Bettinardi BB55

Brand: Bettinardi
Putter: BB55
Design: Mallet
RRP: £225
Loft: 3-degree Lie: 70-degree
Head Weight: 358g
Available lengths: 33-35"

Summary: BB55 is a MOI mallet milled from 6061 aircraft grade aluminum. The distinctive rear weight plugs move discretionary weight to the extreme back of the putter head allowing for a more stable stroke. F.I.T. (Feel Impact Technology) face delivers a soft feel and stronger feedback on mishits. The finishing touch is assembled with a fly-milled, red anodized insert.

Looks: Ugliest putter in the test. The majority of testers disliked the square profile at address. Alignment aid proved the only positive with three sight lines and bulbous side panels to help frame the ball. Matte grey finish also a nice touch. 1.9 (out of 5)

Feel: For an aluminium putter, the majority of testers thought it felt pretty stable and smooth during the stroke. Some testers thought the grip was too long. New F.I.T. face, which is made up of grooves that are milled on the impact area, helped soften sound and feel at impact. It's more of a 'tink' than a 'thwack' sound at impact. 5.7 (out of 10)

Performance: Majority of testers preferred the BB55 on the longer putts. Shorter putts were tougher than others to roll home. Major strength, however, is that BB55 requires very little effort during the stroke. Appeared easy to glide back and through toward the cup. That could be nightmarish for a feel putter with a lot of arc in his or her stroke, but let’s face it, if you’re looking at high-MOI putters like the BB55, you’re probably looking for a putter that simplifies things. 5.9 (out of 10)

Verdict: While some golfers may like the looks, for the majority of our testers that wasn't the case. Nice, soft feel and sound off the face but that proved the only real positive. Testers would be more inclined to look elsewhere, especially considering the £225 price tag - the most expensive in this test. 13.5 (out of 25)

Results: 70 putts holed (out of 180)

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