Blade and Mallet Putters: Head Shape, Length and Loft

Blade or mallet: head shape follows your stroke

Blade putters have a slim head and often a toe that hangs when the putter is balanced on a finger, which suits a stroke that swings on a slight arc. Mallet putters have a larger, deeper head with more stability on off-center hits and a face that stays square, which suits a straighter back-and-through stroke. Many golfers also choose by what looks calm at address, which matters because confidence helps.

Neck design tells you how the shaft joins the head. A single bend is common, and other bends such as slant and plumber's necks change toe hang and how the face behaves during the stroke. Alignment lines, dots and sightlines help you aim, and a face insert changes the sound and the feel at impact. Try both shapes on a practice green if you can.

Length, loft and hand: getting the setup right

Putter length is listed in inches, with 33 to 35 the usual range and 38 common on counterbalanced designs. The right length lets you stand relaxed with your eyes over the ball and the sole of the putter flat on the ground. Taller golfers tend to want a little more length, but posture matters more than height. Putters of 38 inches or more are a specialist choice.

Loft is small, around 3 to 4 degrees, to lift the ball out of its resting position and help it roll. A listed loft of 3 is normal. Right- and left-hand versions both exist, and women's putters are often shorter. Weight and grip size affect feel as well: a heavier head steadies the stroke on fast greens, and a thicker grip reduces wrist action.

Questions about Blade and Mallet Putters: Head Shape, Length and Loft

What length putter should I choose?

Most golfers fit well with 33 to 35 inches. Stand naturally with your eyes over the ball and your arms hanging, and pick the length that lets the sole sit flat. Very tall or short players may need more or less.

What is toe hang on a putter?

Toe hang is how far the toe of the putter points downward when the shaft is balanced on a finger. More toe hang suits an arced stroke, while a face-balanced putter, with the face pointing up, suits a straighter stroke.

Does putter loft matter?

A little. Putter loft is typically around 3 to 4 degrees and lifts the ball slightly out of its resting spot so it rolls rather than skids. Too much or too little can make the ball bounce, so a standard loft suits most players.