Introducing Best in Class: Putters
Choosing a putter has always been part science, part gut feel, and part guesswork. Golfers rely on brand reputation, a quick roll on an indoor putting mat, a golf course putting green, or advice from a friend who swears by their latest model. We wanted to replace that guesswork with something more rigorous – so we built a testing process designed to find out, category by category, which putters genuinely perform best.
Data led rankings
Welcome to Best in Class, a new review series where we put equipment through structured, data-led testing to find the standout performers in each category. First up is putters.
We’ve tested 35 putters spanning blades, mallets, and zero-torque designs, and have evaluated them across nine categories: looks, adjustability, feel, technology, stability, sound, value, forgiveness, and consistency.
Each category carries its own weighting within a 100-point scoring system – forgiveness (20 points) and stability (15 points) carry the most weight, reflecting how much they influence on course putting, while adjustability (5 points) plays a smaller role. Every putter was scored individually against this system, giving us a best performer in each category, as well as an overall Best in Class winner.
Structured testing
Each putter faced the same structured test: 15 putts per putter, five each from short, mid, and long range. Rather than relying on a single scratch golfer, we used five testers spanning a range of handicaps to give us a fuller picture of how each putter performs for different strokes and skill levels.
That’s over 2,500 putts struck across the test. It was carried out on the same practice putting green at Alwoodley Golf Club, using a TaylorMade TP5 ball, to keep conditions consistent from putter to putter.
The winners
What follows is the result of that testing: the top 15 putters from our full rankings. The complete list of winners across all nine categories is available in the YouTube video below, where Nicola Slater goes through the full testing process and the results in more detail.
This is the first entry in what we hope becomes a genuinely useful resource – a way of cutting through marketing claims and finding out what actually performs. Next we’ll be tackling Best in Class Wedges, so be sure to watch this space.
The Top 15 Putters 2026
Best Overall
LAB OZ.1
The LAB Golf OZ.1 was the standout performer in our 2026NCG Best in Class putters testing. The zero-torque mallet delivered the completeblend of forgiveness,consistencyand stability acrossour entire panel. While itdidn’tscore overly high in terms of looks, the D shaped mallet did rank highly in many other areas.
LABuseLie Angle Balancetechnology to create a putter that naturallydoesn’twant to rotate open or close during the stroke. This is done by weight that is perfectly balanced around the shaft. This helps to keep the face incredibly stablethroughout the stroke, helping golfers return it square toimpactwith minimal manipulation.
This means that even ifyour strokeisn’tperfect each time, the putter helps to reduce inconsistent face angles at impact. The LAB OZ.1 scored high marks for consistency, with the ball more often starting on the intended line.
This putter sits in a premium price category due to its extensive customisation options. Thiswon’tsuit every golfer butif performance isyour priority, the OZ.1 justified its position as our Best Overall Putter.
2ndOverall
TaylorMade SpiderTour X Torched
The TaylorMade SpiderTour X Torched secured second place in our 2026 NCG Best in Class Putters test. The replica of Rory McIlory’s putter offers impressive looks as well as being one of thestrongest performers for forgiveness and stability, something the Spider franchise strives to deliver.
The SpiderTour X Torched creates this through a high MOI construction, where weight is distributed around the permitter of the head. This weighting helps to resist twisting on off centre strikes.
Feel was also highlighted as a strong area for theTour X during testing. The Pure Roll face insert has been designed to create a soft feel that promotes a consistent forward roll.
Looks were another positive, with the bold True Path alignment system making it incredibly easy to aim, while the striking torched finish ensuring it stands out behind the ball. Equipment Editor Nicola Slater said: “I really love the alignment aid on it. I think it’s really easy to square the ball up at address, and I just really love the feel of it off the face.”
The SpiderTour X Torched is a premium mallet that backs up its striking appearance with exceptional all-round performance, making it one of thevery bestputterswe’vetested this year.
3rdOverall
Ping Scottsdale Anser
ThePing ScottsdaleAnserclaimed third place in our 2026 NCG Best in Class Putters test. TheAnserwas first released in 1966 and while therewas beensome refinement the iconic blade still has plenty to offer. The new lightweight PEBAX face insert was a hit among the panel, as well as creating a soft and smooth sound that was also highly rated.
The classic PingAnserhead shape is designed with perimeter weighting that helps to reduce twisting whenyoudon’tstrike the ball perfectly in the centre. While bladesaren’tknown for their forgiveness, the PingAnserimpressed the panel. It also proved to be very consistent from a range of distances.
