50 Words or Less
The new compact mallet Bettinardi Queen B #11 features a fresh new rose gold finish and the quintessential honeycomb milled face. Expertly executed, excellent consistency.
Check out the 2023 Bettinardi Queen B #11 HERE
Introduction
In Saternus’s review of the 2021 Studio Stock 7 putter [full review HERE] he characterized the Queen B putter series as “golf jewelry.” While I originally took that as a slight, implying the putters are mere bag ornamentation, I quickly shifted my thoughts to that of a fine watch that is defined by precision of function. The product may be visual eye candy but that look reflects the meticulous design and craftsmanship that goes into it. The 2021 Bettinardi Queen B #11 is a prime example.
Looks
For 2021, the Queen B series features a rose gold PVD finish that harkens back to the original ‘cashmere bronze’ finish from 2012 and 2013. The new color has a look that can vary between fresh copper and a more brown-like bronze depending on lighting. Although the polish on the bottom makes taking photos challenging, it also makes that queen bee engraving really pop. The more satin-like finish on the other surfaces is much more conducive to glare-free putting.
Where the rounded #9 and #10 putters had a symmetrical look in the address position, the Queen B #11 is toe-centric in the back third. Although that created some optical incongruity, the long, heavy white line pulled my eyes to the desired aim point for centered contact. The thick topline and parallel bumpers create strong reference points for square setup.
The hallmark of any Queen B putter is the honeycomb milled face and for 2021 Bettinardi upped the detail with tiny concentric circles that I would have missed if not for the above photo. For anyone who appreciates the intricacies of fine milling, the Queen B #11 is mesmerizing from every angle. The cover design is also eye catching with well executed stitching, but I have to ding it for using a Velcro closure.
Sound & Feel
Although intricate, the depth of the face milling employed in the honeycomb pattern is minimal, producing a firm feel at impact. Bettinardi calls the head material “soft carbon steel”, but there’s no mistaking that contact is with solid steel – both in feel and sound. As expected with a compact mallet design, the feedback across the face of the Queen B #11 is subtle. Slight mishits still have a nice feel, but the pureness that centered contact provides is rewarding.
Performance
The Bettinardi Queen B #11 has a 40° toe hang that worked well with my slightly arcing putting stroke. I opted for the standard Lamkin SinkFit grip, but Bettinardi also offers a jumbo straight version. Bettinardi also offers options on length, loft and lie for a customized fit. The 362 gram head gave the #11 wonderfully balanced flow on longer putts while instilling confidence on pesky 3 footers.
Testing revealed remarkable consistency in both roll and roll-out with the Queen B #11. Although the toe-centric shaping gave me pause before actually trying the putter, I found aim and stance setup accurate and repeatable. The firm face gave me a feeling of precision for dialing in green speed.
Conclusion
The Bettinardi Queen B #11 is another excellent rendition of the rounded, compact mallet, offering both jewelry store looks and Tour worthy performance. Expertly milled in the U.S.A., the Bettinardi Queen B #11 is worth a closer look whether you’re wanting a new putter or just appreciate fine craftsmanship.
Visit Bettinardi HERE
Matt Meeker
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Why do companies use Velcro?!
For any putter in this price range (whether it’s Scotty or Toulon or Betti), I don’t get why magnetic closure isn’t used. Nice review, beautiful putter
I totally agree with you Will. Thanks for reading and commenting.
– Meeks
I will throw my hat in as well with this comment. The only thing I’ve heard is that the magnetic ones you have a higher tendency to slip off and get lost off of someone’s bag or cart. That being said I am willing to risk it, the magnetic ones are far superior in my opinion.
These putters are absolutely beautiful — as you said like golf bag jewelry. It will take a couple more years on my paper route to save up for one.
And in total agreement with the comment above, the Velcro closures are junk, my Scotty’s and Toulon have those hideous closures. The Evnrolls and some of the high end Pings use the magnets which are far more desirable and practical. And at this price point, why aren’t these high end manufacturers in on this open secret?
Great review Matt. I always find your comments balanced and insightful. I’ve decided this is the year I treat myself to a Bettinardi and this is the top contender.
Thanks for the kind words Mike. It’s a great time to treat yourself.
– Meeks
This is a beautiful putter, I spent a couple of hours putting with this and a couple of other putters. The feel ,response and consistency is amazing, I’m definitely sold on the Queen B11 . It just exuded confidence and I’m looking forward to having this club in my bag.
How would you compare this to the new studio stock series? I’ve never used bettinardi putters before.
Comparing one model to an entire different series is a bit beyond the scope of of reader comments Laban. Short of hands on testing for yourself, the best thing you can do is read reviews from each series. And check out the Bettinardi website where they describe the three different face millings and respective distinctive feels.
– Meeks
I was just wondering in general about the Queen b line vs the studio stock line. Didn’t know if one was aimed to be higher end or something. But, I was wondering specifically regarding to this putter, do you know the amount of shaft offset? On Bettinardi’s website they list this putter as having 40 degree toe hang which I understand but then they say toe hang half under the lie and loft specs so I’m wondering if they are referring to the shaft offset ?
Price is usually a good indicator of ‘high-end.’ The listed toe hang of half and diagram showing 40 are both referring to toe hang. A bit confusing I agree – might be some odd Chicago math.
– Meeks
I assume that the half toe hang was referencing to 45 degrees which is half of 90 degrees which would be the most toe down a putter can get. I contacted Bettinardi about it and that is the case and I asked them about the offset and they said somewhere between a half and three-quarter.
What length are you using/how tall are you? I believe my Scotty mallet (Phantom X 5.5) is 34 inches but I was wondering if the 35 inch might be better for this head style? Starting to dislike the head style of the Phantom and trying to find something more like the old Scotty Golo and have always liked the way Bettinardi’s feel. Might finally be time to pull the trigger because I love the color of the new Queen B’s
I’m 5′-10″ tall and use 34″ putters.
– Meeks
Will this putter work for straight back straight through (SBST) putting stroke? Which grip is recommended between the standard and the jumbo grip for SBST? Thanks.
The simple answer is yes Kevin – any putter can work with any stroke. But I encourage you to read the description on the Bettinardi website which states “provides optimal toe hang for players with a moderate arc in their putting stroke.” The Queen B 6 may be better for your stroke. Jumbo grips are intended to take some wrist movement out of the stroke.
– Meeks
Interesting reading this about the velcro as I just got through providing my feedback to Bettinardi and asking if they had any covers without the velcro because it rubs against the beautiful putter. Since they don’t I just got through cutting off the upper half of the velcro. Hopefully, the lower half stays in place. If not, not even sure the velcro is needed.
I do love the putter.
One question is if the metal fades or tarnishes so as to be less shiny from the sun. Anyone know?
thanks
Does the QB #11 have a counter balance shaft, it fells kinda heavy which prompted the question. Thx
I’m not certain what Bettinardi can/will install, but I’m confident that they would respond to that question via their website.
– Meeks
I nearly didn’t choose this putter because of it’s glamour. Glad I trusted my comfort with the weighting and general feeling of confidence when looking over the shape of the putter and the way it rolls the ball. I absolutely love this putter after 12 rounds (and reluctantly retiring another semi-mallet – a Cameron Golo) after a pretty good, near decade stretch. Putters are personal, but I give it an A.