05 Aug Blade or mallet? How to choose the perfect putter for your stroke
On the green, there’s no room for guesswork. Choosing the right putter can mean the difference between a satisfying round and a frustrating one. But how do you know which putter suits you best? Blade or mallet? Long or short? Face balanced or toe hang?
Let us guide you through the decision—with the care and expertise you’d expect from a club like Vistabella Golf. Here, we don’t just offer an exceptional 18-hole course; we also provide tailored advice and a well-stocked pro shop to ensure you’re perfectly equipped when you step onto the tee.
Why your putter matters more than you think
Your putter accounts for nearly 40% of your strokes during a round. So choosing it wisely isn’t just a detail—it’s a strategic move. This isn’t about looks or trends; it’s about how you swing, how you stand, and how you feel. It’s about your golf.
Blade vs mallet: which style fits your game?
The shape of the putter head directly impacts alignment, control, and forgiveness. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Putter blade: precision and feel
Blade putters are slim, traditional, and built for touch. Favoured by players with an arced putting stroke, they offer exceptional feedback and control—particularly on fast greens. They’re less forgiving, but for those who love feel and finesse, they’re hard to beat.
Best for: experienced golfers with a strong arcing stroke.
Putter mallet: forgiveness and stability
With larger, more rounded heads, mallet putters provide a higher moment of inertia (MOI), making them more stable and forgiving. They often feature clearer alignment aids and are ideal for golfers with straight-back-and-through strokes or those looking for consistency.
Best for: players seeking reliable performance and easier alignment.
Know your stroke before you choose
Before falling in love with a particular model, assess your natural stroke. This will help determine the balance you need:
- Straight-back, straight-through stroke: best matched with a face-balanced putter—usually a mallet.
- Strong arc stroke: pair it with a toe-hang putter—typically a blade or heel-toe design.
- Slight arc stroke: either balance can work, depending on your preferences.
If you’re unsure, our team at Vistabella Golf will be happy to help you identify your putting pattern through on-course testing.
Shaft length, hosel, and setup: the fitting trio
Your putting posture, comfort, and alignment all hinge on these three elements.
Putter length
Too long or too short, and your stance or aim can suffer. Ideally, your eyes should be positioned directly over the ball, allowing a relaxed posture and natural motion. Standard putters range from 33 to 35 inches, but we always recommend trying a few to see what suits you best.
Shaft position: centre or heel?
- Centre shafted: promotes a straight-back, straight-through stroke.
- Heel shafted (offset): enhances visibility of the line and suits arcing strokes.
Face-balanced vs toe-hang: a question of control
Matching your putter’s balance to your stroke is key.
- Face-balanced putters point straight up when balanced horizontally and help keep the face square—ideal for straight strokes.
- Toe-hang putters dip towards the toe, allowing natural rotation—perfect for arced strokes.
You can check this easily: rest the putter shaft on your finger and observe the angle of the head.
Don’t underestimate the grip
It’s your only contact with the putter, and it can make a big difference. Thicker grips (like SuperStroke models) help quieten the wrists and encourage a smoother, more pendulum-like motion. Go with what feels secure and comfortable in your hands.
Test before you commit
There’s no substitute for real feedback on the green. At the Vistabella Golf pro shop, we offer you the chance to test a variety of putters under real playing conditions. You’ll feel the difference instantly.
When testing, pay attention to:
- Stability and balance during the stroke.
- Roll and pace of the ball.
- Feel and sound at impact.
- Ease of alignment.
- Distance control and accuracy.
Quality and budget: find your sweet spot
From entry-level models to premium brands like Scotty Cameron, Odyssey or TaylorMade, there’s a world of options out there. At Vistabella Golf, we stock a refined selection of high-quality putters for every level and price point. And if you’re considering a custom fitting, we’ll help you find the perfect match for your game.
Quick tips before you buy
- Don’t buy just for looks—choose function over fashion.
- Fit the putter to your stroke, not someone else’s.
- Consider a professional fitting if you’re serious about improving.
- Feel matters—trust your instincts.
- Let your results speak—if it sinks more putts, it’s the one.
Your next putt starts here
Finding the right putter isn’t about trends. It’s about confidence, consistency, and choosing the tool that helps you perform at your best. And that’s exactly what we offer at Vistabella Golf.
Come and experience one of the finest courses on the Costa Blanca. Let our team guide you to your ideal putter in our exclusive pro shop—and discover how much more enjoyable the game becomes when your equipment truly suits you.
Book your tee time now and take your putting to the next level.