Support our Mission. We independently test each product we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.
This, the most comprehensive blade putter test of 2024, is backed by more than a decade of experience from MyGolfSpy, the industry leader in independent golf club testing.
Each year presents us with the opportunity to test the latest and greatest golf equipment from big-name manufacturers to underdogs fighting for a place at the table. This year’s blade putter test features 39 models, all hoping to secure your attention and your hard-earned dollars.
Our team spent 140 hours conducting this blade putter test. Twenty avid golfers took on the responsibility of completing this test and, just like you, they wanted to know what is the best blade putter of 2024.
For this test, 18,720 putts were hit. We focus on blade putter performances from five, 10 and 20 feet. We hone in on how many one-, two- or three-putts each blade putter records. In simple terms, the putters that account for fewer total putts “usually” finish towards the top of the pecking order.
The results of this test serve as an indispensable guide for the off-the-rack buyer or for anyone looking for a bit of extra insight before your next putter fitting. Whatever you’re looking for from your next blade putter, you’ll find it here.
Whether you’re in the market for a blade putter to save some strokes, or just curious about how the latest models perform, this test is for you.
You want to play your best golf. We want you to play your best golf. Our goal today is simple: to showcase the best blade putters on the market for 2024.
For us, the best blade putters excel from five, 10 and 20 feet. Some shine from all three distances. Others are the best from one of the three distances. Regardless, there are huge performance differentials between the best blade putters and the worst.
With more than a decade of credible testing behind us, we are dedicated to providing you with data-driven results. Putters are a different animal comparatively to drivers. Arguably, they are a more important piece of golfing equipment.
Here are the best blade putters overall:
Best Overall
Evnroll Neo Classic ER2
Review Score
9.6
Putt Distance 5ft
10 Score
Putt Distance 10ft
8.9 Score
Putt Distance 20ft
7.1 Score
Price
$399.00
Buy This If
You value making putts from 5 feet:
The Evnroll Neo Classic ER2 had the highest score from five feet. For 60 percent of our testing pool, it was the best blade putter from that distance.
You desire to be more consistent on 10 foot putters:
Not only was the Neo Classic ER2 stellar from five feet but it also shines from 10 feet. It is among the leaders from 10 feet.
Don't Buy This If
You prioritize 20 foot putts:
One drawback to the ER2 is its 20-foot performance. It is average at best from 20 feet in relation to other blade putters.
Evnroll has gone from no-name to household name. Frankly, it is well deserving of such accolades. The Evnroll Neo Classic ER2 is the best blade putter of 2024. Where it shines is from five feet where it was 10 percent more efficient than the next closest blade putter. Subjectively, our testers rate it as the best for feel and likelihood of purchase.
Testers' Feedback
Most of our testers are familiar with Evnroll. As we’ve alluded to, it is now a household name to most golfers. Here are some comments made by our testers regarding the Evnroll Neo Classic ER2:
“Great setup at address and well balanced throughout the putter”.
“Pistol grip, with a flat top and super comfortable in the hands”.
“Minimal to no glare. However, there is a break in the sightline that may steer someone away”.
Experts' Take
This putter features unique and subtle alignment aids. With a properly fit putter, the aids can make you aware of your lie angle. This can lead to more consistency in your putting. For someone who is transitioning from a 100% milled face, they made need some adjustment time.
Obviously, the ER2’s performance from 5 feet speaks for itself. It definitively outperforms the field from 5 feet. It is available in satin chrome and black, which will appeal to a plethora of golfers. The one knock against the ER2 is its performance at 20 feet.
Runner-Up (Overall)
Zebra Black Milled Series 003
Review Score
9.5
Putt Distance 5ft
8 Score
Putt Distance 10ft
9 Score
Putt Distance 20ft
9 Score
Price
$299.99
Buy This If
You want efficiency from 10 feet:
Zebra Black Milled Series 003 is one of the best blade putters from 10 feet. It finished in the top five for 30 percent of our testers when putting from 10 feet.
