Updated August 3, 2023. This article was thoroughly audited by multiple golf experts and coaches for its accuracy. You can read more about our rigorous testing protocol here.
The best blade putters on the market deliver an exceptional feel, high-quality construction, and a high-contrast alignment guide that keeps your face square during the stroke.
Providing premium milling across the face, these modern blade putters can transform your short game by minimizing bouncing and hopping to produce a smooth, reliable roll that finds the cup more regularly.
In this review of the best blade putters, I’ll take a look at what makes these ten putters worthy of your consideration and money. All 18 offer unique features that can help golfers of any handicap shave their strokes on the putting surface to lower their scores.
Featured Recommendations
Last updated on 2023-09-28. The links are affiliate links. Product images are served from Amazon Product Advertising API.
Table of Contents
- Featured Recommendations
- Best Blade Putters 2023
- Ping 2023 Anser Putter
- Cleveland HB Soft Milled #1 Putter
- Wilson Staff Model BL22 Putter
- Odyssey White Hot OG 1 Putter
- Bettinardi BB-1 2022 Putter
- Mizuno M CRAFT OMOI Type I Putter
- S7K Standing Putter
- Wilson Harmonized Putter
- Pinemeadow Black Zinc
- Titleist Scotty Cameron Special Select Newport 2
- TaylorMade TP Hydro Blast Del Monte
- Odyssey White Hot OG Double Wide
- PXG Battle Ready Dagger Plus
- Odyssey Tri-Hot 5K Two
- Evnroll ER2V Putter
- Cobra King Vintage Sport-60 Putter
- Cleveland Golf Frontline Elite 8.0
- Ping PLD Anser Putter
- Ping 2023 Anser Putter
- Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Blade Putters
- Conclusion
Best Blade Putters 2023
Here are my top 18 list of the best blade putters:
Ping 2023 Anser Putter
Best All-Around Blade Putter
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Specs
- Head: Blade
- Loft: 3 degrees
- Length: 33-35 inches
- Head Weight: 345 grams
Pros
- Milled face delivers softness and distance control
- Excellent alignment guide with high contrast
- Gooseneck hosel provides a traditional look to golf ball
Cons
- Lighter in weight, can twist easily during stroke
The Ping Anser putter tops our list of the best blade putters due to its long history of providing first-rate performance in a newly revamped package for 2023.
This blade putter works best with a slight arcing stroke and weighs 345 grams, making it lightweight and graceful on longer lag putts.
I’m not sure I can say much about the Ping Anser that a million professional and amateur golfers haven’t already. Still, I’ll start by saying this 2023 version offers a beneficial combination of forgiveness with a superb feel.
The putter also has tungsten weights along the heel and toe to provide an unmatched balance that you can feel during the stroke.
Also, it would be wrong not to mention that the chrome and matte black contrasting alignment line remains the best I’ve ever seen with blade putters. You can easily get the Ping Anser centered behind the ball to help make the most accurate contact possible.
The Ping Anser is for every golfer, regardless of handicap, age, or skill level. It remains one of the best blade putters to use on the course because it is so easy to get solid results that lower your score.
Cleveland HB Soft Milled #1 Putter
Best Blade Putters for Mid Handicappers
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Specs
- Head: Blade
- Loft: 3 degrees
- Length: 34-35 inches
- Head Weight: 345 grams
Pros
- CNC Milled face offers deft touch from long distances
- High-end shaft upgrade provides exceptional feel
- Well balanced with high MOI to keep face square at impact
Cons
- Lacks contrast with alignment guide
It’s hard to argue that the Huntington Beach Soft Milled #1 isn’t the very definition of a classic blade putter.
With a refined and tailored design, the Soft #1 has maintained a strong popularity in the golf market due to its low, affordable price and superb performance on the putting surface.
The putter carries a plumber’s neck hosel that gets you over the ball for better line of sight with a head weight of 345 grams and a lie angle of 70 degrees at address.
I feel this is one of the best blade putters of the year due to how this lighter putter performs in relation to its cost. The putter has an incredibly soft feel with the dual-milled face, helping you get the ball rolling smoothly forward without hopping or popping up.
There are not many bells and whistles here with this putter, such as tungsten sole weights or adjustable weights that alter balance. And that’s okay because you’ll forget about those features once you finally use this classically-designed putter.
