Bettinardi Studio B Fitting - Seeking feedback prior to my first fitting

[kevpro]

Hi Everyone,

 

I have a putter fitting scheduled at Studio B on Monday and I am hoping some of you can share your prior experiences. I am a lefty, so I have limited options and I am wondering if I should expect some models not available on their website. Unfortunately custom Hive putters are out of my budget but I would love to try some older models / demos in addition to the 5 current lefty models, but not sure if they typically have this available.

 

Similarly, what was your experience with availability of Hive accessories (headcovers, grips, apparel etc.)? I am also interested in their milled cigar ash trays.

 

Any feedback/advice is appreciated. This is my first putter fitting and I am going in with an open mind and excited to hear the fitter's recommendations / feedback on my stroke.

[ChrisLC40]

As a fellow lefty I'm interested to see what options are available for you.

 

Oh and take as many pictures as you can!

[Viper4225]

 

Experience is awesome! Definitely go in with an open mind. 

 

You won't be able to take any pics of their hive vault, but you will be able to try anything you want. 

 

From my experience, the fitter will first have you roll putts with their anything from the current lineup and then they'll dial you in using quintec. 

 

 

 

[kevpro]

2 hours ago, ChrisLC40 said:

As a fellow lefty I'm interested to see what options are available for you.

 

Oh and take as many pictures as you can!

 

Will do! Sounds like I won't be able to take many pics, which is understandable, but I will definitely share my experience.

 

1 hour ago, Viper4225 said:

 

Experience is awesome! Definitely go in with an open mind. 

 

You won't be able to take any pics of their hive vault, but you will be able to try anything you want. 

 

From my experience, the fitter will first have you roll putts with their anything from the current lineup and then they'll dial you in using quintec. 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for the advice! I am looking forward to trying multiple head /  neck types. As a lefty I never get to try my friend's equipment so I only know the Odyssey #9 I have used since 2012 haha

[WIGolf]

Ive been a couple of times now. Their guys were super welcoming and relaxed with the whole process. They can give us much or as little advice as you want and the whole process is legit. The first time was for an OTR putter fitting, the second time when I went in looking for a hive putter. 

 

Once your preferred look/style is down and you've warmed up, you hop on their putting machine and nail down your specs and preferred grip size. They were a huge help for me when it came to deciding between two finalist putters. Both times they were more than willing to open up the hive, let me play with just about everything, and buy what I wanted. 

 

I see OP has probably had his fitting done now, so we'll see when he chimes in, but if you can get in there, it's 100% worth your time. 

[kevpro]

Haven't had a chance to provide an update due to work schedule. I guess that's what happens when you take time out of the weekdays for a putter fitting and to play a round of golf haha.

 

The Studio B fitting was a great experience and topped my already high expectations. I worked with their head fitter, Matt and he was a pleasure to work with. As @WIGolf mentioned, they are happy to dive into the technical details or keep it high level with any area based on your preference. I learned a lot about my stroke and overall putting mechanics.

 

I was so caught up in the process that I didn't ask to take pictures but I am sure Matt would have let me, except inside the Hive which it definitely understandable. I found this review prior to my visit and it gives a great overview of what Studio B looks like: https://www.thehackersparadise.com/forum/index.php?threads/afternoon-at-bettinardi-pic-heavy.8923973/

 

Here's a summary of my fitting:

 

I met Matt at reception and we went straight up to Studio B. The main area is looks like a high end club pro shop with a lounge area and Bettinardi merchandise throughout. Along the left side of the room they have a large putting green and all current models along the wall. As a lefty I already had limited options, so I was happy to see the LH BB One available to test as the site sold out a few days before my fitting.

 

Matt walked me through the what the fitting process would look like and asked me about my current putter and what I was looking for. I was a little embarrassed to pull out my Odyssey White Ice #9 I have been gaming since 2012 as I expected I would soon realize it was not the best choice for my stroke. I explained that I picked it up in college because I have always been a big Phil fan and prefer the look of heel shafted putters. I switched to the claw style and a SuperStroke grip a few years ago to correct my wrists turning over on long putts and my misses have since been pushes with the face not returning to square at impact. I told him I am open to anything but have always preferred the look of a blade style and decided to get fit at Studio B after testing a BB One at PGA Superstore but have not had a chance to try any other LH models.

 

We then proceeded to the putting green where I tried all 5 current models from varying distances and gave feedback on my preferences throughout. Matt watched me roll putts with each and was very helpful educating me on the differences between each putter and which ones I was rolling the best. The Innovai's just weren't for me, however, I was surprised that I actually like the sightlines of the 6.0. I was excited to try the RCF on the SS7, but I struggled with this one the most as many of the longer putts had the ball skidding across the green after impact. I cannot give the RCF a true evaluation as I think face balanced putters just aren't for me and as a lefty I couldn't test any other Studio Stock style. The BB One was rolling great, just as I experienced previously, and I loved the feel of the QB6 but I was not as accurate. Matt accurately suspected the demo QB6 loft may have been too much and we decided to take the BB One and QB6 over to the fitting room.

