Best Mallet Putters 2024 (Our Top 15 Picks)

Your golf experts: Jordan Fuller & John Marshall.
Updated March 12, 2024. This article was thoroughly audited by multiple golf experts and coaches for its accuracy. You can read more about our rigorous testing protocol here.

Putting is about trust.

When you are on the green, you need to have faith in the line you take for the putt, confidence in the speed you need to get the ball to the cup, but you need to believe that your putter is up for the task at hand.

We’ve taken the time to find tens of models across all levels of price points, to discover the best mallet putters that can help improve your putting while possibly saving you a little money to take your talents to the course you’ve always dreamed of playing.

Sources researched
16
Sources researched
Customer reviews
12,784
Customer reviews
Hours spent testing
27
Hours spent testing
Products tested
15
Products tested
Product Name
Best All-Around Mallet Putter
Best Mallet for Low Handicappers
Most Forgiving Mallet
Our Ranking
Ranked #1
Ranked #2
Ranked #3
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BETTINARDI QB11 Ver. 2 34 Golf Putter 2023 Model Men's 34
2022 Evnroll ER11vx High MOI Mallet Putter RH Inline Short Slant 34 Gravity Black
Our Grade
Rating 99 / 100
Rating 96 / 100
Rating 95 / 100
Feature 1
Head: Mallet
Head: Mallet
Head: Mallet
Feature 2
Loft: 3 degrees
Loft: 3 degrees
Loft: 4 degrees
3
Length: 33-36 inches
Length: 33-35 inches
Length: 33-35 inches
4
Head Weight: 355 grams
Head Weight: 362 grams
Head Weight: 380 grams
Best All-Around Mallet Putter
Product Name
Our Ranking
Ranked #1
Thumbnail
Our Grade
Rating 99 / 100
Feature 1
Head: Mallet
Feature 2
Loft: 3 degrees
3
Length: 33-36 inches
4
Head Weight: 355 grams
Custom Button
Best Mallet for Low Handicappers
Product Name
Our Ranking
Ranked #2
Thumbnail
BETTINARDI QB11 Ver. 2 34 Golf Putter 2023 Model Men's 34
Our Grade
Rating 96 / 100
Feature 1
Head: Mallet
Feature 2
Loft: 3 degrees
3
Length: 33-35 inches
4
Head Weight: 362 grams
Custom Button
Most Forgiving Mallet
Product Name
Our Ranking
Ranked #3
Thumbnail
2022 Evnroll ER11vx High MOI Mallet Putter RH Inline Short Slant 34 Gravity Black
Our Grade
Rating 95 / 100
Feature 1
Head: Mallet
Feature 2
Loft: 4 degrees
3
Length: 33-35 inches
4
Head Weight: 380 grams
Custom Button

Last updated on 2024-03-17. The links are affiliate links. Product images are served from Amazon Product Advertising API.

Best Mallet Putters 2024

Ping 2023 Mundy Putter

Best All-Around Mallet Putter

Ping Mundy Putter

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Specifications

  • Head: Mallet
  • Loft: 3 degrees
  • Length: 33-36 inches
  • Head Weight: 355 grams

Pros

  • PEBAX insert offers a smooth roll with softness
  • Big alignment guide helps with visualization
  • Outstanding balance provides forgiveness

Cons

  • Oversized head can be too much for inexperienced golfers

Ping’s Mundy mallet putter offers an oversized head with a wide alignment guide that keeps your putts along the target line. Also, the feel the Mundy provides is first-rate, with outstanding responsiveness.

Regarding the PEBAX insert, I must first say it’s relatively small along the face. So, to maximize feel and roll, you must hit the center of the face. The face isn’t very wide, so I found that hitting the insert wasn’t too difficult.

I liked the alignment guide along the top of the head. The longer head offers a nice visualization guide and helps you maintain a solid balance that stays true throughout the stroke.

Great for mid and high handicappers, the Mundy’s size might be intimidating at first glance, but if you are a fan of mallet putters, you’ll love the consistency and control of this model.