For high handicappers and beginners, the Huntington Beach series remains one of the best entry-level putters. For the golfer that wants blade putters, the Soft #1 takes the prize for the most affordable high-performer in the series.
Wilson Staff Model BL22 Putter
Best Luxury Blade Putter
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Specs
- Head: Blade
- Loft: 3 degrees
- Length: 33-35 inches
- Head Weight: 350 grams
Pros
- Rivals the best Scotty Cameron putters in shape and feel
- Precision-milled face provides a smooth roll
- Terrific feel and balance on mid-range putts
Cons
- Most golfers would rather have Scotty Cameron putter at this higher price point
The Wilson Staff BL22 qualifies as one of the best-milled putters for 2023, offering a compact head shape that works well with the many golfers that prefer a slight arc for their individual putting stroke.
The BL22 features precision milling face technology, giving golfers a solid, consistent roll that stays on target from any distance. The BL22’s moderate toe hang allows you to utilize an arc stroke on the greens.
I have to be honest here, I wasn’t expecting much from the BL22 as it looks like a Scotty Cameron knockoff, but I must admit, the putter delivers an outstanding all-around experience on the golf course.
Whether I was putting from short, middle, or long distances, the BL22 produced a nice responsiveness at impact.
While I prefer a blade putter with heavy tungsten weights along the sole, the BL22’s weights provide a nice balance that keeps the putter steady while striking the ball.
The BL22 doesn’t carry a wide blade shape either, a nice feature if you are looking for more compact, traditional blade putters.
Made from soft 304 stainless steel that provides a pure, unmistakable feel on long-range putts, the BL22 is a great putter if you are looking for a Scotty Cameron alternative.
Odyssey White Hot OG 1 Putter
Best Value Blade Putter
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Specs
- Head: Blade
- Loft: 3 degrees
- Length: 33-35 inches
- Head Weight: 350 grams
Pros
- The insert delivers a premium feel and sound
- Milled surface offers reliability with exceptional consistency
- High-performance shaft helps stiffen the putter for an impressive feel
Cons
- The insert could be softer for experienced players
If you are looking for performance at a value to your wallet, may I direct your attention to the Odyssey White Hot OG One putter.
An easy best putter choice in the blade putters category, the White Hot OG One delivers a clean, crisp appearance with performance that matches.
I really loved the overall feel and responsiveness of this putter. The White Hot insert isn’t as soft as some inserts on this list, but after impact, the ball nicely finds its rhythm to help your putt stay along its intended path to the cup.
The White Hot OG One also comes equipped with Odyssey’s new Stroke Lab shaft. These new shafts provide a classic appearance with a soft feel. The Stroke Lab shaft puts this putter over the top when making the best blade putters 2023 list.
As you’d expect from an Odyssey putter, the milling along the face also delivers an excellent grip into the outer layer of the golf ball to start forward roll.
If you prefer a slight-arc putting stroke, the White Hot OG remains a good putter to use, especially if you are a mid-to-high handicapper wanting a quality putter that will last for many years.
Bettinardi BB-1 2022 Putter
Most Accurate Blade Putter for Low Handicappers
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Specs
- Head: Blade
- Loft: 3 degrees
- Length: 32-36 inches
- Head Weight: 350 grams
Pros
- Flymill face produces a soft, reliable feel
- Exceptional appearance with PVD finish
- Soft yet durable stainless steel body provides all-around solid performance
Cons
- BB-1 feels more compact than a standard blade putter
Bettinardi’s blade putters are among the best on the market, and their flagship blade-style putter, the BB-1, delivers outstanding putter benefits for your game.
With a high-grade PVD finish and Aggressive Flymill face milling, the BB-1 remains one of the best-looking pieces of golf equipment you can put in your golf bag.
On mid-range putts, I found the BB-1 offered consistent ball speed that keeps the ball rolling along your intended target line. On off-center strikes, the classic blade putter maintains speed while keeping the ball as close to your preferred path as possible.
Since I use a strong-arc stroke, the BB-1 responded beautifully with the right amount of toe hang to keep my face square as the putter moved back to the golf ball.
The putter feels incredibly well-made, something that most putter tests won’t convey when looking at just the raw numbers.
I’d recommend this putter for serious players, no matter their handicap, with high handicappers finding the most benefit if they are looking for an alternative to a mallet putter.
If you are looking for one of the best blade putters that provide a soft feel with top-tier craftsmanship, the BB-1 should rest atop your list for consideration.
