Bettinardi Golf continues their Twenty fifth-anniversary celebration with their tenth limited-edition putter.
The Studio Inventory 8 Slant contains a uncommon neck and deep black end.
Solely 250 produced.
Out there Oct. 31 with a MSRP of $900.
Are you able to imagine we’re right down to the ultimate three Bettinardi XXV Anniversary Collection Restricted-Version putters?
When Bettinardi introduced in January that they have been releasing a brand new limited-edition putter each month, I applauded their ambition however was a bit skeptical. A brand new putter every month appeared a tall order and but right here we’re in October with the tenth putter within the sequence.
Properly carried out, Bettinardi. Your efforts have outpaced my expectations.
For the spooky season, Bettinardi has conjured up a darkly scrumptious model of their Studio Inventory 8 putter. The spookiness is sublimely delicate. You’ll not discover a scary spider or cranium engraved into this Studio Inventory. Nevertheless, I believe you’ll agree that this putter’s aesthetic is suitable for this time of the yr when the shadows are rising longer.
Hey, isn’t {that a} Studio Inventory 9?
The very first thing to handle is that the Studio Inventory 8 Slant isn’t a Studio Inventory 9. I do know that math is difficult however these two numbers are in reality completely different. Admittedly, I can perceive the error, particularly because the SS9 is a well-known a part of Bettinardi’s present Studio Inventory line.
The SS9 and the SS8 are siblings for positive. Each putters function the three-tiered rear design, excessive toes and a boxy, ball-width cavity. The place the space between the fashions widens is, properly, with their widths. On the danger of oversimplifying issues, consider the SS9 as a large model of the SS8.
What makes this Studio Inventory non-Inventory? The Slanting of the Neck
One may argue that probably the most distinctive function of the Bettinardi XXV SS8 Slant is the rarity of its head. The SS8 head was final in Bettinardi’s retail Studio Inventory line in 2017. Whereas it has been lacking for a couple of cycles, the SS8 isn’t so previous you could’t discover a smattering of the 2017 fashions on eBay.
Now, if you will discover the 2011 model of the Studio Inventory 8 with the Borealis Black end, that may be a uncommon treasure.
In the end, the one function that separates the Bettinardi XXV Anniversary SS8 Slant from all earlier fashions, and different putters normally, is the slant neck. This neck is simply not one that you just see in off-the-rack putters. I went spelunking by the Bettinardi putter archive and the one putter with a slant neck that was even near a retail mannequin was the 2021 Tiki Restricted Version.
Whereas I don’t have an excellent rationalization as to why the slant neck is so uncommon, I can clarify what it does to the putter. First, the slant neck adjustments the looks of the putter at handle. It has rather less offset than a plumber’s neck and the neck is a little more seen behind the shaft.
Second, a slant neck provides a bit extra toe hold than a plumber’s neck. The slant neck will finest go well with somebody who has a bit extra arc of their swing however not a lot that they want a strong-arc putter. The slant neck provides a touch of arc, not a dollop.
Specs: Bettinardi XXV Restricted-Version SS8 Slant Restricted-Version Putter
Materials: 303 stainless-steel
Building: CNC milled
End: Black Pearl PVD
Face: F.I.T. Face over Flymill
Neck: Slant
Toe Cling: 1/3 (4:30)
Weight: 360 grams
Shaft: Stepless metal
Grip: Black leather-based perforated Gripmaster with white stitching
Manufacturing run: 250Â
MSRP: $900
The Black Pearl PVD End and XXV Components
The Black Pearl PVD end on the Bettinardi XXV SS8 Slant may be very black. Not fairly as black as Bettinardi’s upcoming Black Friday releases however the Black Pearl PVD is extra black than pearl to my eyes.
I do want the paintfill was orange moderately than silver, totally embracing the Halloween launch date. The black and silver does give a Las Vegas Raiders vibe so maybe Raider followers can see this as one thing optimistic coming from Chicago after final weekend’s Bear mauling.
