Bettinardi Kuchar Model 1

Brand: Bettinardi
Putter: Kuchar Model 1 Standard
Design: Blade
RRP: £225
Loft: 3-degree Lie: 71-degree
Head Weight: 350g
Available lengths: 35"

Summary: This putter was designed with direct input from PGA Tour player Matt Kuchar. The Model 1 is a beautifully crafted, wide-body blade that features the brand's tour proven FIT Face technology. The Sunset Blue finish gives the Kuchar Models a rainbow effect in the pocket. The arm lock model, as used by Kuchar, is best used when the butt-end of the grip is placed two inches below the left forearm, and the right wrist is hinged into the grip of the club. This is meant to promote an extremely stable stroke, eliminating the wrists and hands from getting involved especially on the short putts. With the anchoring ban set to take effect January 1, 2016, the Kuchar Models will remain 100% legal says Mike Davis, Executive Director of the USGA.

Looks: The testers really enjoyed looking down on this putter. With over half giving this full marks, it's clearly a design and appearance which suits the eye of the majority. It proved easy to align thanks to the simple, long single alignment aid and three testers commented that the putter was the best looking in the test. 4 (out of 5)

Feel: The technology employed in the face of this putter clearly worked as the testers marked it highly in terms of feel. They liked that it had a soft feel which also provided them with great feedback which in turn allowed them to judge distances easily. The second best in terms of feel on the test. 8 (out of 10)

Performance: The majority of the testers were really impressed with the true and consistent roll the Bettinardi produced. Straight off the bat the ball is going end over end and we hardly saw any dreaded skids or jumps. Testers also enjoyed the increased stability provided by the slightly oversized blade head which also still provided agility from distance. 7.9 (out of 10)

Verdict: With seven of the testers putting this on in their top three putters and three saying it was the putter they most wanted to take home, the Bettinardi Kuchar Model 1 proved a big hit. While several testers had never even heard of the brand before, it speaks volumes for the product as they had no expectations as they lay the flatstick behind the ball. It's expensive at £225 but you very much get your money's worth. 19.9 (out of 25)

Results: 102 putts holed (out of 180)

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