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When it comes to choosing the right putter for your game, one of the key decisions you’ll need to make is whether to go with a blade putter or a mallet putter. The mallet vs. blade putter debate has long been a topic of discussion among golfers of all levels.

On one hand, there are those who swear by the classic design and precision of a blade putter, while on the other hand, there are those who value the forgiveness and stability offered by a mallet putter.

We will explore the key differences between these two types of putters and provide insights into who might benefit most from using each style.

A blade putter, also known as a traditional or heel-toe weighted putter, features a more streamlined and compact head. This design is favored by many professional golfers and purists who value the fine-tuned control and feedback provided by a blade putter.

Blade putters typically have a thinner top line, a smaller sweet spot, and less forgiveness than their mallet counterparts. On the other hand, a mallet putter is characterized by a larger, heavier head with a high moment of inertia (MOI). This design promotes a more stable, straight back-and-through putting stroke, making it particularly popular among golfers who struggle with consistency.

WHICH ONE SHOULD YOU USE?

Mallet putter vs. blade putter – this is a common question that golfers often ask themselves when it comes to choosing the right putter for their game. Both types of putters have their own unique advantages and disadvantages, and the choice ultimately depends on personal preference and playing style.

The blade putter, also known as the traditional putter, is characterized by its sleek and compact design. Its simple and classic shape appeals to many players, especially those who prefer a more traditional feel and look.

The blade putter offers precise control and allows for a greater feel of the ball at impact. However, it requires a steady hand and a consistent stroke to produce accurate results.

On the other hand, the mallet putter is known for its larger head and heavier weight distribution. This design allows for greater forgiveness and stability throughout the stroke, making it easier to maintain a square face at impact.

The mallet putter is often favored by players who struggle with consistency and need more assistance in achieving a smooth and straight stroke. It provides enhanced alignment features and a larger sweet spot, making it easier to find the center of the clubface for better results.

When deciding between a blade putter or vs mallet putter, consider your individual needs and preferences. If you value precision and control, the blade putter may be the better choice for you.

If you seek forgiveness and stability, the mallet putter might be the right fit. Ultimately, the perfect putter complements your unique style and helps you sink putts with confidence.

WHAT IS A BLADE PUTTER?

A blade putter refers to a type of putter that features a traditional design with a thin, flat club head. It is named after it resembles the shape of a blade, which gives it a sleek and minimalist appearance. This style of putter is often favored by golfers who prefer a more traditional and classic look.

When comparing a mallet putter to a blade putter, there are noticeable differences in their designs. A mallet putter typically has a larger and heavier head, often with a high moment of inertia (MOI). This design helps to distribute the weight more evenly, providing greater stability and forgiveness on off-center hits.

On the other hand, a blade putter tends to have a smaller, more compact head, which offers a more precise feel and allows for better control over the stroke. Ultimately, the choice between a mallet or blade putter comes down to personal preference and the golfer’s putting style.

WHO USES BLADE PUTTERS?

Some of the most skilled golfers in the world opt for blade putters due to their precise and traditional design. These golfers prefer the classic shape and feel that a blade putter provides.

Blade putters have a small clubhead with a thin, flat blade-like face, which allows for more control and accuracy in their putting stroke.

The simplicity of a blade putter appeals to players who are confident in their putting abilities and prefer a minimalist approach to their equipment selection.

While blade putters may be favored by many professionals, it’s worth noting that there are also successful golfers who opt for mallet putters.

Mallet putters feature a larger clubhead with a more forgiving design. The added weight and larger sweet spot of a mallet putter can be advantageous to players who struggle with mis-hits or inconsistencies in their putting stroke.

Some professionals find that the alignment aids and visual cues provided by a mallet-style putter can enhance their ability to line up their putts accurately, ultimately leading to improved performance on the greens.

WHAT IS A MALLET PUTTER?

A mallet putter is a type of golf club designed specifically for putting. Unlike the traditional blade putter, which has a thin, compact head, a mallet putter features a larger, more rounded head shape.

This design provides a higher moment of inertia (MOI), resulting in more forgiveness and stability during the putting stroke.

The head of a mallet putter is typically made of stainless steel or aluminum, and it often has additional weight distributed around the perimeter.

This weight distribution helps to increase the MOI and prevent the putter from twisting on off-center hits. Some mallet putters even have inserts in the face to enhance feel and control.

Within the category of mallet putters, there are different subtypes, including the half mallet putter. As the name suggests, a half-mallet putter combines characteristics from both traditional blade putters and full-mallet putters.

It typically has a smaller, more streamlined head compared to a full mallet putter, but still offers increased stability and forgiveness compared to a blade putter.

Professional golfers, such as Tiger Woods and Dustin Johnson, have been known to use mallet putters, citing their improved consistency and performance on the greens. When choosing a putter, it’s important to consider your preferences and stroke mechanics, as well as experimenting with different styles and designs to find the mallet putter that best suits your game.

Difference Between a Mid Mallet Putter and a Full Mallet Putter

Mid-mallet putters and full-mallet putters are two popular options among golfers looking to improve their putting performance. These putters differ in terms of size, weight distribution, and design.

A mid-mallet putter is a hybrid of the traditional blade putter and the larger mallet putter. It offers a slightly larger head compared to a blade putter, providing more forgiveness and stability on off-center hits.

