Would like to chip in some info too
Im not a good putter 30-36 a game and looking for a suitable putter. well the putting is comming down as we speaks...Im definitely getting better at it.
But I learn the following.
a toe down putter will have a stroke tendencies that is more closed after impact. (horizontal hinging)
face balanced more vertical hinging. therefore suits a straight in thru stroke and require a more manipulative stroke UNLESS you are fitted with a really short putter 28-30 inch on average, but i feel that spoils my feel of the stroke when i tried that.
Offsets are very important to control the amount of hinging. the more offsets the less resistance to release vertically.
The Longer the putter, The more the horizontal hinge. Ernie else is fitted with a longer putter , from 34 inch to 35 so that the release is more natural.
Weight plays a big factor in feel. David Mills suggests playing with No heavier than 340 grams @ 34". The heavier the better it resist twisting and a straigther stroke but the worse the feel for distance.
But I recently read an article in puttingzone.com by geoff stating that a release is not a good thing because you will rely too much on good tempo and good feel thus making you a streaky putter if u are off form. I think its a good piece of advise and my distance control is much better.
You make alot more 1 or 2 putts with a Mallet than a blade or anser, nomatter waht sroke you use. Was tested by someone.
After messing around with so much putter. I finally come down with something i can live with, straight in out stroke
1/2 inch offset
33 inch putter ( cant be too short or i will hurt my back)
340-350 grams.
face balanced.
Mallet
I switched this year from a face balanced putter to a 8802 style blade made by David Mills. I am putting great and I attribute that to going away from the face balanced putter. I trace with the right forearm while putting and the lack of face balance lets the face naturally square. At least that is what it feels like.