Let’s be real; golf is all about the putter.
It’s the one club that can make or break your game.
But with so many different types of putters out there, it’s hard to know which one to choose.
Do you go for the classic blade putter or the trendy mallet putter? Should you try a pistol grip putter or stick with what you know?
Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll break down the different types of putters and help you pick the one that’s right for you.
So without further adieu, let’s pick up our golf bags and get down to business.
The Different Types of Putters Explained
The Classic Blade Putter
Blade putters have a timeless look and feel, and it’s no surprise that they’ve been a favorite among golfers for decades.
They’re typically made of steel or titanium and have a small, rectangular head.
The weight is evenly distributed throughout the clubhead, making it easy to control and aim. So, if you’re a traditionalist who likes a consistent pendulum-style stroke, a blade putter might be the one for you.
Just keep in mind that they do have a smaller sweet spot, so they may not be the best choice for those with an inconsistent stroke.
If you’re looking for the best type of putter in this category, then go for the Scotty Cameron Newport, the Titleist Scotty Cameron Select Fastback, or the Odyssey White Hot Pro 2.0.
The Modern Mallet Putter
Looking for something with a little more flair? Look no further than the mallet putter. These putters have a larger, more complex head shape and more weight concentrated in the rear or perimeter of the club head.
This design helps to increase the sweet spot and improve forgiveness on off-center hits.
The mallet putter is ideal for those who prefer a more modern look and feel, as well as those with an inconsistent stroke.
If you’re out looking for these different types of putters, then TaylorMade Spider X, the Ping Vault 2.0, and the Odyssey Toulon Madison are good options to go with.
The Unique Pistol Grip Putter
Pistol grip putters are a bit of an outlier in the putter world.
They feature a slightly curved handle that’s meant to fit comfortably in the palm of your hand and are usually made of rubber or similar material.
These types of putters are ideal for golfers who want evenly distributed weight in their putters.
Popular pistol grip putters on the market include the SuperStroke Pistol GT Tour, the Winn Excel Pistol, and the Lamkin Z5.
The Stable Counterbalance Putter
Counterbalance putters are a newer addition to the putter market, but they’re quickly gaining popularity.
These types of putters have a weighted grip or additional weighting in the head that helps to balance the putter for a more stable putting stroke. They’re typically made of steel or titanium and have a small, rectangular head.
They are mostly preferred by golfers who have a pronounced arc in their stroke, as well as those who struggle with hand and wrist movement during the putting stroke.
Some of the most popular types of putters in this regard include the Titleist Scotty Cameron Futura X7, the Callaway Odyssey Tank Cruiser V-Line, and the Ping Scottsdale TR Anser 2.
The High-MOI Putter
High-MOI (moment of inertia) putters are designed to increase the stability and forgiveness of the putter head at impact.
These types of putters have a larger head shape and more weight distributed around the perimeter of the club head, which helps to reduce twisting on off-center hits.
High-MOI putters such as the Srixon Z-Star, and the Titleist Scotty Cameron Futura X5 are great for golfers who struggle with consistency and accuracy on the greens.
Face-Balanced Putters: The Squareheads
Face-balanced putters are designed to keep the face of the putter in line with the shaft, promoting a straighter stroke. Golfers who possess a straight back and straight-through stroke will benefit from this design.
The Scotty Cameron Newport 2 is arguably the best type of putter in this regard.
Perimeter-Weighted Putters: The Heavyweights
Perimeter-weighted putters feature added weight around the perimeter of the head, which increases forgiveness on off-center hits.
These types of putters are a great choice for golfers who tend to miss the sweet spot. A popular example of this type of putter is the TaylorMade Spider X.
Heel-Toe Weighted Putters: The Balance Keepers
Heel-toe weighted putters feature added weight in the heel and toe of the putter head, increasing stability on off-center hits and providing more forgiveness.
Golfers who tend to miss the sweet spot and want to improve their consistency on the green will benefit from this design.
If you are a golfer who prefers heel-toe weighted types of putters, then your best bet is to go with the Odyssey O-Works Red.
Center-Shafted Putters
Center-shafted putters have the shaft of the putter centered in the putter head rather than having the shaft offset to one side. One of the most popular types of this kind is the Ping Vault 2.0 Center Shafted.
This design keeps the putter head square to the target throughout the putting stroke, improving alignment and consistency and, ultimately, your performance.
Golfers who struggle with alignment and want to improve their accuracy on the green will benefit from this design.
However, it’s worth noting that these types of putters may not be suitable for golfers who have an arc or curved putting stroke, as it may not align well with the natural movement of their stroke.
Sorting through the different types of putters to find yours:
If you don’t head into the game with the ideal putter for you, then chances are you’ll never hit your A-game.
Here are some key factors to consider when taking your golf gear to the next level:
Stroke type:
The first step in choosing the perfect putter is to determine your stroke type.
Are you a straight-back and straight-through player, or do you have more of an arc in your stroke? This will help determine the types of putters that would work best for you.
Head design:
Blade putters are a classic design and are great for those who prefer a traditional look and feel.
Mallet putters, on the other hand, have a larger head shape and more weight concentrated in the rear or perimeter of the club head, which helps to increase the sweet spot and improve forgiveness on off-center hits.
Length and grip:
The length of the different types of putters and their grips are also important factors to consider.
Make sure to find a putter that is the right length for you and has a grip that feels comfortable and secure in your hands.
Real-life testing:
It’s important to try out different types of putters on the course before making a purchase. This will allow you to get a feel for how they perform in real-life conditions.
Professional advice:
If you’re still unsure of what putter to choose, consider consulting with a professional.
They can help you assess your stroke, evaluate your options and recommend the best types of putters for your game.
FAQs
What Is The Difference Between A Blade Putter And A Mallet Putter?
A blade putter has a classic, simple design with a small, rectangular head and an evenly distributed weight.
They are great for golfers who prefer a traditional look and feel and those who have a more consistent, pendulum-style stroke.
On the other hand, a mallet putter has a larger, more complex head shape with more weight concentrated in the rear or perimeter of the club head.
This design helps to increase the sweet spot and improve forgiveness on off-center hits. They are perfect for those who prefer a more modern look and feel, as well as those with inconsistent strokes.
Can I Use A Pistol Grip Putter If I Have A More Pronounced Arc In My Stroke?
Yes, pistol grip putters are great for golfers who have a more pronounced arc in their stroke, as well as those who struggle with hand and wrist movement during the putting stroke.
The unique design of the pistol grip putter helps to reduce wrist action, which can help improve the consistency of your stroke.
How Do I Know What Length Putter To Choose?
The standard length of a putter is 35 inches, but it’s important to find a length that feels comfortable for your body type and putting stroke.
You can experiment with different lengths by trying out different types of putters on the course or by consulting with a professional. They can help you determine the best length for your needs.
What Is The Importance Of The Putter Grip?
The grip is the only point of contact between you and the putter, so it’s important to find one that feels comfortable and provides a secure hold.
A comfortable grip can help to reduce tension in the hands and wrists, which can lead to a more consistent and accurate stroke.
There are many different types of grips available, from traditional rubber to more modern, ergonomic designs; it’s best to try different types and see which one feels the most comfortable for you.
Conclusion
Depending on the kind of golfer you are, you’ll have unique preferences and needs.
Factors such as your putting stroke, alignment, and distance control should all be taken into account when choosing the right putter for you.
If you’re out looking for the best type of putter, then take into account your style, as this will be the primal factor in the final decision.
