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Our Job is Your Game
The most comprehensive mallet putter test of 2021 is complete. The results may surprise you.
At MyGolfSpy, our job is to provide independent, unbiased and objective testing so you can make more confident purchasing decisions. Our 2021 Most Wanted Mallet test is an indispensable guide for the off-the-rack buyer or for anyone looking for insight before their next fitting.
As always, we don’t want you to spend a dollar unless what you’re buying outperforms what’s in your bag.
If you’re in the market for a new putter, this test is for you.
2021 Most Wanted Mallet Putter: Odyssey Triple Track 2-Ball
Back-to-back. Enough said. Not quite, but a result we did not see coming.
For the second year in a row, the Odyssey Triple Track 2-Ball took home Most Wanted honors. The data tells the story.
First in Strokes Gained overall Seventh in Strokes Gained from five feet Eleventh in Strokes Gained from 10 feet First in Strokes Gained from 20 feetConsistent productivity is the bloodline of this stud. Its performance from 20 feet propelled it to a narrow victory. Say what you want but this is a damned good putter.
Buying Considerations
Length
Typically, stock putters come in either 34-inch or 35-inch lengths. Length can affect distance and direction. Many golfers find they fit better into putters with shorter shafts. Choose a putter that allows for a relaxed set-up based on your address posture.
Loft
The right loft promotes a smooth roll off the face. Too little or too much can cause bouncing, hopping and, ultimately, distance-control issues. We recommend working with a professional fitter to determine the right loft for your putting stroke.
Mallet or Blade?
Which is best for you? It’s a combination of personal preference and individual putting stroke. While there are few absolutes in fitting, those with a faster putting stroke often are better suited with lighter blade-putter options. If your stroke is slower and smooth, a heavier mallet might make more of an impact.
Toe Hang
As much as tempo is a factor in choosing the right putter, so too is the amount of arc in your stroke. If you open and close the face more than average, consider a heel-shafted putter with more weight in the toe. Balance the putter on your two index fingers. If the putter head hangs with the toe closer to 6 o’clock, it’s toe-balanced. A face-balanced putter will face the sky. Face-balanced putters are generally well suited for golfers with more of a straight-back, straight-through stroke.
Putter Features
While not quite to the same extent as drivers, putters have gone high-tech.
It’s not uncommon to find putters with adjustable weighting which, in addition to changing head weight, can alter toe hang to suit either a stronger or less arcing stroke. For example, you can find this feature in TaylorMade, Mizuno, Sub 70, Scotty Cameron and PXG mallet putters. All Odyssey and Toulon putters offer multi-material Stroke Lab shafts. Evnroll and others offer face-milling patterns or inserts designed to not only promote smooth roll but consistent distance (and, in some cases, direction) on mishits.
Fast Versus Slow Greens
There’s a case to be made for matching the weight of your putter to the speed of the greens you play most often. On slow greens, heavier putters tend to perform better. On fast greens, a delicate touch is needed. Often a lighter putter will produce better results.
BEST STRAIGHT BACK, STRAIGHT THROUGH - ODYSSEY TRIPLE TRACK 2-BALL
For the second year in a row, the Odyssey Triple Track 2-Ball captured the Most Wanted Mallet crown. Once again, the 2-ball produced outstanding consistency, especially from 20 feet. If you are looking for a model of consistency, look no further.
Field Notes
During our research to find the 2021 Most Wanted Mallet Putter, we look for trends into where the market is moving as well as noteworthy advances manufacturers have made to improve year-over-year performance. Over the course of testing, we solicit feedback from testers. Understanding what they liked, disliked or what they would change is valuable information. However, the subjective feedback does not factor into the overall rankings.
Trends and Tweaks
Mallets are always a mixed bag when it comes to the looks department. Two specific standouts were the PING 2021 Harwood and the Bettinardi INOVAI 7.0. Do not let looks fool you, though. Both putters are high in MOI, meaning they offer plenty of forgiveness. Traditionally, face-balanced putters dominate the testing pool. However, this year offers a bit more variety. Of the 26 models tested, 11 are face-balanced, 12 are slight arc toe-hang, two are strong toe-hang and one is torque-balanced (toe-up). For mallet putters, we continue to see manufacturers like PXG, Bettinardi, and others offer a variety of neck options. As we saw with the 2021 Most Wanted Blade Test, the EVNROLL V Series features a “drop-in hosel” capability. The different necks options provide a wider variety of offerings which provide more fitting options. We encourage our readers to get fitted for putters. Matching toe hang to your stroke will often go a long way towards more consistent putting. TaylorMade’s Spider FCG brings a unique twist to the 2021 Most Wanted Mallet Test. This putter features a forward center-of-gravity placement the idea is “a mallet, feels like a blade.“ TaylorMade isn’t the first to release this type of design, so it will be interesting to see if others create similar designs.