You want help with lag putting:
Zebra Black Milled Series 003 was in the top five 25 percent of the time for our testers from 20 feet.
Don't Buy This If
You prioritize subjective appeal:
Performance wise, Zebra Black Milled Series 003 is one of the most balanced blade putters. However, it doesn't rank highly for subjective appeal according to our testing pool.
Zebra is back. Some of you may be familiar with the iconic brand which began in 1976. These putters have been used to win on Tour and now the Zebra Black Milled Series 003 takes home second place overall in our best blade putters of 2024. From 10 and 20 feet, it is among the leaders in testing.
Testers' Feedback
Zebra offers nostalgia, especially to older golfers. Some of our testers weren’t even aware of Zebra’s history. Here are comments given by our testing pool:
“Great midsize Winn pistol grip that boosts confidence and feels great in the hands”.
“Very high contrast alignment aids. Some may love it, some may hate it, but I understand the thought process behind it”.
A blast from the past with the iconic Zebra look (stripes as the alignment aid). This is a milled, wide blade with great contrast, and appears to offer vary weight options. Ultimately, it is nostalgia with a modern twist.
The performance of this putters speaks for itself. From top to bottom, it is one of the best in this year’s test. Extremely easy to control distance and the black and white contrast is money.
3rd Place (Overall)
T Squared TS-912
Review Score
9.4
Putt Distance 5ft
8 Score
Putt Distance 10ft
9.1 Score
Putt Distance 20ft
8 Score
Price
$459.00
Buy This If
You want the best blade putter from 10 feet:
For us, 10-foot putts are where we see the most influence on a putter's overall score. T Squared TS-912 records the highest putt score from 10 feet. It is in the top five 35 percent of the time for our testers.
Don't Buy This If
You prioritize looks:
T Squared TS-912 is one of the lowest rated blade putters for looks. We are firm believers that performance should overthrow subjective feedback. However, we acknowledge that it is an unavoidable purchasing factor for many golfers.
This is our first time including T Squared putters in testing. They do no disappoint. The TS-912 places third overall in our best blade putters of 2024. It isn’t among the leaders from five and 20 feet, however, it is the best blade putter from 10 feet. For us, 10 feet is where we see the biggest statistical difference between putters and TS-912 excels from this distance.
Testers' Feedback
T Squared is a newcomer to blade putter testing. Performance wise, it is a standout. However, feedback is a mixed bag for the TS-912. Here are comments made by our testers:
“The single black alignment aid is positioned well and sits right behind the golf ball at address”.
“The feel is soft, which correlates to a dead, non-responsive feel. Personally, I don’t like that”.
“The grip is round versus pistol. So, if you don’t like that, this putter won’t be for you”.
Experts' Take
Here at MyGolfSpy, we emphasize performance. T Squared TS-912 performs. This shows up in the data as it is the best from 10 feet. Being the best from 10 feet is an accomplishment of its own. If you love a wide blade putter, this is one worth trying.
I appreciate the satin finish with the gloss black sightline. It sits adjacent to the golf ball at address. This approach isn’t particularly common in blade putters. With the round grip, it might calm the hands of golfers who tend to be too handsy during their putting stroke.
BEST BLADE PUTTERS FROM 5 FEET
The best blade putter in this scoring category out performs all of the others by a considerable margin. If you are consistently making five-foot putts, you’ll be a force to reckon with on the golf course. Having confidence is a psychological advantage in putting and what better way to be more confident than having a putter that works well for you?
Here are the best blade putters from five feet:
Best from 5 Feet
Evnroll Neo Classic ER2
Review Score
9.6
Putt Distance 5ft
10 Score
Putt Distance 10ft
8.9 Score
Putt Distance 20ft
7.1 Score
Price
$399.00
Buy This If
You value making putts from 5 feet:
The Evnroll Neo Classic ER2 had the best putt score from five feet. For 60 percent of our testing pool, it was the best blade putter from 5 feet.
