How to Choose a Putter: Full Guide

So, does your putter style really matter? Indubitably, if there’s one thing any serious golfer understands, it’s that the putter is the tried-and-true equalizer. Seriously, it doesn’t matter how far you can drive the ball or how well you handle your iron game, my friend. What matters the most is figuring out how to choose a putter.

The choice of putter isn’t just a matter of style or how it feels. It’s the difference between sinking that clutch 12-footer or spending what’s left of the day regretting what could have been.

For some of us that golf, we could spend our very last days out on the green and die happy. That’s why, in this post, we’re going to talk about how to choose a putter that makes memories happen on the green.

We’ll talk about blades, mallets, and the high MOI beasts that are about forgiveness. Plus, we’ll even break down what face technologies are, weight distribution, fitting considerations, and more. Get ready to learn how to choose the right putter, lock down your stroke, and dominate the course. Let’s begin:

Blade putters, the classic muscle cars of the golf world: slim, straightforward, no-nonsense. The Bulls Eye putter was created by John Reuter shortly after World War II. Made of soft brass and highly popular in the pro world of golf after Lou Worsham won the Phoenix Open in 1951 using it. This means you’re looking at some age-old tradition with these putters. But don’t be fooled, these aren’t relics. In the right hands, they’re precision tools.

The blade putter is all about feel and control. Heel-toe weighting is just enough to add forgiveness, but make no mistake, you need skill to wield one of these effectively.

But here’s the thing with blade putters, they have a much smaller sweet spot, so an off-center hit is going to cost you. For the golfer who loves feel-obsessed with precision-the blade putter would offer feedback no other can. If finesse is what you’re all about, well, this blade putter is your tool.

Now, let’s talk toe hang—this is where the blade putter gets personal. Obviously, your stroke matters here. So, what’s the advantage of a toe hang putter anyways? Truly, a toe hang putter is made to carry the extra weight in the toe (the front part) of the putter. It helps the putter face close more smoothly when you swing. That way, you don’t close it too quickly at impact.

Here’s the differences:

• Full toe hang putters are designed for a strong arc stroke. So when you’re sweeping the club around your body in a big motion, this is your guy.

• Mid toe hang is for a slight arc. It’s a bit more subtle, but it still requires a refined touch.

• Face-balanced blade putters are stellar for people who like using a straight back, straight through stroke.

No matter what, you’re tailoring the putter to suit your move, really. You don't just pick a blade; you choose one that fits your flow.

One of the most notable mallet putters ever invented was in 1976 by Dave Taylor, dubbed the Zebra mallet putter. In that same year, Raymond Floyd won the Masters with it.

If you want to look into the game changing designs that came later on, perhaps the True Blue mallet putter was invented by Guerin Rife between 1993-1994. Known as a cavity-back mallet putter, the True Blue putters help golfers in many ways including forgiveness due to its larger sweet spot and stability and balance.

Mallet putters are bigger, and bulkier, but built for stability. They feature larger heads and more surface area, which means they offer more forgiveness compared to blades. And for players with a straight back, straight through stroke, mallet putters are perfect. No unnecessary movement here, it’s just pure, unadulterated accuracy.

What makes mallets even more effective is their weight distribution. These bad boys often feature multiple materials to maximize stability and forgiveness. If you struggle to keep the putter face square at impact, the mallet will keep you locked in. Plus, they’re loaded with alignment aids, which we’ll get to in a minute.

Here’s where things get tactical: face-balanced mallets versus toe-down mallets. The key difference between the two is how the toe is positioned to the face.

Face-balanced is what you want for a straight stroke. These putters won’t twist or turn on you. You could think of them like a sniper's rifle, deadly accurate with no deviation.

But if you’ve got some arc in your stroke, toe-down mallets are probably a match made in heaven for you. They let you naturally open and close the putter face so you have control without fighting your swing.

MOI stands for Moment of Inertia, and with putters, it’s all about forgiveness. Historically speaking, the first putter to increase the MOI was the cavity-blade putter of 1966, created by Karsten Solheim.

When looking at different putters, think of high MOI putters as your heavy-duty reinforcements. They’re engineered for players that need stability and consistency on the green. If you're hitting off-center, a high MOI putter is what gives you that extra backup. The higher the MOI, the less the putter twists on off-center strikes.

