Fresh off receiving a Silver in the 2008 Golf Digest Hot list, the new Black Carbon putters from Mizuno and putter maestro Bob Bettinardi are showing off new ways to provide an insert-like feel and softness while still using a one-piece construction milled face. By the looks of it, they have pulled that off beautifully.
I repeat, no insert. Oh, they still have the Honeycomb face milling you’ve come to expect from a Bettinardi putter but some additional face milling make these putters look a bit different from what you may have seen not only from Mr. Bettinardi but from anyone else making putters as well.
Read on to find out what this insert-looking, non-insert putter is all about.
Technology, Design, and Specs
Again, let me make it clear: the Black Carbon series of putters are not insert putters, despite the fact that they look like they’ve got an insert. The putters are milled from one piece of milled carbon steel. The Honeycomb face milling that’s become synonymous with Bob Bettinardi goes through an intense milling process that, according to Mizuno, leaves only “30% of the face material in contact with the ball to give you a softer and more responsive roll.”
This technology aims to provide the softness of an insert without having to worry about damage that can be done to some of the softer inserts on the market today. Thus, the Feel Impact Technology Face (“F.I.T. Face”) was born. The F.I.T. Face is surrounded by a yellow border that gives the illusion that it is an insert.
The yellow border separates milling patterns, but that’s it: no insert. Okay, I’ll stop saying that now…
Besides the F.I.T. Face, the other thing you will notice is the the BC series has a black chrome finish which not only looks quite sharp, but which produces very little glare on sunny days. I haven’t used a putter with a black finish in about a decade, but it was a nice change of pace compared to the silver, current occupant of my golf bag.
The BC series comes in three styles: the BC1, an Anser style, the BC2, a more blade-like putter with some nice curves and a rounded bottom, and the BC3, a low-slung, swooping mallet. All models come standard with 4° of loft, a lie of 71° and a swing weight of D6. A simple, white line assists players in aligning the putter.
The BC come in three lengths, 33″, 34″, and 35″. No matter what the style, the corresponding head weight is the same for each length: the 33″ is matched with a 355g head, the 34″ with a 343g head, and the 35″ with a 330g head.
I prefer a heavier head but need the 34″ length so I guess my only option is get the 33″ and put in a new 34″ shaft. Lead tape is not an option – these putters are way too nice looking to slap on some lead tape.
The three Black Carbon putters ship with one neck option apiece – a choice I found odd. If you’re a fan of a plumber’s neck (a major prerequisite for me), the only option is the BC2. As much as I liked putting the with the curvy BC2, deep down, I’m an Anser-style guy, so hopefully there will be more neck configuration options in the future.
The standard grip is the Winn AVS honeycomb grip (just like the Bettinardi putter face), which comes in a black and gold color combination and provides a tacky yet soft feel. I’ve never been a huge fan of Winn putter grips and this is something I will probably change out in the future.
The first time I saw the Black Carbon headcover, I must admit I thought “this thing has got to go.” I’ve slowly warmed up to the color scheme of black and gold and it does nicely match my black bag. Probably what has won me over was the fact that the edges don’t roll up while it sits in my golf bag, lessening the chances of it falling off during the round (which has happened to several other putter covers).
Performance & Feel
Bob Bettinardi wanted to create a feel that he described as “buttery” without having to use an insert. I can’t think of word that better describes the feeling when the ball rolls off the F.I.T. Face. It’s a nice, soft feeling. It takes a little getting used to, what with all the firm golf balls we use these days and the feel we’ve grown accustomed to, but it’s worth the effort.
A nice, glare-resistant black finish with a simple white alignment line makes the Black Carbon series very easy on the eyes.
Feel is one of those things that can be hard to define but to me, the weight of the BC2 just felt “right” when I picked it up. The putter was heavy enough to help maintain a nice putting stroke. I never felt the head was getting away from me, nor did I have to exaggerate an arc as I feel I’ve had to do with some lighter weighted putters.
It did take a little bit of time to get used to the softness of the F.I.T. Face. On quicker greens, it worked great as the ball rolled nicely when struck well. For me however, that was not the case on slower greens. I really felt I had to strike the putt a bit harder than I was accustomed to in the past.
The F.I.T. Face provides some nice feedback and lets you know when you don’t hit the ball perfectly, but provides relatively good forgiveness. When you strike it pure, the feeling is very smooth. Add in a nice muted sound and the BCs are music to both your hands and fingertips.
Conclusion
Simply put, the Black Carbons look very nice and perform well. The black, white, and yellow make these putters look really sharp. For those who prefer the soft feel of an insert, the Black Carbon gives you that in a one-piece milled putter. Hopefully as these become more popular there will be some additional models or at least the ability to get different neck configurations for each model.
