MGS Tested: Mallet Putters of 2020
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MGS Tested: Mallet Putters of 2020

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MGS Tested: Mallet Putters of 2020
A TT 2 Ball putter, one of the best 2020 mallet putters ODYSSEY TRIPLE TRACK 2 BALL
SIK FLO
MIZUNO M. CRAFT 3
SCOTTY CAMERON SELECT FASTBACK 1.5
WILSON INFINITE THE "L"
MOST WANTED WINNER
A TT 2 Ball putter, one of the best 2020 mallet putters
ODYSSEY TRIPLE TRACK 2 BALL
  • Best Mallet Putter in 2020
  • Indisputably the best putter from 10 feet
  • A top performer from 20 feet
  • Testers loved the feel, alignment and roll.
  • Testers said the Triple Track lines were distracting
A Sik Flo putter, one of the best 2020 mallet putters
SIK FLO
  • Most consistent roll of 2020 based on tester feedback
  • Performed consistently well at all three distances
  • Once testers got past the look, they were impressed with feel and balance
  • Testers didn’t mince words. They said it was ugly
A Mizuno M Craft putter, one of the best 2020 mallet putters
MIZUNO M. CRAFT 3
  • Softest feeling putter of 2020
  • Testers said it produced a consistent roll off the face
  • Performed well at five and 10 feet
  • Comes in three finishes, Black Ion, Blue Ion and White Satin
  • Disappointing from 20 feet
  • Testers disliked White Satin finish, saying it produced a glare
A Scotty Cameron Select 1.5 putter, one of the best 2020 mallet putters
SCOTTY CAMERON SELECT FASTBACK 1.5
  • One of the most popular putters among testers
  • Gained nearly half a shot from 10 feet compared to field
  • Testers liked classic design
  • 20-foot results cost it a higher ranking
Best Value
The L putter, one of the best 2020 mallet putters
WILSON INFINITE THE "L"
  • Quality putter at a bargain price
  • Led the field from 20 feet
  • Performed exceptionally well at 10 feet
  • Double milled face design
  • Some testers thought the design was too bulky

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120

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Researched

16920

Putts
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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

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 Arc - Wilson Staff Infinite The "L"

Best Strong Arc - 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

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

 

Strokes Gained by some of the best 2020 mallet putters

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

ProductLoftLieLengthSwing WeightHead WeightToe Hang Tested
An Axis Rose1 putter, one of the best 2020 mallet puttersAXIS1 Rose

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N/AN/A34D7.6355GToe Up
A Bettinardi BB45 putter, one of the best 2020 mallet puttersBettinardi BB45

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2.570.334D9.8350GStraight
A Bettinardi Inovai CTR putter, one of the best 2020 mallet puttersBettinardi INOVAI 6.0 CTR

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2.869.634E1.5358GStraight
A Bettinardi Inovai 6.0 putter, one of the best 2020 mallet puttersBettinardi INOVAI 6.0 S

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2.670.434.25E0.2358GSlight
A Benhogan BH putter, one of the best 2020 mallet puttersBen Hogan BHMO1

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2.370.735F3.5370GStraight
An RG 1 putter, one of the best 2020 mallet puttersBloodline RG-1

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3.269.534.5F10+395GStraight*
A Cleveland frontline putter, one of the best 2020 mallet puttersCleveland Frontline Cero

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2.468.334D9.5370GStraight*
A Cleveland Frontline Elevado putter, one of the best 2020 mallet puttersCleveland Frontline Elevado

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2.269.934D9.4370GSlight*
A Cleveland Frontline Iso putter, one of the best 2020 mallet puttersCleveland Frontline ISO

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2.670.734D7.7370GStraight*
A Soft 11 putter, one of the best 2020 mallet puttersCleveland HB Soft 11

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2.371.534E8.1370GStraight*
A Soft 12 putter, one of the best 2020 mallet puttersCleveland HB Soft 12

