Equipment
Spotted: Bettinardi prototype putters
Updated: June 10, 10:20 a.m.
We spotted new Bettinardi prototype putters on Tuesday at the 2015 FedEx St. Jude Classic, which were built based on feedback from PGA Tour players.
The BB Zero model prototypes use milled, mild carbon steel for a softer feel than the standard DASS Tour offering, according to a Bettinardi representative.
The Innovai 2.0 prototypes use a high-MOI, winged-style head shape that Tour players have been asking for. It’s a bi-metal design, made from both 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum and double-aged stainless steel — a combination said to provide proper weight distribution and to enhance acoustics.
Check out the photos below, and join the discussion about the prototypes in our forums.
BB Zero Tour
Golden Torch finish
Black Chrome finish
BB Zero prototype
Innovai 2.0 prototypes
See more photos and join the discussion about the Bettinardi prototypes in our forums.
Tour Edge Golf has today introduced the all-new Exotics mini driver, engineered to deliver a powerful combination of speed, control, and versatility in the long game.
The Exotics Mini combines a titanium face with a stainless-steel body in design to balance ball speed with stability and control, creating a versatile option at the top end of the bag.
At the core of the design is Tour Edge’s proprietary Combo Brazing technology, a high-precision thermal bonding process that seamlessly fuses a titanium cup face to a stainless-steel body into a single, continuous structure. By eliminating energy loss found in traditional multi-piece constructions, Combo Brazing is designed to deliver faster face response, more efficient energy transfer, and a uniquely powerful yet controlled feel.
The multi-material construction also allows mass to be positioned lower and deeper in the head in a bid to increase stability, while the thin titanium face is engineered to maintain ball speed across a wider impact area.
“While the initial goal was to enhance control and versatility in the long game, Combo Brazing ultimately drove measurable gains in ball speed and distance within the mini driver category. In robot testing, we’ve documented higher ball speeds, higher launch, reduced spin, and increased carry and total distance compared to leading models.” – Vice President of R&D Matt Neeley
In addition to distance performance, the Exotics mini emphasizes forgiveness through a heavier stainless-steel body that shifts mass toward the perimeter. This configuration increases MOI relative to traditional all-titanium mini drivers, helping preserve ball speed and directional stability on off-center strikes. Paired with Pyramid Face Technology from the Exotics metalwood line, the design is intended to support consistent speed across the face.
To further enhance MOI, a lightweight carbon fiber crown frees additional mass that is strategically repositioned low and deep in the head in design to improve stability and promote optimal launch with controlled spin.
“We designed the Mini to be about five millimeters shallower than other mini drivers on the market. That change improves playability off the deck. From a clean fairway lie, it can function as a strong 3-wood alternative while still providing control off the tee.” – Tour Edge CEO David Glod
An adjustable hosel system allows for loft and lie tuning to dial in trajectory and shot shape, while a fixed 13-gram rear weight helps stabilize the head through impact to improve dispersion consistency. The Exotics Mini Driver is available in 11.5 and 13.5-degree lofts in right-handed models.
Pricing & Availability
The Exotics Mini Driver is available for pre-order beginning today for $399.99 USD at touredge.com, and will be available for purchase at retail outlets worldwide on May 22, 2026.
In our forums, our members have been pitting a Srixon ZXi combo against a TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo. WRXer ‘edutch22’ is on the hunt for a new set of irons and kicks off the thread saying:
“Looking at picking up a new set of irons and think I’ve narrowed it down to Srixon ZXi combo or Taylormade P7CB/770 combo. I am currently a 5 cap and allbeit I feel irons are my weakness. My miss is a little to the toe side. I am decently steep at 4-5 down. Always thought I am high spin but recently on trackman my 7 was spinning at 5800 roughly.
My question or looking for thoughts on which one would benefit me more from a forgiveness standpoint? Or is there another iron is should be looking at entirely? I only get to play about once or twice a week, if I am not playing a 2-3 day event. Thanks in advance.”
And our members have been sharing their thoughts and suggestions in response.
Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- manima1: “You just can’t go wrong with Srixon ZXi7.”
- MattM97: “You have to hit them to know, the V-Sole on the Srixon can be make or break for many.”
- dmeeksDC: “P7CB is more forgiving for me than ZXi7 because my main miss is low middle and the P7CB still flies and spins great on that miss. These are both really nice irons but I like the P7CB more than the Zxi7 and the P770 (or P790) more than the Zxi5. The Srixons are larger so if that gives you confidence that is the way to go. I don’t feel like I get any benefit from the V-sole and the P7CBs live up to their high Maltby forgiveness rating so the TaylorMades have been great for me.”
Entire Thread: “Srixon ZXi combo or TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo? – GolfWRXers discuss”
At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals who all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.
It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.
Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, @pianoman0123 has a 2024 Wilson Staff CB/Blade combo up for grabs.
From the listing: “2024 Wilson Staff CB/Blade Combo. 4-8 irons are CB’s and the 9,PW are Blades. 5-PW have Project X 6.0 Shafts and the 4 Iron has a Steelfiber CW110 Stiff Shaft. Standard Length, Lie and Lofts. These are in very good condition the shafts just don’t work for me. Like new Lamkin Grips on the 5-PW and a stock Golf Pride on the 4 Iron. $525 OBO.”