Alan: Thanks for your review. Bettinardis are certainly beautiful putters. Can you comment on the look of the putter in the address position, and give us some thoughts about alignment?
I agree with you on the importance of the tactile feel of the putter. With so many putters using inserts, different materials, and different face treatments, feel is all over the place on putters today, and can make a big difference in whether you like a putter and have confidence in it or not. I like putters that give what I call an audible yet soft click at impact, and have a solid/heavy feel to the hit. This can be a tough combination to find.
One more thing I like to look for in a putter is the balance in the address position. Specifically, what I mean is that I’ve noticed that some putters will have a tendency to want to twist or roll open or closed when you sole them behind the ball, before taking your stroke. In other words, I like a putter which can be placed squarely behind the ball, before taking your final grip, and which sits nice and square. Does this make any sense? Some putters, I guess because of their design, weighting, and sole contours, have this tendency to roll…ok, I’ll stop saying that.
Anyway, let us know if you have any observations in these areas.
JP
Alan,
I actually tried the entire series out at my local demo days event. Even though I need a new putter about as much as I need a case of the shanks, I simply fell in love with the feel of the BC series. It’s softer than any other non-insert putter I’ve tried (and I try a lot of them). I prefer a shorter putter, so the heavier weighted 33″ models are ideal for me.
It’s funny, having only seen pictures, I was partial to the BC2. However, after actually trying all 3 models, I absolutely had to have the BC1. I do like the flange design of the BC2, but the neck didn’t set up properly for my tastes. So yeah, I’d agree that having some neck options would be nice. That said, I don’t have any complaints about the neck on the BC1.
I’m trying to move away from a mallet, which is mostly why I didn’t give too much consideration to the BC3. My other issue with the design is that, for a mallet, the face looks smallish at address. If you’re going with a mallet, go big; at least that’s my thinking.
My BC1 was ordered 10 business days ago today, so I’m hoping against hope that it comes in today so I can have it for the weekend.
I get the color scheme, and I don’t have a problem with it, but truthfully, I’ll be more than happy when the Winn Grip wears out. Hopefully golf pride will make a decade multi putter grip in yellow.
Anyway, thanks for the write-up. I’ve been a huge Bettinardi fan for years, so it’s nice to see a high-end alternative to Scotty Cameron get a little play.
Alan,
Your review was great. I was wondering when you guys were going to get around to reviewing this putter. I purchased the BC-3 about 5 months ago and even went to the Bettinardi’s Studio 1 and got to meet some of the people there. All were extremely nice and more than willing to take time to talk to a fellow golf addict. They tweaked my BC-3 a bit and now it is like butter when I putt the ball. I was even able to select a new putter grip while I was there. The ball comes off smooth and now the only thing I need to work on is dropping more putts 🙂 I certainly cant blame the equipment. The Bettinardi team has hit a home run with this one, at least in my book.
Keith
Atlanta, GA
JP,
The BC2 set up nice and square behind a ball (although the head is a bit smaller than the anser-style I generally use) and I never felt there was a tendency of it wanting to set up open or closed behind the ball due to weighting. The “banana bottom” of the BC2 did take a little bit of time to get used to as there really wasn’t a large flat spot to sole the putter.
I like a basic alignment aid and the white stripe was a very nice contrast to the black and I felt it was just a continuation of the aiming line on the golf ball.
The Black Carbon were some of the nicest feeling milled putters I’ve putted with. I’m patiently waiting for the BC1 with a plumber neck. 🙂
Alan
Alan,
Is the BC3 a face-balanced design? I assume neither the BC1 or BC2 are.
Jim
Alan. I have the Bettinardi BCI and have come to really appreciate it, once I got used to it. It’s certainly one of, if not the most elegant looking putters I’ve ever seen or used and the black chrome finish is really welcome on a sunny, cloudless day on the greens. The BCI sets up really well at address, and the weight and balance (I have a 34 inch, 343g head) seems perfect to me. I tend to putt on fairly fast greens most of the time and I get really good distance control from the BCI although, as you noted, when I putt on slower greens I have to strike the ball a bit harder than I think I do, but I soon get used to that. You’re right about the “buttery” feel, too. I like it. Even on a bad putt when I’m way off the sweet spot, it still has a good feel and doesn’t twist off line, at least not much.
I tend to switch between the BCI and my Scotty Cameron Circa 62 charcoal mist carbon #3 model (which I really like) but the shaft is 35 inches (can’t get it in 34) so the BCI fits me more comfortably and is getting more bag time than the Scotty. My only mild criticism is an aesthetic one. I would have preferred to see a black line, rather than the yellow one, around the milled “non-insert.” Also, I would have preferred the classic Mizuno blue and white/silver coloring scheme for the grip and head-cover, but that’s a very minor detail.