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1.870.734E8.3370GStraight
A Soft 6 putter, one of the best 2020 mallet puttersCleveland HB Soft 6

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1.971.534.25E6.0365GSlight
An Edel Eas4 putter, one of the best 2020 mallet puttersEDEL EAS 4.0

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4.268.934C6.4340-360GToe Up
An Evnroll ER10 putter, one of the best 2020 mallet puttersEVNROLL ER10

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3.470.234E2.2N/AStraight
An Evroll ER7 putter, one of the best 2020 mallet puttersEVNROLL ER7

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2.170.233.75E2.1N/ASlight
A Mizuno M Craft putter, one of the best 2020 mallet puttersMizuno M Craft 3

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3.370.934.25D9.5N/AStraight
An Odd R Arrow putter, one of the best 2020 mallet puttersOdyssey Stroke Lab R Line Arrow

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2.671.134D6.6365GStraight
An Odd Rossie putter, one of the best 2020 mallet puttersOdyssey Stroke Lab Rossie

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3.97135E5.0365GStraight
An Odd TT 2 putter, one of the best 2020 mallet puttersOdyssey Triple Track 2 Ball

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1.371.334.75E0.8365GStraight
An Odd TT Blade putter, one of the best 2020 mallet puttersOdyssey Triple Track 2 Ball Blade

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4.570.633.75D3.3365GSlight
An Odd TT Ten putter, one of the best 2020 mallet puttersOdyssey Triple Track Ten

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4.171.134D7.3365GStraight
A Ping heppler Folki putter, one of the best 2020 mallet puttersPing Heppler Floki

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3.669.833.75D7.9365GStrong
A Ping Heppler Ketsch putter, one of the best 2020 mallet puttersPing Heppler Ketsch

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570.534E2.5370GStraight*
A Ping Piper C putter, one of the best 2020 mallet puttersPing Heppler Piper C

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3.270.634D4.4365GStraight
A Ping Heppler Tom Cat 14 putter, one of the best 2020 mallet puttersPing Heppler Tom Cat 14

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3.369.534D9.3370GStraight*
A Ping Heppler Tyne 3 putter, one of the best 2020 mallet puttersPing Heppler Tyne 3

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2.870.634D0.7360GSlight
A PXG Bat Attack putter, one of the best 2020 mallet puttersPXG Bat Attack GEN2

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3.469.834.25E7.8360*Straight*
A PXG Operator putter, one of the best 2020 mallet puttersPXG Operator GEN2

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2.670.534F5.4365G*Straight*
A PXG Spitfire putter, one of the best 2020 mallet puttersPXG Spitfire GEN2

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2.871.134F1.8360*Straight*
An SC Phantom X putter, one of the best 2020 mallet puttersScotty Cameron Phantom X 12.5

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3.670.434D9.1N/ASlight
An SC Phantom x 8.5 putter, one of the best 2020 mallet puttersScotty Cameron Phantom X 8.5

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2.869.934D8.4N/ASlight
A Scotty Cameron Select 1.5 putter, one of the best 2020 mallet puttersScotty Cameron Select Fastback 1.5

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3.670.633.75D5.4N/AStrong
A Sik Flo putter, one of the best 2020 mallet puttersSik Flo

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27134F10+N/ASlight*
A Sub70 Sycamore putter, one of the best 2020 mallet puttersSub 70 Sycamore 002

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3.673.634.25F10+390GStraight
A Taylormade Spider S putter, one of the best 2020 mallet puttersTaylormade Spider S

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1.771.134D8.8357GStraight
A Taylormade Truss putter, one of the best 2020 mallet puttersTaylormade Truss TM1

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5.371.134D6.4355GSlight
A Tommy Armour Datil putter, one of the best 2020 mallet puttersTommy Armour Datil

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3.871.234.25D8.0355GSlight
A Tommy Armour Serrano putter, one of the best 2020 mallet puttersTommy Armour Serrano