To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link. If you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum, you can learn more here: GolfWRX BST Rules
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Eric Johnson
Nov 7, 2015 at 11:40 pm
Did anyone read the text above the pics?!!?!?!? The description of the innovai makes it clear that they clearly state that the entire point of the putter is to create a putter that “copies” a style of putter to please their tour players looking for a Bettinardi with a wing-style head shape? Also, checking a dictionary makes it pretty clear that when using the word prototype it doesn’t mean that you’re claiming that you invented something – instead a prototype is an early version of a product that you’re considering manufacturing. Kinda like Toyota has prototypes – it sure doesn’t mean they invented the car. It has nothing to with a claim on the “design.”
Jeff*
Jun 22, 2015 at 9:32 pm
Bettenardi going to call it a WGW Versa #7 too? I mean I know they all copied the Ping guy, but come on, Odyssey will totally win the lawsuit.
TT X
Jun 20, 2015 at 6:19 pm
If a putter being machined=fewer putts I’m fairly sure every golfer playing for a living would be using one. There is nothing wrong with machining, it is a more costly process but that has nothing to do with it being a better performing club. I appreciate the putter creators that really make an effort to design something unique. Unfortunately the tour players are paid so much to go through the Darrell Survey with a particular companies putter it doesn’t allow much opportunity for the smaller designer who really is trying to do something original to get any exposure.
Brendon
Jun 19, 2015 at 6:51 am
I bought the Odyssey 7,not interested in copies
Steve
Jun 13, 2015 at 9:51 am
The rating system is askewed on this site. 102 likes, 65 shanks rates the heart icon? 61% shouldnt be rated love, maybe legit. In my book 61% is a fail
Statute
Jun 12, 2015 at 4:24 am
What’s the statute of limitation on Copyrights? How it been that long for the #7 Odyssey style to have lost its copyright on the design?
Dan
Jun 11, 2015 at 1:31 pm
A lot of comments on not being original – that is fair, but every putter company has an anser style putter – it is simply demanded by the market, so I do not understand the criticism in that ‘anser’ regard. What would a putter company be without some anser style head shapes 🙂
Milan
Jun 10, 2015 at 6:07 pm
while I can see most pov that these are imitation designs imo that is where the similarity ends. Improved craftsmanship and innovative engineering are what makes these unique and utterly magnificent putting devices. Riddle me this: would you rather have a hand made forge Samurai sword or a machine made, stamped one? Even if they looked identical?
Rando
Jun 10, 2015 at 8:42 pm
Bettinardi putters are hardly hand made. They are very much machine made. They make a design on a computer screen, then feed it into a computerized cnc mill, then press a button and watch hundreds of identical putters pop out.
Cnc milling is the opposite of hand craftsmanship. It’s about uniformity and machine precision. The only thing a company like bettinardi can offer is design. This is just a cop out. Odyssey can and does make milled putters. They can make a milled version of this putter too and it will be no different from bettinardi’s version.
Dan
Jun 11, 2015 at 1:05 pm
“press a button and watch hundreds of identical putters pop out”.
This is anything but the truth with CNC milling. Just because the machine has numeric control does not mean you can simply press a button and it cuts out an entire putter miraculously and efficiently. It takes experience, you could have access to Bettinardi’s shop and software and press all the buttons you want and hundreds of putters will not come out with no human effort. I would guess the amount of time a human was interacting with each putter exceeds the amount of time the machine took to cut it.
Ultimately, CNC milling does not mean there is no hand craftsmanship is all I am saying. I make putters myself; I wish so badly it was as easy as you say!
Joe
Jun 11, 2015 at 1:58 pm
Actually it’s exactly the truth. CNC milling is pushing a button and the machine Mills the shape beneath a plexiglass shroud.
You can say that there is human interaction in everything – even modern automotive robot assembly line. But alas the cars do just pop out. There is no “samurai sword” ancient craftsman hocus locus in these new Betti putters. They are CAD designed and CNC milled. Done. Next. And I’ll take the Odyssey #7. Bettinardi painful looks like heck.
Milan
Jun 13, 2015 at 4:09 am
i appreciate everyone’s opinion and commentary here! To clarify, my sword analogy was a directional one, and not an actual comparison of hand made to machine made. I have worked in a machine shop for many years when I was young ( my father owned a CNC milling and lathe shop for 30 years) so I have a bit of insight of what it takes to produce this level of putter. It’s hardly push button! The putter face finishes on Bettinardis is simply miraculous. This is not easy to do just because it involves some cutting tools. And what about the deburring? The polishing? We always did that by hand in the shop and on much more simple products than a putter. I will close by stating that I love Bettinardi’s. To my eye they are beautiful and the feel is sublime. The roll mine produces is awe inspiring. The other putters or “original designs” are really great putters too. I’m sure they are. I hope everyone enjoys their putter as much as I enjoy mine!
john
Jun 14, 2015 at 7:25 pm
Well you obviously work for Bettinardi, what on earth were you guys thinking?
