A Golfer's Guide to Choosing the Right Putter

The putter is arguably the most important club in your bag. While a new driver might give you a few extra yards, a good putter—and the confidence that comes with it—can shave strokes off your score in every single round. But with so many options, from classic blades to high-tech mallets, how do you find the one that's right for you?

This guide is for every golfer, whether you're a beginner searching for your first flatstick or a seasoned player looking to upgrade. We'll break down the key factors to consider, from putter head shape to grip style, so you can step onto the green with a club that feels like a natural extension of your hands. Our goal is to help you find the best golf putter to improve your game.

Understanding Your Putting Stroke: Arc or Straight?

Before you can pick the perfect putter, you need to understand your own putting stroke. Putter head designs are specifically engineered to complement different types of strokes. You can easily determine your stroke type with a simple test:

1. Balance your current putter's shaft on your index finger so the face is pointing up.

2. If the putter face stays balanced and points toward the sky, you have a "face-balanced" putter, which is ideal for a straight-back, straight-through stroke.

3. If the toe of the putter hangs down, you have a "toe-hang" putter, which is best for a putting stroke with a slight to significant arc.

Matching the putter's design to your stroke is crucial for maintaining a square clubface at impact, which is the key to consistent putting.

Blade vs. Mallet: The Great Putter Debate

This is the most common debate in putting and a critical part of your decision. Understanding the difference between a blade vs mallet putter is a fundamental step in finding your perfect match.

The Classic Blade Putter

The traditional blade putter is the style you've seen for decades, used by legends like Tiger Woods. Its simple, sleek design features a narrow head with weight concentrated in the heel and toe.

• Pros: Excellent feel, classic look, and great for shaping putts.

• Cons: Less forgiving on off-center hits due to a lower Moment of Inertia (MOI). These are often better suited for more skilled players who can consistently find the sweet spot.

The Forgiving Mallet Putter

Mallet putters are known for their larger, more forgiving heads, which come in a variety of geometric shapes. The weight is distributed around the perimeter, away from the clubface, which significantly increases the MOI.

• Best for: Golfers with a straight-back, straight-through stroke and those seeking maximum forgiveness and alignment assistance.

• Pros: High MOI provides incredible stability, keeping the putter face square even on mishits. The larger head designs often incorporate bold alignment lines and shapes that make it easier to aim at your target.

• Cons: Some golfers find they have less feel with a mallet, and the larger head may not appeal to those who prefer a more traditional look.

Remember, many modern putters blur the lines between these two styles, such as "mid-mallets" or "double-wide blades," which combine the best of both worlds.

Putter Length and Lie Angle: The Right Fit

Just as with any other club, the right length is paramount to a consistent stroke. Getting a proper golf putter fit is vital for consistency.

• Putter Length: The correct length helps you achieve a comfortable, athletic posture with your eyes directly over or slightly inside the ball. A putter that is too long will force you to stand too upright and can lead to inconsistent strikes. A putter that is too short will cause you to slouch, which can restrict your swing. The most common lengths are between 33 and 35 inches, but the right length is a personal measurement.

• Lie Angle: This is the angle between the putter shaft and the ground. If the lie angle is too upright, the toe will be in the air, causing you to pull putts. If it's too flat, the heel will be raised, pushing your putts out to the right. A proper lie angle ensures the sole of the putter sits flush on the ground throughout your stroke, which is essential for accuracy.

A professional putter fitting can help you dial in both of these variables to find the perfect setup for your stroke.

The Role of Putter Grips

The grip is your only point of contact with the club, and it plays a major role in your feel and control. The size and style of your grip can have a dramatic effect on your putting.

• Standard Grip: A traditional, smaller grip allows for more feel but can also encourage active wrists, which may be a problem for golfers with a tendency to get "yippy" on short putts.

• Oversize Grip: Thicker grips, like those from SuperStroke, are designed to minimize wrist action and promote a more pendulum-like stroke with the shoulders. This can be a game-changer for golfers who struggle with consistency.

• Putter Grip Styles: Beyond size, there are various grip styles to experiment with, including the conventional "reverse overlap," the popular "left-hand low" (cross-handed), and the "claw" grip. Trying different grips can help you find a style that eliminates hand and wrist manipulation and allows for a smooth, repeatable stroke.

Putting It All Together: Iconic Putters You'll Find on Flyer

You don't need to break the bank to find the perfect putter. The used market offers an incredible selection of high-quality clubs that can dramatically improve your putting game without the premium price tag. On Flyer, you can find a huge variety of putters, from brand-new models to trusted classics.

Here's a look at some of the most popular models you'll find on our marketplace, each a perfect example of the concepts we've discussed:

• The Scotty Cameron Newport 2: The quintessential blade putter. It’s a perfect example of a toe-hang putter, with its classic plumber's neck hosel designed for a slight arcing stroke.

• The Odyssey White Hot 2-Ball: A masterclass in mallet design. The large, face-balanced head and two-ball alignment system are a game-changer for golfers who want maximum forgiveness and help with their aim.

• The TaylorMade Spider Series: A high-tech favorite among Tour pros and amateurs alike. The unique, high-MOI design makes it exceptionally stable, bridging the gap between a blade's feel and a mallet's forgiveness.

   

On Flyer, you can browse listings with detailed photos and descriptions, and you'll always have a secure transaction. This takes the guesswork out of buying pre-owned equipment, ensuring you get a high-quality club you can trust.

Ready to hole more putts? Browse the incredible selection of putters on Flyer and take the first step toward lowering your scores!