Best Putters Under $200: New Picks and Used Bargains

Picture yourself at the putter rack. You roll a few balls with a model you like, turn over the price tag, and put it straight back. Four hundred dollars is more than you planned to spend.

Then you pick up a less expensive putter. The head looks good behind the ball. The grip feels comfortable. Now the useful question is whether it helps you aim and control distance, and whether you can get the right version within your budget.

For a new putter under $200, start by comparing the Wilson Infinite Buckingham, Cleveland HB SOFT 2 Model 1 and Model 11, and Odyssey DFX #1W CH. They offer different shapes and face designs without requiring you to find a rare clearance deal. Older White Hot OG, Spider X and PING Sigma 2 models belong on a separate used-and-closeout shortlist.

Quick picks: new putters under $200

*Manufacturer US advertised prices, not live Amazon quotes. Product pages may open with a specific hand and length selected. Check your configuration before ordering. “Search Amazon” links show search results where an exact product page could not be verified.

The $200 limit refers to the club price before tax, shipping or optional upgrades. Check the exact hand, length and configuration before ordering. If $200 is your total spending limit, leave room for those extras.

What my experience adds to this guide

I’ve tested Cleveland and Odyssey putters, and I’m also very familiar with PING and TaylorMade. In my experience, Cleveland putters stand out for distance control and a soft feel at impact. Their alignment systems vary by head, so I’d compare the exact model rather than assume every Cleveland will suit your eye.

I’ve also had good experiences with Odyssey’s feel, alignment and distance control. For this budget, my focus is on finding the right head shape and insert feel rather than chasing the technology in its premium lines.

Those are my broader impressions of the putters I’ve used, not a claim that I have tested every exact model below. The model-specific recommendations also draw on manufacturer specifications and advertised prices. Cleveland’s face milling and weighting are relevant design features; their effect on your putting still needs to be judged with your own stroke.

New putters to try under $200

Wilson Infinite Buckingham: a sensible first mallet to try

The current Buckingham combines a large mallet head, a double-milled face and three alignment lines. Wilson lists it at $139.99 in the US, leaving more budget room than the other main choices here.

Its thick center line and thinner supporting lines give you something obvious to aim. The anti-glare finish and midsize, non-tapered grip are worth comparing in person if bright heads or narrow grips distract you.

Why it makes the shortlist: an accessible way to try a large mallet without spending the full $200.

Watch for: listings for different Buckingham generations. Match the photos and specifications to the current model instead of assuming every Infinite Buckingham has the same grip or counterbalance setup. A big head and bold lines can also feel visually busy.

View the Wilson Infinite Buckingham on Amazon

Cleveland HB SOFT 2 Model 1: the straightforward blade option

At a manufacturer-listed $159.99, the standard silver Model 1 pairs a traditional blade with a plumber’s neck, moderate toe hang and one alignment line. Cleveland offers right- and left-handed versions, with standard lengths of 34 and 35 inches.

Its face uses Cleveland’s variable groove pattern, designed to reduce differences in ball speed across the striking area. That design goal does not mean every off-center putt will travel the same distance.

Why it makes the shortlist: a clean-looking blade for golfers who prefer a milled metal face and a less crowded view at address.

Watch for: the names Huntington Beach SOFT, SOFT Premier, HB SOFT Milled, HB SOFT 2 and HB SOFT 2 Black. They are not interchangeable. The standard silver HB SOFT 2 discussed here is a different specification from the Black version.

View the Cleveland HB SOFT 2 Model 1 on Amazon

Cleveland HB SOFT 2 Model 11: a face-balanced mallet

The standard silver Model 11 is also listed at $159.99. It has a single-bend shaft, face-balanced design, three alignment lines and an oversize grip. Standard right- and left-handed options come in 34 and 35 inches.

Why it makes the shortlist: it gives you a useful mallet comparison against the Model 1 blade at the same advertised price. You can focus on how the head, alignment and balance suit you instead of choosing by price alone.

Watch for: Model 11S has a slant neck and moderate toe hang; Model 11C is center-shafted. An Amazon page may group several versions together. Confirm the selected option says Model 11, single bend, if that is the configuration you want.

View the Cleveland HB SOFT 2 Model 11 on Amazon

Odyssey DFX #1W CH: a wide blade with a soft insert

Odyssey lists the 2025 DFX #1W CH at $169.99. This wide blade uses a crank hosel, a steel shaft and the DFX insert, which Odyssey describes as its softest insert. The published specifications show 42 degrees of toe hang and right-hand availability for this particular head.