Recommended: Best Ping Putters (A Buying Guide)


Bettinardi Queen B 11 Putter

Best Mallet Putter for Low Handicappers

BETTINARDI QB11 Ver. 2 34 Golf Putter 2023 Model Men's 34
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Specifications

  • Head: Mallet
  • Loft: 3 degrees
  • Length: 33-35 inches
  • Head Weight: 362 grams

Pros

  • Gorgeous Rose Gold PVD offers an impressive appearance
  • Premium face milling offers a responsive feel
  • Dynamic feel with exceptional distance control

Cons

  • Toe hang means ideal for only arc stroke

The Queen B 11 is easily one of the best mallet putters on the market, as it offers many luxury features that deliver exceptional distance control with outstanding forgiveness.

Featuring Bettinardi’s innovative Rose Gold PVD finish, the Queen B 11 has a first-rate, tour-level appearance that looks great in a golf bag.

Regarding performance, the Queen B 11 delivers superb distance control with exceptional accuracy from mid-range distances. On longer lag putts, I found the mallet offers outstanding accuracy and forgiveness on off-center strikes. 

Regarding forward roll, the honeycomb-shaped face milling helps deliver an outstanding feel that promotes quick rotation without the skipping and bouncing that plagues ball speed.

Ideal for serious golfers looking for a luxury putter that looks great and plays even better, the Queen B 11 offers style and charm.


Zebra AIT 1 Putter

Best Mallet Putter for High Handicappers

Zebra Golf AIT1 Golf Mallet Putter, Right Hand, 34'
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Specifications

  • Head: Mallet
  • Loft: 3 degrees
  • Length: 33-35 inches
  • Head Weight: 355 grams

Pros

  • Modern update on a classically designed mallet putter
  • Long alignment line keeps the putter centered at impact
  • High MOI with dual sole weights for better balance

Cons

  • Doesn’t impress like most modern mallet putters

The Zebra AIT 1 putter stands out from the crowd with its unique zebra pattern sole design. But more than just stylish, this mallet delivers exceptional consistency on the greens. 

The 100% milled carbon steel head has a soft yet solid feel at impact, providing feedback without harsh vibrations. 

The clean lines, semi-circular shape, and T-style alignment line frame the ball perfectly at address for easy alignment.

The head weighs in at 365g with a heavier toe hang balance. This promotes an arc-ing stroke path ideal for golfers with a straight back, straight through stroke. 

Twin 15g weights in the sole boost the MOI to minimize distance loss on mishits. Even off-center hits stay online, thanks to the high-MOI design. 

The unique zebra pattern is more than just a marketing gimmick; it reduces glare for improved focus. For golfers seeking confidence in a mallet with modern tech and timeless style, the Zebra AIT 1 is a winner.


Cleveland Frontline Elevado Putter

Best Value Mallet Putter for Beginners

Cleveland Golf Frontline Putter Elevado Single Bend34'LH
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Specifications

  • Head: Mallet
  • Loft: 3 degrees
  • Length: 33-35 inches
  • Head Weight: 370 grams

Pros

  • Delivers smooth roll with Cleveland’s Speed Optimized Face Technology
  • Two forward weights move CG up for less bouncing
  • Exceptional balance with superb distance control

Cons

  • Looks also like a tool rather than a putter

The Cleveland Golf Frontline Elevado combines alignment aids with a high MOI design for incredible accuracy on the greens. 

The Elevado offers added stability without sacrificing feel. The clean edges and semi-circular rear shape frame the ball beautifully, while the high-contrast sightlines make alignment effortless. 

The face features well-spaced milled grooves along the insert, enhancing roll for consistent speed control. The precision-milled 304 stainless steel provides outstanding feedback and feel at impact. 

Twin tungsten weights positioned along the corners of the face significantly raise MOI to minimize distance loss on mishits. Even off-center strikes stay online, thanks to the high-MOI design. 

