Blade Vs Mallet Putter: Which Is Better For You?

Although there are hundreds of different types of putters on the market, they can really be broken down into two separate categories the blade and the mallet putter.

Each type has its unique design, features, and performance characteristics.

The blade putter is that classic smaller design known for its precision. Mallet putters bring an entirely new level of technology that makes them incredibly unique for golfers of any level. 

Whether you are in the market for a new putter or simply curious as to which design could be a fit for your game, let’s take a look at the blade vs. mallet putters. 

Mallet vs Blade Putter (What Are The Differences)

The main difference between the blade and the mallet putter is its design.

Blade putters are the traditional style of putters, characterized by a simple, narrow, and straight design. They are usually lighter and have a smaller head, making them easier to control in terms of precision, but harder to master for beginners. Many of the blade style putters are milled and created out of one piece of metal. Because blade putters tend to keep things a bit simpler, it may partly be why they appeal to the more traditional golfers. 

TaylorMade TP Collection Soto Blade Putter exemplifies the classic blade design. It features a clean, traditional look with a milled face to enhance feel and control. The minimalist design focuses on pure performance with little to no frills, appealing to players who prefer simplicity.

Mallet putters, on the other hand, feature a larger, more elaborate head. This can include various shapes, such as half-circle, square, or other creative designs. They are a far cry from the mallet putters of years past, which were a simple semi-circle shape, The larger size of mallet putters allows for more weight distribution around the perimeter, increasing stability and forgiveness. The mallet putters often have inserts and are pieced together with a variety of materials including stainless steel, aluminum, graphite, and maple. 

The Callaway Odyssey Mallet Putters such as the Odyssey Stroke Lab White Hot OG 2-Ball Putter has a typical mallet design with its large, weighted head. It incorporates innovative technologies like multi-material construction and Stroke Lab shaft, designed to improve tempo and consistency in the stroke.

Distance Control

Traditionally speaking, classic mallet putters are supposed to be better for distance control particularly for beginner or high hand cap palyers. Mallet putters, with their larger heads and heavier weight, often provide more consistent distance control, particularly on mishits. The weight distribution in mallets helps maintain the ball's speed, even if the putt isn’t struck perfectly, making them more forgiving on longer putts.

An example is the  Wilson Staff Infinite Bucktown mallet putter designed with a heavier head and counterbalanced technology, which promotes a smoother and more controlled putting stroke. This makes it easier for golfers to judge distances, particularly on longer putts.

Blade putters are known for also offering excellent distance control, especially for low handicap players with a straight, consistent putting stroke. The smaller head and lighter weight allow skilled players to have a more delicate touch, essential for gauging distances on long putts. 

Weight is something you can customize in a putter. 

Some putters have adjustable heel-toe weights. If your putter does not, consider lead tape which is inexpensive and easily available. However, it makes a difference where the lead tape is positioned on the putter. Generally, a four-inch strip of lead tape adds 2 grams of weight to the head. This will affect your swing weight by one point.

The controlling distance of a putter is a learned skill. It takes time to learn to adjust to the feel of the greens, no matter what putter you choose. 

Forgiveness 

Most of the time, when comparing forgiveness in putters, you have to look at one specific putter model vs. another. 

Blade putters are less forgiving due to their smaller size and lighter weight. Mishits tend to result in significant deviations in both direction and distance. This makes them better suited for skilled players who consistently hit the sweet spot.

Mallet putters are more forgiving than blade putters in most situations because they have a larger sweet spot and more room for error. The design inherently reduces the effects of off-center hits, making them a popular choice for beginner or high handicap golfers who struggle with consistency.

An example is the TaylorMade Spider X mallet putter which one of the most forgiving putters on the market. Its heavy, perimeter-weighted head ensures that even off-center strikes maintain their intended line and speed, offering a significant advantage for higher-handicap players.

However, blade style putters from Odyssey in the new Tri Hot 5K are some of the most forgiving blades we have seen. 

Forgiveness in a putter is often referred to as MOI or Moment of Inertia. The bottom line is that if forgiveness is your number one goal, a high moi putter like a mallet putter is the better fit. 

Alignment 

 

Alignment is impacted both by how a putter sits on the ground and also by the alignment lines or design on the top of the putter. 

Blade putters usually feature simple alignment aids, often just a single line or dot on the top of the putter. This minimalist approach appeals to players who prefer less visual distraction and have a good natural sense of alignment.

