Golf Equipment Addict: 2011 Bettinardi Putters @ PGA Show Demo Day

My first stop at the Demo Day was to Bettinardi Putters. Outstanding new line up for 2011 and ran into Keith Webster and Ben Bradbury of Bettinardi....Great guys and was glad I was able to catch up on things with them both.

Van and display...

The new lines consist of the BB Series, Studio Stock, CC and Signature Series. Each are machined and assembled in-house and in the USA.

At first glance each of the new series pass the eye ball test for design and quality.

The BB Series features a "metallic fog" finish (dark/dull grey) which appears perfect for a gamer and is advertised to be one of the most durable finishes in the market today.

I was skeptical when seeing pictures of the BB33 posted elsewhere online, yet I was immediately drawn to this new design in person. It has a compact, pear shape profile and double bend shaft placed a bit inward to the center than typical. The balance of the putter through the stroke was outstanding. Just as forgiving as other mallets on the market, but with less frills. Aces Bettinardi! I'll be ordering a 355 gram version (also available in 340 grams).

Other models in the 2011 BB series are the BB1, BB8 Flow neck and BB27. The BB27 is pictured below as it's also a new model for 2011. A wide BB1 (newport/anser style) with double bend shaft. Very similar to a Yes Donna in size/shape. Excellent for a person looking for some benefits of a mallet putter, but not looking to stray too far from a traditional head style.

The next two lines bring models and features from Bettinardi's higher end "tour" and "prototype" putters to the retail market.

The new Studio Stock line for 2011 are carbon putters featuring their patented F.I.T. (Feel Impact Technology" faces. The finishes (Borealis Black) on these are quite exquisite for "retail" putters. Bettinardi has done a nice job with giving the customer a cool finish that isn't distracting to game. Some pictures of two Studio Stock models that were "tour" only before hitting this new line.

The new Signature Series bring DASS (Double Aged Stainless Steel) to the customer at a fraction of the price (still high, but is a limited run) it's sold for in the "tour" market. Below are pictures of the new Signature Series #2. A wide BB8 style head featuring a F.I.T. face, satin finish and leather grip. In my opinion the wide flange on this model is a nice twist on a design almost every manufacturer offers. It won't be for everyone, but it does inspire confidence at address.