From its pingy, responsive feel to easy alignment and forgiving performance, the Frontline Elevado delivers the total package. It’s an excellent choice for golfers seeking a mallet for straight-back strokes with an exceptional feel and unmatched consistency across the face.


Odyssey White Hot OG #7 Nano Putter

Best Mallet Putter for Mid Handicappers

Odyssey Golf White Hot OG Putter (Right-Handed, Seven, Steel, 34')
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Specifications

  • Head: Mallet
  • Loft: 3 degrees
  • Length: 33-35 inches
  • Head Weight: 355 grams

Pros

  • White Hot insert offers softness and a pure feel
  • Complete milled finish offers a premium appearance
  • Exceptional alignment guide helps visualize the putt

Cons

  • Bulky club head with a unique shape

Odyssey’s innovative White Hot OG #7 Nano putter offers solid across-the-board performance for any level of golfer.

Featuring a unique visualization alignment guide, this mallet putter has long delivered smooth consistency on the PGA Tour and across golfing clubs all over America and the world.

The putter’s White Hot insert continues to dazzle. Made from urethane, the insert delivers a softness to your putting that helps when dealing with significant side-to-side breaks.

I love the visualization assistance the Nano gives me on the putting surface. After lining up the putt, you can utilize the putter’s alignment guide to ensure you are on the right line. The putter’s heft also helps keep the face square through impact.

An outstanding choice for mid and high handicappers that love a solid mallet putter, the Odyssey White Hot OG #7 Nano continues to perform well for amateurs and professionals alike. 


Scotty Cameron Phantom X 12 2022 Putter

Best Luxury Mallet Putter

TITLEIST 2022 Phantom X 12 Length: 34 in Product Number: 742RJ34J Right Hand Silver
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Specifications

  • Head: Mallet
  • Loft: 3 degrees
  • Length: 33-35 inches
  • Head Weight: 375 grams

Pros

  • Impeccable craftsmanship with precise milled face
  • Dual sole weights improve balance and stroke speed
  • Wide alignment guide helps with visualization

Cons

  • Carries stiff price point for casual golfers

Precision and performance blend seamlessly in the Scotty Cameron Phantom X 12. 

This wingback mallet putter delivers the alignment and stability benefits of a mallet with Scotty’s renowned craftsmanship. The tour-inspired shape features clean, rounded edges and contours for a refined look. 

The three-point system along the top of the putter head enhances alignment with two long sightlines framing the face and a center line on the flange. In addition, the deep face milling provides an exceptional feel and touch from long distances. 

Milled from 303 stainless steel, the Phantom X 12 provides that unmistakable Scotty sound and responsive feel. Weights in the wings and perimeter increase MOI to minimize distance loss on mishits. Toe and face balanced, this mallet excels on straight and arcing strokes. 

From the Tour-validated shape to the precisely milled face, the Phantom X 12 bears Scotty Cameron’s signature quality through and through. It’s a premium mallet putter worthy of a spot in every golfer’s bag.


Wilson Staff Model TM22 Putter

Most Forgiving Mallet Putter

Wilson Staff Model TM22 Putter - Right Hand, 33'
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Specifications

  • Head: Mallet
  • Loft: 3 degrees
  • Length: 34, 35 inches
  • Head Weight: 355 grams

Pros

  • Classically designed, looks great in the golf bag
  • Dual sole weights offer balance and distance control
  • Very forgiving with a wide sweet spot

Cons

  • Alignment guide and head shape are unique

Wilson’s Staff Model TM22 combines classic styling with modern technology for superior alignment and accuracy on the greens. 

The clean plumbing neck hosel and minimal offset inspire confidence at address. The stepped steel shaft blends seamlessly into the soft 303 stainless head for an excellent feel and feedback. 

Another worthwhile feature comes with the classic deeply milled face. Providing optimal roll and control, the TM22 maintains high MOI through the impact zone with exceptional feel and touch due to the milled face.

