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2020 MOST WANTED MALLET PUTTER
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120
Hours
Researched
16920
Putts
Hit
44
Products
Considered
49.7m
Readers
INDEPENDENT & UNBIASED
MyGolfSpy accepts $0 advertising dollars from any of the major golf manufacturers. We believe in always putting #ConsumerFirst.
120
Hours
Researched
16920
Putts
Hit
44
Products
Considered
49.7m
Readers
OUR JOB IS YOUR GAME
Seldom do our test results make us do a double-take. But in the case of the 2020 Mallet Putter test, we not only rubbed our eyes and blinked to make sure we were seeing the numbers correctly but we triple checked the data. Sure enough, the 2020 winner blew out the competition and took Best Mallet Putter of 2020 in a landslide.
2020 isn’t just the year of extraordinary results but also the year of the boundary-pushing unique design. This year’s 2020 mallet putter field featured putters of every color, shape and size. Some were too big and some were too bright but the Odyssey Triple Track fits just right.
At MyGolfSpy, our job is to provide independent, unbiased and objective testing of products to help you make more confident purchasing decisions. We do this by employing consistent testing methodologies and advanced golf analytics inside our 100-percent independent test facility. You are then able to leverage the industry’s richest set of head-to-head data to help unlock your full potential. Our testing yields unparalleled data which equals unparalleled insight for the golfer.
For 2020, stop buying golf equipment you like and start buying equipment you want to keep. Don’t spend a dollar unless it improves on what’s already in the bag.
Most Wanted: ODYSSEY TRIPLE TRACK 2 BALL
Putter Buying Considerations
LENGTH
The length of your putter can affect both your ability to control distance and direction. Typical stock putters are either 34 or 35 inches in length. However, many golfers better fit into a shorter putter. You want to choose a putter that will allow you to have a relaxed set-up based on how you address the ball.
LOFT
Loft may affect the distance of your putt more than the direction and speed control is extremely important in putting. If you have too much or too little loft, your ball may either hop or dig into the ground, making distance control inconsistent. We always recommend getting fitted for a putter. A fitting specialist can help determine the proper loft for your putter.
BLADE vs. MALLET
Choosing between a blade and a mallet should come down to personal preference and your natural putting stroke tempo. According to PING, if you tend to have a quicker putting stroke, a lighter, blade-style putter might suit your game. Conversely, if your stroke is smoother and slower, a heavier, mallet-style putter might be for you.
As much as your tempo is a factor, so is the amount of arc in your stroke. If you tend to significantly open and close the face, consider a heel-shafted putter that allows for rotation. If you balance the putter on your two index fingers, the putter head should hang with the toe closer to 6 o’clock. On the other extreme, a face-balanced putter will have the face pointing to the sky when you balance it. This style is generally well suited for golfers who have more of a straight-back, straight-through stroke.
Best Slight Arc Putter - Sik Flo
The Best Slight Arc Putter, the Sik Flo is a newcomer to 2020 and proved the point it set out to prove. Its face technology makes sure every stroke rolls at the same degree no matter how high or low you hit it on the face. The Flo did well across all three distances earning its spot in the Top 5. The looks weren't desired among the testers but they did like the feel and balance overall.
FIELD NOTES
During each test, we look for trends that provide insight into where the market as a whole is moving as well as what noteworthy changes manufacturers have made to improve year-over-year performance. We also solicit feedback from our testers. We want to understand what they liked, what they didn’t like and why. While we do collect and share noteworthy portions of this subjective feedback, it does not factor in our rankings.