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3.271.134.5E6.3365GStraight
A Winman No1 putter, one of the best 2020 mallet puttersTour Edge Exotics Wingman 01

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2.469.834E1.8355GStrong
A Wingmang No3 putter, one of the best 2020 mallet puttersTour Edge Exotics Wingman 03

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2.570.834E1.5355GStraight
The L putter, one of the best 2020 mallet puttersWilson Staff Infinite The "L"

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47134D8.9360GStrong
A Bucktown putter, one of the best 2020 mallet puttersWilson Staff Infinite Bucktown

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2.671.334D5.3360GStraight
A Wilson Grant Park putter, one of the best 2020 mallet puttersWilson Staff Infinite Grant Park

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3.572.234D3.0N/AStrong
The Bean putter, one of the best 2020 mallet puttersWilson Staff Infinite The Bean

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2.469.734D4.3360GStraight

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.

GET FIT FOR YOUR GAME WITH TRUEGOLFFIT™

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Q: 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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      ole gray

      3 years ago

      MGS hit a home run on the Odyssey Triple Track 2 ball ! It’s my bag right now and I can say it’s pretty special. I’m pretty much a putter ho right now so not sure how long it will reside however it will get more than average playing time. Well done MGS!

      Reply

      MyGolfSpy

      3 years ago

      ????

      Reply

      Brad

      4 years ago

      I just watched a video with Adam ranting about no tech and face tech but those two fastback types from Mizuno and Scotty did pretty good. My question being is it possible that there’s a premium on MOI as far as importance vs. Face tech? Is it a balance? Recently switched from a Grant Park (did well aside from 20ft) to an toe hang MOI driven mallet and noticed the stability is a massive gain. Just seems like you can have zero tech in the face and all the MOI and you’re golden.

      And I must be the only guy carrying the torch for the Ardmore series.

      Reply

      Randy

      4 years ago

      First off I trust and rely on your site for all my golf equipment purchases. That said i wonder how you determine which clubs, specifically which mallet putters you review for the yearly Most Wanted. I’ve noticed that the Most Wanted winners are not always review in the next year’s Most Wanted. If the mallet is still in production it should be included. Also I noted that the Taylormade Spider x was not included in the 2020 Most Wanted. This surprised me. This is one of the most talked about putters on the market, I would have liked to see the results. Thanks for listening. Again I love the site and all the information you provide.

      Reply

      Larry Handley

      4 years ago

      I have been using a Bobby Grace mallet for over 10 yrs and I keep trying others but always return to Grace. I consider myself a good putter and so do my friends. Probably will not change from Bobby Grace anytime in the foreseeable future.

      Reply

      Mark Scott

      4 years ago

      I have the winner’s first cousin- Odyssey Stroke Lab Marxman (face balanced) mallet. I am putting better than ever. The ball comes off the face consistently smoothly, rolling instantly. Using the Chrome Soft Triple Track ball makes putting alignment easy so that I can concentrate on the speed. In response to those who didn’t like the Triple Track lines on the putter, I added them to my putter to confirm alignment, which has made me even more consistent.

      Reply

      John

      4 years ago

      Looks like Wilson has more top 10 putters than any other brand?

      WILSON

      If most Americans are like me they equate performance with cost. However, this test challenges that. I’m in disbelief.

      Reply

      Robert Wilks

      4 years ago

      Much has been said about how some putter models have performed inconsistently year-to-year in MGS’ putter tests — probably due to the fact that the dimensions of those models as-sold have not been consistent.

      Testing putters as-received seems to be most right to me. However, it is now clear that test results from any putter have little practical value to golfers if the putter they can buy doesn’t dimensionally match the one tested.

      The fact that MGS measures and publishes the key dimensions on every putter it tests, at least gives us numbers that we can compare with those of the club we are about to buy.

      I would like to see MGS begin a campaign to spotlight the fact that putter models from some manufacturers perform more consistently than those from other manufactures — like MGS is doing with golf balls.

      While this page is just about putters, it would surprise me if the performance consistency issue does not extend to every club in the bag.