Why it makes the shortlist: it offers a soft-insert alternative to the milled-face Cleveland models while keeping a blade-style outline.

Watch for: DFX is a family name used across different heads and generations. The #1W CH is not the narrower #1 CH or a face-balanced mallet. Compare distance control with your usual ball; a softer impact sensation does not automatically mean better touch.

Search Amazon for the Odyssey 2025 DFX #1W CH

Odyssey DFX V-Line Fang DB: a soft-insert mallet

At an advertised $169.99, the 2025 DFX V-Line Fang DB adds a midsize mallet to the Odyssey choices here. Its double-bend shaft produces a face-balanced configuration, giving it a different balance and view at address from the toe-hang #1W CH.

Why it makes the shortlist: a useful alternative if you want an Odyssey insert but prefer a mallet’s footprint. Compare the two DFX heads for aim and pace instead of assuming that liking one means the other will fit.

Watch for: the DFX insert is not an Ai-ONE insert. Useful alignment markings are available on affordable models too, so separate the actual insert technology from how easy the head is to aim. Match the listing to the 2025 V-Line Fang DB rather than an unspecified DFX generation.

Cleveland HB SOFT 2 RETREVE: practical ball retrieval

The standard HB SOFT 2 RETREVE is listed at $159.99. Its head is designed to collect the ball from the cup or ground without requiring you to bend down. It gives the shortlist a practical feature beyond another head shape.

Why it makes the shortlist: worth considering if you would appreciate less bending during a round. Try the retrieval feature as well as rolling putts; it should be useful to you without compromising your comfort at address.

Watch for: standard RETREVE, RETREVE CB and HB SOFT 2 Black RETREVE have different specifications and prices. The $159.99 reference here applies to the standard version.

Cleveland HB SOFT 2 Model 11 CB: try a counterbalanced setup

Cleveland lists the Model 11 CB at $179.99. Its standard setup pairs a 38-inch shaft and a dedicated counterbalance grip with a 380-gram head. The single-bend configuration is face-balanced.

Why it makes the shortlist: it offers a different way to experience the putter’s weight and rhythm without going beyond the club-price budget. Compare it with the standard Model 11 to find out which setup feels easier to repeat.

Watch for: this is not simply a standard Model 11 ordered longer. The head and grip are part of the counterbalanced design. Try the complete setup before buying, and do not confuse the CB version with Cleveland’s separate broomstick model.

Wilson Infinite Zero Torque Lakeview and The 606: a different design to try

Wilson lists both the Infinite Zero Torque Lakeview and The 606 at $199.99. Their design aims to reduce unwanted face rotation during the stroke. That gives readers a way to explore zero-torque putters within the club-price limit.

Why they make the shortlist: a distinct alternative to the conventional blades and mallets above. Compare their setup and face awareness against a familiar putter, paying attention to both short-putt aim and longer-putt pace.

Watch for: zero torque does not guarantee a square face at impact or better putting for every golfer. These are research-based options here, not models I am claiming to have personally tested. At one cent below $200, either will exceed a $200 total budget wherever tax or shipping applies.

Older models: used and closeout bargains to investigate

These models remain worth knowing about, but none should be treated as a guaranteed new purchase under $200. A listing qualifies only when its actual price, condition and specifications work for you. Compare any older deal against the new options above.

Odyssey White Hot OG #1

This traditional blade has a White Hot insert and a crank hosel with toe hang. Look for it if you like an insert face and a familiar blade shape. Steel and Stroke Lab versions exist, so check the shaft as well as the head. Inspect the insert and sole weights, and confirm the seller’s condition description.

Read our White Hot OG #1 guide

Cleveland Huntington Beach SOFT and SOFT Premier

Treat these as separate older families, not alternative names for the current HB SOFT 2. Ask for the exact model number, neck and clear face-and-sole photographs. A listing that says only “Huntington Beach” does not establish whether you are buying a blade, a mallet or the generation you intended.

TaylorMade Spider X Hydro Blast

The recognizable Spider X shape, True Path alignment and Pure Roll insert make this an older mallet to compare if a qualifying deal appears. The single-bend version is face-balanced; do not assume every Spider X neck has the same balance. Check the insert, head condition, shaft and exact hosel before buying.

