It’s one of the biggest debates in golf: blade putter or mallet putter?
We decided to try to answer this once and for all. In this this blog post, we’ll look at the the blade vs mallet putter pros and cons, consider which could be better for an average golfer, then ultimately assist you in choosing the best putter for you.
So if you’re ready to find out more about blades vs mallets in terms of performance on the green then read on!
Table of Contents
Blade Putters
Blade putters are a classic design for golfers looking to make precise, accurate shots. A single piece of metal or steel, fashioned into the form of a blade, is what comprises these putters.
This type of putter is usually heavier than mallet designs and has less forgiveness when it comes to mis-hits. However, its simple construction allows for greater control over your shots due to the reduced number of moving parts.
When it comes to pros and cons, blade putters have their fair share. On the plus side, they provide excellent feel on impact and can help you get more spin on your ball if needed.
They also offer great accuracy as well as good distance control with short putts since they don’t require much effort from the golfer in order to get them going down range quickly and accurately.
On the downside though, some players may find blade putters difficult to use because they lack any sort of alignment aid such as an insert or sightline that many mallets come with standard nowadays.
Additionally, they tend not be very forgiving on off-center hits which can lead to inconsistent putting performance overall if you don’t hit your ball perfectly square every time you take aim at the hole.
So what are these types of putters best used for? Generally speaking, blade putters are best suited for experienced golfers who prefer feeling their way around greens rather than relying solely on visual aids like inserts or lines when aiming their shots at target locations near and far.
As long as you have enough practice under your belt so that you know how hard/soft each shot should be taken depending on its length then using this type club will become second nature after just a few rounds out in the course.
Blade putters are designed to provide golfers with a more accurate, consistent stroke. Next, we’ll discuss mallet putters and their design and construction, pros and cons, as well as best uses.
Key Lesson: Blade putters are ideal for experienced golfers who like to "feel their way around the greens," as they provide great accuracy, control and spin. However, they lack alignment aids such as sightlines which can make them tricky to use if you don't hit your ball perfectly square every time.
Mallet Putters
Mallet putters are designed for stability and accuracy on the green. The design of mallet putters is typically more complex than blade-style putters, with a larger head and heavier weight that helps keep the club face square to the target line.
Mallets feature two wings or “ears” extending from the back of the head, providing additional support during your stroke.
This type of design also allows for a higher center of gravity, which can help promote smoother contact between ball and clubface.
The construction of mallet putters varies depending on brand and model, but they generally have thicker heads made from materials like aluminum or stainless steel that provide increased stability at impact.
Many mallets also feature perimeter weighting around their edges to further enhance forgiveness off-center strikes.
Additionally, some models come with adjustable weights in their sole that allow you to customize your setup based on preference or course conditions.
The pros of using a mallet style putter include improved accuracy due to its high MOI (moment of inertia), better feel as it moves through turf thanks to its larger head size, and enhanced stability when striking off-center shots due to perimeter weighting in its design.
In addition, many modern designs incorporate multiple alignment aids such as sight lines down each side along with colors/patterns within their cavity backs so you can easily visualize where you want your ball going before making contact with it.
The downside of mallet putters, however, is that they offer less feedback and spin when struck off-center than blades do; additionally, their intricate designs and manufacturing processes tend to make them pricier than other types.
In conclusion, if you want a more precise stroke with increased steadiness on your approach shots, then mallet putters may be the right choice for you.
Overall, mallet putters are a great choice for golfers who want more stability and forgiveness on their putting stroke.
Now, let’s analyze the distinctions between blade and mallet putters to decide which one is optimal for you.
Key Lesson: Mallet putters are designed for increased accuracy and stability, with thicker heads made from materials like aluminum or stainless steel. Featuring perimeter weighting around the edges, these clubs offer improved performance off-center strikes compared to blades. For golfers looking for a more accurate shot and enhanced stability on approach shots, mallets could be just what they need.
Comparison of Blade vs Mallet Putters
So, which type is better suited to your game – blade or mallet?
Let’s take a look at the performance differences between these two types of putters.
Accuracy
When comparing blade and mallet putters in terms of performance, the biggest difference is accuracy. Blade putters tend to be more accurate than mallets due to their heavier weight distribution.
This makes them easier to control when putting on the green. Mallets can provide greater steadiness due to their bigger head size, which may be advantageous in longer putts or when the wind picks up.
Price
Another key factor when choosing between a blade or a mallet is price. Generally speaking, blades are cheaper than mallets since they require less material and labor costs during production.
Mallets typically cost more because they require more complex design features such as additional weighting elements or multiple alignment lines for improved accuracy on long-distance shots.
Weight Distribution
The last major distinction between blades and mallets is the weight distribution; this refers to how much mass is concentrated in different parts of the clubhead (e.g., toe versus heel).
Blades typically feature an even balance, while most modern-day mallets come with perimeter-weighted heads that shift some of their heft away from the center towards particular areas around its edges.
This helps with off-center hits and doesn’t affect distance or accuracy as much as it would with blades.
Ultimately, the choice between a blade and mallet is based on individual taste and financial considerations. Ultimately, both clubs can benefit your performance; however, their benefits and drawbacks vary depending on the golfer’s style.
Overall, blade and mallet putters both have their advantages and disadvantages depending on the golfer’s needs.
When selecting the optimal putter, it is essential to consider both precision and club feel for your own specific requirements.
Next, we’ll go deeper into how these elements can shape your decision-making process.