 

Before the fitting, I got to check out the Hive and everything in there is amazing. I can definitely see how people drop serious $ without even thinking about it. With my budget, I knew any Hive putters were out but I wanted a unique headcover and found the perfect one. A teal and pink embroidered Windy City Wizard design with the Chicago skyline. I immediately grabbed it and set it aside to purchase. I was also impressed with the LH Hive putter selection there was 5 or 6 and will definitely make a return trip in the future if I'm in the market for a 1 of 1 putter.

 

Behind the main area is the fitting room and there is a big window where you can see the warehouse operations. Additionally, there was another staff member making adjustments to a couple custom orders. It was really cool to see the operations in process. Matt put me on the fitting green with high speed cameras at both ends and had me roll several putts with the BB One. He then showed me my shaft angle, eye position, roll consistency and swing arc. While I knew the BB One felt good, I was surprised at how well I was rolling the ball considering I was switching back to a standard grip after years using the claw (this was my intention as I want to increase the feel/feedback from mishits but could have definitely been fit for the claw grip if I wanted). The fitting specs shocked me as I was setting up with a 65 degree lie angle and eye position about an inch inside center. Matt showed me the how much the toe was off the ground at address with a stock 70 degree lie angle, I never realized how uneven the face was at address. Matt then bent both the BB One and QB6 to my specs - 65 degree lie / standard 3 degree loft / 35 inch length. Exactly as Matt predicted, the demo QB6 was at 3.5 degree loft which he adjusted.

 

I then hit several putts with both adjusted putters on the Quintec and continued to have good roll consistency with both. We then reviewed my numbers and the major difference was the BB One at less than 5rpm side spin and the QB6 around 25rpm. I had never considered side spin on my putts before, but Matt explained anything below 30rpm was considered acceptable and less than 10rpm is great. At this point maybe I should have just gone with the BB One and saved a few bucks, but I fell in love with the QB6 in both looks and feel. I love the heavier head and firm feel off the face. Matt encouraged me to go with my gut and after he made slight adjustments to the QB6 offset, I was right back to less than 10rpm side spin. It's amazing how he knew exactly what to adjust and I couldn't tell much difference at address but was now rolling the QB6 dead straight. That was all I needed to make a confident decision with the QB6 and Matt grabbed a brand new one from the back and set it to my specs.

 

Now it was time to pick a grip. I had been using both with the stock oversized Lamkin which felt comfortable compared to my SuperStroke 3.0. However, he recommended I check out a standard size pistol grip since I was looking for improved feel. I immediately loved the Lamkin pistol grip and Matt even dug around until he found a teal one which matched my Hive headcover perfectly.

 

The whole process took a little over an hour and I felt comfortable throughout with Matt as my guide. I now had a brand new perfectly adjusted QB6 with a unique grip all for the same price as retail. The Hive headcover was extra of course but I was excited that I still got the stock Queen B headcover as well.

 

My fitting was Monday and I was able to get a round in on Wednesday. I got to the course early and putted around for ~20 minutes, mainly working on speed beforehand. I fully expected to have an off putting day with a brand new putter and a complete grip style change, but I ended up having one of my best days on the green. I had two pushes and one complete miss due to speed, however I sunk the 15 foot comeback putt. I made several putts outside 6 feet and had tap in 2 putts all day. Only one 3 putt that was due to a very hard pin location and poor approach. Overall, I am very happy with the QB6 selection and while I know I have to continue working on consistency, I am confident I found my putter for the next decade plus. My entire group commented on the looks of the putter too. The rose gold PVD finish (I think it looks more like copper) really stands out on the greens but had no issues with glare.

 

I highly recommend the Studio B fitting to anyone who has an opportunity to do so.

 

Pics of the new stick:

 

 

[MattM97]

Sounds like a great experience and now you have the confidence to putt even better.

 

Also very nice putter even if it's an OTR option, if it was me I'd change that blue paint fill to teal to really make it stand out and just be a bit more unique to you. But still nice as is.

 

The fitting at Bettinardi is on my list of things to do and as a lefty I was always hesitant but good to know there are Hive options. Yeah they are expensive but if they have something that I really like/want maybe I'll spring for it cause why not.

[kevpro]

1 minute ago, MattM97 said:

Sounds like a great experience and now you have the confidence to putt even better.

 

Also very nice putter even if it's an OTR option, if it was me I'd change that blue paint fill to teal to really make it stand out and just be a bit more unique to you. But still nice as is.

 

The fitting at Bettinardi is on my list of things to do and as a lefty I was always hesitant but good to know there are Hive options. Yeah they are expensive but if they have something that I really like/want maybe I'll spring for it cause why not.

