Bettinardi or Yamada

[gambit]

So, I'm still in the hunt for a new putter and from what I've been told, including one of the top fitters on this site is that I need more toe hang to keep me from pushing right (I know this has been debated before). Anyways, I really love the napa style putter and was looking at the Bettinardi Signature 3 or the Yamada Razor. Both are gorgeous, but I might be leaning toward the Yamada because of the different finish options. Is there a noticeable difference in feel or sound from those who have hit both?

[502 to Right]

[quote name='gambit' timestamp='1328221189' post='4199473']
So, I'm still in the hunt for a new putter and from what I've been told, including one of the top fitters on this site is that I need more toe hang to keep me from pushing right (I know this has been debated before). Anyways, I really love the napa style putter and was looking at the Bettinardi Signature 3 or the Yamada Razor. Both are gorgeous, but I might be leaning toward the Yamada because of the different finish options. Is there a noticeable difference in feel or sound from those who have hit both?
[/quote]


I don't think you will find many people who have hit both. I have hit many, many Bettinardi's and they would be hard to beat.

And, ah, who is that in your avatar? Thanks!

[PutterHo]

yeahhh .... I didn't get past your title after seeing you avatar as well. My motto is buy both and then sell the one you don't like in the BST or the bay. I've messed around with Yamada's but not in an 8802 napa style. Betty's will always be highly regarded but try to go dass if you can find a good deal. I know the camo style is an acquired taste but their dass camo 8802 style have been reasonably priced lately and feel greater than great.

soooo ... who is that in your avatar?

[WhiteBettinardi]

Bettinardis are usually extremely soft and sound great. I can't speak much about the Yamadas, but it's pretty hard to find a putter softer than a Bettinardi.

[danattherock]

I think you have narrowed it down to two fine choices.

 

 

Congratulations, you are smarter than 99% of the folks here

 

 

 

Get the Yamada. My two are my #1 and #2 favorite putters of about 15 very nice putters to include Scotty's, customs, and a betti.

 

 

My Yamada Musashi is in burning copper. Incredible putter and soft as butter. The Emperor is in soft black and has a very solid, yet still soft feel and my distance control is exceptional for my ability level with this putter. Same goes for the Musashi. I am making more putts and leaving tap ins most the time when I miss. These putters make me a better putter. Can't explain it in an appreciable way beyond that.

 

 

There is something special about the Yamada putters. My suspicion, it is the softer carbon steel he uses. Can't think of anything else that would make such a difference. Mr Yamada only makes 1,000 putters a year which is why so few people are familiar with them. Look on Ebay and you will see zero Yamada putters most the time. There is a reason you don't find folks selling Yamada putters.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-Dan

[jcigars]

What type of finish are you looking for ? I have several BB2's if you decide on the Bettinardi

[attachment=1007661:IMGP0865.JPG]


[attachment=1007659:IMGP0867.JPG]

[TheMackDaddy]

I vote Bettinardi, but have hit neither styles. Bettinardi's get more praise around here however.

[danattherock]

Ebay listing when searching for a putter is below. There is one name you don't see listed. Food for thought at any rate. As for Bettinardi, they make a great putter. I would buy one before I bought another Scotty Cameron without question. But when comparing putters, the worst thing you can do is buy what others buy or buy what is getting more "praise". If that were the case, we would all own Scotty Camerons and have a wall full of $100 head covers. People are largely like a flock of sheep. They pull into parking lots of restaurants just because they are full assuming the food is good. They wear Crocs to Walmart and think it is ok because other folks do it. Off topic, but I think you get the point. Just because a product is lesser known, doesn't make it inferior. It could likely be the opposite and in this case, I feel it to be true. Many great putters out there. You are looking at two of the finest in my opinion. Just depends on whether you are in a sheep or wolf mood I guess.

