High moment of inertia (MOI) putters work wonders for amateur golfers as they increase stability to help prevent spin and speed dropoff on mishits.
Our guide on the best high MOI putters for 2023 looks at the top 10 flat sticks in the category to highlight which is best suited to straight, slight, and heavily arched strokes.
These are the best high MOI putters to select from:
- Odyssey White OG Seven Bird – Overall Best Highest MOI Putter
- MacGregor MacTec X 003 – Best Budget High MOI Putter
- TaylorMade Spider X 9 – Best Mallet Putter MOI
- PXG 0211 Clydesdale – Best High MOI Blade Putter
- Cleveland Huntington Beach Soft 11 – Best MOI Putter For The Average Golfer
- Titleist Scotty Cameron Phantom X7 – Best High MOI Putter For Straight Strokes
- Cobra King Vintage Stingray – Best MOI Putter For Slight Arc Strokes
- Odyssey White Hot OG Seven Nano – Best MOI Putter For High-Arched Strokes
- Ping Tyne G – Best High MOI Putter For Seniors
- XXIO Eleven – Best MOI Putter For Women
If you don’t have the right putter, you could add 5 strokes or more to your round. After reading our review, you will understand if a high MOI putter is right for you, including what it is and why its forgiveness is worth acquiring.
In addition, I will introduce you to the factors to consider before obtaining your high MOI putter. Finally, I explain which options work best for different strokes.
As you read through our guide on the best high MOI putters for 2023, you will learn the following:
- Top 10 best high MOI putters for 2023 with pros and cons
- Factors to consider when purchasing MOI putters
- Which golfers are best suited to high MOI putters?
- Are blades or mallets better high MOI putters?
- MOI putter meaning and purpose
Top 3 Highest MOI Putters
| Best Overall | Best Budget | Best High MOI Mallet | |
| Odyssey White Hot OG Seven Bird | MacGregor MacTec X 003 | TaylorMade Spider X | |
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Price Score | 89.3 | 95.8 | 85.2 |
| Forgiveness | 95.6 | 90.1 | 96.1 |
| Roll | 93.1 | 90.0 | 92.8 |
| Feel | 90.8 | 85.7 | 92.2 |
| Rating | 4.5 Stars | 4.5 Stars | 4.5 Stars |
What Is A High MOI Putter?
A high moment of inertia (MOI) putter resists twisting at impact to remain square. A square angle enhances the stability of your putter face and limits speed and topspin dropoff for a consistent roll across the putter face.
Conversely, a low MOI putter can snap closed at impact and deliver a weak strike. A weak strike leads to decreased spin, and if your putter face is shut, it sends your ball right off the intended line.
What Are The Benefits Of Using A High MOI Putter?
The benefits of using a high MOI putter are spin, speed, and accuracy preservation. The higher the MOI, the more forgiving the putter is, and the less spin and velocity are lost on mishits.
I find amateurs deliver greater consistency and fewer three-putts when they have the leniency and support of a high MOI putter. But high MOI putters have also been more popular on the PGA Tour, so even low handicappers may consider one of these putters.
Read more: The Best Putters of All-Time
The Best High MOI Putters In 2023
1. Odyssey White OG Seven Bird – Overall Best Highest MOI Putter
Pros
- Produces consistent roll
- Soft feel
- Clean finish
- Built for straighter strokes
- Preserves speed and spin
Cons
- Premium price
- Not suited to heavily arched strokes
The Odyssey White Hot OG Seven Bird featured prominently on many best high MOI putters 2023 lists and shows its class again this year. The milled surface finish looked classy, and the stable putter preserved spin and speed on all strikes.
In my experience, the face-balanced mallet design resisted twisting during my stroke, keeping the putter face square at contact. This makes it ideal for golfers with straight strokes to avoid rotation through impact.
The infamous White Hot Insert showed its class as it softened the feel of every stroke for enhanced feedback. It made it easier to judge the force of each stroke, which improved my distance control consistency.
