Expert Review: Bettinardi BB Series BB1 Flow Neck Putter


All photos courtesy of Andrew Abbott
About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the putter, which I purchased with my own money in July of 2022.
My take
The Bettinardi BB Series BB1 Flow Neck Putter is perfect for golfers with an arc-style putting stroke who prefer the look and feel of a blade putter shape.
About the club I own
- Model: 2022
- Shape: Blade
- Hosel Neck: Flow Neck
- Balance Point: Toe Hang
- Shaft Length: 35”
- Grip Type: Lamkin Sink Fit
- Finish: Black PVD
About me
- Average Score: 70
- Handicap: +2
- Experience: 5 years of playing golf
- Right/Left-Handed: Right-Handed
- Stroke Type: Moderate Arc
- Golf Ball Used: TaylorMade TP5x
- Height: 6’0”
Test conditions
- When I bought the putter: July 2022
- Days tested: 50+
- Where I’ve used it: Various golf courses and some practice greens
- Weather and Wind Conditions: Clear, rain, wind, warm, and cold
- Green Speed: 9-13 on the Stimpmeter
- Grass Type: Mainly bent and Bermuda grass
How it performs
What I was looking for
I was looking for a high-quality blade putter that would rival Scotty Cameron putters. I also wanted a toe hang putter to benefit my arc putting stroke.
Why I chose this club
I chose this putter because many golfers have told me how amazing Bettinardi putters feel and perform. I chose the BB1 model because it is a small blade-shaped clubhead with a flow neck hosel to help with my arc putting stroke.
What I love about it
- Face Feel: This Bettinardi BB1 putter has a Flymill face, creating a flat surface to ensure great contact every time. This is the newest version of the Flymill face milling to help provide an even softer feel across the entire face. I love the feel of this putter and how soft it feels coming off the clubface, no matter what type of golf ball I use.
- Forgiveness: This putter is great for forgiveness. Most of this is due to the Flymill face, which helps keep the ball rolling smoothly and consistently, no matter where it hits the face. Although, like alignment, golfers looking for a highly forgiving putter should consider a mallet head shape due to the center of gravity (CG) being pulled further away from the clubface.
- Alignment: The BB1 has a standard alignment, as seen in many traditional blade putters. It has a single sight line through the middle of the putter to help aim properly. There is also the standard cut-out in the head to help ensure the golf ball is lined up in the center of the club to ensure consistent sweet spot contact. I have no issues with the alignment of this putter; however, a larger mallet shape will help with alignment even more.
- Aesthetic Appeal: This putter looks very professional and stands out due to the black PVD finish, designed to last and not chip. Furthermore, the simple logo and single alignment line make the club look even better.
- Customization: There is no customization for this putter aside from the length, which comes in 32”, 33”, 34”, 35”, and 36”. The other option is the choice between the standard and oversized grip.
Issues I’ve encountered
- Weight: The Bettinardi BB1 does not have the option for adjustable weighting. The weight of this putter is great for moderate to fast greens. However, I like to use the weight system on the Scotty Cameron Newport 2 to add weight when playing slower greens, so I do not have to hit the ball as hard.
- Length: I bought the 35” putter and wished I had bought the shorter 34” option. I like the shorter feel of a putter, even though I am taller, because it helps me consistently hit the center of the face.
- Grip Feel: The Lamkin Sink Fit grip is my least favorite aspect of this putter. I purchased the oversized model because it was discounted at the time. However, I immediately had problems with the grip because it is so big and makes me feel like I am not as in control of the clubface as I am with a smaller pistol grip. This grip is very similar to Super Stroke grips, which I have never loved, but many golfers say it is their favorite.
Best Putt or Round with this Putter
The best putt I have had thus far with the Bettinardi BB1 flow neck putter was in a charity scramble that I played in. My group was playing a par 5, and after a really long drive and a great approach shot, we reached the green in 2, leaving a 50ft putt for eagle. I was the first to putt out of the group, and after agreeing on a line five feet left of the pin, I got up and hit the putt. After the first half of the putt, it looked really good and like it had a chance to go in. But in the last five feet, the ball turned just a little bit more and ended up going in the hole.
Value for the money vs. other options
The Bettinardi BB1 putter’s price puts it in the high-end category of putters. The quality and feel of this putter are also comparable to putters like the Scotty Cameron Newport 2 and Odyssey Toulon. These putters are roughly the same price with a similar feel and performance. As a result, the decision will ultimately come down to which design is a player's favorite. However, players looking for these high-end putters' quality, feel, and design at a discounted price should look at the Mizuno M.Craft Type I and II for around $300.
Final verdict
The Bettinardi BB Series BB1 Flow Neck Putter is a great choice for any golfer looking for a beautiful, great-feeling blade putter that is best for players with an arc putting stroke.