The unique alignment system ensures the putter face stays square and on path during the stroke. Low handicappers will also appreciate the two sole weights that can be adjusted to fine-tune swing weight and feel. 

From its precision-milled face to its contrasting alignment guide, the TM22 delivers aesthetics, alignment, and performance on all fronts. It’s a solid mallet option suitable for any golfer seeking alignment aids without frills.


Cleveland HB Soft Milled Putter

Most Accurate Mallet Putter

HB Soft Milled #10.5 Slant 34' FG RH
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Specifications

  • Head: Mallet
  • Loft: 3 degrees
  • Length: 34, 35 inches
  • Head Weight: 365 grams

Pros

  • Very accurate with a wide alignment guide
  • Soft milling offers total distance control
  • Short slant neck helps with consistency

Cons

  • Lack of insert does hamper feel on shorter putts

Cleveland’s iconic #10.5 slant neck putter gets a premium upgrade with the HB Soft Milled edition. 

At address, the clean lines, high toe hang, and plumber’s neck hosel ooze confidence behind the ball. The milled 304 stainless steel provides a soft feel at impact for excellent feedback. 

The milling pattern on the face increases friction for forward roll and consistency. The copper infusion into the soft 304 steel places more weight on the perimeter for a higher MOI and enhanced stability. Miss-hits stay on target thanks to the high-MOI design. 

The pistol grip promotes a light hold and proper hand placement under the shaft. Alignment is easy with the bold sightline running laterally across the flange. Golfers who favor an arc putting stroke will benefit most from the toe hang and offset hosel. 

With a responsive feel, forgiveness, and timeless shape, the HB Soft Milled #10.5 delivers exceptional performance in a classic plumber’s neck package. It’s a superb value for golfers seeking tradition blended with innovation.


Evnroll ER11vx Putter

Most Forgiving Mallet Putter for Low Handicappers

2022 Evnroll ER11vx High MOI Mallet Putter RH Inline Short Slant 34 Gravity Black
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Specifications

  • Head: Mallet
  • Loft: 4 degrees
  • Length: 33-35 inches
  • Head Weight: 380 grams

Pros

  • Pure, consistent roll with plenty of forgiveness
  • Clean alignment line along the top of the head
  • Exceptional balance helps stabilize the putter throughout the stroke

Cons

  • Rather large shape, even for a mallet

The EVNRoll ER11vx exudes a clean, high-end aesthetic with its sleek, matte black finish and precisely milled face. As a mid-mallet design, this putter offers increased stability and alignment compared to a blade-style flatstick. 

The semi-circular shape frames the ball beautifully at address. The standout feature is the MidLock technology – two 20g tungsten weights embedded in the sole – which raises the MOI for incredible forgiveness on mis-hits. 

Even off-center strikes stay online, thanks to the mid-hang balance point provided by the weights. The sound and feel are unmatched; the copolymer insert produces a buttery yet resonant “pop” after contact. 

Combined with the dynamic loft technology in the milling pattern, the ER11vx delivers incredible accuracy and consistency. The head weight, balance, and alignment make it easy to get the ball rolling end-over-end on the line you intend. 

Golfers of all skill levels would benefit from the ER11vx’s high-MOI design and pure roll. It’s a top contender for your next mallet purchase.


Wilson Staff Harmonized Putter

Versatile Mallet Putter for High Handicappers

Wilson Harmonized M5 Golf Putter Jumbo - Men's, Right Hand, 34'
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Pros

  • Face insert improves feel upon impact and assists with better accuracy
  • Offset hosel helps give the golfer a cleaner look at golf ball
  • Long flared clubhead gives heft for better balance and stability

Cons

  • The lack of a soft insert does hamper feel and response at times

The Wilson Staff Harmonized Putter is another budget mallet putter that features a polymer injected insert, a vertical seam grip that helps with feel and response, and an easy alignment design that helps with accuracy.

One of the cooler features we’ve seen in the best mallet putters at this price point is the vertical seam grip that enhances the golfer’s feel over the flatstick.

