JimmyG
Active member
Just last week Bettinardi released a statement about the BB-54 model being apart of their new 2013 line-up.
I've been on the soap box preaching about how great of a putter the new BB-54 is from Bettinardi since acquiring one of the first prototypes back at the Summer Social in June.
To summarize... I used to work with a putter company. Have owned hundreds of different putters with a revolving door in that position of bag. I've tried nearly every brand and style. The BB-54 has simply changed my golf game. What used to be my weakness is now a strength and the confidence that I have on the greens has spread to other aspects of my game. I rarely go a round without my playing partners commenting on how well or how much better I'm putting. My men's league partner has threatened to "kick my a**" if I ever change. My 3 putting has basically been eliminated and I make more putts, simple as that. The balance, feel, forgiveness, accuracy, etc. is all unlike any other putter I've tried. The combination of aluminum, the fit face and slot in the sole provides the perfect amount of feedback for my tastes. I'm well past the honeymoon stage and the BB-54 is here to stay.
Here are pictures of the putter that I've been using. I just picked up 2 more for my collection.
In my opinion the the retail price point is great for the package you get and have already got a few local guys chomping at the bit to get one. It's priced at $299 which is in line with other higher end retail putters. What sets this putter apart as with all Bettinardi putters is the attention to detail, extremely tight tolerances and the fact that it's manufactured at their own facility in Chicago. USA Made!!!
2013 Model details...
BB54 is designed and built around one of Bettinardi's most popular and successful model, the Baby Bee Accelerator model. The Baby Bee putter captured the 2003 US Open at Olympia Fields, IL. Bettinardi has used modern technology to alter the Baby Bee design concept and has created the most forgiving MOI mallet.
The crucial design element that has changed from the Baby Bee is the addition of a large 303 DASS weighted port located at the rear extremity of the putter resulting in 40% of the total weight. The significance of the weighted port moves the center of gravity dramatically towards the rear of the putter and away from the face. The results are an extremely high MOI ratio making this the most forgiving putter on off center hits. Even on miss hits the ball will travel the same distance while still holding the line. The BB54 will give every golfer the confidence they need to sink that crucial putt.
The features of the BB54:
Milled Windows – 2 milled out windows on the top of the putter which aid in alignment and also reduce weight from the middle and front end of the putter.
Weight Slot - There is a weight slot milled in the sole to remove more material from the front end of the putter. This provides us discretionary weight placement and allows us to move that weight into the 303 DASS weighted port that is set into the rear of the putter.
Bettinardi "T" – The white Bettinardi "T"site line pops in contrast with the pewter gray finish. This will give the golfer an unmistakable edge for ease in alignment.
Face Milling - The face of the BB54 is milled with Bettinardi's patented F.I.T (Feel Impact Technology) Face along with the HoneyComb face. This provides the ultimate in sound and feel for any putter.
Sweet Spot - Enlarged sweet spot is provided by the detailed weight placement of the putter.
Weighted Port - 303 DASS weighted port is inserted and fastened to the rear of the putter by a hex nut. The weighted port accounts for 40% of the total weight.
The technology of the BB54, weight placement, face milling and built in alignment aids will make this one of the most forgiving and sought after putters Bettinardi has ever created."
Retail model....
As you can see, the retail version is identical to my original protoype other than finish. The black will remain a "tour" only option through their tour distributors (bettinardiltd and bettinarditourstock). They have added a "hosel" to the putter that will allow for easier loft and lie customization.
They are available for pre-order through Jimmy and Nick. I'm not affiliated in any form. Just a fan.
http://bettinardiltd.com/collections/bb-series/products/bettinardi-bb54
http://bettinarditourstock.com/collections/bb54/products/bettinardi-bb54
I've been on the soap box preaching about how great of a putter the new BB-54 is from Bettinardi since acquiring one of the first prototypes back at the Summer Social in June.
To summarize... I used to work with a putter company. Have owned hundreds of different putters with a revolving door in that position of bag. I've tried nearly every brand and style. The BB-54 has simply changed my golf game. What used to be my weakness is now a strength and the confidence that I have on the greens has spread to other aspects of my game. I rarely go a round without my playing partners commenting on how well or how much better I'm putting. My men's league partner has threatened to "kick my a**" if I ever change. My 3 putting has basically been eliminated and I make more putts, simple as that. The balance, feel, forgiveness, accuracy, etc. is all unlike any other putter I've tried. The combination of aluminum, the fit face and slot in the sole provides the perfect amount of feedback for my tastes. I'm well past the honeymoon stage and the BB-54 is here to stay.
Here are pictures of the putter that I've been using. I just picked up 2 more for my collection.
In my opinion the the retail price point is great for the package you get and have already got a few local guys chomping at the bit to get one. It's priced at $299 which is in line with other higher end retail putters. What sets this putter apart as with all Bettinardi putters is the attention to detail, extremely tight tolerances and the fact that it's manufactured at their own facility in Chicago. USA Made!!!
2013 Model details...
"BETTINARDI BB54 Material: 6061 Aircraft Grade Aluminum Finish: Pewter Gray Dexterity: Right or Left Handed Shaft: Heel or Center Weight: 358g |
The crucial design element that has changed from the Baby Bee is the addition of a large 303 DASS weighted port located at the rear extremity of the putter resulting in 40% of the total weight. The significance of the weighted port moves the center of gravity dramatically towards the rear of the putter and away from the face. The results are an extremely high MOI ratio making this the most forgiving putter on off center hits. Even on miss hits the ball will travel the same distance while still holding the line. The BB54 will give every golfer the confidence they need to sink that crucial putt.
The features of the BB54:
Milled Windows – 2 milled out windows on the top of the putter which aid in alignment and also reduce weight from the middle and front end of the putter.
Weight Slot - There is a weight slot milled in the sole to remove more material from the front end of the putter. This provides us discretionary weight placement and allows us to move that weight into the 303 DASS weighted port that is set into the rear of the putter.
Bettinardi "T" – The white Bettinardi "T"site line pops in contrast with the pewter gray finish. This will give the golfer an unmistakable edge for ease in alignment.
Face Milling - The face of the BB54 is milled with Bettinardi's patented F.I.T (Feel Impact Technology) Face along with the HoneyComb face. This provides the ultimate in sound and feel for any putter.
Sweet Spot - Enlarged sweet spot is provided by the detailed weight placement of the putter.
Weighted Port - 303 DASS weighted port is inserted and fastened to the rear of the putter by a hex nut. The weighted port accounts for 40% of the total weight.
The technology of the BB54, weight placement, face milling and built in alignment aids will make this one of the most forgiving and sought after putters Bettinardi has ever created."
Retail model....
As you can see, the retail version is identical to my original protoype other than finish. The black will remain a "tour" only option through their tour distributors (bettinardiltd and bettinarditourstock). They have added a "hosel" to the putter that will allow for easier loft and lie customization.
They are available for pre-order through Jimmy and Nick. I'm not affiliated in any form. Just a fan.
http://bettinardiltd.com/collections/bb-series/products/bettinardi-bb54
http://bettinarditourstock.com/collections/bb54/products/bettinardi-bb54
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