Blade Putters for Better Players?

[MikeLowry5]

I currently use a 35" Oddysey Crimson Blade and have always heard that blade putters are for better players. I do not always hit the ball solid and if its not directly on the sweet spot i know it. I also have a 2-ball putter with the plastic insert that I really haven't messed around with too much but when I do around the house even mishits are solid. The big thing I don't like about the 2-ball is that it is too light.

For someone shooting in the 90's and not a great putter is it better off playing with something that has more forgiveness? If so what should be looked for when trying to find the best for you?

Thanks!

[pittpanther]

... have always heard that blade putters are for better players.

Where do you guys get this stuff from???

Look at any random PGA tournament. Some use blades, some use the "two-ball type" (I don't know the generic term), others use belly putters. It's all over the map. Stop worrying about what you're "supposed" to use, and instead use what you want, and what makes you feel confident. Don't make this game any harder than it already is!

[gibbous]

It's very likely that the blade won't be as forgiving on off-center hits as the 2-ball design, and that's an issue for amateurs so it makes sense that someone could say that the blade is better for a lower handicapper. But I think it's far more important that the putter design suits your eye and encourages you to make a confident stroke, and if that means using a blade over some kind of monster MOI mallet then so be it. I like the look of blades and the way they swing too, but just find them a little bit difficult to align.

[Wazzu8]

Tom Watson and Rocco Mediate are two players who both play mallet putters that I'd consider "better players"

[MikeLowry5]

No worries, just a question.

I like the blade better because it is heavier however I do feel like the insert on the 2 ball has a nicer feel than the steel face of the blade.

[tim31x]

Where do you guys get this stuff from???

100% agree with you there. the blade vs. mallet dispute is not based on skill level, it is based on putting stroke. i personally play a blade and have a Straight back straight thru stroke on short puts and longer puts i tend to go inside square inside. my putter works out well for both of these because it is heavy. maybe your two ball putter would be a better fit for your stroke, if you feel it is too light then you could always add some lead tape to the head. best way to figure it all out is on the practice green! -tim

[Grndslmhttr3]

I feel much more comfortable using a blade than a mallet. To each their own.

[FRANKO_LOCO]

In many ways I agree with everyone's response here. I started with a 2-ball then switched to a blade. I like the look, the setup and ESPECIALLY the feel of MY blade. You see, every putter is different even within brands. Some like dots, lines or even nothing for lining up...some like non glare, bling(as I call 'em) and even black...try every putter out there. I've used Odyssey, Ping, Yes, heavy putter(the brand) and now a Scotty Cameron. Forget about what everybody else does. Remember this, Tiger uses a totally different putter than what Phil Mickelson uses...they're both on top.

[Jay-Bird]

Putters with higher MOI are more forgiving if you miss the center of the face.

[Leftygolfer]

I think you should with whatever gives you the most confidence. Some of the best putters on tours use a mallet.

If you are miss hitting your putts, they will not go in with any putter unless you get lucky or mis-read it.

I think with some practice and good fundementals, almost anyone can pure there putts most of the time.

[andef]

No worries, just a question.

Then you might want to consider an Odyssey blade which has both the heavier head you like and the insert. Plus you can choose from three different model: black series, white hot tour and the xg white hot.

[MikeLowry5]

Best round of putting I ever had was when I left the putter in my house, had to putt with a 3-wood. Anyone ever try this from just off the fringe (or with a hybrid).

Thanks for the suggestions. I am going to work with the insert some more and dedicate my next lesson to putting. My set up is good however my touch leaves something to be desired.

[trumps4]

As many have said, putter style is a matter of preference. It may be true that mallet putters are more "forgiving," but the idea is to use a putter that you can make good strokes with not a putter that you can make bad strokes and get away with. I personally think this holds true through the rest of the bag as well.
Don't worry about your level of play. Pick a putter that you like the look and feel of and one that inspires confidence.

[sean_miller]

As many have said, putter style is a matter of preference. It may be true that mallet putters are more "forgiving," but the idea is to use a putter that you can make good strokes with not a putter that you can make bad strokes and get away with. I personally think this holds true through the rest of the bag as well.

Are mallets more forgiving? I didn't know forgiveness was even necessary with putters. I'm learning.

[trumps4]

Are mallets more forgiving? I didn't know forgiveness was even necessary with putters. I'm learning.

Notice I said that they "may" be more forgiving. I don't really think there is any appreciable difference but some do.

[mike68]

This is a good discussion and I agree with those who advocate using what you are most comfortable with. In my case, I use a new Ping Anser V2 and find it to be the correct "feel" and weight for my putting stroke. I have used a 2 Ball knock off and found it very nice to putt with.
Mike

[ks8829]

When I am in doubt what putter to use what I do is the following:

Go to the putting green and with 20 balls, I test out different putters and find what works best for me by hitting long 10 - 20 foot putts and short 5 foot putt and see what putter give me the most confidence and play that putter.