 

 

 

 

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[TheMackDaddy]

You worship your Yamada putters...[quote name='danattherock' timestamp='1328236475' post='4201463']
Ebay listing when searching for a putter is below. There is one name you don't see listed. Food for thought at any rate. As for Bettinardi, they make a great putter. I would buy one before I bought another Scotty Cameron without question. But when comparing putters, the worst thing you can do is buy what others buy or get what is getting more "praise". People are largely like a flock of sheep. They pull into parking lots of restaurants just because they are full assuming the food is good. They wear Crocs to Walmart and think it is ok because other folks do it. Off topic, but I think you get the point. Just because a product is less known, doesn't make it inferior. It could likely be the opposite and in this case, I feel it to be true. Many great putters out there. You are looking at two of the finest in my opinion.




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[/quote]

[danattherock]

Guilty as charged. Can't help it man. I have hit A LOT of putters. These Yamada putters are special. No other reason or motivation in me saying so. But as you know, there are many good putter manufacturers out there. Too much hype in many cases for my taste. I got three 1997/1998 SC tei3's that I love. I have a Betti BB11 that is a very sweet putter. Just bought a lime green head cover and Betti grip for it and will send it to Kevin Colbert for his black oxide in coming weeks. Very excited to get this putter refinished. I have two custom Sunset Beach putters that are incredible and I game them often. But when one measures a putter based on balls falling in the hole, my Yamada's are in a league of their own.



-Dan

[502 to Right]

[quote name='502 to Right' timestamp='1328229514' post='4200439']
And, ah, who is that in your avatar? Thanks!
[/quote]


To answer my own question: Lucy Pinder.

[danattherock]

[weaver93]

Ebay listing when searching for a putter is below. There is one name you don't see listed. Food for thought at any rate. As for Bettinardi, they make a great putter. I would buy one before I bought another Scotty Cameron without question. But when comparing putters, the worst thing you can do is buy what others buy or buy what is getting more "praise". If that were the case, we would all own Scotty Camerons and have a wall full of $100 head covers. People are largely like a flock of sheep. They pull into parking lots of restaurants just because they are full assuming the food is good. They wear Crocs to Walmart and think it is ok because other folks do it. Off topic, but I think you get the point. Just because a product is lesser known, doesn't make it inferior. It could likely be the opposite and in this case, I feel it to be true. Many great putters out there. You are looking at two of the finest in my opinion. Just depends on whether you are in a sheep or wolf mood I guess.

 

 

 

 

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Dan,

 

Are you still wearing your Ferragamos to WalMart?

 

You do realize that one Yamada for sale on the bay is like 1% of the ones in use in the US! The burning copper fumes are getting to ya man! Maybe when the users find out they don't like the razor they commit seppuku before they have time to sell.

 

Just poking fun at you man!

[rrkman]

I just hope he's on the payroll.....I've never seen anyone push a brand that hard.

[danattherock]

[quote name='weaver93' timestamp='1328238698' post='4201887']

Just poking fun at you man!

[/quote]



I can take it. These Yamada putters are good enough to draw cynicism. I would have felt the same way prior to buying one. Hell, I felt the same way after buying one. Thought it was just the perfect fit for my stroke, perfect weight, etc.. Had no idea, but just made tons of putts with it. Then I recently got a 2nd Yamada and putt just as good or better with it. Different design, weight, finish, etc.. there is something about the Yamada putters I can't put my finger on, but I am making more putts. The feel is unlike any other putter I have used. Only 1,000 a year made, not exactly a house hold brand. He doesn't pay anyone a dime to use them, yet they are in play on tours all over the world. As I have said before, it must be the softer carbon steel he uses that makes them special. Otherwise, they are not drastically different than my other high end putters. Fit and finish is impressive, the designs are kick azz, but none of that is making the ball fall in the hole.



-Dan

[danattherock]

[quote name='rrkman' timestamp='1328239128' post='4201947']
I just hope he's on the payroll.....I've never seen anyone push a brand that hard.
[/quote]




You mean, anyone other than one of the 374,382 Scotty Cameron cheerleaders that frequent this forum.


What gets panties in a wad is that I am "pushing" a brand many have never heard of and few have ever used or even seen in person.


If I said the same things about Scotty Cameron putters, we wouldn't be having this conversation.