Rather than the popular bulky putter grip that you see becoming increasingly popular these days, the Harmonized has a grip that allows for improved tension throughout the stroke.

The flared rear of the sole creates a balanced head that is evenly weighted and produces putting that is often controlled and dependable.

Once we got the putter to the course, we were a bit disappointed with the softness of the insert. The polymer tended to register differing speeds and distances at times instead of softness, like with other budget and best mallet putters on this list.

For high handicappers searching for a versatile mallet putter that is well designed and provides an accurate roll, the Wilson Harmonized Putter is a solid entry-level club that will improve your game on the greens.


Odyssey White Hot OG Putter

Best Mallet Putter for Golfers on a Budget

Odyssey Golf White Hot OG Putter (Right-Handed, 2 Ball, Steel, 35') , Silver
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Specifications

  • Head: Mallet
  • Loft: 3 degrees
  • Length: 33-35 inches
  • Head Weight: 355 grams

Pros

  • Excellent White Hot insert provides touch and feel
  • Milled surface finish looks great on the course
  • Outstanding high-contrast alignment guides offer visualization

Cons

  • Insert can be too soft on longer lag putts

For the mallet putters in the set, including a well-made 2-ball and several other delightful large-headed flatsticks, the White Hot OG lends itself very well to low handicappers looking to improve their accuracy and forward roll.

First off, the putter’s silver PVD finish is a jaw-dropper. These mallet putters are innovatively designed and exquisitely crafted. The putter’s stainless steel shaft contrasts nicely with the silver PVD finish, making the OG one of the sharpest-looking putters on the market today.

The OG performs as you expect from a luxury Odyssey putter on the green. The forward roll is smooth, the feel and response are first-rate, and the insert offers a softness that increases control.

From moderate distances, say 15-30 feet, the two-part urethane insert delivers consistent contact that boosts confidence. The accuracy with this mallet putter is off the charts.

On putt after putt, we found the White Hot OG kept the ball along the target line with enough speed to get to the cup.

The putter’s balance is also worth noting because some mallet putters can feel imbalanced toward the face, but the White Hot OG doesn’t suffer from that issue.

For golfers that like a straight-back, straight-through putting stroke, the OG works wonders as the putter remains smooth throughout the process.

The Odyssey White Hot OG is a fantastic luxury putter well worth its price. It is a significant step forward for the popular company.


Ray Cook SR500 Putter

Solid Mallet Putter for High Handicappers

Ray Cook Golf Silver Ray SR500 Putter
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Pros

  • Nicely balanced despite the size of the mallet putter
  • Clear alignment tool makes finding the center of the face easy
  • Soft grip works well to enhance stability and distance control

Cons

  • Designed like TaylorMade Spider putter without the performance or quality

The Ray Cook SR500 Putter may look a little familiar at first glance as it is a direct rip-off of the design of the TaylorMade Spider line.

Putting that disappointment aside, this best mallet putter does have a few excellent features, such as the balance of the head, the soft grip that helps golfers establish stability, and the contrast of the alignment tool that helps find the center of the face.

During our time with SR500, we found the roll quality a bit clunky with too much skidding.

This problem has more to do with the lack of a soft insert that allows the putter to absorb the impact while reducing the bouncing that plagues cheaper putters.

Our biggest beef with this Ray Cook model is that it is trying too hard to be a cheaper version of the Spider but without the quality or performance of that particular model.

Although we noted earlier that the balance is solid with this putter, it still leans a bit on the heavy side, making it hard to gauge when first handling on the green.

Although the putter is inexpensive, you do get what you pay for, as the Ray Cook SR500 is a solid option for high handicappers that want a bulky putter without the high price tag.