      Reply

      John

      4 years ago

      It would be interesting to see how the Odyssey triple track compares to the previous but very similar model O-Works 2-ball. Are the lines what sets it apart, or are there design changes that make it such a better putter. Put some tape on top of the three lines and see if it gets similar results. Similarly put some tape on the previous model and draw three lines. Does it miraculously become a performer compared to the field?

      Reply

      Randy

      4 years ago

      If I’ve decided to go with the Odyssey Triple Track because of your positive review, do you still think I should do a putter fitting? Or, what if I’m a “slight” arc putter, would you recommend going with the Sik Flo, or is Odyssey Triple Track still the better choice?

      Reply

      John

      4 years ago

      i would ask “how much of this is random dumb luck?” But we’ll never know because you won’t put the Odyssey 3748282u or whatever it’s called back in next year’s test.

      Why? Nobody knows. But there’s a continued absence in the measurement of year to year improvement of golf equipment.

      Reply

      Michael

      4 years ago

      This year’s edition makes me much more happy that I went with the Odyssey Triple Track 2-Ball Mallet!!

      I’m a 23 HDCP trending in a good direction :) and I putt 38 per round on average, not bad I think, if I could pitch and chip a bit better. The big thing the article does point out is the lack of putter fittings. I’m the only person I know who’s had one; and that’s a dozen people 9 HDCP up to 30 HDCP.

      Fitting worked for me at Club Champion I’d argue. I have a very straight putting stroke. Nearly perfect on line, angles and loft almost perfect as well. I had a cheap old blade putter 35″. The fitting took me in a totally new direction with a mallet, also the fitter pointed out to me that I needed a 34″.

      I cannot say I’ve noticed a big change as it’s been 2 rounds but the so-called “adjustment period” hasn’t been an issue. I’m just as confident with my new putter. I think in the long term it’ll help me make more putts.

      Reply

      Kansas King

      4 years ago

      Interesting results with high variability in strokes gained, notably in the Odyssey Triple-Track putters. Would be interesting to see some statistical analysis on the data to see if there were any trends in the data on what made putters perform better or worse. Was MOI, length, weight, loft, grip, alignment aid, etc. a factor in performance? Did none of it matter?

      The only company that appears to have performance consistency in strokes gained in this test was Wilson. All their putters were 34″ and were on the lighter side relative to the other putters. Their loft, lie, and toe hang were all variable.

      I have a suspicion that none of those factors really mattered. Successful putting is a combination of confidence, feel, and stroke. Does having your putter fit help? Yes, but skill is still the most important element. I’ve began paying attention to what tour players are using, especially some of the newer entrants and amateurs that maybe don’t have big club deals yet. Frequently, the only new club in the bag is the driver and maybe 3-wood. Daniel Berger still uses TM irons from 2011.

      As always I would like to see MGS do more comparisons to older club models from the past year or two. I have a feeling they get pressure from manufacturers to not do this as it would probably show how little things change year over year. I’m not saying things don’t improve but I don’t think golf technology changes much year over year.

      I also think it would be interesting to see if MGS could get some Maltby clubs in the mix. Maltby clubs are high quality and a fraction of the price of traditional OEM brands. Maybe MGS is getting pressure not to test them from big OEMs but I would like to see how they stack up. I don’t know that they would win anything but it would give golfers a true budget option for NEW clubs. It would be really neat to see how a new Maltby driver with a Maltby shaft for $170 compares to new $500 drivers. Comparing Maltby to the big OEMs would be the ultimate test for diminishing returns and if there is anything behind the marketing.

      Reply

      Alex

      4 years ago

      Bought the Er2 about a year ago and I am very happy with it. I couldn’t find the link above but I thought there was a “how we test” link. My recollection was that putts had to be putted out from a certain distance, therefore it matters but how much a person misses long or short. Wasn’t sure if it was indoors or outdoors. The reason I bring it up relates to the counterbalance grip.