You desire to be more consistent on 10 foot putters:
Not only was the Neo Classic ER2 stellar from five feet but It is among the leaders from 10 feet.
Don't Buy This If
You prioritize 20 foot putts:
The ER2 is average at best from 20 feet in relation to other blade putters.
Evnroll has gone from no-name to household name. This year, the Evnroll Neo Classic ER2 is the best blade putter of 2024. At five feet, it was 10 percent more efficient than the next closest blade putter. Subjectively, our testers rate it as the best for feel and likelihood of purchase.
Testers' Feedback
Most of our testers are familiar with Evnroll. As we’ve alluded to, it is now a household name to most golfers. Here are some comments made by our testers regarding the Evnroll Neo Classic ER2:
“Pistol grip, with a flat top and super comfortable in the hands”.
“Minimal to no glare. However, there is a break in the sightline that may steer someone away”.
Experts' Take
This putter features a unique and subtle alignment aids. With a properly fit putter, the aids can make you aware of your lie angle. This can lead to more consistency in your putting. For someone who is transitioning from a 100% milled face, they made need some adjustment time.
Obviously, the ER2’s performance from 5 feet speaks for itself. It definitively outperforms the field from 5 feet. It is available in satin chrome and black, which will appeal to a plethora of golfers. The one knock against the ER2 is its performance at 20 feet.
Runner-Up (5 Feet)
Meridian Putters Charleston
Review Score
9
Putt Distance 5ft
9.1 Score
Putt Distance 10ft
8 Score
Putt Distance 20ft
8 Score
Price
$239.00
Buy This If
You want confidence on 5 foot putts:
Meridian Putters Charleston was in the top five for 50 percent of the testing pool for five-foot putts. This is an impressive accomplishment for a newcomer.
You like fitting options:
Meridian does a great job of offering multiple hosel options for their Charleston putter. This allows for more fitting opportunities and broader market appeal.
Don't Buy This If
You want a putter that performs from 10 and 20 feet:
Although Meridian Putters Charleston is top performer from five feet, it is average from 10 and 20 feet relative to the field.
Meridian Putters are another newcomer to Most Wanted Testing. Much like some other new additions, they were impressive. Charleston finishes as the second best putter from five feet. From five feet, it places in the top five for half of our testing pool.
Testers' Feedback
Meridian Putters are new to testing. They take a nautical, geographical approach to their putter offerings. Let’s hear what our testers have to say about it:
“Traditional style blade with good blade length”.
“I wish the alignment aid was more present. It is too subtle for my liking”.
“Milled face, cool art features by including the longitude and latitude markings. Extremely soft feel”.
“For me, the feel is too soft. It makes it difficult to tell how hard I am hitting the ball, especially on longer putts”.
Experts' Take
A nod to the classic blade that features subtle, understated alignment lines. If you don’t like busy putter heads, this putter is for you. Despite being milled, it produces well balanced, responsive feedback.
This is a purest’s take on the traditional blade putter. Personally, I really enjoy the craftsmanship and the unique millings on the sole of the putter. These give it identity. From 5 feet, it is one the best blade putters and this speaks volume to the Charleston.
BEST BLADE PUTTERS FROM 10 FEET
Over the years, we’ve seen 10-foot putts have the most impact on our putter testing. This distance literally makes or breaks a putter’s overall performance. Thus, it has the highest weighting and influence on our overall score.
For us, being consistent at 10 feet is a huge game changer. It is a distance where a make percentage changes drastically in comparison to five-foot putts. In years past, if a putter is one of the best from 10 feet, it will easily be one of the best blade putters overall.
Here are the best blade putters from 10 feet:
Best from 10 Feet
T Squared TS-912
Review Score
9.4
Putt Distance 10ft
9.1 Score
Putt Distance 5ft
8 Score
Putt Distance 20ft
8 Score
Price
$459.00
Buy This If
You want the best blade putter from 10 feet:
Ten-foot putts are where we see the most influence on a putter's overall score. T Squared TS-912 shines on 10-footers. It records the highest putt score from 10 feet. Furthermore, it is in the top five 35 percent of the time for our testers.
