Best Putter for Beginners: Blade Putter vs. Mallet Comparison Guide

Why Choosing the Right Putter Matters for Beginners

The putter is the most frequently used club in a golfer’s bag, making it one of the most crucial pieces of equipment for beginners. Whether you’re sinking a short putt or attempting a long lag putt, having the right putter can drastically improve your confidence and lower your score.

Blade vs. Mallet Putters: What’s the Difference?

Beginners often wonder whether they should choose a blade putter or a mallet putter. Blade putters offer a traditional, sleek design and are preferred by golfers with an arcing stroke. Mallet putters, on the other hand, have a larger head and provide better alignment aids and forgiveness, making them a great choice for straight-back-straight-through strokes.

Top Picks: Best Putters for Beginners

Below are our top recommendations for beginner-friendly putters, selected based on forgiveness, alignment assistance, and overall performance.

Cobra King 3D Agera

• Best For: Overall Performance, forgiveness, and stability.
• Key Features: Large sweet spot, high MOI, excellent alignment assistance.

Scotty Cameron Super Select Newport 2

• Best For: Blade Putter Lovers who prefer control and feel.
• Key Features: Precision-milled, classic design, superior control.

Odyssey Ai-One Milled Three T

• Best For: Mallet Putter Enthusiasts needing high forgiveness.
• Key Features: Advanced alignment tech, stable weighting.

PXG Battle Ready II Apache

• Best For: Maximum Stability and strong roll consistency.
• Key Features: High MOI, innovative weighting.

Cleveland Huntington Beach Soft 10.5 OS

• Best For: Budget-conscious golfers seeking a quality putter.
• Key Features: Soft feel, balanced performance, affordable price.
• Best For: Overall Performance
• Key Features: Large sweet spot, high MOI for stability, excellent alignment assistance.
• Why We Recommend It: Ideal for beginners looking for a blend of forgiveness and feel.

Comparison Table: Best Putters for Beginners

Key Considerations When Comparing Blade and Mallet Putters

When selecting a putter, beginners must consider factors such as forgiveness, alignment, and stroke compatibility. Blade and mallet putters cater to different putting styles, and understanding their differences is crucial for making an informed decision.

Forgiveness

• Blade Putter: Lower forgiveness due to a smaller sweet spot.
• Mallet Putter: Higher forgiveness with a larger sweet spot and more stability.

Alignment Aids

• Blade Putter: Minimal alignment guides, relies more on golfer’s skill.
• Mallet Putter: Enhanced alignment lines and contrast designs for better aim.

Stroke Type Compatibility

• Blade Putter: Best for golfers with an arc stroke.
• Mallet Putter: Best for golfers with a straight-back-straight-through stroke.

Feel & Sound

• Blade Putter: Typically provides a firmer, more responsive feel.
• Mallet Putter: Usually softer with better weight distribution.

Grip & Shaft Length

• Both types offer a variety of grips and shaft lengths for personal comfort.

How We Tested These Putters

Our testing process involved evaluating multiple putters on various surfaces, including indoor putting mats and real greens. We assessed factors such as stroke consistency, alignment assistance, forgiveness, and feel to determine which putters perform best for beginners.

Our Testing Process

We tested multiple putters on the course and indoors to assess real-world performance. Each putter was evaluated over a series of rounds, focusing on how it performed in various conditions, including fast and slow greens. Indoor tests were conducted on premium putting mats to analyze consistency in controlled environments. By combining both real-world and simulated settings, we ensured an accurate representation of each putter’s capabilities.

Key Performance Metrics

We measured roll quality, topspin, stability, and consistency. Roll quality was assessed by tracking how smoothly and accurately the ball traveled off the face. Topspin was measured to determine how well each putter minimized skidding and ensured a pure roll. Stability tests focused on MOI (Moment of Inertia) to see how forgiving putters were on off-center hits, and consistency was evaluated based on repeatability of putts under identical conditions.

Data-Driven Insights

Using launch monitors like Foresight GC Quad, we tracked putter performance based on stroke type and head design. The launch monitors provided precise data on launch angle, ball speed, and roll characteristics, helping us understand which putters optimized performance for specific stroke types. This data also allowed us to identify which putters had the best impact dispersion and energy transfer, ensuring objective comparisons between models.

Expert & User Feedback

We gathered feedback from professional and amateur golfers. Professionals provided insights into feel, control, and precision, highlighting which putters were tournament-ready. Amateurs tested putters based on ease of use, forgiveness, and confidence at address. We also incorporated feedback from high-handicap players to determine which putters offered the best improvement for inconsistent strokes. By analyzing feedback from a diverse range of players, we ensured a well-rounded evaluation of each putter.

