The Case for Mallet style Putters
Mallet style putters are getting a lot of attention right now, because of the excellent stability this type of putter gives to you during the putting stroke. A mallet putter is extremely balanced, has a bigger head than blade style putters, and usually weigh more than a regular putter.
Mallet putters also boast a higher MOI than regular putters. This means that the putterhead will twist less on an off-center hit, so the ball stays on a straighter line and doesn’t lose as much of it’s speed than when struck by a normal putter. Mallet style putters typically include elaborate alignment systems that aid in lining up short putts easily. Some of the most innovative designs are the Odyssey putters, especially their new White Hot XG line of mallet putters.
Becuase of the heavier weight and higher MOI, mallet putters fell very solid, even on less than optimal contact. If you are used to putting with a blade style putter, you may be shacked at how simple it is to hit the ball solidly and how little effort is needed. It will take some practice but you will get used to it rather quickly.
A few advanced golfers feel that a blade putter offers more feel during the putting stroke. This is partly true, but other golfers feel the higher MOI of mallet-style patters offers considerable feel, even on lengthy putts or those tricky downhill putts. One of the most important aspects of touch putts is getting the ball started on the correct line, and high MOI mallet putters do that job perfectly.
An area where mallet putters really shine is on short putts under 8 feet. These are the putts that really count in pro golfing circles . Make more putts of this length and the better your score will be . And all of the features of mallet type putters - more mass , higher MOI and sophisticated alignment aids - will help you make more short putts that can salvage a bad round of golf.
Mallet style putters perform most optimally with a simple , straight-through putting stroke. If that’s not your stlyle , it doesn’t mean a mallet-style putter can’t help your game. It just means that you may not get all the technological advances mallet putters provide. If you aren’t willing to change your style , you may want to check out some the newer model putters.
Some of the Mallet designs can seem a bit weird , but many still have a traditional look. If you can put up with the large, exotic shapes of some of the new mallet putters (like the White Hot Sabertooth putter), you will find them to be a benefit to your golf game. If you prefer a less exotic look, some of the more conventional mid-mallet putters may be a better fit for you .
A lot of people have changed to heavier mallet putters for some time . Perhaps now is the time for you to test one out.
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