Don't Buy This If
You prioritize looks:
T Squared TS-912 is one of the lowest-rated blade putters for looks. We are firm believers that performance should supersede subjective feedback. However, we also acknowledge that it is a significant purchasing consideration for many golfers.
This is our first time including T Squared putters in testing. They do no disappoint. The TS-912 places third overall in our best blade putters of 2024. It isn’t among the leaders from five and 20 feet, however, it is the best blade putter from 10 feet. This is where we see the biggest statistical difference between putters and TS-912 excels from this distance.
Testers' Feedback
T Squared is a newcomer to blade putter testing. Performance wise, it is a standout. However, feedback is a mixed bag for the TS-912. Here are comments made by our testers:
“The feel is soft, which correlates to a dead, non-responsive feel. Personally, I don’t like that”.
“The grip is round versus pistol. So, if you don’t like that, this putter won’t be for you”.
Experts' Take
Here at MyGolfSpy, we emphasize performance. T Squared TS-912 performs. This shows up in the data as it is the best from 10 feet. Being the best from 10 feet is an accomplishment of its own. If you love a wide blade putter, this is one worth trying.
I appreciate the satin finish with the gloss black sightline. It sits adjacent to the golf ball at address. This approach isn’t particularly common in blade putters. With the round grip, it might calm the hands of golfers who tend to be too handsy during their putting stroke.
Runner-Up (10 Feet)
Zebra Black Milled Series 003
Review Score
9.5
Putt Distance 10ft
9 Score
Putt Distance 5ft
8 Score
Putt Distance 20ft
9 Score
Price
$299.99
Buy This If
You want efficiency from 10 feet:
Zebra Black Milled Series 003 is one of the best blade putters from 10 feet. It finished in the top five for 30 percent of our testers from 10 feet.
You want help with lag putting:
Zebra Black Milled Series 003 was in the top five 25 percent of the time for our testers from 20 feet.
Don't Buy This If
You prioritize subjective appeal:
Performance-wise, Zebra Black Milled Series 003 is one of the most balanced blade putters. However, it doesn't rank highly for subjective appeal according to our testing pool.
Zebra is back. Some of you may be familiar with the iconic brand which began in 1976. These putters have been used to win on Tour and now the Zebra Black Milled Series 003 takes home second place overall in our best blade putters of 2024. From 10 and 20 feet, it is among the leaders in testing.
Testers' Feedback
Zebra offers nostalgia, especially to older golfers. Some of our testers weren’t even aware of Zebra’s history. Here are comments given by our testing pool:
“Great midsize Winn pistol grip that boosts confidence and feels great in the hands”.
“Another wide blade that sits square and offers a firm, responsive feel”.
Experts' Take
A blast from the past with the iconic Zebra look (stripes as the alignment aid). This is a milled, wide blade with great contrast, and appears to offer vary weight options. Ultimately, it is nostalgia with a modern twist.
Those dreaded 20-foot putts. We all know the make percentage isn’t great. However, take heart! There are putters that excel in our testing from 20 feet. Let’s be honest: if you’re making putts from 20 feet, you’re a force to be reckoned with at any level.
Having said that, making putts from five and 10 feet will likely have a greater impact on your scores over time. Additionally, it is rare that we see a putter annihilate the testing field from 20 feet. This is why 20-foot putts are weighted the least in our testing.
These are the best blade putters from 20 feet:
Best from 20 Feet
Cleveland HB Soft 2 #1
Review Score
9.2
Putt Distance 20ft
9.8 Score
Putt Distance 10ft
8.1 Score
Putt Distance 5ft
8 Score
Price
$149.99
Buy This If
You want a putter that is consistent across the board:
Cleveland HB Soft 2 #1 is the best blade putter from 20 feet. Additionally, it offers steady performance from five and 10 feet. It is arguably one of the most well-rounded blade putters in testing.
