Studio Stock (2011 line)

Our review of the Bettinardi Studio Stock line, written when the samples arrived in December, covered the launch of Bettinardi's first putters released under its own name after the Mizuno contract ended. The 2011 line comprised seven models, the 1, 1F, 2, 2F, 3, 3C, and 4, with the F designating a soft flowing neck and the C a center-shafted model. We found the series returned to a mass-produced soft carbon-steel putter finished in a glossy Black Oxide, applied through what Bettinardi called a Triple Coating, more durable than prior Black Oxide finishes though still requiring upkeep to avoid tarnishing. Our review described the ball coming off the face crisply and the clean lines giving an undistracted look at address, and noted Bettinardi had been careful not to tamper with designs that had already worked for the company.

Putterzone.com's coverage adds detail our own review didn't cover: it reports the Studio Stock putters had previously been available only through Bettinardi's fitting studio or its website, and were now released for sale via select retailers. Putterzone also lists an F.I.T. face, described as grooves milled into the face to reduce surface contact area, a 345 gram head weight, and a body built from a fusion of soft carbon steel and what the publication calls special ingredients. Our review priced the putter at $365.00 fully customized through the Bettinardi site, while putterzone lists an MSRP of $375, a discrepancy worth noting rather than resolving.

Community reaction lined up with our own findings on feel and finish. A putterzone.com commenter wrote that the finish alone is going to open a lot of wallets, but the feel is what seals the deal, echoing the same combination our review pointed to: a Tinley Park build quality applied to a design lineage the company had already proven, now sold under its own flag for the first time.