• Bettinardi Golf continues their Twenty fifth-anniversary celebration with their tenth limited-edition putter.
• The Studio Inventory 8 Slant incorporates 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 Sequence 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 performed, 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 acceptable for this time of the 12 months when the shadows are rising longer.

Hey, isn’t {that a} Studio Inventory 9?

The very first thing to deal with is that the Studio Inventory 8 Slant just isn’t a Studio Inventory 9. I do know that math is tough however these two numbers are in truth 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 certain. Each putters function the three-tiered rear design, excessive toes and a boxy, ball-width cavity. The place the gap between the fashions widens is, effectively, with their widths. On the threat 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 might argue that essentially 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 Whereas it has been lacking for a number of cycles, the SS8 just isn’t so outdated you could’t discover a smattering of the 2017 fashions on eBay.

Now, if you’ll find the 2011 model of the Studio Inventory 8 with the Borealis Black end, that could be a uncommon treasure.

Finally, the one function that separates the Bettinardi XXV Anniversary SS8 Slant from all earlier fashions, and different putters generally, is the slant neck. This neck is simply not one that you just see in off-the-rack putters. I went spelunking by means of 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 a very good 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 deal with. 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 grasp 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
• Development: CNC milled
• End: Black Pearl PVD
• Face: F.I.T. Face over Flymill
• Neck: Slant
• Toe Hold: 1/3 (4:30)
• Weight: 360 grams
• Shaft: Stepless metal
• Grip: Black leather-based perforated Gripmaster with white stitching
• Manufacturing run: 250 
• MSRP: $900

The Black Pearl PVD End and XXV Components

The Black Pearl PVD end on the Bettinardi XXV SS8 Slant could 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 slightly than silver, absolutely 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 constructive coming from Chicago after final weekend’s Bear mauling.

Naturally, additionally, you will discover quite a few XXV Anniversary components on the Studio Inventory 8 in addition to a splash of reverse hex milling on the only real 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 remaining factor that separates the Studio Inventory 8 Slant from the present Studio Inventory line is the distinction in face milling. The faces look related 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 Affect Know-how) 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 might in any other case contact the ball at influence. Much less steel hitting the ball equates to a softer influence really feel.

Last 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 shocked if somebody in a fedora and trenchcoat approaches you on the inexperienced if 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 a tremendous array of greyscale hexes. The leather-based appears to be like a little bit 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 slightly than entrance and heart on the highest. I assist that change. The hex design appears to be like higher this fashion and it’s not an enormous departure from the norm as two different XXV covers have been related.

The foremost 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 superb 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?

Take a look at 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 varied skilled excursions. Their record of Tour victories is important. Prime of the record is Matt Fitzpatrick. That man can roll the rock. I obtained to see a number of of his prototype putters once 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 vast of some sort would even be a short-odds wager.

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 observe their standard launch cycle, we’ll see new BB and INOVAI putters in 2024. I’ll hold you posted.