High MOI putters are normally large and complex in design. They utilize perimeter weighting to maximize stability. Think of these like the heavy artillery in your bag. They’re reliable, stable and ready for action.

These putters benefit players of all skill levels, especially those struggling with consistency. It doesn’t matter if you’re a weekend golfer or aspiring to go pro, a high MoI putter can save your scorecard.

When you get into the nitty-gritty of MOI putters, you start talking about weight distribution. These tend to be perimeter-weighted putters. That means the mass is pushed to the edges of the putter head.

The design creates resistance against twisting and stabilizes the head through your stroke. Multi-material construction-like combining stainless steel with aluminum-finetunes that balance. It's all about keeping your stroke steady, and your ball rolling true.

Insert faces are designed for a soft feel to help with distance control by dampening the impact , giving that delicate touch around the hole. You can think of them like the soft spot in a fighter's gloves, absorbing the blow without losing control.

On the other hand, milled faces give you a much more precise feel. You’re getting feedback on every hit. The most skilled golfers love these because it’s like having intel on your stroke.

Some putters combine both technologies. This is where a milled face is enhanced with an insert material. This gives you the best of both worlds, precision with a touch of forgiveness.

Groove patterns on putters can really enhance a golfer’s performance by equalizing speed, improving distance control, and reducing skid. There are even some golfers that believe groove patterns can help them grab and grip the ball at impact or create more topspin.

Here’s the science behind grooves: 

Horizontal grooves help get the ball rolling quicker off the face, reducing skid and promoting a smooth, end-over-end roll.

Vertical grooves are designed to keep your ball on line. Some putters mix and match these patterns, creating a hybrid effect to give you optimal control over both roll and direction.

Materials matter. The material your putter is made from can affect the ball’s spin, launch, speed, and direction. Here’s the most notable face materials:

Stainless steel gives you a firm feel and durability—this is your everyday workhorse.

Aluminum provides a softer feel, this could be helpful if you struggle with distance control.

Then there’s copper, the less common but highly prized material for players who crave the ultimate soft feel and feedback.

It’s all about matching the face material with what you need from your putter.

The length of your putter directly affects your ability to maintain a consistent setup. Standard lengths run between 33 to 35 inches, but let’s be real here: not everyone fits the mold. Customizing the length can be the difference between bending over awkwardly or standing tall and confident at address.

Your ideal length is found by standing in your natural putting posture and measuring from the ground to your wrist. That's your starting point. From there you dial in based on comfort and performance.

The lie angle is one of those often-overlooked details that can really mess with your game if it’s not right. If you’re too upright or too flat, you’ll be either lifting the toe or digging the heel into the turf.

Standard lie angles sit between 70 and 72 degrees, but a custom fitting can fine-tune this to suit your posture and stroke.

Grip size might seem trivial, but it’s far from it. It can impact everything from how the club feels in your hand to how you control your stroke.

An undersized grip will promote wrist action. This can help if you’re looking to release the putter head more. Oversized grips, on the other hand, reduce wrist movement and give you more control. The balance of the putter is affected by grip weight, too, so it’s best to not overlook this part during your fitting.

One of the most common forms of alignment aids involves sightlines and dots. These are visual markers to help you line up your putts with precision, keeping the face square to the target.

The single line is a favorite among most golfers. These alignment aids are simple, effective and uncomplicated. They provide one clear, visible line of reference to help you stay focused on your target. This is particularly useful for players who prefer not to have too much visual clutter when aligning putts.

Some putters feature multiple sightlines or dots, providing extra reference points for players who prefer a more comprehensive guide. These can help with both aim and ball placement, offering additional confidence when addressing the ball. Raised or even 3D sightlines are also becoming more common, enhancing visibility from above and giving you a better perspective.

One of the simplest but most effective innovations in putter design is the use of contrasting colors for alignment. They can help with alignment and confidence. A brightly colored sightline set against a dark putter head can create an instant visual contrast, making it easier for your eyes to focus and align properly.