Panel member MattChivers said “I was actually really surprised by the Ping Scottsdale putter. I love the feel of it off the face. I really enjoyed the sound and feel of it.”
ThePing ScottsdaleAnserwas marked down for adjustability, with length being the only adjustableoption. However, the panel felt it was very reasonably priced foritsstandout performance on the greens.
This putter might be the answer for a lot of golfers who like the blade design butdesirea softer feel off the face with a little more forgiveness.
4thOverall
Odyssey Ai-Dual #7 DB
The Odyssey Ai-Dual#7 DBwas the fourth highest ranked putter in our test.The familiaroversizedwinged backmalletshapinghelpsto provide a high MOI. This is reflected in our panel’s scoring withforgiveness being one of the Ai-Dual#7 DB’s biggest strengths.
Odyssey’s Ai-Dual face insert is amulti-layerconstruction.A softer outer layer covers the firmer inner which, paired with newforward roll design grooves, helps to improve forward roll alongsideconsistent ball speed across the face. This consistencywas recognised by our panel with an impressive average of 42 out of 50in this category. The face design alsoperformed well in sound and feel.
TheAi-Dual #7 DB is a putter built around alignment,forgivenessand consistency.Itsface balanced designgenerally suitsthose with astraighter stroke but it was a hit with our panel.
5thOverall
MizunoM.CraftNagoya
The MizunoM.CraftNagoya finished fifthin our 2026 NCG Best in Class Putters test.It’sfully milled from 1025 carbon steel, combiningpremiumcraftsmanshipwith a clean, elegant, design.The Nagoya was one of the highest scorers in the looks category.
Not only does the milling create a sleek look,but italso creates exceptional feelthanks to the deep CNC milled face pattern. One of thepanelnoted that “the Nagoya was very good. Not only did it instil confidence, but as soon asyouhit the ball it was extremely soft – a lovely feel.”
That soft feel wastranslatedinto a softer sound that also scored highly.The Nogoyahas acompact mallet shaping thatdoesn’tallow for anyhead-weightingadjustability and that cost marks. But our testers were impressed with the levels of consistency and forgiveness it offered.
TheMizunoNaygoyais a premium putter, constructed forexceptional sound and feel, with a strongall roundperformance.
6thOverall
Odyssey Ai-DUAL Jailbird Mini ½ Ball
The Odyssey Ai-Dual Jailbird Mini ½ balltakes the popular mallet shaping and adds in adistinctive alignment-focus to help golfers with their aim.Itsblack and white striped colourway helps golfers frame the ball at address.
Much like the Ai-Dual#7 DB, the Jailbird mini uses the sameAi-DUAL face insertto create amuch-lovedsoft sound and feel.The face design also helps with consistency of roll and ball speed regardless of strike location and that was reflected in the panel’s scoring.
The stability of the Ai-Dual Jailbird Mini ½ ball was also highly praised by our panel.The face balanced putter is great for players with astraighter stroke and less face rotation.
Thisa very popularshape ontour and proveda favourite with our testers.Itshigh MOI design is complimented with a bold alignment aidand a soft face insert, providing the golfer with plenty ofconfidence,stabilityand forgiveness – particularly on off-centre strikes.
Tied 7thOverall
OdysessyAi-Dual DW
Tied in 7thplacewas another Odyssey putter: their wide bladeAi-DUAL DW.It is designedto blend the traditional blade shaping with ahigher moi design for increased stability.
The two piece Ai-Dual face insert proved to be popular with our panel. The soft feel creates a quiet soundthat scored well. Thegrooves are deeper thanpreviousgenerations and helps toimprove forward roll. For a blade style, theAi-DUAL DWreceived high marks for forgiveness. That is not something you would typically expect.
This putter is packed with Ai design features yet keepsa sleek look at address with a single sight line. At the sole,weights are found at the heel and toe which can be adjusted to suit the player. But at standard settings, this shaping works best for players witha straighter stroke and less face rotation.
The Odyssey Ai-DUAL DW is a putter that blends a traditional shape with modern forgiveness,stabilityand face technology.It’sa greatoptionfor golfers whoprefer the look and feel of a blade but still want the added confidence and consistency that comes from awider,more stable, head design.
Tied 7thOverall
MizunoM.CraftOsaka
The MizunoM.CraftOsakais a classic bladeshaping, with a modernsquare-back, wide, blade profile.Itsmilled1025Ecarbon steel make up gives it a premium look that was highly praised byour panel.On top, there is a simple single sight alignment aid that helps with the sleekdesign.
