Since in a golf game, woods and irons tend to be most of the heavy lifting, the putters we use are often treated as an afterthought. However, that last stretch can ultimately make or break your overall performance, and you’d be surprised how much spending some time and effort choosing the right type of putter can improve your game. With that said, when faced with the choice, which one is better – a milled or an insert putter?
Milled and insert putters perform similarly; however, they differ in feel and sound. The former is more rigid, thanks to its milled pattern, and creates a sharper, louder sound. The latter, on the other hand, is equipped with a material used to dampen the impact, providing a softer feel and sound.
If you’re still unsure about how these two types of putters differ and which one would serve you best, keep reading until the end. I guarantee that the time and effort you put into choosing a type that actually fits your preferences and style will show in your performance.
Milled Putter vs. Insert: A Comparison
Here’s a more detailed (and precise) overview of the differences between a milled and an insert putter:
| Milled Putter | Insert Putter | |
| Handicap Level | Medium-to-low | High |
| Control | Excellent | Excellent |
| Forgiveness | Moderate | High |
| Price Point | Higher | Lower |
| Feel | Firm | Soft |
| Consistency | High | Moderate |
| Longevity | High | Moderate |
| Sound Feedback | High | Low |
In the end, the choice between a milled and an insert putter (as any other golfing equipment-related decision) boils down to your experience level and preference. Read on below to learn more about how the information presented in the above table translates to the choice you should ultimately make.
Which One To Choose?
While your choice, as mentioned, will mostly depend on your preferred feel, here’s what you should take away from the table above:
More experienced, lower-handicap players tend to prefer a milled putter, as this type is firmer, more consistent, longer-lasting, and provides a rigid, heavy feel that’s on par with their other equipment. Moreover, the sound feedback is excellent. Since the putter creates a sharp, high-pitched sound, you’ll instantly know whether you’ve hit the sweet spot or not.
The same can’t be said of insert putters, whose soft quality leads to a dampened, softened sound. Keep in mind that some players actually prefer the quietness of these putters; however, the sound feedback you get will suffer as a result.
Insert putters are often cheaper (though inconsistencies may present from brand to brand) and more forgiving, qualities that make them perfectly suited to high and mid-handicappers.
So, if you’re just getting started, an insert putter might be the perfect choice for you; however, if you’re looking to take that step out of your comfort zone and improve your game, choosing a milled one instead might be the push you might’ve needed all along.
Conclusion
The choice between a milled and insert putter is ultimately a subjective one. Since both varieties tend to perform similarly, the choice boils down to which one’s sound and feel you prefer the most. As a golfer, the enjoyability of your playing experience can make or break your entire performance, so choose wisely.