TaylorMade Spider X Putter

Best Adjustable Mallet Putter for Low Handicappers

TaylorMade Golf Spider X Putter #3 Righthanded 35 Inch
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Pros

  • Rear weighting allows golfers to create a smooth stroke
  • Wide alignment stripe on top of the head allow for consistent strikes
  • Heavier putter head promotes stability throughout the stroke

Cons

  • Expensive putter that probably is best suited for low handicappers looking to improve their game on the green

This mallet putter is a flatstick that offers more adjustable features than you’ll ever see on a mallet. The X line of putters is TaylorMade’s luxury model line and one that professional golfers on the PGA Tour routinely play.

You see this putter on television on Sunday because it delivers an exceptionally well-made alignment tool called True Path, forgiveness that helps keep the ball on the target line, and stability that provides quality contact on each putt.

The X design of the putter isn’t just for looks, as it provides more reliability and better alignment with the perimeter-weighted head. On top of the head is the True Path alignment line, which makes it simple to align your putt for improved accuracy.

The Pure Roll insert on the face is grooved to help with absorption at impact and increase the topspin after the ball starts moving forward.

From various distances, we were delighted at the Spider X’s performance as the ability to control the speed of the putting is second to none.

It doesn’t get much better for low handicappers than playing with a professional putter like this one.


Odyssey DFX Rossie Putter

Most Accurate Mallet for Mid Handicappers

Odyssey Golf DFX Putter(Right-Handed, Rossie, Pistol Grip, 33)
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Specifications

  • Head: Mallet
  • Loft: 3 degrees
  • Length: 33-35 inches
  • Head Weight: 365 grams

Pros

  • Incredibly soft insert helps distance control
  • Sleek, all-black putter head looks great in the bag
  • High contrast alignment lines keep the ball on path

Cons

  • Doesn’t have the dazzle of most modern putters

Odyssey’s DFX Rossie Putter offers a half-moon shape with a high-contrast alignment guide that gets your ball rolling straight for the target. 

The highlight of the DFX Rossie is the soft insert along the putter face. Odyssey claims that the inserts used with the DFX line are softer than their popular White Hot insert, and after a couple of hours with the Rossie on the practice green, I think they are right.

The ball doesn’t jump off the face. Instead, the insert offers a cushion, helping increase feel and response after each stroke. I found that the DFX Rossie did not cause skidding or bouncing after impact. The roll remains relatively smooth after dozens of putts.

Another feature I enjoyed during my testing was the matte black finish. As you stand over a putt, the Rossie utilizes wide white lines against the black backdrop to help you center your club face directly behind the golf ball.

On putt after putt, I found that the alignment guide kept me centered and hit more putts along the target line.

I’d recommend this putter for high handicappers specifically because it provides an excellent tool for learning why distance control is an important skill to build in their game.

If you are looking for a mallet putter, regardless of your skill level, the Odyssey DFX Rossie provides a solid value for your wallet, and its performance will not disappoint.


Cleveland Huntington Beach #11 Soft Putter

Most Forgiving Mallet for Mid Handicappers

Cleveland Golf HB Soft #11 Single 35' OS, Satin, Huntington Beach Soft
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Specifications

  • Head: Mallet
  • Loft: 3 degrees
  • Length: 34, 35 inches
  • Head Weight: 365 grams

Pros

  • Large alignment guide provides excellent accuracy
  • Milled face delivers a very soft feel on short putts
  • Outstanding balance helps keep the face square at impact

Cons

  • Forked head offers a unique, somewhat distracting appearance

Cleveland is well known for creating the best wedges, but did you know that they are also one of the best mallet putters on the market today?

Their Huntington Beach line was very well received, and their #11 SOFT mallet putter is one of the best around if you are interested in a center connection with the shaft.

The best feature of #11 is the milling of the putter’s face. The unique swirling design of the precision milling on the face promotes a feeling that few other mallet putters can rival.

If you look even closer at the face, you can tell that the center has been designated with additional milling to give the center even more grip.

The center of gravity has been redistributed in the Cleveland mallet putter to assist the golfer’s feel and stability throughout the stroke. The innovation helps golfers keep their putts straighter and far more consistent than imbalanced mallet putters.