      I know it is mentioned above, but I think counter balanced putters (or heavier grips at least) can make a big difference to the golfer. My original fitting put me in the heavy (120 gram) grip. Did great in the fitting, great on the SAM lab, great on a repeated indoor put, and great on short putts. But in the real world I struggled to ever judge distances. I made a lot more 10 footers, but my lag putting was all over the place. Put the 60 gram grip on instead and instantly my speed control improved (370 gram head at 34 inch length). My short putts are not quite as automatic anymore though.

      I think if someone is buying, its definitely something to consider. And if you bought a putter that is not working out, consider looking into swapping the grip to change the weighting before returning. Maybe heavier/lighter could give you the change your looking for.

      Also I was confused on the comment about toe hang before. If you are missing to the right, wouldn’t you want a putter with less toe hang? I would thing the toe hangs more as it gets heavier, the heavier the toe, the slower the face closes…..

      Thanks for your testing, enjoyed as always

      Reply

      Terry

      4 years ago

      Please address this in the next podcast. How can Evnroll finish in the bottom 3rd of testing this year when it won just a few years ago. This is very concerning and puts into question your results. I love MGS but doesn’t this make you scratch your head?

      Reply

      Kansas King

      4 years ago

      I think it’s important to remember MGS primary does human testing. This means just about every club test will yield variable results year over year. I won’t dismiss the data as “bad” but I think it’s safe to say it may not be useful for the individual buyer, especially for putters. In a perfect world every tester would be fitted for their needs but that’s not feasible. In the real world most golfers still play with clubs purchased off the rack which gives some credit to these tests. Is the Evnroll a good putter? Yes, if you get the right length, lie, loft, and weight.

      I appreciate MGS explaining the variables that go into putter fitting to educate readers on what to look for. If there is anything I would like to see MGS evaluate on these tests is what factors impacted the results the most. Did weight, MOI, length, alignment aids, etc. impact the results the most? While one Triple-Track putter won, another finished almost at the bottom. Why?

      Reply

      Mark T.

      4 years ago

      Totally agree – if the results vary that much from year to year, based upon the testers selected, then there’s no consistency….and as such, the data becomes actually becomes meaningless. Having said that, not sure how you fix it unless you only use machine testing.
      The tests ‘evolve’ every year, so it’s impossible to compare results from year to year, seems like this is intentional so you can’t do direct annual test results.
      To their credit, MGS did do a driver test with the past 5 years winners, so maybe they’ll do that with putters some day.

      Reply

      Erik

      4 years ago

      I had the same question. One thing I noticed as the winner last year was the ER5, I didn’t see that one in the testing.

      Reply

      Brandon

      4 years ago

      Was there any communication with Odyssey considering the 2 Ball was so far out of spec in terms of loft? The 2 ball and Sik are among the lowest lofted putters in this test, while many high lofted (4+) putters finished near the bottom of the pack (Edel, 2 Ball blade, Rossie). Do you the results correlate loft and performance? Or is it random if you look at trends over the entire test pool?

      Reply

      Robert Marlow

      4 years ago

      Does anybody have a suggestion on where lefties should get fitted, I only ask because we don’t always have the full selection of putters like rh players do, and I do believe that getting fitted would be helpful.

      Reply

      mackdaddy9

      4 years ago

      Very surprised that the Evnroll product did so badly.

      Reply

      Corey

      4 years ago

      So the Wilson “L” finishes 3rd from last in 2019, but claims 2nd place in 2020? I appreciate and enjoy the testing that you guys do, but that fact leaves me feeling less than confident in the results.

      Reply

      Mark T.

      4 years ago

      Concur

      Reply

      Tony Covey

      4 years ago

      For those asking about performance differences between the two ball blade and the two ball that won, the first thing I would say is that names notwithstanding, they’re as different as any other two mallets submitted by the same company.