Thanks! I would definitely get out to Studio B if you have the chance. If you’re coming from out of town, I’m sure they could at least give you a heads up on the current # of lefty Hive options as I’m sure it fluctuates. 
 

I agree on the paint fill. Would be a cool way to have a true unique putter even if it’s just color. Anywhere you would recommend to have that done? I can reach out to Betti, but my understanding was you’d have to do a hive custom putter to get specific paint fill or stamping. 

[MattM97]

7 minutes ago, kevpro said:

Thanks! I would definitely get out to Studio B if you have the chance. If you’re coming from out of town, I’m sure they could at least give you a heads up on the current # of lefty Hive options as I’m sure it fluctuates. 
 

I agree on the paint fill. Would be a cool way to have a true unique putter even if it’s just color. Anywhere you would recommend to have that done? I can reach out to Betti, but my understanding was you’d have to do a hive custom putter to get specific paint fill or stamping. 

 

I actually have a Hive putter coming I got second hand, will see how I like the feel. If I like it I might consider sending it back to Bettinardi for an alignment line and new neck to fit my likes. But yeah I would ask them what they have LH before I go just don't want OTR options.

 

As for paint fill it's extremely easy to do on your own. Just some paint thinner/stripper a gel one is good cause you can localize it on one spot and some paint. For that B logo I'd suggest an enamel paint so Tamiya X-14 (sky blue) or Testors 1107TT (Turquoise) would be the best options more towards the Testors. That could be found at any hobby store or online and all the supplies would be less than the shipping to send out the putter.

[kevpro]

5 minutes ago, MattM97 said:

 

I actually have a Hive putter coming I got second hand, will see how I like the feel. If I like it I might consider sending it back to Bettinardi for an alignment line and new neck to fit my likes. But yeah I would ask them what they have LH before I go just don't want OTR options.

 

As for paint fill it's extremely easy to do on your own. Just some paint thinner/stripper a gel one is good cause you can localize it on one spot and some paint. For that B logo I'd suggest an enamel paint so Tamiya X-14 (sky blue) or Testors 1107TT (Turquoise) would be the best options more towards the Testors. That could be found at any hobby store or online and all the supplies would be less than the shipping to send out the putter.

Thanks, I’ll look into that. I can practice on my old Odyssey to make sure it comes out right haha

 

What model is your Hive? It was really cool to see everything they can do on customs. 

Edited November 1, 2021 by kevpro

[MattM97]

1 minute ago, kevpro said:

Thanks, I’ll look into that. I can practice on my old Odyssey to make sure it comes out right haha

 

What model is your Hive? It was really cool to see everything they can do on customs. 

 

That's a great ideal, strip, paint cure and repeat for some practice. Grab a few paints they're a few bucks for a small jar and it lasts a while.

 

Mine is a simple BB0 Skull and Bones. I like the simple and clean look and if I like the feel as mentioned I'll send it in for a flange line and see about getting a flow neck or mid-slant neck put on and I'll have a keeper for a long time.

 

https://www.bettinardiregistry.com/products/4aa77c0e-78fb-480a-a626-8c79c02eadfe

 

 

[kevpro]

23 minutes ago, MattM97 said:

 

That's a great ideal, strip, paint cure and repeat for some practice. Grab a few paints they're a few bucks for a small jar and it lasts a while.

 

Mine is a simple BB0 Skull and Bones. I like the simple and clean look and if I like the feel as mentioned I'll send it in for a flange line and see about getting a flow neck or mid-slant neck put on and I'll have a keeper for a long time.

 

https://www.bettinardiregistry.com/products/4aa77c0e-78fb-480a-a626-8c79c02eadfe

 

 

Thanks! Looks like I have a new hobby over the holidays. 
 

That BB0 looks great! I like the clean cavity look. 

[gsrjc]

Definitely enjoy it. I went about 4 years ago and got a bb8 skulls and bones and just got this other bb8 this year. 

[kevpro]

48 minutes ago, gsrjc said:

Definitely enjoy it. I went about 4 years ago and got a bb8 skulls and bones and just got this other bb8 this year. 

Those look amazing!
 

What is the C on the end of the black one? Is that for a Carbon head?

[gsrjc]

22 hours ago, kevpro said:

Those look amazing!
 

What is the C on the end of the black one? Is that for a Carbon head?

Classic.
 

DASS material but painted black 

Edited November 3, 2021 by gsrjc

[sofla]

On 11/1/2021 at 11:28 PM, gsrjc said:

Definitely enjoy it. I went about 4 years ago and got a bb8 skulls and bones and just got this other bb8 this year. 

Nothing better than a BB8 with fit face. Wish I never got rid of my Studio Custom Tri Sole BB8, but that's what we do.

[tider992010]

Nice.  Almost works of art! 

[Viper4225]

nice write up! sick headcover!!!!