You want an exceptional putter at a phenomenal price point:
Cleveland HB Soft 2 #1 places sixth overall in our test. It is a solid performer that won't make a dent in your wallet at $149.99.
Don't Buy This If
You need a specific hosel type:
Cleveland HB Soft 2 #1 only comes with a plumber's neck hosel. This may limit who can use this putter effectively.
Cleveland Golf continues to make excellent equipment to enhance your short game. They’re more known for their wedges but their putters consistently impress. Cleveland HB Soft 2 #1 narrowly misses out on a top-five finish overall by placing sixth. It is the best blade putter from 20 feet and is one of the best all-around putters this year. This makes it a stellar option at a budget-friendly price.
Testers' Feedback
Cleveland is notorious for creating tremendous products for your short game. Here is what our testers have to say about the Cleveland HB Soft 2 #1 putter:
“Traditional blade with a gloss black sightline that is clean. However, it doesn’t connect with the face”.
“Muted finish and profile. You know if you miss the center, so I personally love the feedback”.
Personally, this is a no brainer for the price – $149.99. It is our pick for best value and it performs from 20 feet, which is confirmed in the data. Not only that, but it shows up consistently in our Top 5 analysis from 5 and 10 feet. Overall, it’s one of my favorite, all around putters.
This is a no frills, classic blade style putter. It has tremendous distance control that translates to its overall performance.
Runner-Up (20 Feet)
Tommy Armour Impact #2
Review Score
8.4
Putt Distance 20ft
9.1 Score
Putt Distance 5ft
8 Score
Putt Distance 10ft
7.1 Score
Price
$149.99
Buy This If
You want performance from 20 feet:
Tommy Armour Impact #2 is one of the best blade putters from 20 feet. It is in the top five for 30 percent of our testing pool from 20 feet, one highest percentages out of the 39 putters tested.
You like value:
Tommy Armour Impact #2 retails for just $149.99.
Don't Buy This If
You want a putter that performs from 5 and 10 feet:
Tommy Armour Impact #2 has below-average performance from five and 10 feet relative to the field. These distances ultimately hurt its overall performance.
Tommy Armour is a past winner in Most Wanted Testing. This year, Tommy Armour Impact #2 stands out as one of the best blade putter from 20 feet. However, Impact #2 does have weaknesses. It is average from five feet and below average from 10 feet relative to the field.
Testers' Feedback
Tommy Armour has a strong history in MyGolfSpy testing. They’ve won this test in the past, so most of our testers are familiar with the brand. Here is are comments made by our testers:
“Has an audible, high pitch click on longer putts. This isn’t a negative or a positive. Merely an observation”.
“At address, it aligns extremely well. Not a hot putter face”.
Experts' Take
If James Bond was a putter, this would be it. I love the black and white color scheme. This putter is ready for a black tie affair.
At $149.99, this is a solid putter. Price points for putters are definitely not as bad as drivers. However, you are still paying a premium for high end putters. The Impact #2 is everything you can ask for in a budget friendly putter. Great for beginners or the weekend warrior.
How to Choose a Golf Putter
Our mission is to cut through the subjective BS and to encourage golfers to buy based on performance. Performance should be your No. 1 priority. However, there are other things to consider when you’re buying a new golf putter.
Do a Fitting
Just like any other golf club, you need to at least consider a fitting. Ensuring your next putter purchase fits your golf game is critical for long-term success. More and more putter companies are moving towards fittings and encouraging them. For some, it is a key ingredient for optimal performance.
If anything, a putter fitting will help you discover the hosel type, lie angle and loft angle you need for your next putter. In addition, you can look for things like stability, consistency, and visual preferences in your new putter choice.
As part of a custom fitting, everything from grip to shaft to lie angle can be adjusted to meet your personal preference. The best putters on our list are thoroughly tested, but make sure they are the best choice for getting your golf ball in the hole.
Go get fitted.
Short Putts vs. Longer Putts
When we test putters we look at the performance from 5, 10 and 20 feet. Chances are you have a sweet spot in your putting game where you feel confident from a certain distance. Pay close attention to that when choosing the model and type of putter that you want for your bag.