Not only does the milled construction look good but it alsotopped thebest sound category alongside theslimmerMizunoM.CraftKyotoblade.The soft, responsive, sensation through impact made it a particularly enjoyable putter to use, while its 41points out50 consistency score showed the performance matched the premium feel.
While bladesaren’talways known for theirforgiveness or stability, the Osaka’s wider profilehelped it score very respectfully in these categories.
Overall,theM.CraftOsakais a premium crafted putter that by no means is defined by looks.
9thOverall
TaylorMade SpiderTour FTorched
The TaylorMadeTour Fis a new addition to the Spider line upfor 2026.Itsfangedmallet shaping,with the new PVD torched finish,looks great with a single alignment line.The SpiderTour F received arespectable score for looks from our panel.
MattChivers said: “I was really quite impressed with the fang design. It instilled confidence. It had great stability when I was testing from both long range and short range. The feel was great. The sound off the face was great.”
The SpiderTour F usesthe sameTaylorMade’s Pure Roll face insertas the 2ndplaceTour X, which scored well in the feel category.Behind the face, the HYBRAR ECHO Damperworks to refine the sound and feel at impact and was reflected in an average sound score of 39 out of 50.
10thOverall
MizunoM.CraftTokyo
The MizunoM.CraftToykois another winged back mallet and was only just behind the TaylorMade SpiderTour F.Theblack milledprofile is created, usingGrain Flow Forging in Japan, from premium 1025E carbon steel. The outcome issleek andhighly recognisedby the panel, who gave it an average 40 out of 50 for looks.
The advanced channel wing geometry pushes weight back and wide to help stop the head from twisting. Our panel found thestability and forgiveness of theM.CraftToykoto be impressive.
They also praised its sound and feel. Mizuno has usedvibration management engineering to dull thesound – creating a firmer sound at impact.
A copper underlay beneath the reinforced trim layer is also designed to deliver Mizuno’s softest feel at impact.
The MizunoM.CraftTokyois a high-MOI mallet which combines impressive stability and forgiveness with the premiumlooks andfeel expected from theM.Craftrange. Its stability score of 64out of75 was the strongest of the Mizuno modelstested. It’s a great option for golfers who want the looks of the sleek M.Craft but with added support.
11thOverall
Scotty Cameron Fastback 2
The Scotty Cameron Fastback 2is a compact mid-mallet, which sits between a blade andmallet. Therounded profile is created using 303 stainlesssteelwitha6061aircraftaluminiumsole plate. Its premiumcraftsmanshipwas recognised by our panel with an average score of 38 of 50 for looks.
Our panel were also impressed by its sound – scoring an impressive 43 out of 50 and tied in that mallet category with the ToulonAlcatraz Mini H1andMizunoM.CraftNagoya.
Scotty Cameron use aprecision milled Studio Carbon SteelfaceinsertwithChain-link face milling. Together these technologies work together to improve sound and roll characteristics.
They also contributed towards a high score of84out of100forforgiveness,withheel-toe inlay increasing perimeter weighting and contributing to both MOI and alignment.
The Scotty Cameron Fastback 2high-contrast alignment system helps create a clear visual structure behind the ball, with the heel-toe inlay adding further framing at address.Its mid-mallet sizedelivers considerably more forgiveness and stability than its size might suggest.Yet its high price point makes it a considerable investment.
12thOverall
Scotty Cameron Newport 2 Plus
Following on from the Fastback 2 is the Scotty Cameron Newport 2 plus. Based on the classic Newport 2 shaping loved by many, the Newport 2 plus has a wider back blade design.
Its looks are a standout feature and it scored an amazing 45 out of 50. It tied with the Toulon Boston H3 in the best looks category.
The wider profile gives the Newport 2 Plus a slightly more substantial appearance behind the ball without moving too far away from the classic blade shape.
Milled from303 stainless steelthe solid face,with engraved details, created a crisp sound that was very much enjoyed by our panel. It also scored 40 out of 50 for feel.
Thewider blade profile helps increase MOI, which issomething blade putters often lack. Our panel gave an impressive 75 out of 100 for forgivenessas well as 41 out of 50 for consistency.
The Scotty Cameron Newport 2 Plus is a beautifully crafted blade that cleverly adds forgiveness and stability without losing the traditional Newport 2 identity. Its standout looks,combined with enjoyable feelandstrongconsistency, make it a compelling choice for golfers who want classic blade aesthetics with a little more help on off-centre strikes.
13thOverall
ToulonAlcatraz Mini H1
TheToulonAlcatraz Mini H1 is another premium option. Formally a sub brand of Odyssey, theAlcatraz was our highest priced putter (without any upcharges). This lowereditsvalue score but that is not to say it wasn’t a strong performer.