While mid-mallet putters typically have a more compact size than full-mallet putters, they still offer some of the benefits of a mallet putter, such as enhanced alignment aids and increased moment of inertia.

They are often a preferred choice for golfers who want a balance between the classic feel of blade putters and the forgiveness of mallet putters.

On the other hand, a full mallet putter features a larger and heavier head, which is fully balanced. This weight distribution increases the moment of inertia and reduces the chance of the putter twisting during the stroke, resulting in a more stable and consistent stroke.

Full mallet putters tend to have more alignment features, such as larger sight lines and multiple dots or lines on the head.

These putters are commonly used by golfers who struggle with consistency due to off-center hits and want a putter with maximum forgiveness.

When choosing between a mid-mallet putter and a full-mallet putter, golfers should consider factors such as personal preference, stroke style, and desired level of forgiveness.

Ultimately, it is crucial to try out different putters and assess how each one feels and performs on the greens.

P.G.A. TOUR PLAYERS WHO USE BLADE PUTTERS:

Throughout the history of professional golf, blade putters have been favored by many P.G.A. Tour players for their simplicity and classic design.

These putters are known for their thin, sleek profile and traditional shape. P.G.A. Tour players who use blade putters appreciate their ability to provide a smooth and consistent putting stroke.

When it comes to the types of putter heads, blade putters are often considered the purist’s choice.

The design of these putter heads allows for better feedback and control, as the golfer can feel the contact between the ball and the putter more acutely.

This characteristic is particularly valued by P.G.A. Tour players who rely heavily on their touch and feel on the greens.

Additionally, the clean, minimalist look of blade putters appeals to players who prefer a more traditional and understated aesthetic on the course.

Many top P.G.A. Tour players have found great success with blade putters, using them to achieve consistent and precise putting performances.

These seasoned professionals understand the importance of selecting a putter that suits their individual preferences and match their putting style.

While blade putters may not be as forgiving as other types of putters, their simplicity and ability to deliver accurate feedback make them an attractive choice for P.G.A. Tour players seeking the ultimate control and precision on the greens.

P.G.A. TOUR PLAYERS WHO USE MALLET PUTTERS:

P.G.A. TOUR players who opt for mallet putters tend to appreciate their unique characteristics and benefits. Mallet putters, distinguished by their larger and more intricate putter head types, offer improved forgiveness and stability during the putting stroke.

With a higher Moment of Inertia (MOI) compared to blade putters, mallet putters are known to resist twisting upon impact, resulting in more consistent rolls on the greens.

The design of a mallet putter often includes extra weight distributed towards the rear of the putter head, enhancing the putter’s stability and reducing the effects of mishits.

Several esteemed P.G.A. TOUR players have embraced the advantages of mallet putters in their pursuit of excellence on the greens. Notably, players like Jason Day, Dustin Johnson, and Bryson DeChambeau have all found success with mallet putters.

These professionals recognize the importance of achieving optimal consistency and precision with their putts, and the high MOI putter head types of mallet putters offer them the desired level of forgiveness and control.

By relying on these advanced putter designs, these players can confidently navigate the intricacies of various greens and make more accurate strokes to lower their scores.

OTHER FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN FINDING YOUR “PERFECT PUTTER”

When searching for your “perfect putter,” it is important to consider other factors that can greatly impact your putting performance. One such factor is the type of putter you choose, whether it be a blade putter or a mallet putter.

The blade putter, also known as a traditional putter, has a slender and compact head with a thin, flat face. This design allows for a better feel and control over the ball, making it a preferred choice for many professional golfers. On the other hand, mallet putters have a larger and more forgiving head shape.

They often feature additional alignment aids and weight distribution that can help with stability and accuracy. Exploring the differences between these putter types and understanding which one suits your stroke and preferences can be crucial in finding the perfect putter that enhances your game.

Beyond putter type, there are other important factors to consider when searching for your ideal putter. These include the length, weight, and balance of the putter, as well as the grip style that feels comfortable in your hands.

Additionally, it is worth noting that many golfers find success by testing different putters with various shaft lengths and hosel configurations to find the combination that maximizes their putting prowess. Taking into account these factors and experimenting with different options will allow you to narrow down the choices and find the perfect putter that can ultimately help elevate your performance on the greens.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, when considering the choice between a blade putter and a mallet putter, it is essential to understand the characteristics of each. A blade putter offers a traditional design, with a smaller head and a thin, blade-like appearance.

It requires precision and a steady hand to achieve consistent results on the greens. On the other hand, a mallet putter features a larger, more forgiving head, often with alignment aids and weight distribution that promote stability and accuracy. Understanding the differences between these two options will help you determine which one suits your style and preferences best.

When it comes to the best blade putters and mallet putters, several factors come into play. It is important to consider the weight, balance, and feel of the putter in your hand. Ultimately, finding the right putter will depend on your personal preferences and what feels comfortable and confident during your stroke.

Take the time to test different models and seek professional advice if needed. Remember that the perfect putter is the one that helps you consistently sink putts and lower your scores on the green.

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Author

Steve Morgan, is a passionate golfer and the creator of ThrillGolf. Although he isn't nearly a pro, he has more than 10+ years of international coaching and playing experience. His goal is to improve the golfing community's experience in selecting appropriate equipment and determining the best setup for their swing.