“Drive for show, putt for dough”. It’s one of golf’s most enduring sayings – and for good reason. Matches are won and lost on the greens, and confidence in your putter can make all the difference. But with so many options available, where do you start?
A good place to begin is deciding which one suits your game best. The good news is, when it comes to mallet vs blade putters, there’s no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ choice. One is not better than the other. They’re simply designed for different putting styles, preferences, and levels of forgiveness.
Our simple guide explains the key differences between blade and mallet putters, looks at how they perform, and helps you decide which style from our tour-proven putters collection is worth testing next.
What’s the difference between a blade and a mallet putter?
At first glance, the biggest difference between mallet vs blade putters is the size and shape of the head. This plays a big role in how each one feels to use.Blade putters are compact and traditional, sitting close to the ball with very little bulk behind the face. Many golfers like this clean, uncluttered look because it keeps things simple at address.
Mallet putters, on the other hand, are larger and more rounded, with extra weight positioned behind and around the face. This added size allows weight to be spread across the head, helping the putter stay more stable through the stroke – even if you don’t strike the ball perfectly in the centre.
So, what does this mean for you? In practical terms, mallet putters are more forgiving if you don’t hit the ball perfectly every time, while blade putters tend to offer more direct feedback, which feels great as your strike becomes more consistent.
Blade putters: feel, feedback, and control
Blade putters are often favoured by golfers who prioritise feel and control. Their smaller head gives a more direct connection between your hands and the ball, making it easier to sense how well each putt is struck. Because the weight is more concentrated in a blade putter’s head, you’ll usually notice clearer feedback with each strike. Catch the centre of the face, and the putt feels smooth and precise. Miss it slightly, and you’ll feel that too – which can actually help you finetune your stroke.
A good example of this design is the Evnroll ER2 blade putter, which combines a classic blade shape with modern face technology. This putter is a fantastic choice if you prefer to shape your feel on the greens rather than relying on added forgiveness, trusted by pros at the highest level.
Mallet putters: forgiveness, stability, and alignment
Mallet putters have become more popular in recent years because they provide added forgiveness and stability. Their larger head allows weight to be positioned around the perimeter, helping reduce twisting of the putter head when contact isn’t perfect. If you don’t strike the centre of the face every time (we’ve all been there), this extra stability can make a big difference to both distance control and direction. Many mallet putters also include bold alignment lines or shapes, which help you aim more confidently over the ball.
A good example of this approach is the Cleveland HB Soft Satin Putter, which focuses on forgiveness and easy alignment without feeling overly bulky at address. If you’re weighing up value and performance, you’ll be glad to know Cleveland putters are suited to golfing newbies and seasoned pros alike.
Mallet vs blade putters: how alignment and forgiveness differ
If you listen to golfers comparing mallet vs blade putters, alignment and forgiveness would be the two biggest talking points.
Blade putters keep alignment simple, often using a small line or dot. This suits golfers who prefer to rely on feel and instinct when lining up a putt, but it offers less visual guidance if alignment is something you struggle with.
Mallet putters, by contrast, typically provide a larger visual footprint behind the ball, with more of the head visible when you’re standing over the putt, and alignment aids designed to guide your setup. Combined with their higher forgiveness, this can inspire confidence – particularly on short putts where accuracy really matters.
If you value stability and consistency, a mallet putter may feel reassuring. If you prefer sharper feedback and a traditional look, a blade putter might suit you better.
Which putter suits your putting stroke?
Your putting stroke can influence which putter design feels most natural. If you have a straight-back, straight-through stroke – where the putter moves back and through on a fairly straight path – you may suit face-balanced mallet putters, which help keep the face square throughout the motion. If your stroke naturally follows a slight arc, you may prefer the feel of a blade putter.
That said, stroke type is only one part of the picture. Feeling comfortable and confident with the ball is equally important. If you need some guidance, arranging professional putter fitting assistance can help point you in the right direction.
What to look for when testing a blade or mallet putter
When you’re trying out different putters, focus on how each one feels rather than what you think you should be using. Ask yourself:
- Do I feel confident standing over the ball?
- Does alignment feel natural and repeatable?
- Is my distance control consistent?
- Does the weight and balance suit my stroke?
Test blade and mallet putters side by side – this is the quickest way to find out which style works best for your game.
So, should you choose a blade or a mallet putter?
There’s no single answer to this debate. Put simply, the right putter for you is the one that helps you play with confidence and consistency. Taking time to test different models and getting fitted can make a real difference on the greens.
To explore your options, browse our putters collection. Or, if you want to find a setup that matches your stroke and playing preferences, book professional putter fitting assistance.