TRENDS AND TWEAKS
This is the largest putter test we’ve ever conducted and we’re seeing more unique — what some would call “wacky” — designs but they can be beneficial. The Wilson “L”, for example, has a distinctive club head but the putter took anything but an “L”. Data put the “L” in the winner column. More technology, whether face tech, like what is featured in Sik Flo, or counterbalanced grips like EVNROLL, will make a difference in how a putter feels at impact and can influence your stroke type. Try before you buy. Of the 44 models tested, we would categorize 11 as being slight arc, five as strong arc, 26 as straight-back straight-through (face-balanced) and two as torque-balanced (toe-up). Twenty-seven of the 44 putters tested featured a mid-sized to oversized grip. We continue to see the trend of a traditional pistol grip or “pistol-like grip” being uncommon as a stock putter grip for most manufacturers. Super Stroke continues to be a leading choice due to the various styles of grips and size options. Additionally, their latest models come with a Tech-Port to utilize their CounterCore feature within the grip. EVNROLL’s Gravity Grip is a great example of a unique design for the putter grip, which has proven to be useful for golfers. The number of Fang-style putters, like the PING Heppler Tyle 3, continues to rise. The common theme with the larger-head mallets is to push weight to the perimeter of the head to increase MOI, thereby boosting forgiveness.Best Strong - Wilson Staff Infinite The "L"
If you're looking for the Best Putter for Strong Arc, the Wilson Staff Infinite The "L" takes the 2020 spot. Testers didn't like the look, but the feel and balance of the head made up for style. This year's overall Runner-Up led the field in strokes gained at 20ft.
Green Speed and Putter Selection
While we don't recommend changing putters with course conditions, if you frequently play on slower greens, gravitate toward a heavier weighted putter. On faster greens, you want to use a lighter weighted putter to help with distance control
NOTES FROM THE 2020 MALLET PUTTER TESTING POOL
Testers enjoyed the color contrast of the Axis 1 Rose but found a slight vibration in the shaft. The Ping Heppler Ketsch generated favorable tester feedback. The shape of the head and the color contrast earned positive marks and helped with alignment. Testers gave it moderate reviews for feel. Those looking to improve alignment struggled with the Taylormade Truss TM1. Though the roll was consistent, testers did not like how it looked.Best Straight Back, Straight Through - Odyssey Triple Track 2 Ball
The Best Straight-Back, Straight-Through putter is also the Best Mallet Putter winner of 2020. The design is classic and withstands the test of time. Many testers disliked the alignment lines, saying they were distracting, but the performance speaks for itself. The Odyssey Triple Track destroyed the competition at 10ft gaining nearly 1 stroke on the field.
Best Mallet Putters 2020- Data
EXPERT TIP- Weight Kits
Some putters come with additional weight kits. Best leveraged by a competent fitter, they can be used to modify the increase or decrease weight, change the toe hang, increase MOI, and ultimately help with distance control and accuracy.
MORE BUYING TIPS
GET FITTED
Ninety-five percent of amateur golfers haven’t been fitted for a putter. Would it surprise you to know 85 percent of PGA of America professionals (the folks fitting you for a putter) haven’t been fitted, either? The bottom line is that you’re leaving strokes on the green if you’re playing the wrong equipment for your game. Don’t choose a putter just because it looks or feels good. Work with a fitter to find a putter that works with YOUR stroke to start making more putts.
FACE TECHNOLOGY
The face of the putter is one of the most critical parts of the club. After all, it is the contact point with the ball. Some face technologies are just there for show; however, EVNROLL’s variable grooves or a traditional milled face can make a significant impact on how the ball rolls off the face. Sometimes those lines on the face aren’t just for show.
GRIP STYLE
Pistol, counterbalance and oversize are just some of the many styles of putter grips available. A study conducted by PING showed that pistol grips often result in the club being delivered more closed relative to setup compared to straight grips. If you frequently miss right, a pistol grip may be the answer, while a straight grip could help mitigate a left miss.
HOW WE TEST
Our Mission is to help you find the best putter for your game.
We are 100% independent and unbiased, and always put the #ConsumerFirst
ABOUT OUR TESTERS
Our pool of testers consists of 20 golfers with handicaps ranging from plus to the mid-teens. As a group, they span a broad range of putting stroke characteristics.
Over the course of several sessions, each golfer is required to putt and finish 18 holes with each putter. Putter groupings and order are randomized on a per tester basis.
LIMITING VARIABLES AND GATHERING RELIABLE DATA
To minimize variables, all testers hit Bridgestone Tour B-X Golf Balls inside our dedicated Lab X testing facility located in Yorktown, Va.
While it doesn't affect the final results, subjective feedback on looks, feel and alignment is taken from each tester on every putter in the test.
