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Key Takeaways – Milled Putter vs Insert Putter
- Modern technology has helped bridge the gap between milled and insert putters
- The average golfer will find that both a milled and insert putter can have a great feel
- Milled putters are typically more expensive as they go through a complex milling process that requires both time and money
- The main differences you will find between the best milled putters and the best insert putters are feel, sound, and ball speed at impact
When choosing the best putter for your golf game, you will have the option of milled and insert putters. The insert putters have been around a long time, but some golfers are still on the fence about the performance they offer and whether or not the milled putter is still the best.
I have played with both a milled face putter and an insert putter, and I can tell you there is a difference. However, to say one is better than the other is something you will have to test for yourself. Let’s take a more in-depth look at the milled vs insert putters and what you can expect.
The Differences Between Milled vs Insert Putters
The main difference between the milled putter and the insert putter (sometimes called a cast putter) is the way it is manufactured. Different manufacturers have beliefs about what is the most effective in the putter head, and you can see this throughout their product line.
Manufacturing
The manufacturing process of a milled putter is different from that of the insert putter. With a milled face, the putter is constructed out of one solid block of material. The face is connected to the body of the putter during manufacturing, and it stays that way when the putter hits the market.
The insert putters have a piece placed inside the face of the putter made with different materials. Insert putters allow manufacturers to offer unique or different performance levels because of the technology and materials.
Pricing
The pricing of cast putters or insert putters is usually a bit lower than that of a milled putter. The milled putter takes a bit more time to manufacture and may require more skilled craftsmanship.
However, in recent years with the advancements in the inserts that golfers can put in their clubs, the pricing of these putters has also increased a bit.
If you compare a fully milled putter from Scotty Cameron to an insert putter from Odyssey Stroke Lab, you will usually see the putters with deep milling to be a bit more expensive.
Feel
The feel from an insert putter is almost always slightly softer than the milled design. The softer feel is often preferred by golfers looking for better distance control and forgiveness on the golf course.
Many lower handicappers prefer a milled blade putter because of the feedback they get when they make contact with the golf ball. Essentially if you make a great stroke with a milled putter, you will know it. If you miss the center a bit, it doesn’t feel great.
Soft feel in the inserts can sometimes mask a poor putting stroke or putting style. It’s important that you find the right fit for you to avoid those dreaded 3 putts!
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In addition to feel, expect a higher pitch from a milled putter and a duller softer sound from an insert putter. If you are particular about sound in addition to feel this is something to keep in mind.
Distance Control
Distance control is one of the most important elements of choosing a new putter. The great thing about milled and insert putters is that you can develop great distance control with either one. Generally speaking, the face insert has a bigger impact on short putts and feel within the 15-foot range.
On longer putts, both inserts and milled can allow you to get the ball close to the hole. Sometimes the firm feel of a milled putter can be preferred for golfers that struggle with distance control.
Ball Roll
The ball roll is the way the golf ball comes off the clubface.
This is where I prefer a milled putter over an insert putter. When you strike a milled putter perfectly, you get more feedback, and the ball stays true to its roll.
With the insert, you must ensure that there is no skid off the clubface and that it starts rolling end over end immediately. The roll is largely affected by the way you strike the putt as well.
For golfers struggling with consistent roll, I recommend looking at a milled putter for the extra feedback; it will force you to fix your stroke.
Player Handicap Level
Golfers that are lower in handicap often go with the milled putter. They find this to be a good putter for feel. Some better players will say that inserts have more vibration at impact. Although I could say this may have been the case 10 years ago, technology has greatly improved.
FAQ
Here are a few of the most common questions about the insert vs milled putter.
Milled putters offer better feedback and a slightly firmer feel at impact. If you are looking for something that provides a very pure feel and true roll, the milled putter faces will likely be a great fit.
The lowest handicap players often prefer milled putters because of the pure feel that they offer. The putters make it easier to get comfortable and consistent in the putting stroke.
Some milled putters can be less forgiving than inserts. However, this is not necessarily the case, and it depends more on the specific model of putter you are using.
The purpose of a milled putter face is to promote a better feel at impact, provide more feedback for golfers and get more putts to fall into the hole. With the new deep milling patterns, expect to sometimes see just as much forgiveness in milled putters as you find in cast putters.
Final Thoughts: Who Wins the Insert vs Milled Putter Battle?
Hopefully, you now feel you can choose a milled putter vs insert for your golf game. I have always preferred the milled putter. However, I cannot tell you that the Odyssey Stroke Lab inserts are not effective.
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Insert technology has come a long way, and golfers can now fine-tune the exact feel they are looking for on the putting greens. The bottom line here is that you don’t have to settle; you can find a perfect putter for your game.
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