Bettinardi BB1 Putter Review

Bettinardi BB1 Putter Review

By Paul Liberatore

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Bob Bettinardi has been a household name in putter design for years. His latest line of putters is the BB series, of which the BB1 is part. Having received the Gold Rating on the 2018 Golf Digest Hot List, the BB1 is one of the most carefully crafted putters on the market using only the finest materials and in-house precision milling. Taking on a classic Anser-style look, the BB1 definitely falls in the high-end category of putters. If you’re an average to advanced player looking for optimal feel and feedback, the Bettinardi BB1 is the putter for you.

Key Features

Super-Fly Mill face milling produces outstanding feel and responsiveness upon contact.

The head is made of proprietary soft carbon steel which affords players a much softer feel than materials used in other putters.

The Stealth Black matte finish reduces glare and is more durable than the traditional PVD finish used in previous models.

Bettinardi BB1 Putter


Bettinardi BB1 Putter delivers milled perfection, buttery feel, and elite precision.


Design and Technology

Bettinardi putters have long been a popular choice for the average or better player. Built on a tradition of exquisite craftsmanship, attention to detail, and the finest materials, the new BB1 putter certainly has not disappointed in this regard. The BB1’s traditional head design and new technological and cosmetic improvements make it one of the hottest putters out there today

Super-Fly Mill face milling provides players with unparalleled feel. This technology is Bettinardi’s most aggressive face milling technology and produces the softest feeling and most muted sound out of all three Bettinardi milling techniques (the other two being Honeycomb and Fit Face). The use of proprietary soft carbon steel only adds to soft feel and accentuated feedback at impact.

Many putters come in a white satin or chrome finish that makes glare on sunny days bothersome for many players. The Stealth Black finish in the BB1 is a matte style that greatly reduces glare allowing players to clearly see the contrast between the head and ball at address. The Stealth Black finish is also considerably more durable than the PVD finish found in previous Bettinardi putters.


Proprietary soft carbon steel in the head has allowed Bettinardi to create a seamless look in the BB1 head. Instead of aggressive sharp edges and lines found in many other blade-style putters, the lines in the BB1 are soft and more rounded producing a look that the putter is all one unit, not different pieces molded together.

Bettinardi BB1 Putter Review

Our Experience

The 2024 Bettinardi BB1 Wide putter is a beautifully executed version of a classic design. It reflects a company with over twenty years of experience that knows how to get the details right. From every angle, there's just enough visual interest, never any clutter, and every engraving is sharp and precise.

The putter head is crisp and clean, with a stunning Black Pearl PVD finish that is well executed. The professional look of the BB1 Wide doesn't stop at the putter head; it is paired with a "Black PVD Tour Grade shaft" that looks stellar with the putter's finish. The holographic Bettinardi shaft band is the cherry on top that shows full attention to detail. The magnetic-closure headcover is a welcome change from Velcro, with a carbon fiber/leather construction that has mixed feelings but is overall a strong improvement.

The BB1 Wide makes small but meaningful changes to the classic widebody Anser design. Based on feedback from their growing Tour staff, Bettinardi made the BB1 Wide shorter from heel to toe and removed material from the heel to align the center of gravity with the geometric center of the face. This results in a slight improvement over a traditional Anser in terms of forgiveness, making it a great choice for those looking to shake up their putting without abandoning the classic look and feel.

Bettinardi BB1 Putter


Bettinardi BB1 Putter delivers milled perfection, buttery feel, and elite precision.


Is the Bettinardi BB1 Putter Worth It?

Absolutely, while the Bettinardi BB1 Putter is a great product, there are a few pros and cons that you need to be aware of:


Pros:

  • Exceptional Feel and Feedback: The Flymill face milling provides a soft, responsive feel, making it ideal for players seeking precision and control.

  • High-Quality Craftsmanship: Made from premium materials like 303 stainless steel, the putter showcases meticulous attention to detail and durability.

  • Classic Design with Modern Enhancements: The Anser-style blade design is refined with features like a black PVD finish for reduced glare and improved aesthetics.

Cons: 

  • Limited Forgiveness: As a blade-style putter, it is less forgiving on off-center strikes compared to mallet-style putters.

  • Metallic Sound at Impact: The high-pitched sound may not appeal to golfers who prefer a deeper thud.

  • Grip Issues: The standard grip may feel too small or oversized for some players, requiring customization.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Bettinardi BB1 Putter Known For?

The Bettinardi BB1 Putter is known for its high-quality craftsmanship and exceptional performance. It features a unique design that combines a milled face with a precision-machined body, providing a consistent roll and a soft, controlled feel.

How Does the BB1 Putter Compare to Other Bettinardi Putters?

The BB1 Putter is part of the Bettinardi BB Series, which is designed to offer a range of putters that cater to different golfing styles and preferences. Compared to other putters in the series, the BB1 is known for its more aggressive milling pattern and a slightly larger sweet spot, making it suitable for golfers who prefer a more consistent roll.

What Are the Key Features of the BB1 Putter?

  • Milled face for improved roll consistency
  • Precision-machined body for a soft, controlled feel
  • Aggressive milling pattern for increased accuracy
  • Larger sweet spot for better forgiveness
  • Available in various finishes and weights

Is the BB1 Putter Suitable for Beginners?

The BB1 Putter is designed for golfers of all skill levels, including beginners. Its larger sweet spot and soft feel make it easier to control and accurate, allowing beginners to develop a consistent putting stroke.

How Does the BB1 Putter Perform on Different Greens?

The BB1 Putter is designed to perform well on a variety of greens, including fast and slow surfaces. Its milled face helps to reduce skidding and improve roll consistency, making it suitable for golfers who play on different courses and conditions.

Conclusion

The Bettinardi BB1 putter is unsurpassed in both design and materials. Super-Fly face milling affords players tremendous feel and feedback and the muted sound does not sound clicky or hard at all. If you’re a player wanting the finest in technology and feel with a classic traditional design, there is no better choice than the BB1.

Paul Liberatore

Paul Liberatore

As the Founder of Golfers Authority Paul Liberatore Esq. has spent the last 7+ years writing about the best golf equipment or instruction from the top golf instructors in the world. He has been a contributing writer for Sports Illustrated Golf and GolfWRX. After graduating with honors from Purdue University, he realized that he had a passion for the golf business and the law. When he's not practicing law, or creating golf content on YouTube, he can be found on his syndicated Behind the Golf Brand podcast talking with the most prolific leaders in the golf industry.