The compact mallet shapingin the deep navy colourway was very impressive and our panel gave it 43 out of 50. The white single sight alignment designworked well and added to the premium look.
Performance was also strong, particularly when it came to consistency. TheAlcatraz Mini H1 scored 42out of50, alongside 80out of100 for forgiveness. Its multi-material construction used a milled 6061 aluminium sole plate to help withweight disruption.
Sound was another high scoring category, something thatToulonhave worked on with their Deep Tuna FaceMill. Front loaded weights help with ball speed consistency across the face as well ascreating a satisfying sound and feel.
TheToulonAlcatraz Mini H1 is a compact mallet that delivers strong forgiveness, consistency and feel, but is at a premium price point.
Tied 14thOverall
Ping Scottsdale TECKetschPutter
The Ping Scottsdale TECKetschwas a high performing zero-torque putter in our test. The design keeps the classicKetschshaping but adds a new white colourway and centre shaft. Itscoredrespectably in terms of looks, with a contrasting black alignment line on the top.
Ping’s Eye Q technology – the single sight line combined with adot – gives golfers a clear focal point at address. This worked well for our panel and the Scottsdale TECKetschscored high marks for technology and consistency.
Feel and sound were other categories where this putter excelled.The lightweight PEBAX face insert offered a soft feel and quiet sound atimpact. The milled 6061 aluminium bodyand 304 stainless steel soleallowsmassto be positionedlow and around the perimeter, providing great stability as well as a high MOI. That was reflected in the 85 out of 100 it scored for forgiveness from the panel.
Ifyou’rea golfer looking for maximum forgiveness and stability from a zero-torque putter, the Ping Scottsdale TECKetschis an excellentoption.Its Eye Q alignment technology will benefit focus sand consistency for players.
Tied 14thOverall
Odyssey Square 2 Square Tri-Hot Jailbird
TheOdyssey Square 2 Square Tri-Hot Jailbirdoversized mallet shaping brings the popular Jailbird design to a zero-torque construction.It scored a respectable 33 out of 50 for looks butwas not what our panel valued most about this putter.
The multi material construction,that usesaluminium, steel andover 140g of tungsten weights, means Odyssey has moved 80% of theunder the topline.
This forward centre of gravityis closer to the face than other ZT putters andit’sdesigned to create a more naturalposition at address.
TheAI Dual face insertcreated a sound and feel that was highly rated by the panel.Itsdual layer design also aims to deliver consistent ball speed across the face.Consistency was one of the highest scoring categories for theSquare 2 Square Tri-Hot Jailbirdwith an impressive 43out of 50.This is down to the forward roll design grooves Odyssey use to improve roll quality.
Thestandoutfeatureof theS2Swas its forgiveness, where it scored 86 out of 100. The panel found this putter’s consistency to be very impressive.
Ifyou’rea fan of the Jailbird range but want azero-torqueoption,this is a strong performer withitshigh stability,consistencyand forgiveness scores.
Notable shoutouts
Though the above are our top 15, there were other models which excelled in a number of areas. These included:
- Sausage Golf Boudin Noir: Scored full marks and was best for adjustability. The shaft can be secured into numerous positions and can be used right or left handed.
- Blade and Mallet RAM putters: Best for value with models priced at under £80.
- Wilson Zero Torque putters: Priced at just under £200 and best value for those looking to try a zero torque putter.
- Cobra 3DP Tour putters: The innovative 3D printing process ensured high marks in the technology category
- SeeMore SKx putter: The zero torque putter offered good consistency, as well as SeeMore’s trademark red dot on the club performance.
- TaylorMade ZT Max: This larger headed zero torque putter offered fantastic stability.
The Full List of putters tested
Best in Class Putters 2026
This is a new way for NCG to approach equipment testing, and one we’re excited to bring to golfers looking for real insight rather than unfounded claims. By stripping away brand bias and subjective impressions, and replacing them with structured, repeatable testing across hundreds of putts, we’re able to show which putters actually deliver where it counts – not just which ones look good in a pro shop or in store.
This is only the beginning. Putters are the first category in what will become an ongoing series, and we’re already planning how to apply the same rigour to other parts of the bag. If you’ve ever stood over a putter unsure whether it’s really the right fit, our aim is for Best in Class to give you a clearer, more confident answer.
As ever, there is no substitute for you to go and try for yourself and or get properly fitted. We hope you find the rankings useful, and we’d love to hear which putters you’d like to see us test next.
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