Mallet putters are getting a lot of attention right now, due to the excellent stability a mallet offers you while putting . A mallet putter is well balanced, has a bigger head than traditional putters, and usually weigh more than a traditional putter.

Putters in the mallet style also are higher in their MOI than blade style putters. What this means is that the clubhead will twist less on an off-center hit, so the ball stays on a truer line and loses less of it’s speed than when struck by a normal putter. Mallet style putters typically include highly visible alignment systems that help you aim short putts with ease . Some of the most innovative designs are the Odyssey putters, especially their new White Hot XG line of mallet putters.

Due to the added mass and higher MOI, mallet putters always feel solid, even on off-center contact. If you are used to putting with a conventional putter, you may be shacked at how easy it is to strike the ball solidly and how little force is needed. It will take some practice to prevent the ball from racing past the hole .

Some traditionalists feel that a conventional putter offers more feel on long putts . WHile partially true, other golfers feel the extreme MOI of mallet patters actually translates into considerable feel, even on lengthy putts or those tough “touch” putts. One of the most important aspects of touch putts is getting the ball started on the correct line, and high MOI mallet putters do that job perfectly.

An area where mallet putters really shine is on short putts under 10 feet. These are the putts that really count in pro golfing circles . Make more putts of this length and the better your score will be . And all of the features of mallet type putters - heavier, higher MOI and sophisticated alignment aids - give you a better chance to make more short putts that can make or break a round .

Mallet style putters work best with a mecahnical, straight-through putting stroke. If you use a different style , it doesn’t mean a mallet putter is not for you . But it can deprive you of all the game improvement features mallet putters offer . If you aren’t willing to change your style , you may want to check out some the newer blade putters.

New Mallet designs sometimes seem a bit funky , but a good number maintain a traditional look. If you can handle the large, exotic shapes of some of the newer-style mallet putters (like the Odyssey Sabertooth putter ), you will find them to be a benefit to your golf game. If you prefer a less exotic look, some of the more traditional mallet putters may be a better fit for you .

Pro golfers have been switching to higher MOI mallet-style putters for quite awhile. Is it time for you to test one out.