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Specs
- Head: Blade
- Loft: 3 degrees
- Length: 34-35 inches
- Head Weight: 370 grams
Pros
- Sole weights provide exceptional balance
- Heavier weight offers more stability through the impact zone
- Forged feel delivers softness and touch on mid-range putts
Cons
- Would prefer more alignment guide with more contrast
The fine craftsmanship that Mizuno has built their reputation on with their irons moves to their putter line as the M-Craft OMI 1 delivers premium all-around performance with high-grade forgiveness and smooth, steady roll that you can depend upon.
Made from mild carbon steel, the OMI 1 offers impressive pure roll and distance control performance. The putter’s performance shines from various distances, including consistent distance on longer lag putts when making par is crucial to saving your scorecard.
From the moment I held the OMI 1 in my hands, I immediately fell in love with the design of this putter. It certainly takes a lot from Scotty Cameron, but what company doesn’t these days?
The OMI 1, however, is heavier than the most-popular Cameron models despite utilizing lighter weights along the sole. The adjustable weights create a nicely balanced feel, with the additional heft boosting MOI and stabilizing the head through the impact zone.
The higher price tag does create some pause because the cost rivals what Cameron and Bettinardi charge for their entry-level offerings. Also, my other complaint about the OMI 1 is cosmetic, as the alignment line doesn’t really have the contrast I like at address.
Overall, the M-Craft OMI 1 delivers the performance of a premium putter. For advanced players, the flatstick offers the look of a classic blade-style putter with a few unique features that translate to a better roll that stays along your target line.
S7K Standing Putter
Best Blade Putters for Beginners
Specs
- Head: Blade
- Loft: 3 degrees
- Length: 33-35 inches
- Head Weight: 365 grams
Pros
- Can stand on its own, allowing you to set your putt up and then check the line
- Excellent alignment tool keeps the putter online through the stroke
- Roll quality is off the charts with little bouncing due to the wide face and flat design
Cons
- Wider and larger than most blade putters
The S7K Standing Putter can stand on its own, allowing the golfer to get behind the ball and check to see if they are aligned to their target path.
Well worth a look, the S7K Standing Putter, is one of the coolest putters I’ve ever tested but the performance is what truly shines as the club is a hard worker on the greens that delivers excellent accuracy from any distance.
The putter does have a very low profile, but the milled face and large winged rear of the club give the S7K a punch that is great for improving mid handicappers that want an advanced putter.
The S7K is tournament legal, so you won’t have to worry about it becoming an artifact in your bag that collects dust during the most important playing days of the year.
But even with its legal status, the S7K isn’t for everyone as it is on the expensive side and may just be better suited to golfers that enjoy cutting edge equipment technology, such as low handicappers.
Wilson Harmonized Putter
Best Value Blade Putter for Beginners
Specs
- Head: Blade
- Loft: 3 degrees
- Length: 34 inches
- Head Weight: 355 grams
Pros
- Insert for solid contact with the ball at impact for improved quality of putts
- Well-balanced across the putter’s face for better roll and distance control
- Very responsive around the greens, great for long-distance lag putts where consistency matters
Cons
- Clunky body does offer stiff, uninviting feel at times
The Wilson Harmonized Putter has a busy appearance that certainly will scratch the itch of beginning golfers looking for a budget-friendly club for the green.
If there is something worthy of notice on the Harmonized, it certainly would be the soft insert on the face that improves feel and response with the golf ball at impact.
The putter itself is a bit blocky in form, but that translates to more energy and mass onto the ball for better roll and control.
At address, the Wilson Harmonized Putter does have a mashup of differing colors and alignment bars that certainly causes confusion at first glance.
If I had one big complaint about the Harmonized, it was that the look is too busy and I wish the club was quieter.
But that gripe aside, the putter performed admirably for our novice testers as they enjoyed the compact face and considerable punch the putter had on longer putts.
Competent on the greens without hurting your wallet, the Harmonized from Wilson is worth looking at if you are looking for an entry-level budget putter.