In addition, the insert paired with the high MOI enlarges the sweet spot and produces a consistent roll across the face. Finally, Odyssey engineers fitted the White Hot OG Seven Bird with a midsize pistol grip, which worked for my stroke. However, players guilty of excess wrist movement may prefer a thicker jumbo grip.
Rating: 4.5
2. MacGregor MacTec X 003 – Best Budget High MOI Putter
Pros
- Budget-friendly putter
- High MOI for maximum stability
- Produces a smooth roll
- Enlarged alignment aid
- Trendy red and black finish
Cons
- Not suited to arched strokes
- It does not offer the best feedback
Top-of-the-range MOI putters can fetch a premium and sit out of the reach of most amateurs. However, the MacTex X 003 offers affordable construction, smooth roll, and forgiveness. Plus, it sports a three-line alignment aid to keep your clubface aiming at the target.
Besides its performance, the X 003 sports an attractive red and black clubhead to add character to the entry-level putter. It further showed its value with the ARC Tech Face Milling, which prompted a smooth roll on most strikes to achieve consistent distance control.
Although the feel was satisfactory, it was not as soft as other top high MOI putters, reducing feedback on each strike. However, it was nothing drastic, and I still enjoyed consistent results around the dance floor.
Next, the increased MOI of the MacGregor MacTec X 003 brought superb stability through the stroke. As a result, it expanded the sweet spot to help me preserve speed and spin across the face.
I recommend players with straighter strokes stick to the MacTec X 003. But, if you tend to move your wrists excessively during the stroke, the standard-size grip will not suit.
Rating: 4.5
3. TaylorMade Spider X 9 – Best Mallet Putter MOI
Pros
- Maximum Forgiveness
- Enhances sweet spot
- Generates consistent forward roll
- Soft feel
- Effective alignment aid
Cons
- Priced at a premium
- Not suited to straight strokes
Mallet heads are more commonly associated with high MOI putters than their blade counterparts. The TaylorMade Spider X 9 excelled in our 2023 test, combining pure roll, soft feel, stability, and exceptional forgiveness on off-center strikes.
TaylorMade engineers combined a 320-gram heavy steel frame with a 15-gram carbon sole, creating advanced perimeter weighting. This increased the putter’s sweet spot and enhanced stability to prevent dwindling spin on mishits.
The White TPU Roll Insert, a jack of all trades, was the next element to impress. It kickstarted consistent forward roll across the putter face for improved distance control. In addition, it enhanced feedback and produced a soft roll with muted acoustics.
Despite being a single line, I felt the White True Path alignment was successful and kept me on target. Finally, the 21-degree toe hang setup better suits players with a moderate arch stroke to a straighter setup.
Rating: 4.5
4. PXG 0211 Clydesdale – Best High MOI Blade Putter
Pros
- Produces superb stability
- A delicate touch on all strokes
- Enhances friction
- Generates a smooth roll with limited skid
- Glare resistant finish
Cons
- Moderately expensive
- The thin stock grip may pose a challenge to some golfers
High MOI putters with blade heads are less popular than their mallet counterparts. However, manufacturers like PXG have leveraged innovative technology to equip their 0211 Clydesdale blade with maximum MOI. The balanced, elongated design boosts stability to help you generate optimal forward roll and ball speed across the putter face.
High MOI in a compact design is not their only impressive feat. PXG milled the putter face with an Optimized Pyramid Pattern for superior friction at contact. As a result, I produced a smooth roll, a soft feel, and improved feedback across a broader spectrum of the putter face.
In addition, PXG engineers employed their popular and praised Runway Reticle alignment aid. The arrow-like design makes framing your golf ball, and putter face simple for a more accurate putt.
I also appreciated the glare resistance provided by the black finish, which enabled me to remain focused during my stroke.
Lastly, PXG crafted the high MOI blade putter in a heel-shafted plumber’s neck and double bend hosel, catering to every stroke type.