DID YOU KNOW?
The playing length of a putter has to be at least 18". However, there is no limit to the length thereafter.
Notes From The Testing Pool
Odyssey stole the show from a data perspective. Tester feedback tells a similar tale. The Triple Track 2-Ball, 2-Ball Ten S and White Hot OG 7 all received high praise in terms of feel, weighting and alignment. Testers said the TaylorMade’s Spider EX offered a tremendous feel and produced a consistent roll. Some testers said the alignment dots were a bit too reflective. Testers loved the hidden ability to pick-up the golf ball with the ER11v. They were also praised for the TourTac grip on the ER11v and ER8v. Both were highly rated for feel. Tester loved the feel and the overall design of the Mizuno M Craft V and VI. The blue ion finish is still hit or miss among our testers. PXG’s BlackJack and One & Done putters were praised for their looks. Easy alignment was another plus. Wilson Staff continues to develop a putter that performs. However, the Infinite Buckingham received mixed comments from the testing pool. A majority thought the club’s design was too busy. Others thought the feel and roll were exceptional. The new Wilson Buckingham putter will be available to pre-order on March 15 with a target shipping date of early April.
BEST SLIGHT ARC - ODYSSEY 2-BALL TEN S
The runner up in this year's Most Wanted Mallet Putter, the Odyssey 2-Ball Ten S performed exceptionally from all three distances. Throughout testing, it was praised for a quality looks and smooth roll. A contender for anyone's golf bag.
2021 Most Wanted Mallet Putter Data
EXPERT TIP - TOE HANG & LIE ANGLE
The toe hang and lie angle of your putter should match your stroke and address position. They're key elements of a good putter fitting.
If you have a lot of face rotation through the putting stroke, consider trying a toe down (strong arc) style putter. Vice versa, if you have minimal rotation, consider trying a face-balanced style putter.
Lie angle, just like in an iron or wood, can affect shot direction. Be sure to match your lie angle up with your tendencies with your putter as well.
BEST STRONG ARC - MIZUNO M CRAFT V
Finishing with a positive strokes gained number, the M Craft V continues an encouraging sign of things to come from Mizuno. Noted for a great design and feel, the M Craft V performed well from 10 feet and 20 feet during testing.
2021 Most Wanted Mallet Putters for 2021 – Buying Tips
Get Fitted
Ninety-five percent of amateur golfers haven’t been fitted for a putter. Would it surprise you to know that most PGA professionals (the guys fitting you for a putter) haven’t been fitted, either? If you’re playing the wrong equipment for your game, you’re costing yourself strokes. Don’t choose a putter just because it looks or feels good; get fitted for a putter that performs best for YOUR stroke and start making more putts.
Face Technology
Face technology comes in different forms: variable grooves, face inserts or a more traditional milled face. While face technology varies, it is critical to the putter. The goal is simple: to provide a more consistent result even when your stroke isn’t up to par. Utilize the technology to your advantage and choose the best one that suits your style and desires.
Grip Style
Grips come in various sizes. It often boils down to personal preference. Larger grips may enhance control through the stroke but they may affect feel. Vice versa, a slimmer grip can increase feel but cause a lack of control. Pick your grip wisely.