      The second, and likely more relevant, piece of the puzzle is that there is a more than 3° difference in measured loft between the two of them. Even if we tested a standard two ball against a standard two ball, we would expect to find performance differences attributable to the loft alone.

      Reply

      Josh

      4 years ago

      So it’s understandable that there are variations in manufacturing processes but there was no attempt to standardize? Not saying they all have to be same loft but at least an attempt to return to advertised loft would help

      Reply

      Al

      4 years ago

      I’m wondering if the callaway balls with the matching lines as the triple track two ball were used and if those balls are needed to have the best performance with the winning putter.

      Reply

      Jonah Mytro

      4 years ago

      I love the face balanced Spider and only prefer to play with face balanced putters. I would love to see this type of review based different putter styles/balances/arcs. Comparing all Mallet putters to each other doesn’t work for performance standards since your top 10 may only have 3-4 variations that someone would prefer to play with based on their putter stroke and putting style.

      Also, would like to see these putters ranked based on price as well. Prices can range from $149-$499. Why not rank the putters at $249 and under and $250-449?

      How do the lower end priced putters compare to each other vs. the $300+ putters.

      Reply

      Bob T

      4 years ago

      I have three putters that I rotate, but recently have had a lot better success with my Wilson Staff center shaft Infinite Southside. Wilson seems to have a great combination of price and performance. Less than half the cost of my Ping Sigma G Kraz-e mallet which I also like. The Wilson just has a great pure feel to it, long or short.

      Reply

      David Silkroski

      4 years ago

      Buy used on eBay after the initial glow wears off; try improving your mental state and stop trying to buy your game.

      Reply

      Josh

      4 years ago

      How was the strokes gained data derived?
      Surprising that Odyssey 2 ball went from top of group with regular model and then bottom of class. Especially when this feedback should apply to both “Testers loved the feel, alignment and roll.”

      Reply

      Tony Covey

      4 years ago

      I just posted a comment about the performance difference between the two.

      As for the looks, feel, alignment, and roll stuff, we’ve covered it before. There’s no correlation between subjective impressions of a putter and the actual performance. We wrote it up a few years ago (http://mygolfspy.com/mgs-labs-putter-looks-vs-putter-performance/).

      Reply

      Jeff Gelb

      4 years ago

      Why wasn’t the Tommy Armour mallet that’s won the last two years in the mix? I still see it at Golf Galaxy/Dicks.! Seems like a big oversight especially for comparison purposes.

      Reply

      Nic

      4 years ago

      Think it’s because it didn’t come out this year. This test is only for new models

      Reply

      Mike

      4 years ago

      They tested the tommy armour impact putter two years in a row, not just the year it came out, and it is still being sold, so the “only new putters” explanation wouldn’t fit last years test.

      P.J.

      4 years ago

      I’d really like to see the winner from the past year or two be included in the following years test, just to see if the market actually catches up or is there some other dynamic in play.

      Reply

      Mizzed Green

      4 years ago

      I just returned my Mizuno M Craft III in blue. I love the look of it, felt amazing, free weight kit, too. But my home course if a links style, with big slow greens. I swear to you I could feel the putter shaft flex on longer puts and I got mixed results. The flow neck and mass of the head is just not that stable.

      I tried my friends Odyssey 7s and I could crank long putts all day. I’ll be ordering the Stroke Lab Triple Track version. I’ve been using that ball marking tool that draws three lines, and it really does help. On an old putter I even drew three sharpie lines, putted with it yesterday and was making closer puts than the Mizuno.

      It’s not just that the triple lines help your alignment, but it also promotes better contant. If you hit the three lines of the club to the ball it’s just a purer stroke.

      Reply

      KM

      4 years ago

      Ping App doesn’t work for people anymore. You need to have a Ping fitter account to access it now. It’s a shame

      Reply

      Brandon

      4 years ago

      You don’t need an account, you can enter dummy information and it will allow you into the app.

