50 Words or Less
After a significant overhaul, the Bettinardi INOVAI 6.0 offers golfers improved performance and feel. Clean, modern look and expert craftsmanship.
Introduction
Reading that Bettinardi had “completely re-engineered” its INOVAI series for the 6.0 release, I assumed they’d made a few design tweaks and changed colors – classic marketing refresh. Then I saw the photos and I knew Bettinardi was serious. Gone was the connected trailing edge of the iNOVAi 5.0 (full review HERE) as was the black anodized face. Could all these changes really make for a better INOVAI? I had to find out for myself.
Looks
Besides their visual appeal, the INOVAI 6.0’s two colors serve to delineate the body’s dual materials. The straight top line of the 303 stainless steel face looks crisp against the anodized cobalt blue aluminum body – 6061 military grade for those who love technical details. The Bettinardi team did a wonderful job creating harmony between the many curves of the body.
The milling on the face of the INOVAI 6.0 is mesmerizing and exemplifies Bettinardi’s expert craftsmanship. And if you appreciate those skills, take a close look at the beautiful crescent milled neck. I’m also a big fan of the bright and luxurious “platinum” finish. Overall the putter has a clean, balanced look.
Sound & Feel
Centered strikes with the INOVAI 6.0 are extremely soft and quiet. Moving off of center, but still in the deep milled F.I.T. Face (Feel Impact Technology) zone, the sound is more of a low volume click with just a touch of feedback in the hands. F.I.T. Face, one of Bettinardi’s three face milling styles, removes 55% of the face material to create their softest feel and is recommended for players with aggressive putting strokes.
Performance
Two aspects of the INOVAI 6.0’s performance stood out: consistency of the roll and ease of alignment. The high M.O.I. of the mallet design coupled with the F.I.T. Face had balls rolling smoothly with consistent roll-out even with less than perfect contact. To help with centered contact, Bettinardi employed a single blue line on the top line and two long white lines in the body that frame the golf ball. The length of the white lines is very effective for aligning with the intended putt line.
The Bettinardi INOVAI 6.0 crescent neck has “moderate toe hang,” about 4 o’clock, which flowed smoothly with my arcing putting stroke. If you prefer less toe flow, the INOVAI S has a spud neck with slight toe hang. Bettinardi also offers a third model, the CTR, which is center shafted and face balanced. Bettinardi offers two branded Lamkin Sink Fit grip sizes: standard and straight jumbo.
Conclusion
Being a full size mallet putter, the excellent forgiveness of the INOVAI wasn’t surprising to me, but the amazing feeling of a pure strike sure was. The softness was so sublime that it had me really focusing on making a good putting stroke so I could feel it again. The new contours and straight top flange of the INOVAI 6.0 offer wonderful visual appeal, while the alignment lines assist with target optics. Team Bettinardi has proven that even the best can get better.
Matt Meeker
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Having been in the military, it always strikes me as funny when consumer products tout something as being “military grade” or the like. All the equipment the military provides to the troops comes from whatever government contractor submits the lowest bid for the needed item. Anyone who ever wore a 15 pound Kevlar helmet with velcro pads and a janky chin strap in combat knows this to be true.
Can you tell me more about the 1837 Boys And Girls of Chicago Club. With the Logo of the late Richard Daley of Chicago Putter I Acquired.
HI. Enjoy your reviews. I know you reviewed the 5.0 series also. Would you say the 6.0 is a substantial upgrade?
Thanks Julio – we truly appreciate hearing from our readers. Substantial is somewhat subjective, but a fair question. I wouldn’t say the 6.0 is a substantial upgrade except in the looks department.
– Meeks
I tried out over 50 putters today from PXG, TM, Scotty Cameron, Odyssey, etc, and when I stroked a putt with the INNOVAI 6.0 it was the softest, smoothest roll I think I’ve ever felt, it was strikingly better to me than any other in the store. I don’t know if I have an “aggressive” putting stroke, but I’m addicted to the feel of this stick. It will be the next putter in my bag.
I’m late to the game, I know. But, I went to PGA Superstore today to pick up a new set of Mizuno JPX 921 Forged irons. Before I left I figured I’d hit a few putts (even though I was perfectly happy with my Odyssey O-Works 2-Ball. I hit several Odyssey and Pings and the picked up a Bettinardi Inovai 6.0 CTR. Hit one putt and thought wow! Hit a few more and fell in love. Ended up leaving with a new putter as well.
That is an excellent review. I have this putter. The fitting process was amazing and the performance can not be explained. I’m a high handicapper and this piece of art has dramatically reduced my shot counts on and around the green
Matt,
Can you scoop the ball up with this putter.
Thanks
As I recall, the base was too thick to get under the ball.
– Meeks
Yes with no problem
Yes, you can, but the bending will provide you with some lower back exercise.