I actually think your #7 knock off looks fantastic, but it’s just that – a knock off. There is no ‘standard’ design that you’ve made better quality using better materials n all that, it’s a copyrighted Odyssey design. This isn’t like saying we’ve made “a car” but it’s made better – because BMW and Hyundai don’t produce exactly the same design – they’re both cars, and ones more expensive using more expensive materials, but they didn’t rip off the cheaper ones design.
It’s truly an embarrassment that your team couldn’t shave off a TINY BIT of the back part of the putter to make it SLIGHTLY different, company killing design right there.
mike tartaglia
Jun 10, 2015 at 4:23 pm
Amazing that all these putters are basically clones of the old Ping models. Use some different metals, graphics, etc. and triple the price !! I guess they feel most golfers have the money and will spend on new, flashy looking equipment. An old Ping off of E-Bay for $40 dollars will work as well as any of these flashy new productions that are ten times as much money
Beauts
Jun 10, 2015 at 3:32 pm
I just have to laugh at anybody that screams anser copy these days.
Jimmy
Jun 10, 2015 at 3:05 pm
Time to upgrade.
Ken
Jun 10, 2015 at 2:44 pm
Ho hum.
birdeez
Jun 10, 2015 at 2:33 pm
looks like the plan is to copy the design from top putters, mill the putter, and double the price.
michael
Jun 10, 2015 at 2:31 pm
What’s next a new prototype driver, steel shaft wooden head!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Golfraven
Jun 10, 2015 at 2:05 pm
What can I add what has not been said already? If your money is burning a hole in your wallet, go and by a #7 clone from Bettinardi. Those look very sleak but likely come with a nice price tag. I can wait couple of years and then buy one of ebay.
Bill
Jun 10, 2015 at 1:54 pm
The best putter on the market is the Directed Force putter, lie angle balanced…
Rando
Jun 10, 2015 at 1:46 pm
Ping’s anser patent (if they had one) expired decades ago.
The odyssey clone here is absurd. They even copied the white/black thing.
I have no respect for this whatsoever. They should be ashamed. How hard is it to come up with an original putter design? I hope callaway/odyssey sues and embarasses them.
Mo
Jun 10, 2015 at 12:03 pm
they copy a 60 year old ping anser and it’s a prototype! Sorry guys, this is absurd.
Jack
Jun 10, 2015 at 7:56 am
Yawn…
Jim
Jun 10, 2015 at 7:55 am
How do all these companies get away with copying another companies putters? One looks like a Ping Anser the other like an Odyssey #7. How many companies make Anser clones anyway? Don’t understand how these specialized companies exist when you can go to any golf store and buy a Ping instead. That said, both putters are really nice looking.
Taylor
Jun 9, 2015 at 10:56 pm
At least when scotty copies designs they put their own flip on it. If you were to look down on the tank version of bettinardi without seeing the bottom, you would think it’s an odyssey.
Rodgers
Jun 10, 2015 at 1:13 pm
Yes Scotty’s own “flip” is charging $400
Bill
Jun 10, 2015 at 1:35 pm
What “flip” does Scotty put on in? The three red dots in the cavity?
Taylor
Jun 14, 2015 at 11:33 pm
At least when you look down on it you know its a scotty. They use different angles and shapes even if they are ripping of another companies design. I use a Ping putter that was $80, so I don’t really care what these do. Just making an observation.
Andy W
Jun 9, 2015 at 6:16 pm
The blade looks like Ping Anser clone, the other like a lethal weapon… Something innovative is a blade that doubles as a “surveying instrument putter.” Use that search in ebay..
snowman
Jun 9, 2015 at 6:02 pm
Yep, real innovational right…..Ping Anser (also copied by every other OEM on the planet) and Odyssey #7. ridiculous.
gorden
Jun 9, 2015 at 8:30 pm
I agree, just get in touch with the Chinese metal shop that makes them, color them a little different and shave a few grams off here and there and put what ever name you want on it…there must be about 20 stranded putter head dies that everyone uses. With that idea why would you pay over $300 for a putter that cost just under $25 to make (with the best grip and shaft)???
Fred
Jun 9, 2015 at 10:10 pm
bettinardi’s are made in the USA, brah.
gorden
Jun 10, 2015 at 12:36 am
Yes, I do have one, but it does look a lot like many of the ones made in china or Taiwan.
Matthew H.
Jun 10, 2015 at 11:28 am
And I can say I’ve used a putter that has been cast. CNC Milled only.
Brandon
Jun 9, 2015 at 5:38 pm
BB Zero Prototype sure is a nice Anser
Clowone
Jun 9, 2015 at 5:36 pm
Innovai Odyssey #7 anyone? Isnt this just a lawsuit waiting to happen?
Bill
Jun 10, 2015 at 1:38 pm
There must be some way they get around infringing on the original designs. Every mfg has an Anser clone
tim
Jun 11, 2015 at 11:35 am
Yeah, that is amazing re: the Odyssey 7. I have never seen such a blatant ripoff of a “unique” design like that. The Spider Si was very close, but looked different enough that it didn’t look like the exact same design.