      Reply

      Tim H

      4 years ago

      What’s the reason LAB Directed Force 2.1 wasn’t included? Unique grip, loyal customers who keep it in the bag forever, and custom or remote fitting options, seems like the perfect club to test for MGS.

      Reply

      ChrisK

      4 years ago

      I find it odd too that the LAB putter isn’t in the mix. It’s certainly expensive, but after testing it twice (two different proshops, about 8 months apart) i was sold on its effectiveness. I did some research to see why it seemed to be better, so i went ahead and splurged. I really love mine (i got the big gawdy 2.1 version, although there’s that other low-key version they have as well).

      I did see in my research that some readers on mygolfspy forums scoffed at it when it was brought up a couple of years ago, but it’s definitely a technological leap forward in my humble opinion.

      Reply

      tscdave

      4 years ago

      I have the SC Select Fastback and think it’s great.

      Reply

      Robin

      4 years ago

      Wilson Staff did rather well ,for hundred dollar putters.
      That’s huge

      Reply

      Kevin McCloud

      4 years ago

      All Nonsense, Putter perfroms @5 & 20ft but @10 its shit., Putters which performed well n previous years and styles haven’t changed really at all ,suddenly perform horribly, there is too much HUMAN error n MGS testing

      Reply

      Mike

      4 years ago

      I find it a bit strange that the Scotty Cameron Fastback 1,5 is included but not the Flowback 5 or 5.5 as both of them are even more “mallet-shaped” with a more rounded and larger club head.

      Is this because Titelist didn’t provide it or is there any other reason why it’s not included? I seems to me that Flowback would be the main option in the Scotty Range for a person looking for a mallet putter. To me Fastback is more of a “mid mallet”.

      Reply

      Steve S

      4 years ago

      The chart is great. The most important putt for me is the 5 footer. If I get better at 5 foot and in, I could drop 2-3 stokes off my handicap. The tournaments I play in there are no gimmes so whenever I play I putt everything. Guys I play with will pick up 2 footers. OK for pace of play, but not for getting better. I’m a pretty fast player so I don’t stand over putts very long. I think that adds to tension.

      Reply

      Jose

      4 years ago

      You are spot on Steve.??

      Reply

      Joe

      4 years ago

      Ditto! Chart is very easy to read/interpret…much better than a list of numbers

      Randy

      4 years ago

      No Toulon putters for a second year in a row??

      Reply

      mark

      4 years ago

      I agree,. I picked up a Toulon Austin putter (blade) last year. Prefer Toulon over Scotty Cameron, sound and feel. I know they have at least one mallet putter. They should be in the mix.

      Reply

      Randy

      4 years ago

      Agreed. I just picked up a Las Vegas from CPO (face balanced mallet) and was looking forward to see it here.

      Barrett

      4 years ago

      Is it possible to sort the SG graph? It’s difficult to see the winners with the current format. For example, the greatest SG is at the bottom and the least SG is at the top, but the Cleveland Elevado is closer to teh bottom than the M-Craft and Wilson, which have a higher overall SG.

      Reply

      Harry Nodwell

      4 years ago

      Thank you for the comment, Barrett! The article has been updated and formatted correctly.

      Reply

      James

      4 years ago

      Good article. I’m surprised there was no mention of the huge performance differential between the 2 ball and 2 ball blade given their very similar designs. Do you have any ideas why this has happened Harry?

      Gene

      4 years ago

      were testers fitted to a putter that fit their stroke/swing arc? I’m curious to try the triple track two ball but concerned b/c my swing arc isn’t straight back/thru.

      Reply

      Harry Nodwell

      4 years ago

      Each tester was fitted to their stroke type based on the models available to us for testing.

      Reply

      Alex

      4 years ago

      ALEX 2 MINS AGO
      The winning Putter loft is 1.3? The website stock spec is 3? Is there a correlation?
      I asked because txg’s last video talks about model mallet moi is so high of the loft is high most players will create backskidding. Perhaps the lower loft in the mallet helped?

