Tl;dr: Improving your putting is one of the easiest ways to drop shots and play your best golf. But you need the right weapon - aka your putter - that fits your stroke and gives you confidence on the greens. Zebra has a ton of affordable putters to help make putting easier so you can lower your handicap fast.

The right Zebra putter might be just what your game needs. If you're tired of standing over the ball on the greens with zero confidence, you might consider upgrading your equipment.

I'm having a bit of nostalgia writing this article as I vividly remember my first Zebra putter more than 20 years ago. I was just getting started. I remember picking up a Zebra and loving the "half moon" shape. In fact, my dad still had the putter until about five years ago and sent me a picture when cleaning out the garage.

That putter was the first mallet I ever used, and I have never gone back to a blade putter ever since. What's impressive is that Zebra is still around in the competitive golf world and making more putters than ever. I recently tested them at the 2024 PGA Show and can't wait to share more about them today to help you find the one for your game.

What Are Zebra Putters?

As I mentioned before, I've used Zebra putters for a long time. But I hadn't seen them as often on the course, and it wasn't until I was testing equipment at the PGA Show that I found them again.

Zebra putters got their start in 1976, and the first Zebra mallet putter was introduced. That same year, Raymond Floyd won the Masters with a Zebra putter, too.

In 1980, they were bought by Ram Golf and acquired in 2020 by Golf Brands Inc. Since then, they've released a ton of new putters and are on a mission to help golfers perform better on the greens. They only make putters - no other type of equipment, unlike most golf brands.

What to Consider Buying Zebra Putters

When you’re shopping for a new putter, you want to consider a few things. Start by asking yourself these questions.

Does my putting need help?

This might seem obvious, but I had to include it because it’s a mistake I’ve made myself. Ask yourself, do you really need a new putter? Or do you simply want a new putter?

Here's the thing: don't try to fix something that isn't broken. Putting is such an important part of the game, and if you're statistically a good putter, don't mix up your equipment. This can have a negative effect on your short game and scoring average.

Only look to a new putter as a last resort. And if you do buy a new putter - which sometimes is needed - don’t sell your old putter. Keep it in the garage, just in case you need to go back to something you’ve had success with in the past.

Do I want a mallet or blade putter?

If you are in the market for a new flat stick, you need to first consider the type of clubhead. The oldest and most conventional putters are a blade style and common in complete golf club sets.

Mallets are bigger and have a different design that works better for more straight-back, straight-through strokes. Not to mention, they are quite forgiving for mishits, too, which can help lead to fewer three putts.

In general, I suggest mallets for most everyday golfers, as they’re more forgiving and can help your lag putts. Plus, a lot of professional golfers use them as well because the larger design makes it easier to get the ball started on the proper line.

What type of alignment do I like with putting?

Finally, you want to consider how you like to line the ball up. Some players use the arrows of the logo, while others draw a line. And some golfers like myself don’t line the putter up with a line.

The reason this is important is that you can find a putter that has the right alignment aids. This makes it easier to get your ball aligned with the putter and hopefully get the ball rolling at your intended start line more often. Don’t forget, alignment is everything with putting, and the right putter can help a ton.

Different Types of Zebra Putters

Zebra has a huge selection of putters for all types of players but focuses mostly on mallet designs. Here are some of my favorite new Zebra putters that can help your game on the greens.

All putters, from the rounded mallet to the blade, have a Winn grip, which is one of the softest grips in golf. Plus, a KBS stable-stepped shaft which helps with distance control on longer putts.

Zebra AIT 1 Putter

Let’s start with one of the most iconic putters in all of golf (this was the same putter style I used two decades ago). The AIT 1 is their classic mallet “half moon” putter with built-in alignment aids.

Benefits:

• Great feeling.
• Easy to line up.
• Awesome weighting for a consistent stroke.
• Extremely forgiving and does have adjustable weights.

Be Aware:

• Only one hosel configuration.
• More on the expensive side for a putter but does have weights you can adjust.

Zebra AIT 2

The Zebra AIT is a very different design than the AIT-1 and 100% player dependent. I hit this putter a few times and really like the design, despite always using a mallet myself.

Benefits:

• Easy to line up.
• Slightly lighter than the AIT-1.
• Smaller mallet design might suit some players' eyes better.
• High MOI and adjustable weights to make it perfect for your stroke.

Be Aware:

• Only one hosel configuration.
• No half inch sizes (only 33, 34, and 35 inches).