Pinemeadow Black Zinc
Best Blade Putters for Golfers on a Budget
Specs
- Head: Blade
- Loft: 3 degrees
- Length: 34 inches
- Head Weight: 340 grams
Pros
- Excellent feel off the long face with high-grade forgiveness
- Very low price point, great for golfers on a budget
- Lightweight feel, fantastic response on mid-range putts
Cons
- Cheaper quality, sacrifices material for the price
Another delightful option for beginning golfers and high handicappers looking to add a blade putter to their bag is the Pinemeadow Black Zinc. For less than the cost of a dozen golf balls, the Black Zinc is a machine on putts longer than 20 feet.
The top feature of the Pinemeadow flatstick is the lightweight feel and solid response created at impact. This putter instills confidence to golfers struggling with consistency.
During our testing, our high handicappers that needed help on lag putts from over 30 feet, also found more accuracy from the putter’s distance control.
The putter’s shaft is pleasantly sturdy throughout your putting stroke, a real positive for putts over 50 feet in length.
With most beginners fighting to find their rhythm with distance control, finding a putter to provide this level of even forward roll is a real benefit for your golf bag.
The alignment guide on the top of the head contrasts well with the black zinc finish. The face does not have an insert and the company has placed intersecting lines to denote the center for better accuracy.
Despite the face being smooth and lacking milling or an insert, the Pinemeadow Black Zinc offers a deft touch on the putting surface with beneficial accuracy.
Titleist Scotty Cameron Special Select Newport 2
Most Forgiving Blade Putter for Low Handicappers
Specs
- Head: Blade
- Loft: 3 degrees
- Length: 33-35 inches
- Head Weight: 345 grams
Pros
- Tour-level blade putter with first-rate precision milled face
- Terrific balance with two sole-positioned stationary weights
- Incredible touch from any distance on the putting surface
Cons
- Very expensive putter, but delivers premium quality and performance
When tour golfers are asked about the best putter on the market, the answer of Scotty Cameron is universally named.
Known for its exquisite feel, incredibly capable touch, and exceptional craftsmanship, Scotty Cameron putter delivers the feel, response, and control that advanced golfers want from their blade putter.
Their latest innovation, the Special Select Newport 2, provides players with a host of impressive features including sole-weighted balance, precision milling along the face, and a flat, narrow topline that offers a clean look at the golf ball.
The milled face remains the most popular feature of the Scotty Cameron putter, and here with the Special Select Newport 2 you will find the same swirling milled pattern that grips the golf ball creating the quick forward roll that all golfers desire.
From heel to toe, the milling, along with the dual stationary weighting, helps with forgiveness. On off-center strikes, the putter keeps the putt along the target line without losing speed, crucial for maintaining distance on longer lag efforts.
Along the sole of the putter, Scotty Cameron has added two stationary weights that anchor the flatstick through the impact zone. The company offers three different weights running from 30 to 40 grams.
Golfers that like heavier putters should choose the 40-gram option to help keep the putter low to the ground on the stroke.
For low handicappers looking for a first-rate blade putter, the Scotty Cameron Special Select Newport 2 offers the same model that PGA Tour professionals play throughout the season.
TaylorMade TP Hydro Blast Del Monte
Most Forgiving Blade Putter for High Handicappers
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Specs
- Head: Blade
- Loft: 3 degrees
- Length: 33-35 inches
- Head Weight: 355 grams
Pros
- Soft Surlyn insert delivers optimal roll
- Machine milling boosts forgiveness
- Adjustable sole weighting offers customization
Cons
- Less than stellar grip needs replacement
The Hydro Blast Del Monte #1 from TaylorMade offers another top-tier blade putter with a wide club head, providing exceptional balance throughout the stroke.
For me, the highlight here is the pure roll insert made from Surlyn. The soft insert gets the ball rolling quickly without hopping and losing speed.
The putter also offers 29° of toe hang, perfect for golfers that prefer a modified arc stroke. The balanced feel of the #1 makes sure you can return the face to the square position at impact without issue.
I wasn’t a huge fan of the stock grip from TaylorMade. I suggest changing it with one from SuperStroke that works best for your putting style and hand size.
Great for high handicappers due to its stability and size, the Del Monte #1 delivers solid all-around performance on the putting surface.
Odyssey White Hot OG Double Wide
Best Oversized Blade Putter for High Handicappers
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Specs
- Head: Blade
- Loft: 3 degrees
- Length: 33-35 inches
- Head Weight: 360 grams
Pros
- Elongated blade helps with alignment and stability
- Soft White Hot insert delivers softness and touch
- Exceptional distance control and forgiveness
Cons
- Not for fans of minimal blade-style putter
Odyssey has revived one of its most iconic putter lines with this White Hot OG Double Wide release. This extended blade-style putter combines that legendary White Hot feel with modern performance.