Best Putters for Beginners: Blade vs. Mallet

Choosing the right putter depends on your playing style. Blade putters provide precision for players with an arced stroke, while mallet putters offer more stability and forgiveness, making them ideal for those with a straight-back-straight-through stroke.

Best Blade Putter: Scotty Cameron Super Select Newport 2

• Pros: Classic design, exceptional feel, precision-milled face.
• Cons: Less forgiving for off-center hits.
• Best For: Golfers with an arc stroke.

Best Mallet Putter: Odyssey Ai-One Milled Three T

• Pros: High forgiveness, improved alignment, modern design.
• Cons: Bulkier head may feel less traditional.
• Best For: Golfers with a straight-back-straight-through stroke.

Best Overall Pick: Cobra King 3D Agera

• Pros: Large sweet spot, stable on off-center hits, great alignment.
• Cons: Higher price point.
• Best For: Golfers who want a blend of forgiveness and feel.

Best Budget-Friendly Option: Cleveland Huntington Beach Soft 10.5 OS

• Pros: Affordable, soft feel, balanced performance.
• Cons: Lacks high-end materials found in premium putters.

Buying Guide: Blade vs. Mallet – Which One is Right for You?

Do You Need a Blade or Mallet Putter?

If you prefer a classic, minimalist design and have an arced putting stroke, a blade putter may suit you. However, if you struggle with alignment and need more forgiveness, a mallet putter is the better choice.

What’s the Best Putter for Your Stroke?

Understanding your stroke type is essential. If you swing on an arc, a blade putter offers better feedback, while a mallet putter is ideal for golfers who follow a straight path.

How Important Are Alignment Aids?

For beginners, alignment aids can significantly improve accuracy and consistency. Mallet putters often have built-in alignment lines, making them easier to aim.

FAQs

What type of putter should a beginner use?

Beginners should opt for a mallet putter because of its larger sweet spot and added forgiveness. However, if you prefer a more traditional feel, a blade putter may be a suitable option.

What type of putter is most forgiving?

Mallet putters are the most forgiving due to their larger heads, higher MOI, and better weight distribution, helping to minimize errors on off-center strikes.

Should a beginner use a blade or mallet putter?

A beginner is generally better off with a mallet putter as it provides greater stability, alignment assistance, and consistency.

How do I know what putter is best for me?

To find the best putter, consider your stroke style, alignment needs, and level of forgiveness required. Testing different putters in-store or through fittings can help determine the right choice.

Are blade putters good for beginners?

Blade putters are not typically recommended for beginners because they require more precision. However, they can be suitable for those with an arcing stroke who prefer more control.

What are the easiest putters to align?

Mallet putters with built-in alignment guides are the easiest to align, making them a great choice for beginners struggling with accuracy.

Do expensive putters make a difference?

Premium putters offer better materials, balance, and technology, improving feel and consistency. However, there are budget-friendly options that perform well for beginners.

Are Spider putters good for high handicappers?

Yes, Spider putters (by TaylorMade) are excellent for high handicappers due to their high MOI, alignment aids, and forgiveness.

Conclusion: Blade vs. Mallet – Which One Wins?

Choosing between a blade and a mallet putter ultimately depends on your personal preferences and stroke style. If you prioritize forgiveness and alignment assistance, a mallet putter is the better choice, as it provides a larger sweet spot and enhanced stability. On the other hand, if you value precision, feel, and a traditional design, a blade putter may suit you better. Beginners generally benefit more from mallet putters due to their easier alignment and higher MOI, but blade putters can also work well for those with an arced stroke. The best approach is to test different putters in-store or seek a professional fitting to ensure the perfect match for your putting style. No matter which you choose, investing in the right putter will improve your confidence on the greens and help you lower your scores.

Product Recommendations

Here are more beginner-friendly putters that offer great performance, forgiveness, and value.

TaylorMade Spider GT

• Best For: High stability & forgiveness.
• Key Features: Perimeter weighting, strong alignment aids.

PING Tyne 4

• Best For: Consistent strokes.
• Key Features: Balanced design, easy alignment.

Wilson Infinite Buckingham

• Best For: Budget-conscious golfers.
• Key Features: Soft feel, counterbalanced weighting.

Evnroll ER2B

• Best For: Precision and smooth roll.
• Key Features: Milled face, premium feel.

Odyssey White Hot OG 2-Ball

• Best For: Simplified alignment.
• Key Features: 2-ball design, soft insert for enhanced feel.

Comparison Table: Additional Best Putters for Beginners

To find a video that explains more, please click here “Which Putter is Best for Beginners”

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