Blade vs Mallet Putter: Which is best for your game?

For all the attention and updates golf drivers receive, there’s arguably no club that requires more intricacies than golf putters.

With players spending more time on the green than any other part of the golf course, they must have the right tool to sink putts consistently, no matter the challenge.

In the world of putters, there are two major options: Blade putters and mallet putters. They may serve the same purpose, but they’re drastically different in almost every department.

The blade and mallet putter debate has raged on for decades, with most players choosing a side. But if you’re undecided, which is right for your putting stroke?

Whichever way you swing (pun intended) on the putter argument, we have everything you need and more at Clarkes Golf. With a great selection of blade and mallet putters from the sport’s biggest brands, you’ll always have something you can rely on, no matter what you prefer.

So, what are the key differences between blade and mallet putters? Keep reading to find out…

What is the difference between a blade and mallet putter?

Look

Visually, a traditional blade putter and a mallet putter are completely unique from one another.

The choice of traditionalists the world over, blade-style putters have a slim, compact head with a blade-like style (hence the name).

Mallet putters tend to be the polar opposite. Heads are much larger and longer, and can come in varying shapes, depending on the manufacturer. A popular mallet putter shape is the semi-circle or 'C' design.

Because of their larger surface area, mallet putters often feature more eye-catching design elements and colours on the putter head, whereas blade putters tend to stick to the basics, with minimalist designs.

Weight

When it comes to how the clubs operate, this is arguably the area where mallet and blade putters differ the most.

Because their heads are smaller, the weight in the head of a blade putter is often pushed towards the face, encouraging a smooth forward motion on the follow-through.

Compare this with the weight of mallet putters, which is usually forced towards the back of the clubhead. This is to counteract the size, helping to keep the head balanced throughout the stroke. It may feel like you're putting with a fairway wood if you're not used to it! But you'll soon adjust.

Feel

Because golfers need to feel in-tune with their putts, responsiveness and forgiveness are welcome additions in any putter purchase.

Their smaller size helps blade putters offer users exceptional responsiveness, so you can really feel every putt and make adjustments if something isn’t right.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, their increased sizes help mallet putters enjoy a greater level of stability while in motion, meaning they offer greater forgiveness and – arguably – improved accuracy. Though this is all dependent on the swing style of the player. 

The majority of mallets are also face-balanced putters, meaning the centre of gravity is behind the putter face, further aiding accuracy.

Aiming

If simplicity is the name of the game at your address, a blade putter will serve you well. The thinner head and singular aiming assistance line make them the perfect putter for those who don't want to overthink their putts. Their size also makes them ideal for arc stroke putters.

An arced putting stroke does not follow a straight line. Instead, it's slightly curved to match the natural motion of the arms. You'll also find blade putters have greater toe hang than mallets, meaning the toe weighting forces the head to point slightly downward – this is perfect for arced putters.

However, if you want a helping hand aiming, many mallet putters are designed with C-shaping you can use to help focus your clubhead towards the hole more precisely.

But, if aimed correctly, you can enjoy fantastic accuracy from both.

Blade vs Mallet putter for high handicapper

If you’re still trying to lower your score considerably and your handicap is higher than you’d like, most experts would recommend using a mallet-style putter.

Why? The added forgiveness will help keep your putts on target even if you don’t catch it as cleanly as you’d like.

Speaking of catching the ball, mallet putters also feature an extended sweet spot compared to their blade counterparts. So even if you strike the ball slightly off-centre, you can still produce a stellar putt.

Blade vs Mallet putter for beginners

If you’re a beginner, you can apply all of the above info on mallet putters to your swing, too. They’re infinitely useful for people looking to refine their putting style and gain more control over their putting.

Having said that, many beginners feel more comfortable with a blade putter because it’s less intimidating; the sheer size of a mallet putter can be very off-putting for new players, along with the way it is weighted, which can be a very unnatural feeling if you’re not used to it.

The important thing is for newbies to try both and see which putter they’re most comfortable with. If they’re not seeing the results they want, they can always make the switch.

Explore blade and mallet putters at Clarkes Golf

Whatever putter styles you're into, you’ll find everything you need and more at Clarkes Golf.

Take a look at our wide range of golf putters to find the best putter for you, or give us a call on 01744 419914 if you would like more personalised recommendations from our team.