Blade vs. Mallet Putters: What the Data Actually Says

So, you’re in the hunt for a new putter and you’re stuck weighing the pros and cons of blade putters versus mallet putters. Maybe your buddies are all about that classic blade life, but you’re eyeing those sleek mallets that seem to be popping up everywhere. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty and see if one really outshines the other based on solid on-course data.

What’s the Difference?

First off, let’s break down what we’re actually talking about. Blade putters are your traditionalists’ picks. They have a smaller head profile and generally feature some toe hang. If you think of classic golf putters, the PING Anser or Scotty Cameron Newport designs probably come to mind.

On the flip side, we have mallet putters. These beasts sport larger heads and are often more forgiving — think of the Odyssey 2-Ball or TaylorMade Spider. They come packed with different weight setups, which can help you find your sweet spot.

And then there’s the new kid on the block: the Lie Angle Balanced (or zero-torque) putters like those from L.A.B. Golf. They also fall into the mallet category but offer a unique feel and performance—definitely worth considering if you’re looking to shake things up.

The Stats Don’t Lie

Now, before we jump into the data on how the average golfer performs with these putters, we enlisted the help of our friends at Shot Scope. They’re great with numbers and have tons of real-world data. Spoiler: their findings might just surprise you.

When we look at standard performance metrics, the 15-handicap golfer—your average weekend warrior—has some telling stats that can guide your choice.

Popular Picks Among 15-Handicappers

Here’s the scoop on the most popular putters among these golfers:

Blade Putters:

• Scotty Cameron Select Newport 2
• Ping Anser
• Evnroll ER2

Mallet Putters:

• Odyssey 2 Ball
• TaylorMade Spider Tour
• Odyssey Stroke Lab No. 7

These models are the go-tos for many weekend players, but how do they stack up performance-wise?

Blade vs. Mallet Performance

In terms of performance, here’s how the average 15-handicapper fares:

• 6ft and in Make %: Blade putters score about 75% while mallets hit 82%.
• Avg Lag Putt Proximity (ft): Blade users average 7.3 feet, while mallet users are at 7.7.
• Avg 3-Putts per Round: Blade users rack up about 2.6, while mallet users keep it lower at 2.3.

What does all this mean? Simply put, mallets are winning the day when it comes to sinking those crucial short putts and avoiding three-putts.

What the Numbers Mean for You

You might think a 7% difference in make percentage between blade and mallet putters is small, but come on—every single putt counts! Imagine missing just one putt that could have changed your game, your scorecard, or even your whole vibe on the course.

While blades have a slight edge in lag putts, their short putting performance leaves something to be desired. In short, if you’re an average player looking to lower your score, sticking with a mallet might just be the way to go.

What About the Pros?

Now, let’s shift gears and think about the top 10% of golfers—those putting wizards we all envy. Using Shot Scope’s performance tracking, they’ve looked at make percentages inside six feet, lag putt proximity, and how often they three-putt.

Here’s what they found for the best putters:

• 6ft and in Make %: A whopping 93%
• Avg Lag Putt Proximity (ft): Only 3.6 feet!
• Avg 3-Putts per Round: Just 0.7, pretty impressive.

What does this reveal? Those pros are super consistent and have mastered their craft. Plus, most of them are rocking mallet putters, which backs up what we’ve seen with average players.

The Top Models for Top Performers

Curious about what models these top players are using? Here’s a quick rundown:

1. L.A.B. Golf DF3
2. Odyssey Ai-One Jailbird
3. L.A.B. Golf MEZZ 1 Max
4. Scotty Cameron Select Newport 2
5. Odyssey 2 Ball

It’s clear that most of these leading putters are mallet designs. This just reinforces the idea that if you want to up your game, exploring mallet options might be the way to go.

Need Your Own Data?

Want stats like this for yourself? Look no further than Shot Scope’s performance tracking products! You’ll get insights into your putting performance and over 100 other statistics like Strokes Gained and Handicap Benchmarking.

Best part? There are no subscription fees, and you’ll receive lifetime updates, too. It’s a one-time purchase that pays dividends on your game, helping you improve your putting skills and overall performance.

Wrap-Up: Go Mallet or Go Home?

In the showdown between blade and mallet putters, data seems to lean heavily toward mallets, especially for the average golfer. They help with sinking those short, game-saving putts while minimizing three-putts.

So, whether you’re a weekend golfer or aiming to hit the links like a pro, it might be time to give that mallet a shot. After all, your scores (and maybe your buddies’ wallets) will be thanking you later!

If you’re curious about further improving your game, check out Shot Scope for all the tools you need to take your putting to the next level. Happy putting!