Expert Review: Bettinardi Studio Stock Series SS18 Plumber's Neck Putter
All photos courtesy of David L. Brown
About this Review: This review it my honest opinion of the putter, which I tested for one day in January of 2023.
My take
The Bettinardi Studio Stock Series SS18 Plumber’s Neck Putter is great for “feel” putters who want a soft face and feel the ball connect with the putter head. I believe the mid to low-handicapper would benefit from this putter because it will create more consistency within putts of 10 feet and closer.
About the club I tested
- Model: 2021 Bettinardi Studio Stock SS18 Plumber’s Neck Putter
- Shape: Blade
- Hosel Neck: Plumber
- Balance Point: 12 inches
- Shaft Length: 35 inches
- Grip Type: Traditional
- Finish: Diamond Blast
About me
- Average Score: 79
- Handicap: 7
- Experience: 22 years of golf
- Right/Left-Handed: Right-Handed
- Stroke Type: Straight back and through
- Golf Ball Used: 2021 Volvik Vivid Matte Yellow
- Height: 5’10’’
Test conditions
- When I tested the putter: January 2023
- Days tested: 1
- Where I’ve used it: Practice Green
- Weather and Wind Conditions: Inside
- Green Speed: Medium
- Grass Type: Turf
How it performs
What I was looking for
I was looking for a putter that had a soft feel within the face and offered more consistency within 10 feet.
Why I chose to test this club
I did not buy this putter as it was out of my price range at the moment, but I chose to test the Bettinardi SS18 putter and give feedback regarding it because it has a soft face that is ideal for “feel” putters who aren’t as mechanical within their stroke. Its half-inch toe hang also offers easy momentum throughout the stroke, allowing for a higher rate of consistency.
What I love about it
- Face Feel: The face has a 303 stainless steel design that is softer, allowing the ball to be felt off the face of the putter with ease. This aids in distance control but gives instant feedback on a misstruck put.
- Forgiveness: The Roll Control Face design allows for more topspin to be created within the putt, allowing the ball to get to the hole quicker and creating less time for the ball to miss the hole.
- Alignment: The blade style with the one black line going back allows for a simple visual that gives confidence in stepping over each putt.
- Length: The 35in length is ideal for my 5’10’’ frame as it allows my arms to swing back and through comfortably.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The diamond blast finish is sleek and simple. The cool design, paired with a sweet silver headcover, adds style and flare to anyone’s bag.
- Balance: The MOI (Moment of Inertia) is consistent throughout each putt giving it an easy straight and back motion each time.
- Grip Feel: A traditional grip on the putter isn’t what I prefer, as I like the oversized pistol grips, but the Bettinardi grip fits nicely into my hands with its slim design.
Issues I’ve encountered
- Weight: The weight is 358g which is lighter than I prefer at 365g. This difference isn’t much, but I feel it is harder to bring back and through on a straight line consistently.
- Customization: The putter weight isn’t adjustable, so that is a knock on the overall performance, as some of the other putters I tested have adjustable head weights to make the putter heavier to fit my ideal weight of 365g+.
Best Putt or Round with this Putter
I made six putts in a row from 10 feet and found myself two-putting every putt from 20-25 feet.
Value for the money vs. other options
I tried the entire M.Craft Series from Mizuno, the Scotty Cameron Special Flowback editions, and the Bettinardi 6.0 and SS18 all on the same day, and I believe the M.Craft series is the best bang for its buck. But, if someone wants to pay the big bucks for the top-of-the-line “feel” putter, the SS18 is a great choice.
Final verdict
The Bettinardi Studio Stock Series SS18 Plumber's Neck Putter is crazy for its feel within the putter face. Its 303 stainless steel design paired with the Roll Control Face gives each putt instant feedback and allows for consistency to happen from short and deep putts.