Distance control is another area where the Huntington Beach putter really excels.

From long-distance putts over 30 feet or more, mallet putters are very adept at dialing in the right speed and providing a consistency that makes it one of the best mallet putters on the market for low handicappers.


Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Mallet Putters

Value

When we talk about the value of the putter, we are referring specifically to its performance against the cost of the club.

Well-known golf equipment companies are known to charge far more than smaller companies, but many golfers ask themselves if the additional cost is worth it in the long term.

Most of the time, the answer isn’t black or white. Golfers respond differently to mallet putters. Some love the weight and control of mallet putters, while other amateurs love the feel of a blade model.

Although value is in the eye of the beholder, or golfer in this instance, we’ll give you our best judgment on what the putter offers to you on the course.

Appearance

Although you may scoff at the notion that appearance isn’t that big of a deal when talking about a putter, we can assure you that everything noted here feeds back into the confidence and trust that you have in your flatstick.

If a putter is oddly shaped or has a different look, that certainly can become distracting and ultimately lead to a club you lose faith in on the green.

So when we take a look at the appearance of a putter, we want to note how it looks at the address and in your bag. The better the appearance, the more belief you’ll have when you need to sink that important putt.

Roll Quality

This criterion is one of the most important criteria we’ll judge when looking at mallet putters. The roll quality is vital to getting the ball along the target line with minimal skidding and hopping.

Golfers want to get the ball off the clubface and begin the roll forward as soon as possible. If you were to look at a slow-motion video of the point where the ball comes off the face, you’d notice that it skids and hops before it rolls forward.

Bad mallet putters will enhance this deficiency, while first-rate putters will reduce the ill effects to provide a more pure roll that you can count on when faced with a crucial putt.

Feel

The feel of a putter is another factor that feeds into the assurances and reliance that you’ll have with the flatstick. So many books talk about how golf is very much a mental game.

That goes double with putting, and knowing that your putter is well-constructed and can get the job done to lower your scores is an advantage most golfers do not possess.

When we discuss feel in our reviews, we talk about everything that happens after your hands first touch the putter.

From the first grip to how the ball comes off the clubface, feel is involved in every aspect of how the putter responds and, ultimately, how much conviction you have with the club on the course.

Forgiveness

We all understand that every shot we hit will not be perfect.

Like an iron shot or drive that finds the face of the club more towards the toe and loses accuracy and distance, anything hit away from the center of the clubface of the putter can also cause you to lose speed and your target line.

But all mallet putters are not built the same when it comes to forgiveness. When looking at these specific criteria, we want to put the putter through a test that sees how the club responds when the putts are not hit with the club’s center.

Length

The standard length of a putter runs anywhere from 34-36 inches. While there are exceptions to this rule, and golfers use much longer putters, especially on the PGA Tour, most putters off the shelf will match this length.

A longer shaft helps prevent hunching over the golf ball at address for taller golfers.

Loft

The loft of a mallet putter’s face is roughly 3-4 degrees. The putter does not need much loft to create a forward roll of the golf ball. If the face had more loft than the 3-4 degrees, putts would bounce with more frequency, causing the roll to go off-line.

One of the worst things that happen on a putt is when the golf ball bounces after impact. So putters have a low loft to minimize the skidding and bouncing to keep the ball along the target line with forward roll to reduce the bouncing.

Check our detailed guide: How to Choose a Putter


Questions & Answers

What makes the best mallet putters?

Head Shape

Putter heads usually come in one of two options: blade-style or mallet-style. A blade is perfect for the golfer looking for more control with their putting stroke. Mallets are more balanced, heavier, and ideal for the straight-back and straight-through swing.

Length of Shaft

Finding the perfect length of a putter shaft is crucial for maintaining a consistent putting stroke.

If you buy one that is too long, it could create problems with the shortening of your arms. Shafts that are too small have the opposite effect of reaching with the arms through the putt.

Putter Grip

Finding the right putter grip is generally about finding the grip that fits your hands.

