Bettinardi H2 Wedge

No longer is Bettinardi just about precision-milled putters. 

While the new line-up of flatsticks has been strengthened for 2015, Bettinardi has entered the wedge market for just the third time in its 24-year history with a new range called H2.

Founder Robert Bettinardi’s previous two wedge lines, first in 2001 and again in 2010, never got off the ground as they were based on limited quantities and machined out of a solid block of stainless steel that was expensive to produce – some wedges carried a price tag of $500 each.

“Crazy, we know,” said Sam Bettinardi, son of Robert, and vice president of sales and marketing.

Using a forging technology, the company has now produced wedges that look, feel and perform nearly the same as the fully milled models, but for less than half the price at $180 in satin nickel and $195 in cashmere bronze.

H2 stands for Hi-Helix, which is a machine tool that cuts the metal on the face at a very fast rate, leaving a unique milling pattern that improves contact in both wet and dry conditions.

The company claims the H2 wedges "look, feel and sound better than any wedge golfers have ever played".

Testing the H2 out in the wetness of the UK and dryness of Marbella this month, in both cashmere bronze and satin nickel in 52, 56 and 60-degree versions, the outstanding feature is the consistent soft, buttery forged feel from full-blooded 100-yard shots into the green, splash shots from sand and delicate flops around the green.

Unconcerned about varying grinds (relief and contour that is ground into the sole of the wedge) and bounce options (the angle between the leading edge and lowest point on the sole), Bettinardi has kept things simple with two finishes, five lofts (52 deg-08 deg bounce, 54-10, 56-12, 58-10, 60-8) for a total of 10 wedge options, and a well-balanced, stock KBS High Rev shaft.

H2 has a mild heel and toe relief that presents you with a versatile wedge capable of playing all the shots. I found the leading edge sits low with the face square, yet still sits low to the ground when the face is open.

One slight niggle is that I did not like the standard P2 Wrap grip much, but that is more of a personal preference than a criticism.

Verdict

H2 represents one of the softest feeling wedges on the market and poses a match for the Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 and Vokey Design SM5, wedges I consider to be the standouts heading into the new season.

There may only be one grind available but the C-Grind not only looks superb at address in both satin nickel and cashmere bronze finish, but presents you with a versatile wedge that can play all the shots around the green.

H2 is more suited to the better player, however, and someone who is looking for a high-performance, precision-forged wedge. Players who crave a little more forgiveness in the short game will likely want to look elsewhere at wedges offering more bounce options.