-Dan

[rrkman]

Just kidding with ya. Unlike many, I respect others enough to value their opinion and not hold it against them. I'm glad you found the 'brand' for you.

The only thing that confuses me is why Cameron was even brought into the conversation?

[danattherock]

Because it is the most popular brand, no other reason. I own three myself if you recall.

Just pointing out that the most popular is not always the best. Crocs are popular. ha ha..

The OP (or anyone else) could get a Betti, Scotty, or Yamada and have a fantastic flat stick.

I can't think of three better options for putter manufacturers. They all offer a top shelf product.

I own a Betti, 2 Yamada's, and 3 Scotty Tei3's. Just offering my admittingly firm opinion on which I prefer.

They are all great choices without question.




-Dan

[lightningbolt444]

[quote name='danattherock' timestamp='1328239268' post='4201993']
[quote name='weaver93' timestamp='1328238698' post='4201887']
Just poking fun at you man!

[/quote]



I can take it. These Yamada putters are good enough to draw cynicism. I would have felt the same way prior to buying one. Hell, I felt the same way after buying one. Thought it was just the perfect fit for my stroke, perfect weight, etc.. Had no idea, but just made tons of putts with it. Then I recently got a 2nd Yamada and putt just as good or better with it. Different design, weight, finish, etc.. there is something about the Yamada putters I can't put my finger on, but I am making more putts. The feel is unlike any other putter I have used. Only 1,000 a year made, not exactly a house hold brand. He doesn't pay anyone a dime to use them, yet they are in play on tours all over the world. As I have said before, it must be the softer carbon steel he uses that makes them special. Otherwise, they are not drastically different than my other high end putters. Fit and finish is impressive, the designs are kick azz, but none of that is making the ball fall in the hole.



-Dan
[/quote]


He makes 1000 heads that are under the Yamada name. He manufactures quite a bit for other brands as well though.

But to answer the op you cant really go wrong with either. I personally like bettinardis but again its personal preference. Part of it is Jimmy and Nick the Bettinardi tour dealers are great guys and always there to help.

[stage1350]

While I have yet to putt a Sig #3, I have owned and putted many DASS Bettinardi BB2 putters. I also own a Yamada Razor in burning copper.

The bad news is that you are comparing apples to oranges. The Yamada is carbon steel and the Bettinardi is DASS. More than anything else, this will be one of the biggest factors in feel. Only you will know if you prefer carbon or stainless. Feel is absolutely personal.

The Yamada will be heavier. Mine is over 350g.

From a look standpoint, I prefer the Bettinardi over the Yamadas. Something about the way the hosel and neck is on the Razor. It just doesn't look "right" compared to other 8802 styles I have owned. But again, the offset and view may be something you prefer. From a rarity standpoint, the Razor is going to win. But in the end, it's going to be which metal do you prefer.

I'm a huge carbon steel fan. So between the two, on base metal alone, I'd take the Yamada over the Bettinardi. But there are a lot of stainless fans out there, especially for DASS.

[mauiatheart]

I love Bettis, but I would say go with the Yamada on a 8802 style. The feel on that putter is better than the same style Bettis I have stroked. But either way you can't go wrong.

[MMB1500]

[quote name='502 to Right' timestamp='1328238400' post='4201835']
[quote name='502 to Right' timestamp='1328229514' post='4200439']
And, ah, who is that in your avatar? Thanks!
[/quote]


To answer my own question: Lucy Pinder.
[/quote]

Ah, Lucy Pinder. One of Winchester's finest.

As for the OP, you can't really go wrong wither way but that copper Yamada is sweet.

[indyvai]

I think I need to send Dan a putter...

[gambit]

Thanks for all the feedback fellas...This certainly isn't going to get any easier. I'm not going to be able to test either without buying so I may just flip a coin on this one. As far as the actual look of the putter, from what I've seen, the Betti looks cleaner some how. But that dam burning copper is burning an image into my mind.

 

@Dan - Thanks for all of feedback on the Yamada. The way I see it, you love your putters as much as some love their Mizzy's or Scratch, etc.

 

For the guys who guessed correctly at my avatar...these are for you.