CRUNCHING THE NUMBERS
To determine the Best Mallet Putter, we test at 3 different distances (five, 10, and 20 feet). We calculate the strokes gained value for each putter relative to the average strokes for each tester. Those values are aggregated and totaled with the Most Wanted putter being the one that produced the highest average strokes gained value across the test pool.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
BEST MALLET PUTTERS FOR 2020 - PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Product | Loft | Lie | Length | Swing Weight | Head Weight | Toe Hang Tested | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AXIS1 Rose Check Price | N/A | N/A | 34 | D7.6 | 355G | Toe Up | |
Bettinardi BB45 Check Price | 2.5 | 70.3 | 34 | D9.8 | 350G | Straight | |
Bettinardi INOVAI 6.0 CTR Check Price | 2.8 | 69.6 | 34 | E1.5 | 358G | Straight | |
Bettinardi INOVAI 6.0 S Check Price | 2.6 | 70.4 | 34.25 | E0.2 | 358G | Slight | |
Ben Hogan BHMO1 Check Price | 2.3 | 70.7 | 35 | F3.5 | 370G | Straight | |
Bloodline RG-1 Check Price | 3.2 | 69.5 | 34.5 | -0.5661 | 395G | Straight* | |
Cleveland Frontline Cero Check Price | 2.4 | 68.3 | 34 | D9.5 | 370G | Straight* | |
Cleveland Frontline Elevado Check Price | 2.2 | 69.9 | 34 | D9.4 | 370G | Slight* | |
Cleveland Frontline ISO Check Price | 2.6 | 70.7 | 34 | D7.7 | 370G | Straight* | |
Cleveland HB Soft 11 Check Price | 2.3 | 71.5 | 34 | E8.1 | 370G | Straight* | |
Cleveland HB Soft 12 Check Price | 1.8 | 70.7 | 34 | E8.3 | 370G | Straight | |
Cleveland HB Soft 6 Check Price | 1.9 | 71.5 | 34.25 | E6.0 | 365G | Slight | |
EDEL EAS 4.0 Check Price | 4.2 | 68.9 | 34 | C6.4 | 340-360G | Toe Up | |
EVNROLL ER10 Check Price | 3.4 | 70.2 | 34 | E2.2 | N/A | Straight | |
EVNROLL ER7 Check Price | 2.1 | 70.2 | 33.75 | E2.1 | N/A | Slight | |
Mizuno M Craft 3 Check Price | 3.3 | 70.9 | 34.25 | D9.5 | N/A | Straight | |
Odyssey Stroke Lab R Line Arrow Check Price | 2.6 | 71.1 | 34 | D6.6 | 365G | Straight | |
Odyssey Stroke Lab Rossie Check Price | 3.9 | 71 | 35 | E5.0 | 365G | Straight | |
Odyssey Triple Track 2 Ball Check Price | 1.3 | 71.3 | 34.75 | E0.8 | 365G | Straight | |
Odyssey Triple Track 2 Ball Blade Check Price | 4.5 | 70.6 | 33.75 | D3.3 | 365G | Slight | |
Odyssey Triple Track Ten Check Price | 4.1 | 71.1 | 34 | D7.3 | 365G | Straight | |
Ping Heppler Floki Check Price | 3.6 | 69.8 | 33.75 | D7.9 | 365G | Strong | |
Ping Heppler Ketsch Check Price | 5 | 70.5 | 34 | E2.5 | 370G | Straight* | |
Ping Heppler Piper C Check Price | 3.2 | 70.6 | 34 | D4.4 | 365G | Straight | |
Ping Heppler Tom Cat 14 Check Price | 3.3 | 69.5 | 34 | D9.3 | 370G | Straight* | |
Ping Heppler Tyne 3 Check Price | 2.8 | 70.6 | 34 | D0.7 | 360G | Slight | |
PXG Bat Attack GEN2 Check Price | 3.4 | 69.8 | 34.25 | E7.8 | 360* | Straight* | |
PXG Operator GEN2 Check Price | 2.6 | 70.5 | 34 | F5.4 | 365G* | Straight* | |
PXG Spitfire GEN2 Check Price | 2.8 | 71.1 | 34 | F1.8 | 360* | Straight* | |
Scotty Cameron Phantom X 12.5 Check Price | 3.6 | 70.4 | 34 | D9.1 | N/A | Slight | |
Scotty Cameron Phantom X 8.5 Check Price | 2.8 | 69.9 | 34 | D8.4 | N/A | Slight | |
Scotty Cameron Select Fastback 1.5 Check Price | 3.6 | 70.6 | 33.75 | D5.4 | N/A | Strong | |
Sik Flo Check Price | 2 | 71 | 34 | -0.5677 | N/A | Slight* | |
Sub 70 Sycamore 002 Check Price | 3.6 | 73.6 | 34.25 | -0.5452 | 390G | Straight | |
Taylormade Spider S Check Price | 1.7 | 71.1 | 34 | D8.8 | 357G | Straight | |
Taylormade Truss TM1 Check Price | 5.3 | 71.1 | 34 | D6.4 | 355G | Slight | |
Tommy Armour Datil Check Price | 3.8 | 71.2 | 34.25 | D8.0 | N/A | Slight | |
