Best New Golf Putters From 2016 That Improve Your Stroke and Alignment
In 2016, several putters stood out for their alignment aids, face technology, and balanced weights. This guide highlights five models that were popular for improving consistency on greens and appealing to different types of players. Best for beginners who need forgiving designs, and for intermediate players seeking reliable alignment and a confident feel. The table below compares key details to help you pick the right putter for your stroke.
| Product | Brand | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cobra Golf Classic Mallet Putter | COBRA | Players seeking stability and tour-inspired alignment | Precision CNC face, clean topline, stable steel shaft |
| Cleveland HB Soft 2 Putter (Model 11) | Cleveland Golf | Players wanting a consistent feel and distance control | Speed-optimized face, straight or slight arc options |
| Wilson Harmonized X5 Golf Putter | WILSON | Budget-friendly, larger mallet for alignment | Large mallet head, straightforward alignment |
| GoSports Classic Golf Putter | GoSports | Two-way or blade choice, versatile practice | Two-way design, premium grip, US-made feel |
| PGM Golf Putter – Blade Putters | PGM | Beginners to mid-handicap players seeking forgiveness | Notched grooves, balanced weight, tournament-ready |
Cobra Golf Classic Mallet Putter
Features include a CNC-machined face for precision and a soft feel with a confident sound at impact. The Tour-inspired alignment uses a clean topline and a single sightline to ensure a confident setup. The stable traditional steel shaft maintains control and reduces head movement through impact.
Best for: Players who want a mallet with tour-inspired alignment and a solid, consistent stroke. This model suits players who prioritize a stable feel and repeatable contact. Limitations: Some players may prefer a lighter or heavier shaft depending on stroke tempo.
PGM Golf Putter
Notched groove design enhances precision by promoting a stable ball roll and consistent putting accuracy on various greens. The 34-inch length and balanced weights (113g shaft, 350g head) suit both male and female golfers, offering good feel and control. High forgiveness reduces errors on off-center hits.
Best for: Beginners and players seeking improved accuracy and a stable stroke on multi-type greens. Choose this if you want a versatile blade with forgiving performance. Caution: Not every player will prefer a blade-style putter over a mallet depending on alignment needs.
Cleveland HB Soft 2 Putter
Speed Optimized Face Technology provides a dynamic groove milling pattern to normalize ball speed across a larger contact area. Nine stroke-specific designs align with hosel style, toe hang, and grip for straight or slight arc strokes. A built-in 20g weight helps maintain a consistent feel across shaft lengths.
Best for: Players who want a consistent feel with options for different stroke types. Better for: Those who value a tailored feel across multiple shaft lengths. Caution: The range of models may require selecting the correct lie and face type for your stroke.
Mile High Life Men’s Putter
Features a premium black finish to reduce glare and enhance sight lines. Alignment top lines aid accuracy, while a soft face improves forgiveness on off-center hits. The shaft is 35 inches with a zinc alloy head and a weight range of 320-400g, designed for stable, repeatable strokes.
Best for: Players who want a budget-friendly option with a strong focus on alignment and a softer feel. Limitation: Some players may prefer a heavier or lighter head depending on their tempo and stroke type.
Wilson Harmonized X5 Putter
Right-handed, 34″ head with a larger mallet design. The Harmonized X5 focuses on alignment and a stable stroke, benefiting players who prefer a larger head and straightforward setup. The model emphasizes a consistent line of sight and simple setup, which can reduce misalignment quickly.
Best for: Players seeking an easy-to-align, large-mallet putter with predictable feel. Choose this if you want a straightforward, budget-friendly mallet. Caution: A larger head may feel clunky for players with very short or precise stroke mechanics.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations for 2016-Period Putters
- Head design: Mallet vs blade affects alignment and forgiveness. Mallets often help with alignment, while blades deliver traditional feel.
- Face technology: Look for mills or grooves that help speed consistency. A softer face can improve forgiveness on off-center hits.
- Weight and balance: Head weight and shaft length influence stroke tempo and stability. Balanced weights support smooth strokes.
- Alignment aids: Toplines, sightlines, and markings should fit your eye line and improve confidence on setup.
- Shaft and grip: A heavier or lighter shaft changes feel; consider grip size for control and comfort.
- Materials and finish: Finishes that reduce glare help with focus. Durable materials support long-term use.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes a 2016 putter model a good buy today?
– Models from that era often balance forgiveness, alignment, and feel, which can suit mid-range handicaps seeking stability. - Should I pick a blade or mallet putter for beginners?
– Beginners generally benefit from mallets for alignment and larger sweet spots, but blades can offer traditional feel as skills progress. - How important is the shaft length when choosing a putter?
– Shaft length affects stance and stroke path. 33″ to 35″ is common; select length that allows a comfortable, straight putt line. - Are face technologies critical for putting accuracy?
– Yes, face milling and groove patterns influence ball speed and consistency, especially on shorter putts. - What is the impact of grip feel on performance?
– A comfortable grip improves control and reduces the chance of grip-related mis-hits during the stroke. - Can these putters be used in tournaments?
– Some models are listed as suitable for tournament play; verify official guidelines or club regulations for competition use.