Read our TaylorMade Spider guide

PING Sigma 2 Anser

The Sigma 2 Anser is an older blade option with a dual-durometer insert. Adjustable-shaft versions cover 32 to 36 inches. Verify that the actual club has the adjustable shaft, that it works correctly and that the appropriate adjustment tool is included. A replacement shaft can change what you are buying, so do not rely on the model name alone.

Earlier Wilson Staff Infinite Buckingham

Older Buckingham listings may use the Wilson Staff name and advertise a counterbalanced setup. Compare their actual condition, grip and specifications with the current Buckingham. An older example needs a meaningful advantage for you when a new version is listed at $139.99.

Tour Edge Exotics Wingman 701

Keep the 701 on the older-mallet shortlist if you find the right configuration and price. Confirm the exact model on the sole, rather than treating every Wingman as identical. Ask which weights, tools and accessories are included; the ability to change weights does not mean a complete extra weight kit comes with the listing.

Bettinardi INOVAI 6.0

Consider this only as a conditional used or closeout opportunity within budget. The 2022 INOVAI 6.0 combines a 303 stainless-steel face section with a 6061 aluminum body, not the carbon-steel face previously described in this article. Different generations and necks exist. Confirm both before paying a premium for the name, and walk away if the total cost defeats your budget.

How to choose between them

Start with setup and aim

Choose a length that lets you stand comfortably with relaxed arms. Do not buy the only discounted length and assume you will adapt. Look at the head behind the ball and ask whether the face looks square without repeated adjustments.

A blade or mallet label cannot tell you everything about fit. Neck design changes balance, and two putters with similar-looking heads can behave differently in your hands. Use manufacturer stroke descriptions as a starting point, then compare how you aim and deliver the face.

Use a simple comparison test

• Bring your current putter and use the same ball for every candidate.
• Roll five putts from about six feet, then five from roughly 20 to 30 feet. Use the same starting spots and alternate putters.
• On short putts, note starting direction. On longer putts, note how tightly the balls finish together and how often you leave a difficult second putt.
• Include a few normal imperfect strikes. Ask whether the candidate is easier to control on your ordinary stroke, not just your best one.
• Repeat the comparison. A single made putt or one good run is too little evidence to justify a purchase.

If two putters perform similarly for you, choose the one with the more comfortable setup, useful return policy and better total price. Keep some budget for practice instead of spending the remainder just because it is available.

The used-putter checklist

• Identity: exact model, generation, neck, hand and measured length.
• Face: clear close-ups showing the insert or milling, including dents, separation or unusual wear.
• Shaft and grip: bends, looseness, extensions, replacements and any immediate regripping cost.
• Adjustments: working length mechanism where fitted, secure weights and the correct tools.
• Transaction: photos of the actual club, seller reputation, return terms, shipping and total cost.

For example, a $165 used putter plus an estimated $25 grip replacement and $15 shipping is already $205 before tax. Those are illustrative costs, but the arithmetic is why a low sticker price can be misleading.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best new putter under $200?

Start with the Wilson Infinite Buckingham for a large mallet, Cleveland HB SOFT 2 Model 1 for a traditional blade, Model 11 for a face-balanced mallet, or Odyssey DFX #1W CH for a wide blade with a soft insert. The best choice is the exact version you aim and control most consistently.

Should a beginner choose a blade or a mallet?

Try both. A mallet’s larger footprint and alignment markings may help you aim, while a simpler blade may look more natural. Handicap alone does not determine which shape or neck will fit. Start with comfort, aim and distance control.

Is a used premium putter better than a new budget putter?

Only if it fits you better and the condition and total price make sense. A used premium name can bring extra wear, uncertain alterations or limited returns. Compare the actual club with a new alternative instead of judging the deal by its original retail price.

Can left-handed golfers use this shortlist?

Yes, but check each exact model. Cleveland lists both hands for the standard HB SOFT 2 Model 1 and Model 11. Odyssey lists the DFX #1W CH as right-hand only. Do not assume a family-wide Amazon selector means every head is available in both hands.

Does a softer face help with distance control?

It may suit your preferences, but soft feel is not proof of better results. Compare short and long putts using your usual ball. Choose the face that helps you judge pace consistently rather than the one with the most appealing description.

Should I spend the entire $200?

There is no need to. If a less expensive option fits and performs well in your comparison, the remaining money can cover tax, a fitting or practice. If your current putter still works well, keeping it is a valid outcome too.

Once you have a putter that fits, build a repeatable routine with our putting tips and practice guide.