at the wrist area. If you buy a wrist lock putter thinking it’s an arm lock, you’ll find it too short to stabilize properly.
Both are legal under USGA rules as long as the club isn’t anchored to the body. The forearm is considered part of the body, so arm lock is fine — you aren’t anchoring the club itself to your torso.
Common Mistakes When Choosing Arm Lock Putter Length
- “Longer is always better.” No. Too long forces you to stand upright or jam the grip too high, reducing control.
- “I can use my belly putter length.” Belly putters are typically 35–38 inches, which is too short for an arm lock.
- “The putter should reach my elbow.” Actually, it should end about 3–4 inches below your elbow. Ending at the elbow blocks your arm movement.
- “I can just add an extension.” Extensions are possible but may alter balance and swing weight. It’s better to buy a putter that’s the correct length from the start.
Myths vs. Reality Table
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| Arm lock putters are illegal. | Legal — not anchored to torso. |
| All 40-inch putters feel the same. | Head weight, lie angle, and grip thickness change significantly. |
| You can cut any putter down to arm lock length. | Only if you maintain the correct head weight and lie angle. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum length allowed for an arm lock putter?
No official maximum, but the USGA limits any club to 48 inches. Practical arm lock lengths rarely exceed 44 inches because longer clubs become unwieldy.
Can I shorten an arm lock putter?
Yes, but only by cutting from the shaft tip (near the head). Shortening from the grip end reduces the lock zone. After cutting, you’ll need to add tip weight to maintain swing weight.
Do professional arm lock putters use different lengths?
Most tour players stick between 38 and 42 inches. Adam Scott used a 40-inch Odyssey arm lock, and Bryson DeChambeau tried 42 inches for a while. Their lengths are custom-fit to their forearms and posture.
How does lie angle affect the effective length?
A flatter lie angle (70–73 degrees) makes the putter play slightly shorter because the heel sits closer to the ground. This matters for tall players who need a flatter lie.
What length of arm lock putter fits a junior or a woman?
Smaller players often need 36–38 inches. Many companies now offer custom lengths, especially for women and juniors. Use the fit test above to confirm.
Is a 36-inch arm lock putter possible?
Technically, yes, but only if you have very short forearms or prefer a wrist-lock style. At 36 inches, the grip would need to be relatively short (10–12 inches) to still allow a lock zone. Anything shorter than 38 inches is rare for true arm lock use.
Now you know how long arm lock putters are and, more importantly, how to find the perfect length for your game. Start with the fit test and don’t ignore grip length — it’s the hidden variable that can make or break your putter’s performance.