I really loved how the double bend shaft provides a direct line of sight to the ball for easy alignment. The white sightline contrasts against the sleek chrome PVD finish for accurate aim.
The wide perimeter weighting increases MOI for improved stability and forgiveness.
The responsive White Hot insert features innovative technology that enhances feel and control. The sound and feel of the putter deliver premium softness while still providing that crisp impact that golfers know and love from old-school White Hot putters.
Whether lining up 5-footers or lag putts, the Double Wide inspires confidence and helps dial in speed.
The White Hot OG Double Wide is a must-try for high handicappers seeking a premium blade putter.
PXG Battle Ready Dagger Plus
Best Value Putter for Mid Handicappers
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Specs
- Head: Blade
- Loft: 3 degrees
- Length: 33-35 inches
- Head Weight: 355-390 grams
Pros
- Outstanding modern appearance with deep milling
- Excellent alignment guide for better accuracy
- Two adjustable sole weights customizes feel
Cons
- Hitting area is not as soft as similar putters
PXG’s new Battle Ready Dagger Plus putter is about precision and performance. The high-tech design starts with a visionary thermoplastic elastomer face insert, providing an unbelievable combination of feel, roll, and consistency across the face.
Alignment is made easy thanks to the crisp white sightline and oversized black and red alignment aids accentuating the clean edges of the CNC-milled 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum head.
Weighting is positioned extremely low and wide to deliver a high MOI and very stable stroke. I found the sound, feel, and response delivered instant gratification with outstanding forgiveness on off-center strikes.
I can appreciate what PXG is doing with every detail of the Battle Ready Dagger Plus, as it is meticulously crafted to help golfers sink more putts. This truly well-made putter will give confident golfers an edge on the greens.
Odyssey Tri-Hot 5K Two
Best Blade Putter for Full Arc Stroke
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Specs
- Head: Blade
- Loft: 3 degrees
- Length: 33-35 inches
- Head Weight: 360 grams
Pros
- Great for full arc putting stroke styles with 50° of toe hang
- Expertly crafted with innovative weighting for better stability
- Complete face milling helps with forgiveness and forward roll
Cons
- Busy appearance lacks sophisticated design
Odyssey’s Tri-Hot 5K Two putter is an outstanding blade putter built for consistency and control.
The crisp angular shaping features Odyssey’s signature 3-point multi-material insert configuration. This tri-blend of materials, including White Hot for feel, stainless steel for roll, and black nickel for speed optimization, work together harmoniously.
Alignment is intuitive with the white sightline against the black club head, helping to draw your eyes right to the sweet spot. The heel-toe weighted head delivers a smooth arc stroke that produces impressive stability.
Off-center strikes stay on target and lose very little distance, thanks to Odyssey’s outstanding perimeter weighting design.
The Tri-Hot 5K Two provides the feedback, accuracy, and confidence I need in pressurized moments on slick greens.
Odyssey has a winner in this Tour-proven shape enhanced by their innovative multi-material insert technology. Any golfer that prefers a full arc putting stroke will benefit from the superb performance of the Tri-Hot 5K Two.
Evnroll ER2V Putter
Best Luxury Blade Putter for Low Handicappers
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Specs
- Head: Blade
- Loft: 3 degrees
- Length: 33-35 inches
- Head Weight: 380 grams
Pros
- Innovative design produces outstanding accuracy
- Minimizes wrist movement for more stability
- Wide sweet spot reduces hopping and skipping for better roll
Cons
- Bulky, large club head feels more like a mallet at times
The Evnroll ER2V is a technologically advanced blade putter designed to improve accuracy and consistency on the greens.
The defining feature of the ER2V is the wider heel and toe-weighted blade, which removes undesirable twisting on off-center strikes. The result is uniform roll and reduced distance loss, even on off-center strikes from the face.
Alignment is easy with the clean black sightline contrasting perfectly against the chrome club head at address. The high MOI head shape stays square through impact for improved directional stability.
Feel off the precision milled face is smooth yet responsive. I found the ER2V provides the performance and confidence I need in high-stakes situations. This putter really helped me eliminate distractions on the putting surface to help me better focus on the stroke.