Naturally, additionally, you will discover quite a few XXV Anniversary parts on the Studio Inventory 8 in addition to a splash of reverse hex milling on the only much like what we noticed final month with the BB28 Slotback.
Bettinardi Anniversary XXV Studio Inventory 8 Slant’s Flymilled F.I.T. Face
One last factor that separates the Studio Inventory 8 Slant from the present Studio Inventory line is the distinction in face milling. The faces look comparable however the grooves of the SS8 Slant are F.I.T. Face grooves versus the Roll Management grooves of the present Studio Inventory line.
The F.I.T. Face (Really feel Impression Expertise) grooves present the softest really feel of any of Bettinardi’s face-milling schemes. The SS8 Slant’s face is definitely milled twice. Preliminary fly milling flattens the face whereas offering a singular aesthetic. The secondary milling of the F.I.T. Face sample removes materials from the middle of the face that will in any other case contact the ball at impression. Much less steel hitting the ball equates to a softer impression really feel.
Ultimate Ideas on the Bettinardi XXV Restricted-Version SS8 Slant Putter
Nothing concerning the design of the Bettinardi XXV Anniversary SS8 Slant putter is overt. It’s just like the low-key lighting in a movie noir film. With its contrasts and shadows, the Studio Inventory 8 Slant’s visuals are smokily atmospheric. Don’t be stunned if somebody in a fedora and trenchcoat approaches you on the inexperienced whenever you take off the SS8 Slant’s head cowl.
Talking of head cowl, I’d be remiss if I didn’t level out a few issues concerning the SS8 Slant’s fancy hat. First, the colour scheme is an incredible array of greyscale hexes. The leather-based seems somewhat distressed however that provides to the general aesthetic.
There are two deviations from Bettinardi’s head cowl norms. First, the XXV branding is on the aspect moderately than entrance and middle on the highest. I help that change. The hex design seems higher this manner and it’s not an enormous departure from the norm as two different XXV covers have been comparable.
The main head cowl insanity is the magnets. Sure, this headcover has a magnetic closure. Once I first took off the quilt, I obtained about 5 steps away and had to return and double-check. Yep, there are magnets. Whereas different producers have used magnetic closures, Bettinardi is, or was, ride-or-die Velcro. Now there are magnets. Thoughts blown.
Solely a return to a neoprene closure would have despatched me deeper into the land of mist and snow.
Ten down, two to go. I can’t wait to see what’s coming subsequent within the Bettinardi XXV Anniversary sequence. The Studio Inventory 8 Slant is a good instance of how Bettinardi has plundered their vaults, designing limited-run putters that may please the Bettinardi trustworthy in addition to the uninitiated.
Discover out extra concerning the Bettinardi XXV limited-edition Studio Inventory 8 Slant and the remainder of the XXV Anniversary sequence at Bettinardi.com
FAQ: Bettinardi Twenty fifth Anniversary Putter Line.
The place can I study extra about Bettinardi Golf?
Try the definitive scrumptious discourse about Bettinardi by our resident double-millennial John Barba.
Does anybody on Tour use Bettinardi putters?
Bettinardi has a complete bunch of Tour staffers on numerous skilled excursions. Their record of Tour victories is important. High of the record is Matt Fitzpatrick. That man can roll the rock. I obtained to see a couple of of his prototype putters after I visited the Bettinardi manufacturing facility. Can’t wait to see if he putts even higher with one of many new designs.
Any speculations for the final two Anniversary XXV fashions?
I’m nonetheless holding out for a BB0 and a half-moon mallet. Perhaps an 8802 type Studio Inventory 6 can be one other guess. A BB8 broad of some variety would even be a short-odds guess.
You talked about Bettinardi’s Black Friday launch subsequent month. Does that imply new strains of inventory putters are coming quickly?
Your powers of deduction are excellent. Whereas I don’t have something definitive but, ought to Bettinardi comply with their normal launch cycle, we are going to see new BB and INOVAI putters in 2024. I’ll preserve you posted.