I can certainly live with the yellow and black. Chris.
I don’t think BC3 is a face balance. Only BC2 is face balance.
Interestingly, one will expect BC1 to be face balance but no. I have tried these putters and found that swingweight for a 34″ BC1 and BC2 is different, with D6 and D3 respectively.
I am interested to know if you get a 33″ putter because you want a heavier head when you fit in a 34″, will the face balance change? How about the swingweight?
Alan,
I am a lefthanded player, as most of you know we (the lefties) are extincted.
Because of my “handicap” I did not really get the chance to try the any of these Bettinardi putters in the store. After testing the BC2 putter (righthanded) I decided I liked it. So, I ordered a lefty putter 😎 It is going to be delivered next week 😀
The point is that I was not entierly sure that I made the right choice before I saw your review, even though you pointed out, if I understood it correctly, that you liked the BC1 better.
Thank you for this great review!
John
Sweden, Stockholm
I own 2 bettinardi putters BHB5-SS and a new black carbon BC1, I have regripped both with rubber grips one has a dual durometer the other a ping and find a much better solid feel. I have found this to be the case with other putters as well, rubber grips give a better feel.
Finally! The BC6 and BC7 are coming out. BC6 – Anser style, BC7 – 8802 style
Golfing Bud said “try my putter”, I said no thanks, he said again “try my putter”! Tried it and never felt a putter like it (BC3) 34″ model, 1″ added for a length of 35″ with 34″ head weight. Had to have it…..Bought one and waiting patiently for it. Sets up square and fantastic for fast greens. I would say this putter is like hitting a Pro V1 with a forged iron on the old sweet spot, like butter….pure Nirvana!
Excellent review. I previously used a Scotty Cameron Napa blade putter which I loved and got talked into selling it. I have been looking for another blade putter ever since. I found what I was looking for with the Mizuno Bettinardi. Same smooth feel, same weight feel. I agree the grip is too soft for me with not enough feedback and am replacing it. I also own a Hogan Bettinardi and feel the Black Carbon line is a big improvement. Very happy with my purchase. Also own a Scotty Cameron Coronado.
Hi GlenH, I’ve been playing this putter for over a year now. Even though it does not exist in a left-handed version, I switched and started playing right-handed. It has worked out great.
About the grip, I was just curious, what grip did you choose?
I added two Bettis to my collection recently, a C01 and a BC1. I have four Scotty Camerons which I rotate according to green type, current pureness of putting stroke etc, but I am now in love with the Bettinardis. They are the only putters that come close to the Scottys and if I am honest they are every bit as good, but in different ways.
I have the BC1 in a 33″ and I love the fact that I can see the blade and where it is supposed to be in relation to my hands. It makes the correct set up so easy to find time and again, with the hands ahead of the ball and the blade pointing squarely at the target line.
The C01 is a beautiful piece of kit, but oddly enough I find I need to change my putting stroke a little to get the best out of it. The feel on both of them is fantastic though and when the confidence is up the roll is beautiful to watch and the hole is consistently threatened, which is all you are looking for in a putter really.
So now I have six putters that I love. According to my wife, four putters was a ridiculous amount to own. I agree with her, six is a far better number now the Bettis have arrived. I do hide them in the garage just in case I misunderstood what she meant though, but come the weekend I get to spend quality time with them. I urge all men to do this rather than have an affair. It is cheaper and your wife will only get a bit cross and shake her head in a patronising manner, rather than go bonkers, throw your clubs off a cliff and smash your car in with an old sand wedge. It is a no brainer guys – get the Bettinardis!
I have owned the BC2 for about 1 month now, and it is by far the best putter I’ve ever owned. I have had a Carbonite mallet, and the Taylor Rossa Monza.
The set up is the key, I can get a really good visual of perpendicular line along with the short top white line for parallel visual. The impact feel is off the charts! I mean this thing really feels soft, like butter! I read someone say it’s like the feeling you get when you bite into a Reeses Peanut Butter cup. First the firm chocolate then the soft affect of the peanut butter!
I love the sleek look of this putter – even better than any scotty I’ve ever seen. The only other putter which I put on par with this one is the Taylor Rossa Daytona Kia Ma. That’s also a beautiful putter!
The BC2 is not face balanced.
I personally do not like the velcro for the head cover…come on Mr. Bettinardi! I paid a healthy ransom for this putter, the least you could do is give us a leather cover with plush fur inside, and a magnetic closure. Take a lesson from the Odyssey folks and their top end line, I love the magnetic back closure to the cover.
None the less, I’ve had my best round in 25 years of golfing just this past week! And I rolled in 4 birdie putts, and a whole bunch of par puts, many of my putts between 10-15 feet. (I don’t normally make many of these!