Mid-Mallet Putters

: CLEVELAND CLASSIC #2; STREET PRICE: $70
WEBSITE: clevelandgolf.com

TECH TALK: First, the heel-shafted head is cast from 17-4 stainless steel, and then the face is computer-milled. The gooseneck hosel flows forward to provide a full shaft's width of offset. For alignment, a white line extends to the back of the rounded flange and is framed by a shallow rectangular cavity. The hand-polished satin finish is designed to be durable and reduce glare.

PLAYER COMMENTS: (M) "There's something very familiar about this. It's comfortable and has a squeaky clean look." ... (L) "I liked that I didn't have to jiggle it. It just sat there on the ground on its own." ... (M) "Back to basics. Had good control of the stroke." ... (M) "This thing's not entirely milled? You're kidding."

HOT: Just about any putter for $70 is a steal, let alone one that still has the shrinkwrap on it and performs as well as this one. They've taken a classic design and manufactured it efficiently.

NOT: Fitting is limited to three lengths, and the weight might be too light for some.

*category leader

: PING IWI 1/2 CRAZ-E; STREET PRICE: $170
WEBSITE: pinggolf.com

TECH TALK: This center-shafted version has the same construction as the blade and mallet models: a 17-4 stainless-steel body and a machined 304 stainless-steel insert with an elastomer back for feel. It comes face-balanced with two 12-gram weights, but total weight and toe hang can be customized nine ways with a kit of 20- and 28-gram tungsten weights for the heel and toe.

PLAYER COMMENTS: (M) "Easy to align. Plus, distance control is easier with this versus the full mallet." ... (L) "I felt like I was putting with a blade, but it still offered the forgiveness of a mallet." ... (T) "The center of the face feels harder than it should." ... (T) "It has enough weight where it'll swing itself, which is uncharacteristic of a putter this small."

HOT: If you've never liked center-shafted putters, this might change your mind.
NOT: We said it once; we'll say it again: Dinging us an extra $70 for the weight kit just ain't right. Some putters sell for that amount.

: RIFE ABACO; STREET PRICE: $180
WEBSITE: rifeputters.com

TECH TALK: This computer-milled 304 stainless-steel head is reminiscent of the flange-blade styles of the middle 20th century. The T-shape alignment aid is formed by the intersection of two white lines. A small notch on the topline allows you to check if your eye and hand positions are correct. Like every model in the company's line, the face has horizontal grooves designed to grip the cover of the ball at impact, lift it out of its depression and impart forward roll.

PLAYER COMMENTS: (M) "It has a true roll, and it sure seems like these grooves really do what they're supposed to."... (T) "The solid weight tunes your tempo." ... (T) "The notch might not be so great for players who hang their hands low."

HOT: The lines of the square toe and square heel want to flow straight back, but the gooseneck hosel and rounded flange keep the overall look soft.

NOT: Two degrees of loft as standard isn't enough for even mildly shaggy greens.