While you may think putting is personal, performance is what gets the ball in the hole. For our 2025 Most Wanted Putter test, we evaluated more than 60 blade and mallet models using an all-new scoring system powered by PuttView.
This advanced technology tracks both made putts and proximity to the hole across multiple distances, allowing us to calculate a PuttView Handicap for each putter. The PuttView Handicap is a data-backed way to show how much a given putter helps (or hurts) your scoring.
Whether you struggle from a few feet or across the green, this year’s results will help you find the putter that fits your game best.
Best overall mallet putter: Wilson Infinite Buckingham
Wilson Infinite Buckingham topped our 2025 test thanks to elite performance on short and medium putts where strokes are gained and lost. While its looks and sound didn’t win over every tester, the ball kept finding the bottom of the cup.
It was second-best at medium range where most putters separate themselves. It belongs on your list if you want results at a very fair price.
Buy this if
✅ You want the best mallet putter based on performance, not brand hype.
✅ You miss more putts in the five- to 15-foot range than anywhere else.
Don’t buy this if
❌ You prioritize sound, feel and looks over performance.
❌ You can’t get past the lower subjective scores.
Best mallet runner-up: Runner Mallet
Runner Golf is no longer flying under the radar after finishing second in both blade and mallet categories. The Runner Mallet proved itself consistently at every range. It was neck-and-neck with Wilson for top honors and was especially strong on short to mid-range putts. Don’t let the unknown name fool you; this putter flat-out performs.
Buy this if
✅ You want all-around consistency from a new name in putters.
✅ Feel matters and you want a soft, responsive putter.
Don’t buy this if
❌ You’re hesitant to buy from a newer or lesser-known brand.
Third-best mallet putter: PING Scottsdale Prime Tyne 4
The PING Scottsdale Prime Tyne 4 lands in third place. Its performance was best on medium and long putts. It was also one of the best-rated mallets for feel, sound and visual appeal. This putter is a strong choice for players who need better distance control, especially if a heel-shafted design suits your stroke.
Buy this if
✅ You want to improve lag putting from 10 to 20 feet and beyond.
✅ You value sound, feel and address look in your putter.
Don’t buy this if
❌ You don’t like heel-shafted or strong arc putters.
Top mallet putters by distance
Performance at different distances varies — a putter that’s near perfect from five feet may not shine at 20 feet. Here are the standout mallet putters at each range.
| Distance | Putter Name | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Short | Toura Proto P5 | -7.8 |
| Bettinardi INOVAI 6.0 | -6.8 | |
| Runner Mallet | -6.7 | |
| Medium | Makefield Defiant | -9.7 |
| Wilson Infinite Buckingham | -9.2 | |
| PING Scottsdale Prime Tyne 4 | -8.7 | |
| Long | Stix Golf Compete Mallet | -12.2 |
| Never Compromise Model 3 | -11.3 | |
| Scotty Cameron Phantom 7 | -11.0 |
Best overall blade putter: Tommy Armour Impact No. 2
Tommy Armour Impact No. 2 claims the top spot for blade putters in 2025. Its standout performance on medium putts is what separates it from the pack. If your goal is to become a better putter in 2025, you’ll want something that’s strong on the medium-length putts.
At just $149.99, it also offers one of the best price-to-performance ratios in the entire test.
Buy this if
✅ You want top-tier performance on mid-range putts.
✅ You’re looking for a value blade that performs like a premium one.
Don’t buy this if
❌ You prefer something with a softer feel or more refined aesthetics.
Best blade putter runner-up: Runner Golf Blade
Runner Golf continues to make noise with another second-place finish. The Runner Blade putter performs exceptionally well from short range and holds its own on longer putts. Its modular design allows for over 200 configurations, from weights to faceplates, but even the stock version performs.
If you want a new golf toy to tinker with, this is one that could actually improve your game.
Buy this if
✅ You want short-range performance with elite customization options.
✅ You like to personalize your setup with weights, grips and/or alignment aids.
Don’t buy this if
❌ You value traditional looks and brand prestige over performance.
Third-best blade putter: Cleveland HB Soft 2 Black Model 1
The Cleveland HB Soft 2 Black Model 1 ranks third overall and dominates from longer distance. It’s one of the best-performing blade putters from both medium and long range. At $199–$249 (depending on shaft option), it’s priced well below many of its competitors.
If your struggles are outside 10 feet, this is a blade that can change your game.
Buy this if
✅ You want elite performance on mid- and long-range putts.
✅ You want a reasonably priced blade that doesn’t sacrifice feel.
Don’t buy this if
❌ You’re skeptical of Cleveland putters.
Top blade putters by distance
Only the Cleveland HB Soft 2 Black Model 1 pulled off a top three performance in both medium and long putt categories. Some blade putters do a great job on short putts and others are only worth keeping in the bag for those long lags. Here are the best blade putters at each distance range:
| Distance | Putter Name | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Short | Never Compromise Model 2 | -5.8 |
| Runner Golf Blade | -5.6 | |
| Never Compromise Model 1 | -5.5 | |
| Medium | Tommy Armour Impact No. 2 | -9.6 |
| PING Scottsdale Anser | -4.2 | |
| Cleveland HB Soft 2 Black Model 1 | -3.6 | |
| Long | Scotty Cameron Super Select NPT2 | -9.6 |
| Cleveland HB Soft 2 Black Model 1 | -9.4 | |
| Tommy Armour Impact No. 1 | -9.4 |
Final thoughts
For more in-depth results and insights into our testing, visit the individual blade and mallet putter testing pages:
Ken Bender
1 year ago
What was the set up configuration on the runner putter that was tested? According to the company website there are numerous builds available.