Thanks to modern testing, choosing a barrel is no longer about feel. With PuttView Handicap, we are able to compare putter performance on an equal basis across all head shapes, stroke types and skill levels.
This metric estimates how many strokes a golfer would gain or lose compared to the average golfer, based on real-world launch, launch, speed, and departure distance data. In 2025, this allows us to finally answer a question that golfers have debated seemingly forever:
Who is the best performing shooter? Mountains, blade or zero torque?
To find out, we compared the top performers from each of our most wanted 2025 athlete categories.
- The best zero-torque input – LAB OZ.1i
- Handicap PuttView: -7.6
- Distance from hole: 0.59 ft
- The best hammer thrower – Wilson Infinite Buckingham
- Handicap PuttView: -7.6
- Distance from hole: 0.69 ft
- Best Blade Shooter – Tommy Armor Impact No. 2
- Handicap PuttView: -6.1
- Distance from hole: 0.73 ft
The zero-torque and hammer furs ended up in a statistical tie
of LAB OZ.1i (zero torque) and Wilson Infinite Buckingham (mallet) posted identical PuttView Handicap scores at -7.6, the strongest scoring performance among all category winners.
of OZ.1i has a slight edge in average throw distance at 0.59 feet, the best of the bunch.
of Buckingham it follows closely at 0.69 feet.
Blades performed well, but with a lower forgiveness ceiling
of Tommy Armor Impact No. 2 was the high blade with a -6.1 PuttView Handicap and average break of 0.73 ft. This is still a strong performance, but the blades in general showed more variability in errors and greater face rotation sensitivity.
How to choose the right type of shooter based on performance data 2025
The nail kit will tell you exactly what you need. However, our 2025 testing shows clear performance patterns across zero-torque, jackhammer and blade gauges.
If you need more face stability → Check out zero torque gauges
Zero-torque designs reduce unwanted face twist, which helps testers produce straighter launch lines and fewer open-face misses.
Choose this category if:
- You struggle with keeping your face square.
- Your speed control is unstable because the face wobbles on impact.
- You want the gouge itself to help stabilize your shot.
If you want consistent and forgiving performance → Consider a mallet hammer
Across the full hammer test set, these players provided high MOI, better impact stability and reliable baseline performance for a wide range of golfers.
Choose this category if:
- You like a familiar shape that inspires confidence.
- You rely on alignment features.
- You tend to lose center and want more forgiveness.
If you rely on feel or have a bow shot → A blade may still fit better
The blades showed more impact sensitivity and more toe roll through the shot, which suits players who already control the face well.
Choose this category if:
- You have a natural bow style stroke.
- You prefer more rotation and more feedback.
- You want a compact profile and a traditional feel.
Final thoughts: Which type of shooter is best in 2025?
While zero torque and hammer putter are tied for the best PuttView scores in 2025, the real takeaway is simple: the best putter for you is the one that matches your stroke.
For more in-depth insights, check out the full results from our 2025 shooting tests.
Post What type of shooter is best in 2025? Comparison of hammer, blade and zero torque appeared first on MyGolfSpy.
