6 Best Mallet Putters: Performance and Features

Only 2 of the last 12 men's major championships were won by golfers using blade putters, according to Shot Scope. This stark statistic confirms a professional shift: mallet putters now dominate competitive play, challenging golf's long-held traditions.

Despite many golfers still perceiving blade putters as the standard for skilled play, modern mallet designs consistently outperform them in critical metrics like putt percentage and three-putt avoidance. This tension between tradition and measurable performance forces a re-evaluation of equipment choices.

Mallet putters, exemplified by models like the TaylorMade Spider Tour, are the optimal choice for golfers seeking lower scores. They offer superior ball alignment and greater forgiveness on off-center strikes, as noted by PGA Tour Superstore, directly translating to better performance.

The Data-Driven Advantage of Mallet Putters

• 82% — Mallet users make 82% of six-foot putts, outperforming blade users at 75%, according to Shot Scope. A 7% difference is a significant short-range putting advantage.
• 2.3 — Mallet users average 2.3 three-putts per round, compared to 2.6 for blade users. Greater consistency and fewer costly errors are shown.
• 365g — High MOI putters (mallets) average 365g head weight, versus 351g for blades. Increased mass provides greater stability and forgiveness on off-center strikes.

These statistics confirm that mallet putters' higher MOI and stability directly lead to more made putts and fewer errors. The performance gap offers a clear competitive edge, even beyond individual fitting preferences.

TaylorMade Spider Tour: A Benchmark for Mallet Performance

The TaylorMade Spider Tour, rated 90.0% in the TG TEST RATING by Today's Golfer, sets the standard for mallet performance. This series exemplifies how technological innovation in putter design directly translates to enhanced forgiveness and consistent roll, making it a top choice for serious golfers.

1. Incred Golf RFB Black Mallet

Best for: Golfers prioritizing extreme forgiveness and consistent ball speed on off-center strikes.

The Incred Golf RFB Black Mallet offers exceptional stability, demonstrating 500% more forgiveness than conventional putters on off-center strikes, according to Incred. It exhibits only 0.1° of face twist on half-inch mishits, significantly less than the 0.3°-0.9°+ seen in eight best-selling putters tested. This model retains over 99% ball speed on mishits and produces less than 10 RPM of side spin, outperforming traditional designs that generate 25+ RPM.

Strengths: Superior forgiveness; Minimal face twist; Excellent ball speed retention | Limitations: Brand recognition may be lower than established manufacturers | Price: Not specified in the provided data.

2. TaylorMade Spider Tour Putters

Best for: Golfers seeking a highly-rated, consistent performing mallet with advanced roll technology.

The TaylorMade Spider Tour earned a 90.0% TG TEST RATING from Today's Golfer. Its Pure Roll insert scored 66 out of 70 for roll, a significant technological advantage. The Spider Tour line consistently prices between $349.99 and $350 across models.

Strengths: High overall performance rating; Exceptional roll consistency; Proven technology | Limitations: May not offer the most aggressive forgiveness levels compared to specialized ultra-high MOI designs | Price: $349.99 - $350.

3. TaylorMade Spider Tour X

Best for: Players who appreciate a stable setup and the proven performance of the Spider Tour series.

Priced at $350, as noted by Incred, this Spider Tour model is known for its confident address position. The Spider Tour X delivers the family's hallmark stability and consistent roll, making it a reliable choice.

Strengths: Stable at address; Part of a highly-rated series; Reliable performance | Limitations: Specific features beyond the general Spider Tour line are less detailed | Price: $350.

4. TaylorMade Spider X Proto Small Slant Putter

Best for: Blade putter users transitioning to a mallet, seeking a blend of familiar feel and mallet forgiveness.

With an RRP of £399, this model offers a specialized bridge for golfers moving from blade to mallet, according to National Club Golfer. It balances traditional aesthetics with modern mallet performance.

Strengths: Ideal for transition from blade; Blends feel with forgiveness; Unique design | Limitations: Higher price point compared to some other Spider models | Price: £399.

5. TaylorMade Spider Tour Torched Putters (Tour X and F)

Best for: Golfers seeking a distinct aesthetic and a slightly lighter feel within the Spider Tour family.

These Tour X and F models, with an RRP of £299 / $349.99, feel lighter than other mallets and sit well behind the ball, as reported by National Club Golfer. The torched finish offers unique visual appeal.

Strengths: Distinct aesthetic; Stable at address; Slightly lighter feel | Limitations: Lighter feel may not suit all preferences | Price: £299 / $349.99.

6. TaylorMade Spider 5K-ZT Putter

Best for: Players specifically looking for a zero-torque putter to minimize face rotation during the stroke.

According to National Club Golfer, the TaylorMade Spider 5K-ZT Putter is a leading zero-torque option. It excels at maintaining a square face through the stroke, a specialized benefit for golfers aiming to eliminate twisting.

Strengths: Exceptional zero-torque performance; High stability; Specialized design | Limitations: Specific performance metrics are not detailed in the provided data | Price: Not specified in the provided data.

Value and Variety Across the Spider Tour Line

The TaylorMade Spider Tour series offers a range of models, each with distinct features, yet maintains a consistent value proposition. This comparison highlights the pricing and key characteristics of popular models:

The Spider Tour series maintains a stable and competitive price point across its diverse range. This consistent pricing, coupled with varied designs, makes the line accessible to many golfers.

If the trend of mallet putter dominance in major championships continues, coupled with their clear statistical advantages in putt percentage and three-putt avoidance, then golfers prioritizing performance in 2026 will likely find modern mallet designs, particularly advanced models like the TaylorMade Spider Tour X, to be indispensable for lowering scores.

What makes a mallet putter good?

A good mallet putter excels in forgiveness due to its higher Moment of Inertia (MOI), which helps stabilize the clubface on off-center strikes. Features like advanced alignment aids and specialized inserts, such as the TaylorMade Pure Roll, also enhance accuracy and roll consistency. These design elements collectively contribute to more made putts and fewer three-putts.

Are mallet putters better for beginners?

Yes, mallet putters are generally considered better for beginners due to their inherent forgiveness and stability. The larger head size and perimeter weighting help maintain a square face through impact, even with slight mishits. This makes it easier for new golfers to achieve consistent results and build confidence on the greens.

What is the difference between blade and mallet putters?

The primary difference lies in head shape, weight distribution, and forgiveness. Blade putters have a smaller, more traditional head with weight concentrated behind the face, offering more "feel" but less forgiveness. Mallet putters feature a larger, often geometric head with weight distributed to the perimeter, providing higher MOI and greater stability on imperfect strikes.