2021 Most Wanted Mallet Putter – Product Specifications
2021 Most Wanted Mallet Putter Product Specs
| Product | Loft | Lie | Length | Swingweight | Toe Hang | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bettinardi INOVAI 7.0 Check Price | 3 | 70.8 | 35" | E9.8 | Face-Balanced | |
| Bettinardi Studio Stock 7 Check Price | 3.1 | 69.5 | 35.5" | F5.1 | Face-Balanced | |
| Cleveland Frontline 10.5 Check Price | 0.7 | 71.1 | 34" | D8.5 | Face-Balanced | |
| Cleveland HB Soft Premier 10.5 Check Price | 3.5 | 67.6 | 34" | D6.0 | Face-Balanced | |
| Edel EAS 5.0 Check Price | 3.2 | 70.2 | 34" | C8.5 | Torque-Balanced | |
| EVNROLL ER11v Check Price | 2.9 | 70 | 33.5" | D8.4 | Slight | |
| EVNROLL ER8v Check Price | 3.2 | 69.5 | 33.625" | D7.7 | Slight | |
| Mizuno M Craft V Check Price | 2.3 | 71 | 33.75" | D6.5 | Strong | |
| Mizuno M Craft VI Check Price | 2.4 | 70.9 | 34" | E3.4 | Face-Balanced | |
| Odyssey 2-Ball Ten S Check Price | 2.7 | 70.5 | 33.25" | D2.3 | Slight | |
| Odyssey Triple Track 2-Ball Check Price | 1.3 | 71.3 | 34.75" | E0.8 | Face-Balanced | |
| Odyssey White Hot OG 7 Check Price | 3.2 | 69.3 | 33.625" | D7.5 | Face-Balanced | |
| PING 2021 DS 72 Check Price | 3.2 | 70.2 | 34.75" | E4.3 | Slight | |
| PING 2021 Harwood Check Price | 3.7 | 70.1 | 35" | F7.8 | Slight | |
| PXG BlackJack Check Price | 3.5 | 70.6 | 34" | E2.4 | Slight | |
| PXG One & Done Check Price | 3.2 | 70.3 | 35" | E9.9 | Slight | |
| Scott Golf Slayer Check Price | 3.3 | 72.3 | 34.25" | E4.9 | Face-Balanced | |
| Scotty Cameron Phantom X 5.5 Check Price | 3.2 | 69.6 | 34.75" | E3.7 | Slight | |
| Scotty Cameron Special Select Flowback 5.5 Check Price | 3.4 | 70.3 | 33.5" | D5.6 | Strong | |
| Sub 70 Sycamore 004 Mallet Check Price | 4.8 | 70.5 | 34.25" | F8.8 | Face-Balanced | |
| TaylorMade Spider EX Check Price | 1.4 | 70.1 | 34" | D7.5 | Face-Balanced | |
| TaylorMade Spider FCG Check Price | 3.4 | 71.1 | 33.75" | D4.3 | Slight | |
| Toulon Seattle Check Price | 2.9 | 70 | 33.5" | D3.7 | Slight | |
| Wilson Staff Infinite Buckingham Check Price | 3.5 | 71.1 | 33.75" | D6.0 | Slight | |
| XXIO Full Milled Mallet Check Price | 4.4 | 71.8 | 33.875" | D7.9 | Slight |
BEST LOOKING PUTTER & BEST FEELING PUTTER
Best Looking Putter - Odyssey White Hot OG 7 was met with much applause for its looks. A timeless design with a touch of modernized flair. A clean head design and appealing color combination paved the way for this beauty.
Best Feeling Putter - Odyssey 2-Ball Ten S was selected by the testers as the best feeling putter in this test. Soft feel and consistent roll were common themes from our tester's feedback.
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 a golf store and choose the putter that feels the best or the one you happen to make a couple of putts with. Do your research, know the facts and take your knowledge to your golf course or store with the intention of being fitted for the right putter for YOUR stroke. Your best chance of finding YOUR best putter comes from getting fitted.
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.
Q: How do I find the right length putter for me?
A: An easy test of putter length: Take a comfortable putting stance with a putter. If the putter is too short, it likely will sit too upright or the heel will be off the ground. If it’s too long, you’ll feel you’re crowding the ball and the toe will be pointing up slightly. Visit a fitter.
Q: What is the price range for a typical putter?
A: Name-brand putters range from $99 to more than $400. Higher-priced models are often 100-per-cent CNC milled but it’s also true that you could be paying a premium for the logo on the putter. Price may always be a factor but don’t assume the best putters are the most expensive.
EXPERT TIP - FAST vs SLOW GREENS
Green speeds are always varying from course to course. This aspect of the game can have a tremendous impact on your putting performance. However, there is a way to combat it. Consider playing a heavy putter on slower greens. For fast greens, consider utilizing a lighter putter. Putters that offer weight kits are a great way to have an "all in one" putter regardless of green speed. You simply adjust the weighting based on the green speed.
Most Wanted
Q: How is the Most Wanted Winner determined?
A: Rankings for the best putters for 2021 are derived from Strokes Gained values relative to the average putter on an individual basis. We then take the average strokes gained for each putter across all 20 of our testers and aggregate the three distances tested (five, 10 and 20 feet). The Most Wanted Putter(s) is the one with the highest Strokes Gained value.
Q: How were 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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