Rating: 4
5. Cleveland Huntington Beach Soft 11 – Best MOI Putter For The Average Golfer
Pros
- Forgiving
- Maintains ball speed on off-center hits
- Prevents skidding for a clean roll
- Soft feel
- Resists clubface twisting
Cons
- It is not ideal for arched strokes
- The alignment aid could be larger
The putters for an average golfer need to be affordable and reliable, encourage straighter putts, have a soft feel, and promote optimal topspin. I found that in the Cleveland Huntington Beach Soft 11, which fought hard to reduce arch in my stroke and provide impeccable feedback.
Speed Optimized Face Technology proved a hit on off-center strikes as it prevented velocity and spin dropoff to keep my ball rolling forward. My putts were further bolstered by the precision milled face, which elevated friction and prompted clean roll for consistent distance control.
In addition, the milled face delivered a soft feel and exceptional feedback to judge the weight of each putt better. However, some golfers may find the contact too soft and prefer a firmer face insert.
Cleveland engineers kept the alignment aid simple, with a single line in the center of the flange. I feel they could improve on this, but overall, it is a job well done.
Rating: 4
6. Titleist Scotty Cameron Phantom X7 – Best High MOI Putter For Straight Strokes
Pros
- Resists face twisting
- Promotes accurate putts
- Encourages topspin across the putter face
- Soft feel
- Adjustable swing weights
Cons
- Priced at the higher end of the market
- Not recommended for arched strokes
Golfers with straight strokes require a face-balanced putter, which restricts twisting during your stroke to square the putter face at contact. The premium Titleist Scotty Cameron Phantom X7 topped the best MOI putters for straight strokes thanks to its exceptional feel, stability, and topspin.
Despite its hefty mallet head, it produced a superbly soft feel that one would expect from a blade putter, just like Scotty Cameron advertised. The stainless steel milled putter face encouraged sublime friction and topspin to prevent skid and ensure a clean roll.
An enhanced MOI profile and face-balanced design helped me square the putter face at contact and provided supreme stability. The perimeter weighted putter face expanded the sweets spot to prevent velocity loss on off-center strikes.
Although Titleist opted for a simple alignment aid, its position above the center of the face made it easy to see where my putter was aiming. Finally, the Scotty Cameron X7 contains interchangeable sole weights to achieve your optimal swing weight.
Rating: 4
7. Cobra King Vintage Stingray – Best MOI Putter For Slight Arc Strokes
Pros
- Created for golfers with a slighty arched stroke
- Optimal forgiveness
- Produces clean roll on different attack angles
- Glare resistant finish
- Simple alignment aid
Cons
- Moderately expensive
- Not ideal for straight strokes
A slight arch stroke is best suited to a putter with moderate toe hang, approximately 20 degrees worth. This follows the desired path and promotes a square putter face at contact. The plumber’s hosel on the Cobra King Vintage Stingray worked well for a slightly arched stroke and delivered super roll on most putts.
The oversized 304 stainless steel mallet putter packed a punch on the MOI front. It pushed mass around the perimeter of the putter face, expanding the sweet spot for forgiveness on all strokes. Plus, the balanced design of the clubhead helped preserve speed and ball spin for consistent distance control.
My roll was further assisted by the Descending Loft Technology (DLT) present in the SIK Face Insert. DLT adapted to my angle of attack and used four descending gradients to produce optimal topspin on all strikes.
Next, the black and yellow finish proved effective in combating glare, which I welcome any day. Lastly, the single black line on the top of the putter head was clear, concise, and easy to identify where my putter face was aiming.
Rating: 4
8. Odyssey White Hot OG Seven Nano – Best MOI Putter For High Arched Strokes
Pros
- 40 degrees of toe hang
- Built for high-arched strokes
- Optimal feedback
- Effective alignment aid
- Consistent roll
Cons
- Moderately expensive
- Not recommended for straight strokes
An arched-putting stroke demands a clubhead with excessive toe hang to support your stroke path. The Odyssey White Hot OG Seven Nano contains 40 degrees of toe hang. It provides highly arched strokes with forgiveness, optimal topspin, a clean finish, and effective alignment aid.
