Indoor Golf: Which Is Better, Blade or Mallet Putter?
The blade, mallet, and hybrid putters are popular golf putters. Learn their differences, pros and cons, and how an indoor golf set-up with golf simulator technology can help you improve your putting.
Golf, the greatest of all games, has undergone some interesting changes since its inception. And despite these changes, one of the most significant ones has to be the putter evolution. These putter changes have left many beginners asking which, between blade and mallet putter, is better.
Well, a putter choice is a function of putting stroke, golfer expertise, and sometimes preferences. However, each putter has its pros and cons, meaning your choice also depends on your goals. But whether you are a high or low handicapper, knowing these advantages and disadvantages is a must, although customization with putter fittings can solve some cons.
Additionally, testing between the two putters sometimes requires an indoor setting, thus the emergence of indoor golf. And in this article, I explain their differences, what PGA golfers use, and whether a putter change is ideal.
What are Blade Putters?
The blade putter is the traditional golf putter and has long been considered the top golfer's most-loved. Generally, it has a blade-like clubhead and can be used from both sides. Today's blade putter is larger but not as extended as the mallet design putters.
And you will love this if you are an experienced golfer, especially if you go for the arc-type putting strokes. Plus, it has a great feel and allows you to open and close the platter as you swing back and come for the impact.
The main con of blade putters is the alignment factor vis a vis the mallet. Their alignment is small; thus, it can be hard to line it, especially if you are a beginner. Nevertheless, they are an excellent choice for anyone.
Pros
- Ideal for precision putting
- It provides a consistent impact
- It has a great feel and provides more control
- Perfect for arc stroke putters
Cons
- More challenging to align appropriately than mallets
- It is less forgiving as compared to the mallet
What are Mallet Putters
A mallet putter is a putter with a much larger rounded head and is considered the traditional blade putter's alternative. Its shape has evolved, so it is no longer typically round and often comes as a semi-circle or square.
But despite the head's large size, it does not mean it is heavier than the blade. Generally, all putters have the same weight no matter their design, and even where unequal, the extra weight is mainly negligible.
With their large face, they're more forgiving of mishits. They are also ideal if you struggle with alignment or are straight through or straight back swinger.
Pros
- It is easy to customize
- It comes in different designs, therefore, offering more choices
- It is easy to align
- It is more forgiving
- It is available in center-shafted models
- Perfect to use when learning distance control
Cons
- It is not ideal for arc style putting
- It has problems when used on speedy greens
What are Hybrid Models or Mild Putters
Hybrid putters, also known as mild putters, are a new putter type combining mallet and blade designs. They are curved with perfection in mind, so they do not catch the ground during your forward stroke or back swing.
They also work well in long and short grass and are ideal for anyone if you're new to putting. These putters use a long, flexible shaft and are easy to swing, but their heads are smaller and, thus, easier to control.
Which Putter Should You Go for?
For a beginner, the straight back/straight through putting stroke is best because it's easier to learn; thus, a mallet putter gives you more chances for alignment. Conversely, when you're more advanced, you can go for the arc style putting with a blade for more precision.
Similarly, PGA players must put perfectly and use various putters, and all are successful with their choice of blade or mallet.
Most of them use mallet putters, while the rest use blade putters. Additionally, about 14% of the players use the Taylormade brand. On the other hand, Callaway is well known and supplies top golfers with their equipment. During the 2021 PGA, the winner, Phil Mickelson, used their putter.
The critical thing to remember is that the type of putter you choose should match your style and what works best for you. If you're an aggressive player who likes to attack the hole from every angle, then a blade might be more appropriate than a mallet which tends to be less forgiving.
Most importantly, no matter what putter makes sense for you, remember that golfers tend not only to make better decisions on courses but also to keep scoring better overall while practicing with their chosen club beforehand.
Typically, the following are recommended, although there are some exceptions, especially where putter fittings and custom club fittings come into play.
- Low handicappers should use a blade putter.
- Mid-handicappers have the best results with a hybrid.
- High handicappers should use mallet putters for accuracy and consistency.
Can You Switch From One Type of Putter to the Other?
Putter switching is possible, but you first need to test different styles of putters until you find one that feels comfortable in your hand. Then, once you've picked a new kind of putting, it's time for the real challenge; learning how to use it.
You might think that switching between blade and mallet putters would be easy because they're similar in shape. However, several nuances about each type can make hitting an accurate shot much harder or easier than expected.
Benefits of Golf Simulator Technology When Testing Putters
Using golf simulator technology to test putters is a great way to get an idea of what kind of performance different putters will give you. Indoor golf provides the perfect environment, but testing is possible at a golf store or on the actual course.
The technology is so helpful because it allows you to test many more variables, such as;
- You can try the club's center of gravity and weight distribution in all three environments.
- You can measure your swing speed and distance traveled at impact
- You can calculate your accuracy and consistency with each shot
Learn and Practice Golf at the Best Indoor Golf Facility
It is said practice makes perfect. And there is no other ideal indoor golf spot for corporates, females, and group events to play, enjoy, test putters, and grow their skills than one which meets all your needs.
Also, choose a spot with the most accurate golf simulators, the world's best courses, and where you can learn from PGA elites.
Such a choice will help you grow your golfing skills and become an expert golfer.