Key Lesson: Blade and mallet putters offer different performance benefits for golfers, with blades being more accurate but typically cheaper than their mallet counterparts. When selecting a putter, the balance between the two types should be taken into account to decide which will suit your game best.
Which is Better for the Average Golfer?
Factoring in accuracy, the average golfer should think about which type of putter would be best.
Blade putters, with their smaller size and lower center of gravity, tend to be more accurate than mallet models.
The sweet spot on blade putters tends to be larger as well, making them easier to hit consistently from different distances and angles.
Additionally, blade putters tend to provide a truer roll off the face due to their reduced offset compared with mallet models.
This makes it easier for golfers who struggle with aim or alignment issues as they don’t need as much precision when striking the ball in order for it to travel along its intended line.
Feel is another important factor that comes into play when deciding between a blade and mallet style putter.
Mallets putters are typically heavier than blades because of their larger head design and construction materials used in manufacturing them such as stainless steel or carbon fiber inserts.
This can help slow down your stroke tempo while providing extra stability through impact resulting in improved feel around greenside shots where touch matters most.
On the other hand, some players may prefer lighter weight blades which allow them greater control over distance and direction on longer strokes from further away from the hole where speed is key in getting close enough for an easy tap-in par save or birdie opportunity.
When it comes to the average golfer, both blade and mallet putters have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Ultimately, the best putter for you comes down to personal preference and skill.
I personally used a mallet putter for years and decided to switch to a blade when I felt like I needed more control. I find that I’m more accurate with the blade and after the mallet, it sure feels light!
Conclusion: What Type of Putter Should You Choose?
OK, here’s the final deciders.
Design & Construction
Blade putters feature a traditional design with a flat head, while mallet putters have larger heads for more stability during the stroke.
Mallets also typically feature an alignment aid or sightline on top of the head to help golfers line up their shots accurately.
Pros & Cons
Blade putters provide better feel than mallets because they’re lighter in weight, but they tend to lack forgiveness due to their smaller size.
On the other hand, mallets offer more stability and forgiveness but may not provide as much feedback from off-center hits due to their heavier weight.
Best Uses
Generally speaking, blade putters are best suited for experienced players who prefer a softer feel at impact and require greater accuracy from short range shots.
Mallet putters are ideal for beginners or those seeking higher levels of consistency over distance control.
When it comes to performance, both blade and mallet putters can hit the mark if wielded by a skilled golfer.
However blades usually give better accuracy on short shots while offering less feedback when striking off-center compared to a properly designed mallet that provides increased steadiness through impact due to its added mass.
When selecting the ideal putter for your game, price should be taken into consideration; however, you don’t need to splurge.
Blade putters, typically made of steel and offering comparable performance to more expensive mallets crafted from aluminum, may be a good choice for golfers looking to keep costs down.
That being said, some high-end models may be worth the extra investment for features like interchangeable weights or adjustable lie angles that are standard on mid-range priced clubs today – so choose wisely.
Key Lesson: Blades offer great feel and accuracy from short range shots whereas mallets provide improved stability over longer distances with added forgiveness on off-center hits due to their heavier weight profile. It's all about personal preference in the end.
Blade vs Mallet Putter Pros and Cons FAQs
Are mallet putters better than blades?
Cage match! The debate between mallet putters and blades is a contentious one. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference as both types of putter can be effective in the right hands. Mallet putters tend to have more weight distributed across the head which helps promote a smoother stroke for golfers with slower swings or those who struggle with accuracy. Blades are generally lighter and provide more feedback on contact, allowing experienced players greater control over their shots. Ultimately, it is the golfer’s discretion to choose which style will optimize their game.
What are the advantages of blade putter?
Blade putters offer golfers a number of advantages. They are generally more accurate than other types of putters, due to their heavier head weight and increased stability at impact. This improved accuracy can help golfers make more consistent contact with the ball on every stroke, resulting in better putting performance overall. Additionally, blade putters tend to be less affected by wind or uneven lies than other types of putter heads, allowing for greater control over shot direction and distance when playing in difficult conditions. Finally, blade-style designs also provide an aesthetically pleasing look that many players find appealing.
Do pros use blades or mallets?
According to the Official World Golf Rankings, 56% of pros use blade putters. Generally, blades are more suited for advanced players who have greater control over their shots and can manipulate spin more easily. Mallets offer a larger sweet spot which is beneficial to those with less experience or higher handicaps as they provide more forgiveness on off-center hits. Ultimately, it is a matter of individual choice and what best suits the player’s game.
Are blade putters less forgiving?
Blade putters are not as forgiving as other types of putters due to their smaller sweet spot. The blade design means that a player must be more precise in their putting stroke and aim for the center of the face in order to get optimal results. Even small variations from this ideal can lead to off-center hits which result in less distance and accuracy on the shot. However, experienced golfers who have developed good control over their short game may find that blade putters offer them better feel and feedback when making contact with the ball.
That’s a Wrap!
When it comes to blade vs mallet putter pros and cons, both have their own unique benefits.
Blades are more precise while mallets provide a larger sweet spot for forgiveness.
Ultimately, the decision between blades and mallets is a personal one based on individual preferences and skill level.
Beginners may find that a forgiving mallet is easier to use than an unforgiving blade; however, experienced golfers may prefer the accuracy of a blade over the extra weight of a mallet.
Consider what you need from your putter before making any decisions about which type would be best for you.
If you love the game and want to get better, playing with the best equipment for YOU will only help.
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To your golf success! 🏌️♂️