The wide blade putter has become a popular choice among golfers of all levels in recent years. Its unique design offers various benefits over traditional putters, making it a game-changing innovation in the world of golf. This article will discuss the wide blade putter’s features, advantages, and tips on how to choose the best wide blade putter for your needs.
Features of a Wide Blade Putter
- Wider head: As the name suggests, wide blade putters have a wider head compared to traditional blade putters. The increased surface area provides more stability and forgiveness, which can help golfers achieve a smoother and more consistent stroke.
- Higher Moment of Inertia (MOI): The wider head design increases the putter’s MOI, which refers to its resistance to twisting during the stroke. A higher MOI means that the putter is more forgiving on off-center hits, helping to minimize the effect of mishits and increase accuracy.
- Alignment aids: Many wide blade putters come with built-in alignment aids, such as lines or contrasting colors on the head. These visual guides can help golfers line up their putts more accurately and improve their overall aim.
- Customizable options: Like other putters, wide blade putters are available with various customization options, including adjustable weights, lie angles, and grip styles. These features allow golfers to fine-tune their putters according to their preferences and playing styles.
Advantages of a Wide Blade Putter
- Improved consistency: The wider head and higher MOI of wide blade putters provide more stability during the stroke, leading to a more consistent and controlled putting motion. This can help golfers reduce the number of three-putts and lower their scores.
- Enhanced forgiveness: The design of wide blade putters helps minimize the effects of off-center hits, ensuring that even mishit putts stay on the intended line and travel the desired distance.
- Increased confidence: The alignment aids and added stability provided by wide blade putters can boost a golfer’s confidence on the green, making it easier to focus on the stroke and execute successful putts.
Choosing the Best Wide Blade Putter
When selecting a wide blade putter, consider the following factors:
- Head shape and size: Test out different head shapes and sizes to find the one that feels most comfortable and gives you the best visual feedback during your stroke.
- Weight distribution: Experiment with various weight distribution options, including adjustable weights or fixed weight models, to determine which provides the best feel and balance for your putting style.
- Alignment aids: Choose a putter with alignment aids that suit your preferences and help you line up your putts effectively.
- Customization options: Consider putters with adjustable lie angles, grip styles, and other customization features that can be tailored to your unique playing style.
Tips for Transitioning to a Wide Blade Putter
If you’re considering making the switch to a wide blade putter, follow these tips to ensure a smooth transition and improved performance on the greens:
- Practice, practice, practice: Like any change in your golf equipment, it’s essential to dedicate time to practice with your new wide blade putter. Spend time on the putting green, working on various distances and breaks to familiarize yourself with the feel and performance of the putter.
- Analyze your stroke: Assess your putting stroke to determine if any adjustments need to be made when switching to a wide blade putter. For example, you may need to adjust your grip or stance slightly to accommodate the wider head and added stability of the new putter.
- Seek professional guidance: If you’re unsure about making the switch or need help fine-tuning your stroke with a wide blade putter, consider seeking advice from a golf professional. They can provide expert guidance and insights to help you get the most out of your new putter.
Wide Blade Putter Maintenance and Care
Proper maintenance and care are crucial to preserving the performance and longevity of your wide blade putter. Follow these tips to keep your putter in optimal condition:
- Clean your putter regularly: Use a soft-bristled brush and warm, soapy water to clean the head, grooves, and alignment aids of your putter. Regular cleaning will help maintain the putter’s performance and appearance.
- Inspect the grip: Check your putter’s grip for signs of wear or damage, such as cracks or slick areas. A worn grip can negatively impact your putting stroke, so replace it as needed.
- Use a headcover: Protect your putter’s head from scratches, dings, and other damage by using a headcover when it’s not in use. A headcover will also keep the alignment aids clean and free from debris.
- Store your putter properly: Avoid exposing your putter to extreme temperatures or moisture, as these can cause damage over time. When storing your putter, keep it in a cool, dry place to preserve its performance and longevity.
Types of Wide Blade Putters
Brand | Model | Length (inches) | Weight (grams) | Material |
---|---|---|---|---|
Odyssey | White Hot OG | 33, 34, 35 | 350 | Steel |
Scotty Cameron | Special Select | 33, 34, 35 | 330 | Stainless Steel |
Ping | Heppler | 32-36 | 355 | Aluminum, Steel |
TaylorMade | Spider X | 33, 34, 35 | 355 | Aluminum, Steel |
Cleveland | Huntington Beach | 33, 34, 35 | 340 | Stainless Steel |
Bettinardi | Studio Stock | 33, 34, 35 | 350 | Carbon Steel |
Axis1 | Rose | 33, 34, 35 | 360 | Stainless Steel |
Evnroll | ER5B | 33, 34, 35 | 355 | Stainless Steel |
Seemore | Platinum M5 HT | 32-36 | 340 | Stainless Steel |
Mizuno | M-Craft | 33, 34, 35 | 355 | Carbon Steel |
Wide Blade Putter Head Shapes
Head Shape | Toe Hang | MOI (Moment of Inertia) | Forgiveness | Alignment Features |
---|---|---|---|---|
Wide Blade | Moderate | Medium | Medium | Multiple Lines |
Mallet | Face-Balanced | High | High | Multiple Lines, Shapes |
Mid-Mallet | Moderate | Medium-High | Medium-High | Multiple Lines |
Anser-style | Moderate | Medium | Medium | Single Line |
Half-Moon | Face-Balanced | High | High | Multiple Lines, Shapes |
Wide Blade Putter Grips
Brand | Grip Model | Size | Weight (grams) | Material |
---|---|---|---|---|
SuperStroke | Traxion Tour | Standard, Midsize, Jumbo | 50-85 | Rubber, PU |
Golf Pride | Tour SNSR | Standard, Midsize, Jumbo | 90-124 | Rubber |
Lamkin | Sink Fit | Standard, Midsize | 95-105 | Rubber, PU |
Winn | Excel | Standard, Midsize, Jumbo | 67-124 | Polymer |
Ping | PP58 | Standard | 58 | Rubber |
Putter Face Inserts and Materials
Putter Face Material | Benefits | Example Brands |
---|---|---|
Metal (Milled) | Precision, Consistent Ball Roll, Firm Feel | Scotty Cameron, Bettinardi |
Polymer/Soft Insert | Soft Feel, Enhanced Control, Forgiveness | Odyssey, TaylorMade |
Multi-Material | Combination of Feel, Roll and Forgiveness | Ping, Evnroll |
Customization Options for Wide Blade Putters
Customization Category | Options | Purpose |
---|---|---|
Length | 32-36 inches, Custom Lengths | Optimal posture and comfort |
Loft | 2-4 degrees, Custom Loft | Match to user’s stroke and greens condition |
Lie Angle | Standard, Custom Lie Angle | Consistent contact and improved accuracy |
Grip | Standard, Midsize, Jumbo, Custom Grips | Personal comfort and hand positioning |
Weight | Adjustable Head Weights, Custom Weights | Adjust swing weight and balance |
Conclusion
The wide blade putter has become a game-changer in the world of golf, offering improved consistency, forgiveness, and confidence on the green. By considering the features and advantages discussed in this article, you can find the perfect wide blade putter to elevate your game and help you sink more putts with ease.