It can be hard to navigate through the different putter types in golf. There are just so many to choose from. What is unique to each one of them? Let’s establish some facts, to begin with.
First, there are two different types of overall putter styles, mallet putters vs blade putters. Secondly, there are two different categories of putter balance, face-balanced putters vs toe-balanced putters.
Now that we’ve established these few things, let’s get into the details about the different types of golf putters and help you choose the right one for your game.
Table of Contents
Mallet Putters
If you need to pull off some well-aligned shots consistently (and with a wider-than-average margin for error), then the mallet putter is just for you. You can identify mallets by their signature deep head designs. This feature is
beneficial because it lowers the putter’s center of gravity, making off-center hits a little more forgiving.
Different manufacturers are not hesitant to show off their own spins (no pun) on the design front where this type of putter is concerned. Because of the mallet’s large head, there is plenty of canvas for artistic iterations.
Your local pro shops or golf clubs should have a choice selection of mallets for purchase or rental. If you’re dissatisfied with that, Amazon has you covered. One of the best mallet putters in the game right now is the Switchback Mallet Putter from our friends over at Rife Golf. This stylishly crafted golf club simply ticks all the boxes, and then some.
Only available in right-hand orientation, the Switchback features an elegant double-bend shaft which allows it to be face balanced. The head incorporates the brand’s signature Roll Groove Technology, which produces instantaneous forward roll in the ball. Straight forward strokes are the ideal approach with this bad boy, which is a godsend for your back.
Blade Putters
If I had to point out my favorite thing about golf, I would have to say the sport’s adherence to tradition. As a somewhat practical man, I appreciate the reasoning behind sticking to what works. I mean if it’s not broken, why fix it?
That sentiment undoubtedly extends to the iconic blade putter, another one of my favorite golf things. Not only are these putters stylish and sleek, but they are also pretty much the same as they have been since they were invented back in the early 20th century.
Many within the golfing community, such as American star Patrick Reed, consider this type of club as the ideal tool for showcasing your full putting ability, especially on the quicker greens. Fast greens are pretty unforgiving, so the delicacy of your touch is of the utmost importance.
If you are in the market for a new blade putter, look no further than the JAMESMILR Topspin Blade 3. One of the best intermediate golf clubs right now, the Blade 3 is beautifully made from soft steel and coated in fine nickel
plating.
The steel head features a curved face that conforms with USGA rules. It also conforms with my personal standards for what a great putter should offer, with its forward roll capabilities a particular standout. A bit on the pricey end, but the look of this club alone makes it worth every penny.
Face-balanced Putters
Putters can also be classified by balance. In other words, how their centers of gravity influence their orientation when balanced upon one’s fingers. A putter can either be face-balanced or toe-balanced. The former is more suited to golfers with a straight forward putting stroke, while the latter is suited to people with an arc in their putting strokes.
A face-balanced putter is typified by a skyward facing face when the putter is balanced horizontally across your fingers. This indicates that the putter’s center of gravity is sat at the base of the shaft axis. This balance makes the club less likely to open up on backswings or close off on follow-throughs.
My favorite face-balanced putter right now is the TP Red Collection Chaska Putter from TaylorMade. A lot of putters can be described as “pretty”, thanks to the creative freedom the large heads facilitate. However, the Chaska can only be described as drop-dead gorgeous, if you can even speak at all after the first (and every) unwrapping.
The Chaska features a fine steel shaft that curves and contours its way towards a gloriously red steel head. The head is classic face-balanced and the face itself is perfectly flat and lined with a neat set of ridges. Three bright sightlines ensure perfectly aligned strokes every single time.
Another face-balanced gem that deserves a special mention is the Tour Edge Wingman Putter, an awesome putter featuring a game-changing carbon fiber head.
Toe-balanced Putters
Toe-balanced putters, also known as “toe-hangs”, feature a different center of gravity dynamic than that of face-balancers. When balanced horizontally across your fingers, the toe of the putter will drop and point downwards.
The center of gravity in these putters is always off the bottom of the shaft axis. Golfers with an arc in their stroke work well with these types of putters because the balance allows the club to open up on backswings and close off on follow-throughs.
If you notice that you tend to rotate the putter and open it up on the backswing, then you might be naturally inclined towards toe-hangs. The importance of matching your stroke style and putter choice cannot be understated. Most blade putters are toe-balanced as well, just as most mallets are face-balanced.
Head over to Amazon and find the ultimate weapon for your arced strokes. One putter worth consideration is CAG Golf’s Three X3 Putter, a milled blend of materials that will have you sinking balls on any green anywhere.
This putter features an SVA faceplate made from the same kind of aluminum used on airplanes. The faceplate also features a set of grooves to help boost accuracy by minimizing skidding and hopping.
The rest of the putter’s head is coated with black physical vapor deposition (PVD) to complete an awesome sleek design.
The Three X3 has all of the best design features necessary for elite arc strokes, with typical toe hang physics and a high-quality PU-wrapped grip. In terms of design, ergonomics, and effectiveness, very few putters can outshine this beauty.
Image by Kevin Phillips from Pixabay
