Mallet Putters: The Secret Weapon For Better Golf? Explore The Evidence.
What To Know
- A qualified fitter will consider factors such as your height, stance, and putting stroke to recommend the best putter head shape, length, and lie angle.
- By understanding the pros and cons and getting a proper fitting, you can determine if a mallet putter is the right tool for your putting game.
- How do I know if a mallet putter is right for me.
Mallet putters have become increasingly popular over the years, but do they really help golfers improve their putting? In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of mallet putters, exploring their advantages, disadvantages, and how they compare to traditional blade putters.
Understanding Mallet Putters
Mallet putters are characterized by their large, weighted heads that resemble a mallet. They typically have a wider sweet spot and a higher moment of inertia (MOI) compared to blade putters.
Advantages of Mallet Putters
- Stability and Forgiveness: The large head and high MOI provide greater stability, making it easier to hit the ball on the sweet spot and minimize off-center hits.
- Alignment Aid: Many mallet putters feature alignment lines or other visual aids that assist golfers in aligning the putter head correctly.
- Increased Confidence: The larger head and stable feel can boost a golfer’s confidence on the greens.
Disadvantages of Mallet Putters
- Less Feel: The larger head may reduce the feel and feedback golfers receive when striking the ball.
- Arc Path: Mallet putters may encourage an arc putting stroke rather than a straight-back-straight-through stroke.
- Limited Workability: Mallet putters generally offer less workability than blade putters, making it more difficult to control the ball’s trajectory.
Mallet vs Blade Putters: A Comparison
| Feature | Mallet Putter | Blade Putter |
| — | — | — |
| Head Shape | Large, weighted | Smaller, thinner |
| MOI | High | Low |
| Stability | High | Low |
| Forgiveness | High | Low |
| Feel | Less | More |
| Alignment Aid | Often present | Less common |
| Workability | Limited | High |
Choosing the Right Putter for You
The best putter for you depends on your individual preferences and putting style.
- Golfers with a shaky stroke or difficulty making solid contact: Mallet putters provide greater stability and forgiveness, making them a good choice.
- Golfers who prefer a straight-back-straight-through stroke: Blade putters offer more feel and workability.
- Golfers who want to improve their alignment: Mallet putters with alignment aids can be helpful.
Fitting a Mallet Putter
Getting a proper putter fitting is crucial to optimize your performance. A qualified fitter will consider factors such as your height, stance, and putting stroke to recommend the best putter head shape, length, and lie angle.
Practice and Patience
Improving your putting with a mallet putter requires practice and patience. Allow yourself time to adjust to the new feel and weight of the putter.
Recommendations: Unlocking Your Putting Potential
Whether or not mallet putters help is subjective. They offer advantages in stability and forgiveness but may compromise feel and workability. By understanding the pros and cons and getting a proper fitting, you can determine if a mallet putter is the right tool for your putting game.
What People Want to Know
Q: Are mallet putters better than blade putters?
A: There is no definitive answer as it depends on individual preferences and putting style. Mallet putters offer stability and forgiveness, while blade putters provide feel and workability.
Q: How do I know if a mallet putter is right for me?
A: Consider your putting stroke and the areas you need improvement in. If you struggle with consistency or alignment, a mallet putter may be beneficial.
Q: What are the key differences between mallet and blade putters?
A: Mallet putters have larger heads, higher MOI, and often feature alignment aids. Blade putters are smaller, thinner, and offer more feel and workability.