Putter Types: Blade, Mallet, Face-Balanced, and Toe-Balanced Putters Demystified

Blade Putters

Blade putters are the most traditional type and have been popular for decades.

Definition of Blade Putters

Blade putters are characterized by a thin, flat clubhead with a straight or slightly curved blade. They typically have a small sweet spot and require precision and accuracy in your stroke to perform well.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Blade Putters

Advantages:

• Blade putters provide a better feel for the ball and are more responsive to subtle variations in your stroke.
• They offer more control over shorter putts and are better suited for golfers with a straight putting stroke.
• Blade putters have a classic look and feel that many golfers prefer.

Disadvantages:

• They can be more difficult to use for golfers with an arcing putting stroke.
• Blade putters have a smaller sweet spot and require more precision in your stroke.
• They can be less forgiving on mishits and provide less stability on longer putts.

Examples of Popular Blade Putters

• Scotty Cameron Newport 2
• Ping Anser
• TaylorMade TP Patina Soto

Mallet Putters

Mallet putters are a newer design that has surged in popularity over the past few years.

Definition of Mallet Putters

Mallet putters are characterized by a larger, heavier clubhead with a larger sweet spot. They often have a larger alignment aid, which can help golfers line up their putts more easily.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Mallet Putters

Advantages:

• Mallet putters are more forgiving on mishits and provide more stability on longer putts.
• They offer a larger sweet spot and more forgiveness for golfers who struggle with accuracy.
• Mallet putters often have a larger alignment aid, which can help golfers line up their putts more easily.

Disadvantages:

• Mallet putters can be more difficult for golfers with a straight putting stroke.
• They often lack the feel and feedback of blade putters.
• Mallet putters have a larger and heavier clubhead, which may be less comfortable for some golfers.

Examples of Popular Mallet Putters

• Odyssey White Hot OG Rossie
• TaylorMade Spider EX
• Ping Sigma 2 Kushin C

Face-Balanced Putters

Face-balanced putters have a face that points straight up when the shaft is balanced horizontally.

Definition of Face-Balanced Putters

Face-balanced putters have a center of gravity located on the shaft's axis. This means that the face of the putter will point up toward the sky when the shaft is balanced horizontally.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Face-Balanced Putters

Advantages:

• Face-balanced putters are ideal for golfers with a straight putting stroke.
• They offer more stability on shorter putts.
• Face-balanced putters are well-suited for golfers who use a forward press in their stroke.

Disadvantages:

• They can be more difficult to control on longer putts.
• Face-balanced putters are not as suitable for golfers with an arcing putting stroke.
• They often lack the feel and feedback of blade putters.

Examples of Popular Face-Balanced Putters

• Odyssey Triple Track Ten
• Scotty Cameron Futura 5MB
• TaylorMade Spider FCG

Toe-Balanced Putters

Toe-balanced putters have a toe that points down toward the ground when the shaft is balanced horizontally.

Definition of Toe-Balanced Putters

Toe-balanced putters have a center of gravity located closer to the toe of the clubhead. This means that the toe of the putter will point down toward the ground when the shaft is balanced horizontally.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Toe-Balanced Putters

Advantages:

• Toe-balanced putters are ideal for golfers with an arcing putting stroke.
• They offer more control and feel on longer putts.
• Toe-balanced putters promote a smoother stroke.

Disadvantages:

• They can be less stable on shorter putts.
• Toe-balanced putters are not as suitable for golfers with a straight putting stroke.
• They can be more difficult to aim for some golfers.

Examples of Popular Toe-Balanced Putters

• Scotty Cameron Special Select Fastback 2
• Odyssey Stroke Lab Black Ten
• TaylorMade Spider EX-12

Choosing the Right Putter for You

Choosing a putter comes down to a few key factors:

• Your putting stroke type (straight or arcing)
• Your personal preferences and comfort level
• The type of greens you typically play on
• Your level of experience and skill

Here are some tips to help you select the right putter:

• Try out different putters before making a decision
• Consider getting a putter fitting to ensure the putter is the right length, loft, and lie angle for you
• Choose a putter that feels comfortable and natural in your hands
• Don't be swayed by brand or price - the most expensive putter isn't always the best for you. See our picks for best budget putters under $100.

Popular Brands

A few of the most well-known putter brands:

• Scotty Cameron: Scotty Cameron putters are known for their precision craftsmanship and attention to detail. They are often favored by professional golfers and are a popular choice among avid golfers.
• Odyssey: Odyssey putters feature innovative designs and solid insert technology. They offer a wide range of head types and styles.
• Ping: Ping putters are known for their quality and consistency. They are popular among golfers of all skill levels and are favored for their forgiveness and stability.
• TaylorMade: TaylorMade putters offer a blend of classic style and modern technology. They are a popular choice among golfers who want a putter that offers both feel and performance.
• Titleist: Titleist putters are known for their clean, classic look and feel. They offer various blade and mallet putters to suit golfers' preferences and styles.

When selecting a putter, pick a brand you trust and a model that feels right. All of these brands offer plenty of options across blade and mallet styles.