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The Bettinardi Antidote Hexperimental #7 putter brings a heel shafted look to a zero torque design. Expert craftmanship, responsive feel, and impressive performance.
Introduction
When I reviewed the Bettinardi Antidote SB1 [read it HERE] just over a year ago, I wrote this about the emergence of zero torque putters: “Whether it’s a craze, a fad, or truly going to change the concept of putting is yet to be determined.” While I don’t think the concept of putting has truly changed, one thing is clear – zero torque putters have captured a significant portion of the putter market in less than two years.
I can’t think of any putter company that doesn’t offer zero torque models now days. Recognizing the trend, Plugged In Golf has engaged several Golf Myths Unplugged experiments to test some key attributes associated with zero torque putters [find them HERE]. And at Bettinardi, the Antidote series has grown to six models from that original SB1. The Bettinardi Antidote Hexperimental #7 reviewed here brings a fresh, more traditional look to the series. Have you spotted the difference?
Looks
If you said the colorway is the difference between the Hexperimental and SB Antidotes you wouldn’t be wrong. But the answer I was searching for relates to the shaft and hosel. To date, the SB Antidotes have been center shafted. The Bettinardi Antidote Hexperimental #7 (and the new #9) are heel-shafted. I call the design ‘plumbers neck-ish.’ It closely resembles a classic plumbers neck hosel, but there’s no shaft off-set. And if you game a traditional, non-zero torque putter of any neck style you’ll probably notice the shaft is pointed to the centerline of the head – not towards the heel.
Back to this colorway – it’s really sharp looking. At address, the compact mallet Bettinardi Antidote Hexperimental #7 has a simple black finish with a single white sight line on the top flange. But on the face and sole of the putter, Bettinardi added streaks of blue and the “distressed” accents give the putter some vibrancy.
I love the boiling beaker like hexagon on the heel side of the face with the bubbles continuing up the neck. For those readers not intimately familiar with Bettinardi, the hexagon has long been a trademark icon, and the play on it for the Hexperimental #7 is very creative.
Finally, I have to give a shout out to the stock headcover. The overall design is super cool, and the stitching well executed. [See Price / Buy]
Sound & Feel
To my ears the Bettinardi Antidote Hexperimental #7 offered a mid-volume “tawk” at impact. The sound had a hint of southern throatiness that differentiated it from the average “tock.” The sound changed to “tick” towards the toe, and a “click” towards the heel. Both are subtle changes and you may not even notice unless you are listening intently.
To my hands the Bettinardi Antidote Hexperimental #7 had a medium soft feel. This version of Bettinardi’s F.I.T. Face has 30% of the 303 stainless steel face material removed, and wasn’t as soft a feel as the Antidote SB1, with 55% removed. That said, contact felt precise and responsive. Also noteworthy was the consistency of the feel across the face, which I attribute to the fundamental design physics of being a zero torque putter and the rectangular cutout that further distributes forces evenly around the head.
Performance
It only took a couple of putts to feel comfortable with the Bettinardi Antidote Hexperimental #7. The 360 gram head was close to my 365 gram gamer, but did feel lighter that the 5 gram differential. Lightness is a common sensation with zero torque putters, yet this felt friendly. I also noted that my slightly arcing putting stroke felt natural. Normally I need a putter with some toe hang to achieve that feeling, yet this toe up design (Bettinardi calls it -90°) flowed effortlessly.
Performance was really strong. One of my first field notes was on how consistent the Antidote Hexperimental #7 was on distance. Mishits were only marginally penalized – and that applied similarly to direction. To make sure I don’t adapt to results between putts, I like to hit say four consecutive putts without looking up. With the Bettinardi Antidote Hexperimental #7, I could toss a hat over the array of balls – even when purposefully mishitting two balls towards the toe or heel.
When I focused more on making putts rather than delivering a consistent stroke for distance, the results were impressive. After dropping in putt after putt from five feet on the practice green I felt like I couldn’t miss. That held true on the golf course until some break and strong grain reminded me not to rely on confidence alone. The Bettinardi Antidote Hexperimental #7 was even more noteworthy from distance. Finishing up my first test session I sent four balls towards a distant hole. When three went in and the fourth missed by 8”, I actually paced off the distance – 27’. That grabs your attention.
I had similar performance results when I used a strongly arcing putting stroke as well as a straight-back, straight-through stroke. Bettinardi calls the ability to square the face at impact regardless of stroke path Simply Balanced Technology. The key to this technology, and the essence of zero torque putters in general, is having the shaft aligned with the putter head center of gravity. Sounds simple right? Executing that in a solid metal, single piece putter head takes milling expertise. [See Price / Buy]
Conclusion
Before closing out this review I have to mention the beautiful end over end roll the Bettinardi Antidote Hexperimental #7 produced. The #7 exhibits everything I like about Bettinardi: great looks, wonderful feel, and impressive performance. If you’ve been wanting to try a zero torque putter, but aren’t a fan of center shaft designs, the Antidote Hexperimental #7 is just the ticket. [See Price / Buy]
The Hexperimental #7 is a heel-shafted, Simply Balanced™ zero torque mallet putter, engineered to stay square through impact and deliver exceptional stability and consistency for any stroke type. Its classic compact mallet profile, minimal onset, and heel-shafted design make it the ideal choice for players who want zero-torque performance with the look and feel of a traditional putter,
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