Though futuristic in style, the simplicity of the Evnroll design shines through in the ER2V. Any golfer serious about sharpening their putting should give this impressive putter a roll.
Cobra King Vintage Sport-60 Putter
Most Accurate Blade Putter for Mid Handicappers
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Specs
- Head: Blade
- Loft: 3 degrees
- Length: 34, 35 inches
- Head Weight: 350 grams
Pros
- Impressive aluminum face insert delivers consistent roll
- Adjustable weighting offers a customized feel and responsiveness
- Exceptional alignment guide helps keep the ball on track to the cup
Cons
- Fans of hosel offset won’t like the Sport 60
Cobra’s King Vintage Sport-60 exudes timeless style and quality craftsmanship. The classic shape features clean, rounded edges that frame the ball beautifully at address.
Alignment is intuitive thanks to the slightly bent shaft and perpendicular sight lines. I found the steel construction gives a pure, responsive feel while the milled face provides consistent speed across the surface.
Though this putter looks like it was built in the 1970s, the performance is unmistakably modern. Perimeter weighting increases forgiveness to maintain distance control even on off-center impacts.
Whether you prefer vintage golf equipment or simply appreciate classic designs, the Sport-60 will reach your lofty standards. I can comfortably say its elegant styling and stable performance boosted my confidence on the greens.
Cleveland Golf Frontline Elite 8.0
Best Oversized Blade Putter for Mid Handicappers
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Specs
- Head: Blade
- Loft: 3 degrees
- Length: 34, 35 inches
- Head Weight: 350 grams
Pros
- Tungsten milled insert offers softness and finesse
- Adjustable sole weighting provides customized balance and feel
- Full face milling delivers excellent forgiveness on off-center strikes
Cons
- Elongated head shape may turn away golfers that want classic blade design
Cleveland’s Frontline Elite 8.0 offers adjustable counterbalance weighting to customize the feel and deliver a smooth roll.
Along the face, Cleveland gave the 8.0 a tungsten soft insert. I found the insert provides exceptional distance control from shorter distances to help you navigate break along the putting path.
The milling extends to both sides of the insert, helping to increase forgiveness.
Working best with a straight-back stroke, the enlarged blade of the Elite 8.0 keeps the head anchored throughout the takeaway. The head also features a high contrast large alignment line to maintain accuracy throughout the stroke.
An easy choice for the best oversized blade putter available to weekend warriors, the Frontline Elite 8.0 delivers impressive all-around performance.
Ping PLD Anser Putter
Best Luxury Blade Putter for Mid Handicappers
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Specs
- Head: Blade
- Loft: 3 degrees
- Length: 34, 35 inches
- Head Weight: 350 grams
Pros
- Soft stainless steel helps with touch and feel
- Aggressive milling along the face provides exceptional forward roll
- Terrific forgiveness on off-center strikes
Cons
- Exceptionally high price makes it exclusive to dedicated golfers
The PLD Anser, the preferred putter of multiple PGA Tour winner Viktor Hovland, offers a sophisticated blade shape with all the premium features you’d expect from an elite flatstick.
The putter’s aggressive milling helps increase touch and feel across the entire hitting area. The PLD Anser also provides exceptional forgiveness when you miss the center of the face.
Ping has overlooked nothing with this premium version of the Anser, delivering a putter that is unmistakably tour-level in every way.
My favorite feature of the PLD Anser is its appearance. I’d put the look and craftsmanship of the PLD Anser against anything Scotty Cameron offers to weekend warriors.
With the Ping putter, you can expect a tour-level flatstick with superb distance control and an out-of-this-world feel.
Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Blade Putters
Feel
The feel of a putter is all about how it rests in your hands. You make ask yourself:
- Does it feel heavy?
- Is it balanced?
- Does the ball come off the face fast or slow?
The answers to each of those questions are part of the ultimate decision about how the putter responds to your skillset.
For experienced golfers, the feel of a blade putter is everything, instilling confidence or distrust of the club.
One of the big reasons why low handicappers prefer blade putters is because they can control the club in a variety of ways that is much easier than dealing with mallet putters.
In the end, gauging the feel of blade putters is critically important to how it eventually performs.
Forgiveness
The forgiveness of a putter is essential for golfers, especially for those inexperienced or high handicap golfers who need help from all their clubs to keep the ball straight and with tempo.
For beginning golfers, the forgiveness of a putter is primarily related to how the club responds when the ball drifts toward the toe.