Zebra AIT 3

The Zebra AIT 3 is my personal favorite in the lineup, as it’s much larger than the other two designs. It still has the patented Zebra alignment system but also has a ball design similar to the wildly popular Odyssey White Hot 2-Ball. It has the highest MOI (most forgiving) in their lineup.

Benefits:

• Adjustable weights.
• Easy to line up on longer putts.
• Friction Roll Control insert makes it have a soft feel and incredible forgiveness.

Be Aware:

• Only one color option (like all Zebra putters).
• Not everyone will enjoy the larger design and slightly heavier than others.

If you have more questions about finding the right putter (or any golf equipment), don’t hesitate to contact a Curated Golf Expert today.

Features to Look for in Putters

Now that you have an overview of some of the most popular putters from Zebra, here are a few other things to consider.

Adjustable Weights

Drivers with adjustable weights are nothing new in the golf world and revolutionized the sport more than a decade ago. However, most adjustability stayed with longer clubs - specifically fairway woods, hybrids, and drivers.

Luckily, golf club manufacturers caught on to this trend and started making putters with adjustable weights (with weight ports) as well. This is an awesome feature because it allows you to add heavier weights to the toe or heel, which ensures your putter is perfect for your game.

If you tend to miss more on the toe or heel from an inconsistent stroke, you can easily change the weights for better mishits. The removal of weight or addition can help any type of golfer.

Putter Length

Getting the right type of putter is step one in mastering your performance on the greens. The second step is finding the right length, as it directly impacts your posture and ability to get your eyes over the ball properly.

From what I've seen in my own game and read extensively about, most golfers use a putter that is too long. Most average-size male golfers should use a 34 or 34.5-inch putter. While taller players might want a 35-inch length, shorter golfers should use 33 or 33.5 inches.

But there are a lot of factors to consider and why it's a good idea to get a custom putter fitting. Working with a professional for a small fee will ensure you get the right length putter and the right type of putter for your unique stroke.

Putter Grip

The final aspect of a putter to consider is the grip. Once you have the right head and shaft, the grip can also play a big role in ensuring that you hit putts with more consistency.

You want to consider the shape and size of the grip. The shape - which is something you don't need to worry about with other clubs - is the first step. Some golfers prefer a pistol style, others a more traditional style, and others might use ones built for a specific grip (like a two-thumbs grip, for example).

Lastly, don't forget to consider the size. Putter grips range from normal, midsize, oversized, and jumbo "fat" grips too. The bigger the grip, the less the wrists are involved but urge caution in jumping up too much (ex., from normal to jumbo) as it might negatively affect your putting stroke.

How to Choose the Right Putter

Below are some examples of different types of golfers and what putters would suit them best.

Neal

Neal is a newer golfer who wants a putter that is easy to line up and wants some forgiveness on mishits. He doesn’t have a ton of time to work on his game, and when he does, he spends most of his practice time on the driving range.

Features Neal should look for:

• Easy alignment system.
• A golf ball with a built-in alignment arrow or line.
• A mallet putter that is forgiving on mishits and easy to line up to his start line.

His best pick is Zebra AIT 3.

Paul

Paul is a mid-handicap golfer who is going through a bit of a slump and is getting too “wristy” in his stroke. He’s used a blade for a long time but has lost confidence and wants something that is more forgiving.

Features Paul should look for:

• A mallet or high MOI mallet design.
• Possibly looking into a different sized grip to help minimize wrist activity in his stroke.

His best pick is Zebra AIT 1 or the Zebra AIT 3.

Mitch

Mitch is a lower handicap golfer who prefers a smaller putter (blade) than a larger, oversized one (like a mallet). He likes to take the putter more on an inside-to-outside path as well. But he also likes to tinker with equipment and prefers adjustability.

Features Mitch should look for:

• Classic blade design.
• A putter with adjustable toe and heel weights.

His best pick is the Zebra AIT 2 or the Zebra AIT 4, which has a classic blade design.

Finding the Best Zebra Putter for You

As Zebra said on their website, you can change your stripes. Even if you aren't a consistent putter now, just know that you can improve.

Oftentimes, it's about finding the right putter for the job, and there's no doubt that Zebra can help you out. Remember, the right putter is about the type of head, shaft length, and grip. Once you have the right putter, that's at least half the battle on the greens.

Then, make sure to spend a lot of time on short putts and don't skip regular golf practice. Soon enough, you'll be dropping shots and having more confidence than ever on the greens.

If you aren't sure which putter is right for you or have more questions, don't hesitate to contact a Curated Golf Expert today.