When testing the best blade putters don’t focus all your attention on something like forgiveness from 10 feet or stability from 5 feet. You’ll have a variety of shots to hit from all different locations on the course.
Cost
Putters might be one of the few golf club categories where prices remain relatively reasonable. Obviously, cost will always be a factor for golfers. Some are willing to dish out $449.99 on a Scotty Cameron Super Select Squareback 2. Plenty of golfers, especially newer ones, don’t want to spend that on a putter.
Thankfully, there are a plethora of options for less than $200 including a top performer, the Cleveland HB Soft 2 #1.
Best Value – Cleveland HB Soft 2 #1
By placing 6th place overall, Cleveland HB Soft 2 #1 is deserving of best value. It ranks as the best blade putter from 20 feet, which speaks to its distance control and lag putting capability. For $149.99, it might be the steal of the blade putter test.
How We Test Putters
This year’s Most Wanted Blade Putter test includes 39 different putter models. Some are household names. There are others that aren’t well known. Each of our 20 testers hit putts with each participating model. In all, it took more than 140 hours to collect and analyze the data.
Our putter testing is powered by one main component:
We are excited for the future as our putter testing will be changing significantly going forward. Our new testing facility is close to finished and will feature PuttView technology. This will enhance our putter testing overall and create a gold mine of putting analytics.
Best Blade Putters of 2024 – Scoring
Providing you, the golfer and consumer, with insights into the best blade putters on the market is our No. 1 goal with this test. We can’t do that without taking a diligent, in-depth approach to analyzing the data we collect throughout this process.
Our scoring categories remain the same and we will review those below. However, we are taking a new, more extensive approach to our scoring categories.
Overall scores will now be labeled as an MGS Score. The MGS Score is on a 10-point scale.
Putter testing is comprised of three scoring categories:
5 Feet
10 Feet
20 Feet
These three scoring categories are weighted to arrive at our overall MGS Score. Based on historical and other data insights, putts from 10 feet are weighted the most.
For each distance, testers hit eight consecutive putts. However, each starting distance is randomized per putter. Much like our other testing categories, this approach allows for more accurate results. We came to this conclusion by vetting numerous OEMs regarding testing protocols.
Putt Score
A few years ago, we implemented a “putt score” to our testing. During the testing process, we record how many one-, two- and three-putts tester are having per putter. Our “putt score” is then applied to each putter at each distance.
For scoring, “putt score” is the base of the overall score.
How the MGS Score is Calculated
Scores are derived from two sets of metrics. The specific metrics we use have been detailed above: scoring categories and putt score.
New for 2024, a small percentage of the score comes from the top-five percentage. For this secondary view into the data, we look at the rate at which each putter was among the top five best for every golfer in our test pool for each of our metrics: scoring categories and putt score.
These additional insights help us identify clubs that not only produce outstanding results on average but are consistently among the top performers for the golfers in our test pool.
The putt score accounts for approximately 90 percent of the overall score while most of the remaining amount comes from the top-five percentage.
In both cases, scores are weighted with 55 percent of the score coming from 10 feet, 25 percent from five feet and the remaining 20 percent from 20 feet.
Finally, we reserve a very small percentage of the score to account for things like fitting considerations, excessive amounts of outliers and other details that fall outside the scope of the data.
How Category Scores Are Calculated
Please note that while we leverage the same two-factor approach to our category scores, the calculations are slightly different because there is no weighting within the individual categories.
With that, overall scores will be higher than the average of the individual category scores.
Fundamentally, the purpose of the score is to keep it simple for those who want it that way.
Best Blade Putters of 2024 – Key Takeaways
After 140 hours of testing, here are key takeaways to our extensive putter test:
1. Subjective Feedback and Performance Do Not Correlate
Far too often, golfers are under the impression that subjective appeal and performance correlate. Our testing continues to disprove this perception. It is one of the reasons we collect subjective feedback from our testers. T Squared TS-912 and Cleveland HB Soft 2 #1 are two of many examples of putters that perform despite being ranked poorly for feel, looks and sound. That premium look is nice but it won’t necessarily give you the best value or performance.
