No, I will not get into the commonly brought up topic of anchored stroke ban and the subsequent release of counterbalanced putters to offset the impact the decision has on the game. I will, however tell you about how awesome it is that a high-end putter company like Bettinardi has come out with a counterbalanced version of their popular "BB" line of putters.
As I say often about my wife "beauty + functionality = a better Bruce", can be directly related to the BB32 counterbalanced putter by Bettinardi.
From Bettinardi.com
The Bettinardi counterbalance models are offered as another alternative to the anchored putting stroke. The purpose of our counterbalanced putters is to move the overall balance point of the club closer to the hands of the player. The weight is added by extending the shaft and grip by 3 inches which adds 37 additional grams. We then increase the putter head by the same amount, 37 grams to 395 grams, in essence countering the weight on each end of the putter. This weighting technique boosts the club’s overall moment of inertia (MOI), so that it swings and feels more stable than ever. The three models available in counterbalance are the BB1 for traditionalists, the BB32 for mallet lovers, and for those looking for the most forgiving head we suggest the BB55, a distinctive MOI putter.
Weight: 395 grams
Standard Length: 38″
Material: Mild Carbon Steel
Finish: Satin Silver
Grip: Red WINN 17” (135 grams)
Headcover: BB Series Red/White/Blue
Dexterity: Right Handed
Loft: 3°
Lie: 71°
How does it look?
I can't help but gush over how beautiful the BB32 is. I am pretty much in love with every aspect of it. From the mid-mallet pear-shaped head to the red/white/blue paint fill scheme.
There is a sense of serious quality when looking at the BB32. It is simple, yet loud enough to scare away a small animal. The honeycomb milled face provides a lovely sense of craftsmanship that leads to the no-nonsense sole of the putter which displays its namesake as well as its weight in grams and the ever popular "Made in the USA", all in red, white, and blue.
How does it feel?
The BB32 is a pretty straight forward putter in terms of feel. It is soft, slightly denser than other milled putters, and clickier as well. The carbon steel used to make the head is going to feel a bit different than other high end milled putters and some may imply that it is an "acquired taste" that you may love, or hate.
Miss hits, like all putters, aren't going to feel as awesome as center strikes. To me, I felt as if misses felt empty and a little frustrating. It is probably a stigma associated with knowing you are rolling such a high end putter. In any case, the feedback wasn't harsh, but denser than normal. It certainly made me try much harder to focus on hitting the sweet spot.
How does it perform?
It is in my opinion that the ability of the golfer to adapt to a counterbalanced putter will directly affect performance. There is no such thing as "auto pilot" in this putter. I, personally, had a tough time finding a groove with it as I requested that the putter be a 35" model (I like my hands hanging low) so I could choke up to about 33" but I believe there isn't enough weight in the butt end of the grip to fully counterbalance the 400g head (Bettinardi designed the putter around 38" to add extra weight in shaft length).
In regards to the heel/center/toe performance, the results were quite simple. The BB32 was an extremely accurate putter on all accounts. Toe and heel strikes kept a level of forgiveness that allowed minimal distance loss and dispersion. Essentially, on a mishit with the BB32 you are still going to have a great shot at staying close to your intended line.
Final Thoughts:
I look at this putter every day and marvel at how nice it looks. Yes, a lot of this is subjective to my tastes, but I can honestly say that this may be one of the finest crafted putters I have seen to date. Lining up for a putt is a joy and full of confidence. I am still not sold on carbon steel as the feel is a little too dense for me but this putter will definitely appeal to the golfer that enjoys a little more "click" at impact. The Bettinardi BB32 is a putter to put at the top of the "must try" list for anyone serious about their putters.
You can find more information about the BB32 Counterbalanced putter at Bettinardi.com.