Tommy Armour Serrano Check Price | 3.2 | 71.1 | 34.5 | E6.3 | N/A | Straight | |
Tour Edge Exotics Wingman 01 Check Price | 2.4 | 69.8 | 34 | E1.8 | 355G | Strong | |
Tour Edge Exotics Wingman 03 Check Price | 2.5 | 70.8 | 34 | E1.5 | 355G | Straight | |
Wilson Staff Infinite The "L" Check Price | 4 | 71 | 34 | D8.9 | 360G | Strong | |
Wilson Staff Infinite Bucktown Check Price | 2.6 | 71.3 | 34 | D5.3 | 360G | Straight | |
Wilson Staff Infinite Grant Park Check Price | 3.5 | 72.2 | 34 | D3.0 | N/A | Strong | |
Wilson Staff Infinite The Bean Check Price | 2.4 | 69.7 | 34 | D4.3 | 360G | Straight |
THE BEST MALLET PUTTERS 2020 – FAQ
Buying a Putter
Q: Should I get fitted for a putter?
A: Without a doubt. Don’t just go to the putting corral at your local golf store and choose the putter that feels the best. Do your research, know the facts and take your knowledge to your local course or store with the intention of being fitted for the right putter for YOUR stroke.
Q: Can I fit myself for a putter?
A: To a degree, yes. PING developed an app that pairs with an attachable sleeve to your current putter shaft to determine your stroke type, lie and loft to help you understand what to look for in your next putter.
.truegolffit-banner-inner-right { padding-top: calc(574/1020 * (100% - 430px)); } @media screen and (max-width: 991px) { .truegolffit-banner-inner-right { padding-top: calc(574/1020 * 100%); width: 100%; } }GET FIT FOR YOUR GAME WITH TRUEGOLFFIT
Unbiased. No Guesswork. All Major Brands. Matched To Your Swing. Advanced Golf Analytics matches the perfect clubs to your exact swing using connected data and machine learning.
SEE MY RESULTSQ: How do I find the right length of putter for me?
A: A quick test would be to take a comfortable putting stance with a putter. If the putter is too short, it likely will sit too upright (the heel of the putter will be off the ground). On the flip side, if it’s too long, you’ll feel as though you’re crowding the ball and the putter and the toe will be pointing up slightly.
Q: What is the price range for a typical putter?
A: Most putters range in price from $50 into the thousands; however most average between $100 and $500. Ultimately, it’s about finding the best putter for YOUR game. Price may always be a factor but don’t assume the best putters are the most expensive.
EXPERT TIP- Toe Hang
Keep missing it right? Try a putter with more toe hang to help straighten out your putts. If getting fit isn't an option, moving the ball back and your stance can sometimes change the angle of the face at impact.
Best Mallet Putter
Q: How is the Best Mallet Putter Winner determined?
A: To determine the Best Mallet Putter, we test at 3 different distances (five, 10, and 20 feet). We calculate the strokes gained value for each putter relative to the average strokes for each tester. Those values are aggregated and totaled with the Most Wanted putter being the one that produced the highest average strokes gained value across the test pool.
Q: How are the best putters for stroke type determined?
A: At the beginning of the test, each putter is classified by its toe hang/stroke type. The best within each designation are those that finished highest overall with respect to toe hang/stroke type.
Q: How much does subjective feedback like looks, sound and feel factor into your rankings?
A: ZERO. Our rankings are based purely on total putt counts and quantifiable performance metrics. We include subjective notes only because readers have asked for more feedback directly from the testers.
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