2. Fitting Options are Scarce for Blade Putters
In blade putters, various hosel types aren’t available from most OEMs. There are a few examples that do offer multiple hosel types, such as PXG, TaylorMade and COBRA.
We previously saw a trend of adjustable hosels from Evnroll. However, it appears this trend is vanishing … at least from an “off the rack” purchasing standpoint.
3. Putter Testing Changes are on the Horizon
We alluded to this earlier our putter testing going forward is a data gold mine waiting to happen. Change is coming which will allow us to dive deeper into putter analytics. We are partnering with PuttView to enhance our putter testing and putter labs going forward. Our new facility will feature a state-of-the-art putting green where we will add testing protocols that will only benefit putter testing going forward. More to come soon!
DID YOU KNOW: If only 1% of MyGolfSpy readers donated $25, we would be able to become completely independent in 12-months. With every donation, you create change.
Would you be willing to help by giving a donation? Every dollar will help. Make a donation to support our independent and expert golf equipment research. A PayPal account is not required in order to donate.
Donate to MGS
For You
For You
We Tried It
Oct 3, 2024
This Rangefinder is Unique!
News
Oct 3, 2024
4 Tips to Extend the Lifespan of Your Golf Shoes
Uncategorized
Oct 3, 2024
Best Funny Golf Gifts
Phillip Bishop
Phillip Bishop
Cancer Survivor. Amputee Golfer. Essentially, a OneLeggedBoss.
When he isn't facilitating testing or analyzing data, Phillip enjoys his family time, practicing and playing golf, unwinding with video games, capturing photos of nature, or devouring pretzels.
Tony is the Editor of MyGolfSpy where his job is to bring fresh and innovative content to the site.
In addition to his editorial responsibilities, he was instrumental in developing MyGolfSpy's data-driven testing methodologies and continues to sift through our data to find the insights that can help improve your game.
Tony believes that golfers deserve to know what's real and what's not, and that means MyGolfSpy's equipment coverage must extend beyond the so-called facts as dictated by the same companies that created them.
Most of all Tony believes in performance over hype and #PowerToThePlayer.
Surprised that Ai One putter isn’t up there, maybe MGS should do a head to head with Evnroll, Ai One and Cleveland SOFT putters to see how they compare.
It would be interesting to see how many total putts were recorded by each putter from each distance. 18720 putts divided by 39 putters is about 480 per putter. Did the best putter take 465 putts and the worst take 495? Or was it more like 440 and 520?
Much like knowing the longest driver is 3-5 yards longer than the driver ranked in the middle of the pack, it would be helpful to know exactly how many extra strokes it took for Scotty Newport to compete the test than the Evnroll.
From a total putts standpoint, the differential between the best and the worst was 47 total putts. On average, testers were making 2.35 more putts with the best putter versus the worst.
I’m very much curious how hb soft milled #1 that dominated last year’s tests with an overwhelming score(94.8 as I remember) to clinch the top spot could plummet to 87 points this year and fall far from the top rankings.
Great question, Dave. Cleveland HB Soft Milled #1 did see a drop in performance. Just like any of our other tests, there are a few variables that can impact performance – larger testing field and different testers. That being said, it still finishes in an above average position. So, there is merit to how good it is from an “off the rack” standpoint.
I too got a Cleveland HB soft milled #1 last year. Liked it so much I also got the black out version. I have sold all my Scotty Cameron’s and Ping putters to buy new irons to go with my Cleveland putters. Good for many years to come now. I now the big OEM’s don’t like to hear this, but you don’t need to spend $500 to $600 for a putter that will truly work.
What happened to Sub 70? I bought their wide blade from last years results and the thing is amazing. But like others have said, shaft style and neck are what needs to be considered.