The famed White Hot Face Insert did not disappoint, conjuring up a premium feel, clean roll, and maximum feedback. In my experience, the insert offered sufficient surface area to connect the ball, limiting my mishits. As a result, the ball rolled consistently on most shots, and I enjoyed impressive distance control.
Despite a high toe hang profile, the enhanced MOI on the Seven Nano stabilized and squared the putter face at contact. This helped restrict speed and spin dropoff to add to my distance control.
Finally, the White Hot OG winged mallet design enabled engineers to broaden the alignment aid. A short line sits above the center of the face, backed up by two sidelines that helped me frame the ball and my intended line.
Rating: 4
9. Ping Tyne G – Best High MOI Putter For Seniors
Pros
- A center cutout simplifies picking up your ball
- Prevents spin drop off
- Provides a soft feel
- Generates optimal roll across the face
- Glare resistant finish
Cons
- Moderately expensive
- Not made for arched strokes
A putter that prevents you from bending to collect your ball is handy for seniors as it lowers the risk of back injuries and enhances convenience. The Ping Tyne G features a center cutout in the putter head to lift your ball after a gimmie.
The central cutout design enabled engineers to spread the weight to the perimeter of the putter face for superior stability and forgiveness. This aided my cause on off-center hits by preserving speed and prompting a consistent roll.
Next, a Pebax Insert and a shallow milled center face combination produced a soft feel and enhanced topspin over an expanded area. This lowered the risk of spin dropoff on mishits for greater consistency on the dancefloor.
Ping engineers employed a double bend hosel for the Tyne G, which best suits straight strokes and limits face rotation. Finally, the black finish proved ideal for seniors.
Rating: 4
10. XXIO Eleven – Best MOI Putter For Women
Pros
- Delivers maximum forgiveness
- Produces consistent roll on all shots
- Built for straight strokes
- Provides a soft feel and enhanced feedback
- Enhanced alignment aid
Cons
- Expensive
- Not recommended for ladies with arched strokes.
I close our list of best high MOI putters with the top pick for ladies in 2023. The XXIO Eleven pulled through as the top pick for women thanks to its premium feel, enhanced topspin, stability, and forgiveness.
XXIO engineers opted for heel and toe tungsten weighting to boost stability and widen the sweet spot. The design was welcomed by five ladies at my home club, who praised the consistency on off-center strikes. They reported superb roll with limited skidding, despite the odd mishit.
Next, my volunteers complimented the soft feel of the putter and noted it amplified feedback on each stroke. The Precision Milled putter face is responsible for the superb feel, and it heightened friction to keep your ball rolling on all strikes.
This face-balanced putter proved most effective with our testers that produce straighter strokes. It resisted twisting to bring the face square at contact and send your ball on the intended line.
Rating: 4
Read more: The Best Putters This Year
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What To Consider When Purchasing A High MOI Putter
Putter Head Design
Blades vs mallet putters? Mallet putters are most closely associated with high MOI designs, which are used to make the decision a no-brainer. However, innovative technology has enabled putter manufacturers to craft blade designs with an elevated MOI level.
In my experience, blades provide the purest feel and feedback but leave you less surface area to strike the ball. Conversely, mallet putters offer an expanded area to hit the ball and perimeter weighting to produce an accurate, clean, consistent rolling putt.
I find amateurs prefer the forgiving head designs of mallets over blades. However, the PXG 0211 Clydesdale shows that blade putters can contain increased MOI and produce spectacular forgiveness.
Roll
The roll of your ball impacts your distance control. When the ball rolls cleanly, you stand a higher chance of reaching the cup. However, if the ball skids off the putter face, it bobbles along and stops short of the target.
I suggest looking for a putter with high friction and an enlarged sweet spot to ensure a clean, consistent roll. Although flat sticks with a face insert are effective, milled-faced mallet putters deliver the smoothest roll.
The perimeter weighting of a mallet expands the sweet spot for a broader area to strike. Furthermore, the milled face pattern enhances friction at contact to prevent speed and spin dropoff resulting in optimal consistency.