      Reply

      Tom

      4 years ago

      My wife cannot properly line up putts. We have tried everything on the market. We purchased this mallet a week ago and something clicked in her brain. She doesn’t use the triple track balls, but the alignment somehow was exactly what she needed. The difference is staggering.

      Reply

      VanTrago

      4 years ago

      Tom, of the putters she tried before, did any of them have a three-line track, similar to those on the Odyssey, Triple Track, 2-Ball? (The Wilson Staff Infinite Bucktown.has such lines, although all three are white against a black background.)

      I’m wondering if the magic is in having three lines spaced about as in the Odyssey.

      Whatever the magic, it would appear that your wife is particularly sensitive to it. So she might welll come up with insights about it that the rest of us might not even notice.

      Reply

      John Muir

      4 years ago

      Great job as always.
      I enjoyed the subjective notes and fitting tips, too.

      Reply

      T0AD

      4 years ago

      I’m a huge Odyssey homer. I’ve owned like 6 #7 models. I despise the tracks. First Odyssey I never wanted.
      Your CONS were dead on.

      Reply

      Brandon

      4 years ago

      You and me both.

      Reply

      James Shepard

      4 years ago

      MGS did a study years ago that showed lines perpendicular to the face performed far better than any other style. This is why the Odyssey won.

      JD

      4 years ago

      Wish Bettinardi would have provide the crescent neck Inovai. I have that with the fat Lamkin grip, which goes against everything I believe in honestly for a putter, but that thing is automatic. Feels great because of the SS face, and looks great too. I have never felt a putter release as consistently and easy as that thing. 0-10 ft has improved dramatically.

      Reply

      Justin

      4 years ago

      Glad to hear it – I have one on the way.!

      Reply

      Michael

      4 years ago

      So the winner’s USP is its main criticism. I’m confused.

      Reply

      shortside

      4 years ago

      I have markers. The 2 ball RX is getting a makeover.

      Reply

      Terry

      4 years ago

      Wow. Evnroll has lost it’s crown. I think MGS needs to figure out why it’s revolutionary technology isn’t helping anymore.

      Reply

      Andrew

      4 years ago

      I agree. For me the ER7 was automatic from 5 and unbelievable at 10-15 feet.

      Reply

      Mike

      4 years ago

      Just curious, why would you not include the tommy armour putter that won the last two years?

      Reply

      Terry

      4 years ago

      They only include new putters

      Reply

      Joe Duffer

      4 years ago

      WHY? – Probably my fault for assuming MGS was directing us to the BEST putter. ?

      Mike

      4 years ago

      Except they included that putter the last two years (not just the year it came out), and it is still for sale.

      Alex

      4 years ago

      The winning Putter loft is 1.3? The website stock spec is 3? Is there a correlation?

      Reply

      Chris

      4 years ago

      I would guess that is actual measured loft not advertised loft.

      Harry Nodwell

      4 years ago

      We measure every club that comes into our facility for testing. It is not uncommon for a club to arrive that has an actual loft that varies from the advertised loft on their website.

      JS

      4 years ago

      I second this! Would love to see how the reigning champs holds up to the new crop. Or, would it have been a triple winner and blown everyone’s mind? Haha!

      Reply

      John

      4 years ago

      that would only make too much sense.

      Rick

      4 years ago

      Agreed. My only real critique with these reviews is that it would be really helpful to see the winners from last year in the mix. Also agree that the face loft of 1.3, assuming that’s not a typo, is very interesting. Loft on that putter is supposed to be 3. Did the lower loft accidentally produce a better putter?

      Reply

      VanTrago

      4 years ago

      Good question. Everybody wants to know how the new winner stacks-up against last year’s.

      Last year’s winner is still being sold (with help from a “No Putts Given Most Wanted” label., so it can’t be that.

      Could it be that the last two years’ also-ran brands can’t take the heat of being compared with Dick’s Sporting Goods’ low-priced bully yet again? Losing to it three years running would definitely hurt their big-margin brands.

      Reply

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