50 Words or Less
The Bettinardi Antidote SB1 putter is a zero torque, center-shafted design featuring Simply Balanced technology. Solid all-around performer with a soft feel and loads of eye appeal.
Introduction
If you haven’t heard of zero torque putters before now, I applaud you for having a normal life. Golf gear heads – like us here at PIG – have seen a noticeable influx of zero torque (toe up) designs from numerous OEMs. I can easily count six that we have reviewed in just the past three months [you can check out the PXG Allen HERE]. Whether it’s a craze, a fad, or truly going to change the concept of putting is yet to be determined, but Bettinardi joins the fray with their new Antidote Putter Series. I’ll take an in-depth look at the Bettinardi Antidote SB1 in this review.
Looks
Let me begin by stating this was my first experience with a center-shafted putter, and my initial thoughts on the look of the Bettinardi Antidote SB1 were definitely influenced by the hosel location. Quickly however, the overall visual excellence of the putter took center stage.
I’ve long been impressed with Bettinardi’s craftmanship, and the milling on the SB1 renewed my assessment. While I appreciate elements like the tight curves of the bumpers and deep face milling, it’s the honeycomb milling on the sole that truly elevates the visual appeal.
Bettinardi also did a masterful job at harmonizing the overall look of the Antidote SB1. The aforementioned honeycomb pattern is prevalent on the well-executed headcover – with magnet closure (thanks Bettinardi). I love the sapphire blue color used in the cavity insert and paint fill, and the grip itself.
Sound & Feel
Soft. That one word fully describes both the sound and feel – which are in perfect harmony. The soft “tock” was clear and assertive to my ears. The softness of the face was truly noteworthy – the softest Bettinardi offers. This F.I.T. Face design is achieved by removing 55% of the material in the milled hitting zone.
I couldn’t perceive any sound variation within the milled area of the Bettinardi Antidote SB1. And the only tactile feedback I sensed was when contact moved towards the heel. Clearly, feedback is nearly negated with the zero torque, balanced design afforded by the center-shaft connection.
Performance
As I stated in the Looks opener, this was my first experience with a center-shafted putter, but it only took a few putts to get comfortable with positioning. Stroke wise, the Bettinardi Antidote SB1 was the most natural feeling – relative to flow – of the zero torque putters I’ve tested. My gamer and gamers before all had moderate toe-hang, whereas the SB1 is toe-up. Or as Bettinardi lists it: -90°.
That last part is a bit tricky. The “SB” of the name stands for Simply Balanced – Bettinardi’s approach to zero torque. The design gives the putter a “dynamic balance” at the CoG. In theory, the putter stays in whatever position you place it balanced on the shaft in the horizontal position. In reality, demonstrating the theory using my finger as a balance point wasn’t perfect, but I could see the science in play. I actually felt better seeing Sam Bettinardi fumble a bit trying to demonstrate the face down position in the online SB product video [check out the link at the bottom of this review] – and kudos to them for keeping the scene rolling.
Bottom line is the Bettinardi Simply Balanced design is markedly different than the PXG and Evnroll zero torque putters that resolve in a toe up position.
Science is great, but it’s putter performance that truly matters. With both short and long putts, I found the consistency on roll-out very good. Left/right dispersion was excellent. The blue line paralleling the face combined with the blue centerline was great for assisting with alignment and aiming. I felt very confident putting with the Bettinardi Antidote SB1. The SB1’s balance encouraged a light grip, i.e. less tension – a common benefit with zero torque putters.
Conclusion
If you’ve been on the fence regarding zero balance putters because of their odd looks or awkward stroke feel, you need to give the Bettinardi Antidote SB1 a try. With strong performance attributes and wonderful craftmanship, I could easily see the SB1 in my bag. Don’t let names and characterizations fool you, the Antidote SB1 is simply a great putter.
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9 Comments
This was an excellent review and thank you for your efforts here. Agree with what you mentioned as far as looks. I just cant get myself to buy a LAB and could care less about the performance of it. I just cant get over the looks of it. I will try this putter and compare apples to apples as to where I am now w my Scotty. thank you.
This mindset is truly mindblowing and hilarious: it matters how a putter – a tool used to play golf – performs and it matters how a painting – a piece of art – looks…
How much less could you care? Or, did you mean you “could not care less“?
That’s a beautifully crafted SeeMore… 🙃
My current putter is a center shafter BB28, and I love it. Intrigued by this putter and will try it out, ALSO YES-sooo glad they are doing MAGNETIC HC’s, finally. Great Review Matt!
Matt- thanks for the review. As a current user of the LAB LINK1 I have a year of experience with this type of “answer style “ putter, and it has improved my putting immensely. For those who have experienced traditional blade style putters but switched to mallets for MOI reasons, this style type is a nice combination.
A lot of Key Brands are selling the “no torque”concept. I think there is something to it based on science and comparison physical performance evidence in several third party testing. It has turned out No Torque is not for everyone. And it appears some companies are selling less than No torque to sell their putters. It’s Sounding like this putter is riding on its name so far with a lot of fluff and little or no proof. I don’t own a LAB putter but at least they can show some facts and testing to back their product as ugly as most their spaceship putters are. Just saying… Matt
Thanks for the great review. Question on fitting: if you typically are an “eyes over the ball” putter does this make fitting for zero torque more important, and does the inherent design of these type putters still work effectively if the player prefers a more upright lie angle? Most of these style putters seem on the flatter lie angle side when rolling them in stores.
Those are great questions Odie, but a bit above my knowledge level. Maybe there’s a qualified fitter reading this that can chime in. What did you experience when rolling some putts? From my time doing this fitting story – LINK – I came to realize everyone is different and there may not be satisfactory generic answers.
– Meeks