The main key here is that the contrast between the alignment aid and the putter head should be strong enough to be visible in many lighting conditions. Some putters even use different finishes or materials in order to achieve this contrast. When considering putters and color contrast, consider how different environments, like being out on a bright sunny day versus out on a day with overcast skies can affect your visibility on the course.

Alright, let's start at the top. If you’re serious about your putting performance, premium putters are where it’s at. Think of these as the Ferrarris in the putting world. They’re fully-milled, precision-built, and often made from carbon fiber and tungsten.

Premium putters can give you feel, feedback, and performance that are unmatched.

The recent launch of Ping's CNC Milled PLD models is a perfect example of this. A perfect example is the recent launch of Ping's CNC Milled PLD models. The DS72 mallet, the weapon of choice for Viktor Hovland, is a reminder that precision milling can elevate your game.

The 2024 PLD models are priced at around $449. Importantly, precision milling leads to better balance and feel, and with custom fitting options. In essence, you’re not just buying a putter, with a premium putter, you’re investing in a tool built specifically for you. If you're looking for the edge, this is where you’re bound to find it.

Now, if you want performance but aren’t ready to drop a fortune, mid-range putters offer an excellent compromise. These putters often blend milled and cast components, giving you some of the precision of a premium putter without the heavy price tag.

Plus, you’ll often find these models are last year’s premium options, now priced for the average golfer. You still get advanced face technologies like groove patterns or multi-material constructions, and many will offer the same alignment aids found on top-end models.

The PXG Battle Ready series is made of aerospace-grade aluminum and priced at around $200. According to a review from Plugged in Golf, it's comparable to a Lamborghini.

They provide improved accuracy and stability. Indubitably, the sweet spot here is value. You’re certainly not giving up much in terms of performance, while also saving some money along the way. For a lot of golfers, this is the perfect middle ground.

For beginners or casual golfers, there are budget-friendly putters that still perform well enough to help you develop your game.

Most of these are made from casting processes, which lower the price while many of them also have alignment aids or designs similar to more high-end versions. You might not get the premium materials or even the full customization experience, but if you're just getting started or playing for fun, these can still get the job done.

According to a recent post from Golf Monthly, one of the best budget friendly putters out there right now is the Ram FX-01 CNC milled putter. Priced at just below $100, it’s wide head adds stability along with a good amount of alignment help.

If you’re still unsure of just what you’re searching for, this YouTube video includes some more options for the best golf putters of 2024 by price range.

A heavier putter head adds momentum and stability to your stroke. For players who struggle with shorter putts or shaky hands, this added weight can help smooth things out. On the flip side, lighter heads offer more feel and control, especially when you’re trying to judge longer putts. The weight you choose should depend on the conditions you typically play in and your personal stroke preference

Some putters come with adjustable weight systems. That means they give you the option to fine-tune the balance and overall feel. And when it comes to customization, small tweaks can make a big difference. You can move the weight to the sole or back of the putter head, adjusting the MOI and overall balance. This can help stabilize your stroke or add some extra punch when the greens get faster.

Counterbalanced putters are becoming more popular, and for good reason. By adding weight to the grip end of the putter, you can reduce hand and wrist movement, which results in a more stable stroke. This technique can be particularly useful for players who struggle with consistency or have a tendency to get too handsy during their putts.

Steel shafts have been the go-to for putters forever. They’re stable, durable, and provide a consistent feel. But graphite is creeping into the market, offering something different—lighter weight and vibration dampening. Graphite can make a putter feel more responsive, absorbing some of the shock and giving you a smoother stroke.

Flex and torque might sound like they’re more for your driver than your putter, but don’t be fooled. A stiffer shaft can offer more consistent results, especially for aggressive strokes. Softer flexes, on the other hand, are great for players who prefer a smooth, pendulum-like stroke. And low torque shafts resist twisting, which is especially important for off-center hits.

Some manufacturers are experimenting with multi-material shafts that combine the best of both worlds. You get the stability of steel with the weight savings of graphite. These shafts often include vibration-dampening materials, which can improve feel and overall consistency. It’s like having the best of both worlds in your hands.

During a custom fitting process, using high-speed cameras and advanced software like the Tomi putting system allows professional fitters to break down your stroke like a coach reviewing game film.

Throughout this, they’ll analyze things like: Are you straight back, straight through? Or do you have a slight arc?

This information is important when deciding between blade, mallet, or high MOI putters. It also helps determine the appropriate toe hang or balance.

For choosing a putter, ball roll analysis is another handy high-tech tool in the custom fitting arsenal. In fact, this is something else that the Tomi system can do. Launch monitors and cameras track your putt's initial skid, launch angle, and the ball’s roll characteristics. Data from these analyses helps pinpoint the best face technology/loft that will help you get the purest roll out of your stroke.

In advanced custom fitting processes, pressure plate technology is used to analyze your weight distribution during the putting stroke. This isn’t just about how you aim or align. It’s all about understanding how your body’s weight shifts through the stroke and how that impacts your putting.

Measuring Weight Distribution
Pressure plates create a reading based on how your weight is balanced between the feet and can be an important part of establishing the proper putter weight and balance. If you've tended to lean forward toward your toes or backward toward your heels, or if you make a considerable weight transfer during the stroke, those tendencies can become apparent during the fitting process.

Impact on Putter Selection
The insights gained from pressure plate analysis can influence the recommendations for your putter head weight and grip size. And through understanding your stance and stroke tendencies, fitters can really fine-tune the putter to your needs. This all aims to improve your consistency and control on the greens.

Keep your putter clean with a soft, damp cloth after every round. Avoid harsh chemicals—they can damage the finish and impact performance. Store your putter in a headcover to protect it from scratches and dings. Think of it as keeping your gear combat-ready.

Don’t underestimate the importance of grip. If your grip is worn or too slick, you’re losing control. Re-grip your putter annually or whenever you notice signs of wear. Make sure you choose a grip that complements your stroke type and hand size.

If your putter face is showing signs of wear, you can get it refurbished by the manufacturer. This service restores the original milling or groove pattern, bringing back the performance characteristics you love.

We’ve definitely covered a lot of ground here on the green today, so let’s break down the critical points to remember when choosing the right putter:

• Whether you're a blade, mallet, or high MOI fan, it all boils down to your stroke. Blade putters cater to arc strokes, while mallets and high MOI designs support a straight back-straight through motion.

• Soft inserts, milled faces, and grooved patterns are more than just buzzwords. These technologies help with ball control, feel, and consistency in rolling the ball.

• Length, lie angle, and grip size are not “one-size-fits-all.” A professional putter fitting is your ticket to unlocking better performance and confidence on the green.

• Sure, budget-friendly putters can get the job done, but remember that investing in a mid-range or premium putter might offer technologies that pay off in lower scores.

• Regular cleaning, proper storage, and re-gripping will keep your putter in top shape. Don’t skip the maintenance. Honestly, it’s the hidden advantage that keeps your gear performing consistently.

No matter how perfect your putter is, confidence in your equipment will make or break your putting game. Practice, fine-tune, and get familiar with your putter so that every stroke counts. And hey, here’s 7 tips for choosing the right putter that can help you along the way.

Now, here’s where Rokform comes in. Now, imagine being able to analyze your putting stroke right there on the course. We offer an incredible line of magnetic phone mounts and accessories that you can easily attach to your smartphone or your golf cart and when using any golf app of your choice, you’ll be able to record your stroke effortlessly (and securely).

Our G-ROK wireless speaker provides high-quality sound while it sticks to your cart and is along for the ride with its 24-hour battery life. What’s more, you can even pair two of these speakers together for a surround-sound experience while you work on your golf-game.

We believe in our innovative golf accessories that are made for the course and we also believe in you! Let nothing get in the way of your swing. Here’s the next steps you should take:

• Schedule a Fitting: Optimize your setup by visiting a pro fitter.

• Practice Consistently: Practice, practice, practice! Get the feel of your new putter and be continuously working to improve your stroke.

• Leverage Technology: Use golf apps and Rokform mounts to monitor and improve your performance.

• Maintain Your Equipment: Keep your putter clean and store properly, and also re-grip when necessary.

By following these steps, you’re set to crush the greens and make 2024 your best putting season yet!

And hey if you still have a little time on your hands be sure to check out some of our golfing aficionado content:

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