What steels do I use and what are the pros and cons of each?

303 Stainless steel

​Pros:​

• Resists Rusting

• Used by some of the most popular putter manufacturers

• Very hard metal, so is more resistant to bag chatter and dings

• Requires very little maintenance

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Cons:

• Stainless is a harder steel than carbon steel. Because of this, some think carbon steel makes a better feeling putter. This hardness can be offset by choosing a deeper face milling option.

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Maintenance tips:

• There's no need to clean a stainless putter unless it gets dirty. Stainless steel is very resistant to rusting, so a little soap and water is all it takes to clean it when needed.

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1018 carbon steel

Pros:

• Softer feel than stainless steel

• More finishing or coloring options

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Cons:

• Prone to rust if not cared for

• Carbon steel is softer, so it will 'ding' up more than stainless unless well cared for

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Maintenance tips:

• If you're willing to take 30 seconds to protect your putter after each use, it's really easy to maintain a carbon steel putter and keep it looking like new for years. Carbon steel has to be maintained similar to a firearm, so any good gun oil will keep it from rusting. However, some oils will cause issues with the paint fill. I've had a lot of success using 'Putter Butter' and it's my go to product cleaning product now. It isn't a cheap product, but it lasts a really long time and is fast and easy to use. Just spray your putter after each round and wipe it down. That's all it takes!