TRENDING Best Budget Drivers Best Putters for Beginners How to Hit Fairway Woods Best Cavity Back Irons Most Forgiving Irons Best Irons for High Handicappers Best Budget Golf Irons

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

Discover the pros and cons of each putter type to improve your game.

by Jake Tingey & Judd Lyon · Updated: 7/2/23

When it comes to improving your golf game, selecting the right putter is crucial. A putter that fits your stroke, preferences, and comfort level can make a big difference in your accuracy, distance control, and overall confidence on the greens. But with so many different putter types available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.

In this article, we'll demystify the different putter types and help you understand the pros and cons of each, and provide the information you need to make an informed decision when selecting your next putter.

Blade Putters

Blade putters are the most traditional and classic type of putter and have been popular for decades. Here's what you need to know about them:

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:

Disadvantages:

Examples of Popular Blade Putters

Mallet Putters

Mallet putters are a newer type of putter that has grown in popularity over the past few years. Here's what you need to know about them:

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:

Disadvantages:

Examples of Popular Mallet Putters

Face-Balanced Putters

Face-balanced putters are a type of putter that has a face that points up toward the sky when the shaft is balanced horizontally. Here's what you need to know about them:

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:

Disadvantages:

Examples of Popular Face-Balanced Putters

Toe-Balanced Putters

Toe-balanced putters are a type of putter that has a toe that points down toward the ground when the shaft is balanced horizontally. Here's what you need to know about them:

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:

Disadvantages:

Examples of Popular Toe-Balanced Putters

Choosing the Right Putter for You

When it comes to choosing a putter, there are several factors to consider, including:

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

Popular Brands

There are many popular brands to choose from when it comes to putters. Here are a few of the most well-known:

When selecting a putter, it's important to choose a brand you trust and feel comfortable with. Each of these brands offers a variety of putters to choose from, so you're sure to find one that fits your game.

Summary

Selecting the right putter can make a big difference in your golf game. Blade putters offer a classic look and feel and are better suited for golfers with a straight putting stroke, while mallet putters offer more forgiveness and stability on longer putts. Face-balanced putters are ideal for golfers with a straight putting stroke and a forward press, while toe-balanced putters are better suited for golfers with an arcing putting stroke.

Ultimately, the right putter for you will depend on your individual stroke, preferences, and comfort level. We encourage you to try different putters and experiment to find the one that suits your game best. With the right putter in your bag, you'll be sinking putts like a pro in no time.

More about Putters you might also like: