Blade to Mallet Putter

I know there had to be a thread about this but I must have missed it, anyway I have been using a blade putter and have "issues". I'm thinking of changing from a blade to a mallet putter. Any thoughts, experience, recommendations? I'd like to stay below $200 so a Ping Nome is out of the question.

Ive tried the mallet route and ended up going back to a blade.  For me, mallets just had no feel and it was difficult to control my speed with it.  I tried various mallets ranging from mid-mallets to big ole ugly high MOI branding iron mallets and never found one that I really liked.  The closest I came to a mallet that I liked was an Odyssey White Ice D.A.R.T. blade (basically an Anser with a big weight on the back of it)  Im now back to an Anser style putter and couldnt be happier.

Ping Nome pre-owned is an option, so is Callaway Versa #7, #9, and TANK.  The TM Daddy Long Legs is getting a lot of positive reviews as well and fits in your price range.

I went to a mallet for 2 weeks and then went right back to a blade. Not only a blade, but my classic Odyssey 660 Crimson Series blade. I still love the insert in this putter and plan to keep it for quite a while.

Try a Cleveland Classics Mallet if you can. I think mine is the #2. Great putter at a cheap price.

Thanks for the feedback. It seems a number of people have tried a mallet and went right back to a blade, hmmm, I find that interesting. I currently use a Ping D66 and have gotten use to it, but 3 putting is killing my scores this year. I've tried a number of mallets at different stores but putting in a store really sucks, nothing like being on a real green. But I am interested in trying a mallet (on a green) so I'll look for the mallets recommended in this thread and give them a try in the store. I'll let you know how it works out.

I was in the same position as you, and was concerned about switching to a mallet. I decided to visit various golf stores in my area rolling putters from various manufactures within my price range <$150. After a few weeks of this, the clear winner for me was an Odyssey #7 Metal X, so I pulled the trigger and took it home. It's a mallet putter, but not overly large and it sets up very well for me. The Metal X face puts a great roll on the ball without skidding and the distance control has been outstanding. After having it for a few weeks, I decided to replace the original grip with a Superstroke 2.0 midsize and I am loving it. I paid $120 for the putter and another $24 for the grip.

Best thing I can suggest during your search is to keep an open mind, hit as many makes and models as you can and choose the putter that works best for YOU.

Best of luck!!

The Metal-X face is awesome.  Ive been critical of some Odyssey face technology in the  face (namely the White Hot) but the White Ice and Metal-X have been awesome.

What I would say is try as many different ones as you can and forget about price (other than your upper limit). I went into my see my pro for a putter with the top budget of about £90 ($140ish). He showed me a dozen different styles and various options and models within each style. After swinging everything without a ball I narrowed it down to three mallet putters I liked (1xCleveland and 2xOdessey). I hit all three and although I was perfectly willing to spend the extra money on either of the £80 and £90 Odesseys I just felt that the £50 Cleveland felt better to me personally.

I've had it 3 months now and don't regret it for a second. I picked the putter that felt right to me and for that reason it performs the best.

Personal feel has an impact with every club but in putters it is much more important. Technology is very limited in putters so just pick the one that feels the best, not the one with the best marketing material.