When golfers hear forgiveness with regards to a putter, it isn’t the same as with an iron as that club is trying to reduce side spin to avoid wayward shots.
For a blade putter, forgiveness is about off-center strikes of the golf ball that lose accuracy and speed, two errors that can cause a putt to drift offline or fall short of the cup.
Roll Quality
An absolutely essential element to a putter is the roll quality, meaning how the ball comes off the face and begins to move forward.
For some less quality putters, the ball will tend to bounce upward after impact, causing the ball to go offline and dramatically reducing the speed of the putt immediately.
The best ones on the market are wonderfully adept at getting the ball to stay down against the surface, rolling forward without the shot-killing bounce and hopping that derails so many putts.
One of the biggest areas on the putter that determines the roll quality of the stroke is with the milling of the clubface.
Most modern putters provide some type of insert or milling that helps reduce bouncing and allows the golf ball to smoothly roll along the target line.
Balance
The balance of a putter is related to its feel in that the golfer wants to know that the club isn’t twisting during the stroke due to a poorly weighted club that has either promotes a closed or open clubface at impact.
The two areas greatly affected by the balance of a putter are the hosel and toe of the club. If the putter isn’t well-balanced, then the golfer will feel the club either push or pull their putts with a consistency that can hurt their scoring on the greens.
A well-balanced putter stays level throughout the putting stroke, allowing the golfer to feel that control that allows them to roll their putts directly on the target line for better accuracy and fewer strokes on the green.
Value
The value of blade putters is not just about money but the quality of the club in relation to its price point.
For low handicappers looking to shave those last few strokes to become a scratch golfer, finding a putter that is well-crafted will certainly come at a steep price, but one they may be willing to pay to achieve the best scores of their life.
Beginning golfers will find several great values throughout this list to locate a club that can help steady their game on the green without having to empty their wallet.
Ultimately, the value of a putter must be judged on its performance versus the cost to the golfer. For those golfers looking to make huge strides in their game, the price may just be worth the cost.
Most well-made blade putters can be purchased at a price point from $100-150. There are luxury putters, such as the Scotty Cameron line, that comes with a price tag that runs around $350.
Since every golfer will have their own budget to follow, the best blade putters for them will be a mix of value and price. Our selection, the S7K, offers a solid and affordable price point for the performance it delivers.
Face Technology
The face technology of a blade putter can refer to face balance, milling, or shape.
Balancing appears to be the latest innovation that equipment manufacturers appear to be highlighting for the best blade putters.
Putters can either have toe hang, where the putter’s toe dips down to help get the face square with arc strokes, or have balance, that works best for straight-back, straight-through strokes.
With milling, the face is made with texture to give the surface a rugged appearance. But the texture creates grip and friction against the surface of the golf ball to reduce bouncing after impact, and instead, get the ball rolling immediately.
Grip Style
There are two grip styles that the best blade putters utilize most often; pistol and oversized grips.
An oversized grip is the most popular on tour. The grip has a large flat front that helps golfers keep the putter square during the stroke. The oversized grip can help amateurs who love using a straight-back and straight-forward stroke while putting.
Another grip, the pistol, offers a more ergonomic feel with a smaller size, great for golfers with smaller hands that have trouble controlling and holding the oversized grip.
Hosel
The hosel of a blade putter establishes the shape and sightline to the golf ball. There are several types of hosel options for blade putters, but the most popular are plumber-neck and flare-tip.
While some blade putters have no hosel and the shaft goes directly into the putter’s head, the plumber-neck hosel utilizes a meeting point above the face to increase the sightline and create offset.
A flare-tip hosel connects at a lower point when compared to the plumber-neck, but enough above the face to offer slightly less offset with more toe hang.
Check our detailed guide: How to Choose a Putter
Conclusion
Ping’s delightful Anser putter delivers the best all-around performance for a blade putter this year. The new model offers a conventional shape transformed by its precision milling, giving golfers a softness that helps with short and mid-range putts.
The high-contrast alignment guide also helps you find the center of the face to strike accurately on every stroke. The Anser’s premium shaft also provides a stiffer feel that solidifies the putter at address and on your follow-through.
Considering the price of the elite blade putters on the market, Ping continues to offer the Anser at a discount, making it a great value for any level of golfer.
We also recommend you check our guide on How to Improve Your Putting.