Each month, we tap experts from the equipment industry to answer your most commonly asked questions. In this installment, Austie Rollinson, chief designer at Odyssey Golf, discusses the primary difference between mallet putters and blades and how they relate to your game.
Q. I’ve always used a blade putter, but I see that a lot of pros have switched to higher-MOI mallets. I’m a decent putter, but should I make a similar switch? — James K., Reno, Nev.
At one point last year, nine of the top 10 players in the world were using mallets. The reason: High-MOI mallets are more forgiving and less exacting, and they’re easier to align accurately.
In terms of forgiveness, high-MOI mallets are a lot like 460cc drivers or game-improvement irons — they simply contain technology that makes them easier to use for the vast majority of players.
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If your contact is consistent, then a blade is fine, but in general you’ll get a lot more help with distance control and face alignment with a mallet.
An interesting fact is that even Tour pros we work with are often relatively inconsistent with their contact when putting, which is why so many are using high-MOI mallets. And if they struggle with consistency, can you imagine what you’re going through?
— Austie Rollinson, Chief Designer, Odyssey Golf
MORE: Full reviews of 19 new putters from ClubTest 2018