Mallet vs Blade Putter: Which Is Best for Your Stroke?

Choosing the right putter is one of the most important equipment decisions in golf. While drivers and irons get plenty of attention, your putter is the club you’ll use more than any other during a round. The debate often comes down to mallet vs blade putter—two distinct head shapes designed for different stroke types and player preferences.

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In this guide, we’ll clarify the differences, recommend which style golfers should use, and highlight some of the best putters for beginners, high-MOI options, and proven favorites.

Mallet vs Blade Putter: Key Differences

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When deciding between a mallet and a blade putter, start by looking at your putting stroke. If you go straight back and straight through, you’re going to want to use a mallet. If you arc the stroke, opening on the way back and closing through impact, you’ll want a blade.

Straight-back-straight-through stroke → Mallet putter

Mallets are larger, more stable, and often face balanced, making them ideal for golfers who keep the putter square through impact. They also tend to be more forgiving on mishits because of their higher MOI (moment of inertia).

Arc stroke → Blade putter

Blades are typically toe-hang putters, designed to rotate open and closed naturally. If your stroke arcs inside-to-square-to-inside, a blade will feel more natural.

Quick Mallet vs. Blade Putter Comparison Table

Factor	Mallet Putter	Blade Putter
Typical Shape	Large, rounded/square head	Slim, traditional profile
Stroke Fit	Straight back & through	Arc stroke
Balance	Often face balanced	Often toe hang
Forgiveness	High MOI, very forgiving	Low MOI, requires precision
Alignment	Larger heads = better alignment aids	Minimal alignment help
Feel	Softer, muted	More feedback / “pure”
Best For	Beginners, golfers needing forgiveness	Skilled putters, arc strokes

High MOI and Putter Forgiveness Explained

One of the biggest performance differences is MOI (moment of inertia).

MOI putter meaning: A measure of stability on off-center hits. Higher MOI = less twisting.
High MOI mallet putters are popular with golfers seeking forgiveness and distance control.
Blade putters have lower MOI but reward pure strikes with exceptional feel.

If consistency is a challenge, a most forgiving putter (usually a mallet) is a smart choice.

Best Putters for Beginners: Mallet vs Blade

For new golfers, forgiveness and confidence are key.

Best for beginners → mallet putters

With larger heads, bigger alignment aids, and more stability, mallets help new players build confidence. Even slight mishits roll out consistently.

Best for experienced players → blade putters

Blades deliver unmatched feel and touch, but demand precision. They’re better suited for golfers with consistent strokes.

Best-Selling Mallet & Blade Models

Here are some popular options golfers search for in both categories:

Best Mallet Putters

Best Blade Putters

FAQs: Mallet vs Blade Putter

What is a mallet putter?
A mallet putter has a larger, rounded or square-shaped head with a high MOI for forgiveness and stability.

What is a blade putter?
A blade putter has a slim, traditional head designed for arc strokes and pure feel.

What does MOI mean in putters?
MOI (moment of inertia) measures resistance to twisting on off-center hits. Higher MOI = more forgiveness.

Is a mallet more forgiving?
Yes. Mallets are generally the most forgiving putters, ideal for golfers struggling with mishits.

Should beginners use a mallet or blade?
Beginners should start with a mallet putter for its alignment aids, forgiveness, and consistency.

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer in the mallet vs blade putter debate. It comes down to your stroke, consistency, and visual preference.

Straight stroke? Go mallet.
Arc stroke? Go blade.
Need forgiveness? Choose a high-MOI mallet.
Love feel and feedback? Choose a blade.

Whichever you choose, the right putter will give you confidence on the greens and help you make more putts.

👉 Shop mallet putters with alignment aids or toe hang blade putters to find your fit today.