Toulon San Diego changed my game. Better feel than my Newport 2. I’m one of those who feels subjective feelings do matter for putters because of the confidence factor – if it looks good to you, you may play better with it.
Excellent, great to see this test. Well done! It looks to me like someone is gaming that Cleveland based on the wear :)
What happened with the 2023 article? Are these blade putter guides going to be more “evergreen” than the most wanted drivers for example, which (mostly) only consider clubs released in the current year?
I’m also curious how repeatable or verifiable the results are on the putter tests. I get the feeling the test results for these might be a lot more random than for something like driver, just due to variability from testers. Are the Cleveland and the Wilson much further down this time, for both overall score and component scores?
I wish we could download the data from Tableau. The Image, PDF, PowerPoint download options are really odd and not very useful.
It makes sense that the face balanced putters are the highest rated on short putts. Even if you have a significant arc in your putting stroke, it will be very minimal on a 5 foot putt. Therefore, the face balanced putters would fit the widest range. It would be interesting to see the data on an individual level, and if any putters fit a person best at all distances.
Out of all the tests best of – this one and probably mallets need to be taken with a grain of salt. If you play a plumbers neck then this is a good list for you. If you like face balance and double bend shafts – also a good list. If you play a slant neck this list is about the worst advice you could read. I couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn with a center shaft, face balanced, plumbers neck or single/double bend shaft. lol. According to shot scope I averaged 26.7 putts per round in 2023. So I’m not a horrible putter at a 1.5 index. Again I know the importance of being fit properly for stroke type, what your eyes prefer to see, how you setup, how repeatable are you, etc. picking one at random or having lots of different hosels will kill your game
Any thoughts from the testing team what might cause a putter like the Evnroll ER2 to be the best for 5 ft. putts but only average for 20 footers? Or 10 footers? Given that we all have 5, 10 and 20 ft. putts during the course of a round, we can’t carry 2 or 3 putters. Could it be related to the stroke (big arc vs. small arc) of the tester? I’m just having a hard time wrapping my head around this one.
It is a great thought and question, Barry. Evnroll’s “SweetFace” insert is a logical reason as to why it is so good from 5 feet versus the field. “SweetFace” excels with off-center hits, so from 5 feet is it possible that it holds the line and speed more efficiently than other putters. We are confident our new testing facility will allow us to capture more insights (like this) and bring those to light for future putter tests.
Thanks, as always for smart, valuable analysis that include surprises and choices many of us aren’t aware.
Missed seeing how a center shafted blade might have ranked (full disclosure: i have Sean Toulon’s Lotus Milled CS blade in my rotation).
Double wide “blade” putters certainly push the definition of a “blade” putter. No denying that. There are plenty of other double wide “blade” putters in the field of 39.
Not a big fan of the double wide myself; slim and soft curves for me….haha!
Phillip Bishop
6 months ago
Hi Pete,
We did test the L.A.B. Link 1 last year. Unfortunately, L.A.B. did decline to submit it for testing. Our staff is high on L.A.B. I personally play one and highly recommend golfers looking in to them.
The best performers are all face balanced. Manufacturers need to offer more blades with face balanced hosel options. Every year it’s multiple face balanced mallets, one with toe flow, and multiple toe hang blades. So many experts tell amateurs to use mallet putters but I think the majority of blade users that would putt better with a mallet, would do so because of the toe hang and not so much because of the MOI difference.
There’s no such thing as face balanced. All putters—with the exception of LAB, who wasn’t tested—require you to put force on the handle to keep the face square.
We might be confusing “face-balanced” with putters putters that promote “torque balanced” “zero torque” etc.
When you find the balance point of the putter, if the face is parallel to the ground, it’s face-balanced. Putters such as LAB tend to rest with the face pointing at the target.
I’ve been using the OMOI M. Craft IV from Mizuno this year, and I must say it has not disappointed. I always take these lists with a grain of salt, but nice to see this guy in the top 5 for overall.
RealityCheck
2 months ago
I’m with some others… double wide putters should not be classified as blade putters as they are really just mallets in disguise.