Mallet putters often come with more elaborate alignment aids. These can include multiple lines, contrasting colors, or even high-tech features like lasers. The larger surface area on mallet putters allows for more detailed alignment systems, which can be a significant advantage for players who need help lining up their putts. Beginner golfers, in particular, and high handicap golfers find these lines make it considerably easier for them to see exactly where their putter is lined up and how it is going to make it to the hole. 

We have found that most golfers prefer the longer alignment lines when starting out in the game. However, as your game advances, you may find it a bit distracting. 

An example is the Cleveland Frontline Elevado mallet putter which includes a high-contrast alignment system that helps golfers easily line up their putts. This can be particularly beneficial for players who struggle with alignment or those who want more visual guidance on the greens.

Feel 

Feel is again a personal preference; however, players that consider themselves feel type putters often go with a blade style putter. 

Blade putters are a bit easier to maneuver, and because of that, you can customize the feel better.  The feel of a blade putter is often described as more "pure" or "direct" because there is less mass between the ball and the hands. This provides more feedback, allowing players to better judge the quality of their stroke. However, this also means that any imperfections in the stroke are more noticeable.

An example is the Wilson Staff 8802 blade putter well known for its traditional feel, offers a soft yet responsive feedback that experienced players appreciate. It’s a putter that rewards a solid stroke, but also makes it clear when something is off.

Mallet putters tend to have a softer, more muted feel due to their larger head and additional materials. While this can reduce the amount of feedback, it also makes them more comfortable to use, especially for players who prefer a smoother stroke with less vibration

However, the overall feel of a putter will be impacted more by its face technology than by the type of putter you are using. Look for putters with face inserts if you enjoy a softer feel. 

Who Should Use Blade vs Mallet Putter?

Blade putters are best suited for players with a straight putting stroke and those who prefer a more traditional feel. They are ideal for golfers who have good control over their distance and alignment and do not require the extra forgiveness or alignment aids that mallet putters provide. Skilled players who prioritize precision and feedback may often prefer blade putters.

Mallet putters are more forgiving and easier to align, making them a better choice for golfers who need help with consistency. Players with an arc in their putting stroke might find that mallet putters suit their style better, as the weight distribution can help stabilize their stroke. High-handicap golfers or those who struggle with alignment and distance control will benefit from the features offered by mallet putters.

However with the enormous advancements in technology, we have watched as Tour professionals who have used a blade putter for years switch over to a mallet putter. Both blade and mallet putters are used by professional golfers on the PGA Tour. Some golfers who use blade putters include Jordan Spieth, Tiger Woods, Cameron Smith, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Collin Morikawa,. Some professional golfers who use mallet putters include Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, and Patrick Cantlay. But this could easily change. 

Stroke Type

The best possible way to decide between blade and mallet putters is to consider the type of putting stroke you have. If you are a golfer with a straight back and straight-through putting stroke, the mallet is a great choice. 

For golfers that have more of an arc style stroke, the blade style putter seems to be best. 

The putting stroke type you have will significantly impact the way you swing the putter and the way the ball comes off the clubface. 

With a blade putter in your hand, it is very easy to rotate the clubface open and then get it squared up again. Mallet style putters work best when they are just kept square the entire time you swing them. 

Of course, there are exceptions to this rule, and golfers play incredibly well with a mallet and an arc style stroke, but it’s not the best choice if you want to take advantage of technology and features. 

Experience Level 

The mallet putter is very often recommended for beginner and higher handicappers because of its high MOI. 

However, newer blades are being made with a higher MOI, bridging the gap in forgiveness. 

Essentially if you are a great player, find something that works well for your playing style. If you are a new player, look for a putter that claims to have a high MOI. 

Stance/Setup 

The stance and setup you take when hitting your putts will also impact the golf putter you use. Typically people stand directly over the ball, like the mallet putter with the long alignment lines and blockier design. 

If you stand a bit further away from the ball, a smaller blade design makes it easier to swing the putter a bit as opposed to keeping it straight back and straight through. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions about the blade putter and who should be using it. 

Some golfers prefer the feel of a blade putter because it offers more direct feedback on their stroke. Blade putters typically have a smaller, lighter head, which allows golfers to better sense the impact and control the distance more precisely. This direct feedback is often preferred by skilled players who want to fine-tune their stroke and gain a better understanding of their putting mechanics.

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The choice between a blade and a mallet putter ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of your game. Blade putters offer precision, feedback, and a traditional feel, while mallet putters provide forgiveness, easier alignment, and consistency. Brands like Callaway, Cleveland, TaylorMade, Wilson, and Srixon, among many others, offer a wide range of options in both categories, ensuring that every golfer can find a putter that suits their style and skill level.