Larger hands with long fingers seem to like the thick SuperStroke grip that helps prevent twisting through the stroke. Smaller hands should seek the thinner, more traditional putting grip for stability.

Hosel

The location of the hosel can be significant for a golfer looking to improve their putting game. Most blade putters have the hosel located to the inside of the club, closer to the golfer’s body.

Some mallets, however, located the hosel in the center of the club head to improve the contract and location of the contact.

Materials Used

Carbon steel is commonly chosen as the best material for a putter head.

Coupled with face inserts that are milled and created from softer compounds, the head of a high-quality putter will be balanced and prevent the skidding of a golf ball for truer roll and more online putts.

What are the different putting strokes?

Straight Back Straight Through

The straight-back and straight-through putting strokes are made when the golfer brings the putter back on a straight line and then moves the putter forward on the same line to the golf ball.

The center of the putter face and the contact spot on the golf ball are aligned with this stroke.

Arc Stroke

An arc-stroke is made when the golfer brings the putter inside the golf ball on the takeaway, then returns the putter to the center of the golf ball on the follow-through.

Most golfers use blade putters for this stroke as they are toe balanced and therefore, easier to control for the arc-stroke.

Inside Down the Line

The inside-down-the-line stroke is a variation of both the arc and the straight back-straight through the stroke.

On the takeaway, the putter moves slightly inside the golf ball, then comes back online and stays online through the putting stroke. For shorter putts, the inside-down stroke has gained popularity due to its improvement in accuracy.

Should my putter be face balanced vs. toe balanced?

A face-balanced putter is manufactured to make it hard for the golfer to twist the clubface through the putting stroke.

By preventing the opening or closing of the club face, the golfer can keep the putter on the path by taking the putter straight-back and straight-through the golf ball.

Mallet putters are typically face balanced to aid the golfer in keeping their putts on the correct putting line.

A toe-balanced putter is preferred for golfers who like to make an arc-style stroke.

To help you understand the path of an arc stroke, imagine that you are standing over the golf ball and the point of impact is the peak of a very wide yet shallow arch.

The center of the putter face will come inside the golf ball on the backswing and then return to the square position when contact is made.

Professional golfers prefer the arc method with their putts because it allows more control. Many find the straight-back and straight-through method to be less forgiving and void of considering what works best for the golfer.

One of the main things that amateurs overlook when buying a putter is to consider how the specifications of the club will affect their swing.

Putters are offered in a variety of heights, weights, and lofts. The amateur must consider those factors when settling on the putter that is right for them.

Should I use a mallet or a blade putter?

Golfers looking to improve their putting have typically settled on choosing between a mallet and a blade putter.

When you closely look at both versions, there are many similarities despite the difference in shape.

The face of both putters is short in height, and the majority of the best mallet putters have a hosel located on the inside of the club, close to the golfer’s body, like blade putters.

The differences between the two clubs start with the shape of the putter heads. Mallet putters have heads that are typically square or block-like in style.

Newer mallet putters have taken on a new dimension with a stylish flared look. In contrast, blade putters are long and thin, much like the blade of a knife.

With the larger club head, mallet putters have more weight to utilize when establishing the balance of the putting stroke. Amateur golfers love the stability of mallet putters for a straight-back and straight-through putting stroke.

Manufacturers have included adjustable weights on the sole of the latest mallet putters to help the golfer get the exact feel they want when striking the ball.

Another feature that excels with mallet putters is alignment when addressing the golf ball. With the large head, golfers have a clear path to seeing the ball with the enhanced lines provided by the extra area behind the putter’s face.

Compared to mallet putters, blade putters need more touch and precision. The lighter weight and the lack of a substantial alignment guide make the margin of error smaller for blade users.

Golfers who use a blade putter must master an arc stroke to see consistent results from their putting game due to the face being toe-balanced.

For this reason, most professional golfers that prefer a blade putter do so for their advantage with the arc putting stroke.