Hosel
The hosel of your putter impacts the path and angle of your putter through the stroke. For example, a center shaft or double bend hosel is designed for golfers with straight strokes. These hosels create a balanced putter face and prevent rotation during the stroke to keep your putter face square through impact.
Conversely, a short hostel design creates toe hang in the putter head, making the putter face susceptible to opening on the back and forward stroke. This setup is made for golfers with arched strokes.
Finally, a plumber neck hosel is designed for slighty arched strokes to help you bring the putter face square on the forward stroke. As a result, it resists excessive rotation to remain square and strike the ball cleanly on all putts. Operating with the incorrect hosel for your putting stroke leads to inaccurate strikes and a torrid time on the dancefloor.
Putter Face Material
A putter face is typically milled or fitted with a face insert. Popular face inserts like the Odyssey White Hot design are built to soften the feel of each stroke and boost friction on off-center strikes for limited spin decrease. However, the feeling is slightly firmer than a milled putter face.
In addition, a milled stainless or carbon steel face creates superior surface texture, which is necessary for improving friction. These putters produce a soft feel, clean roll, and exceptional feedback.
FAQ
Do High MOI Putters Help?
Yes, high MOI putters help golfers keep the clubface square and stable at impact, preventing spin drop-off and an inaccurate strike. High MOI putters expand the sweet spot to help you produce sufficient ball speed, topspin, and accuracy on heel and toe mishits.
What Does High MOI Mean In A Putter?
High MOI means a putter has better resistance to twisting, leading to impact. As a result, it promotes a square angle when it strikes the ball to impart optimal speed and topspin on the ball. Furthermore, a high MOI putter face boosts your accuracy and helps you start your ball on the intended line.
Is MOI Important For A Putter?
Yes, MOI is essential for a putter because without it, it impacts your spin, and speed and accuracy are hampered. A low MOI putter stands a higher chance of twisting at impact, sending the ball offline, and losing speed and spin.
A high MOI putter helps the average golfer produce consistent speed, spin, roll, and accuracy on the green.
Should Higher Handicappers Use Higher MOI Putters?
Yes, higher handicappers should use high MOI putters because of their forgiveness and consistency. High handicap golfers stand a higher chance of producing straighter putts with optimal distance control when stroking a high MOI putter.
Are High MOI Putters Heavier?
High MOI putters are generally heavier than their lower counterparts, but this is not always true. A prime example of a heavier MOI putter is visible in the Odyssey Golf White Hot OG range. The high MOI Seven Nano weighs 355 grams compared to the 350-gram weight of the Odyssey Golf White Hot OG One.
Conclusion
High MOI putters provide golfers the stability to square the putter face at impact and ensure a consistent strike. In addition, these putters contain perimeter weighting, which widens the sweet spot to minimize the loss of ball speed and spin on off-center strikes.
Although mallets are more commonly associated with high MOI designs, PXG 0211 Clydesdale shows that a blade is also lenient and reliable. Despite its impressive performance, the Odyssey White Hot OG Seven Bird proved the best high MOI putter for 2023.
The feel, roll, and putters look equip professionals and the average golfer with a reliable flat stick on the dancefloor. Plus, its premium construction is built to last, and one of the more affordable Odyssey putters. Take a closer look at the Seven Bird and other options in the Odyssey White Hot OG range.
Matt has played golf since he was 4 years old and has written over 150 articles at GolfSpan since 2021. Matt specializes in product reviews using his postgraduate degree in Sports Marketing from Johan Cruyff Institute. Matt has a handicap index of 10.8 and currently plays weekly at Pilar Golf Course near his home in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He also loves his Callaway Odyssey Exo Rossie putter and likes a pepper steak pie with curry gravy at the turn. You can connect with him on LinkedIn.
- Best score: 70
- Favorite club: Callaway Odyssey Exo Rossie
- Favorite ball: Srixon Q-Star Tour
- Favorite food at the turn: Pepper steak pie with curry gravy
