Bettinardi vs. Cameron?

[touch]

How is it he is not even in the race any longer?

We all the know the backing of Scotty and the TOUR usage, but why has Bettinardi not kept even
a wee bit of market share. Has he made all the money he wants, and will just rest on the Mizuno putter's he puts out every 3 years? Did he cash in years ago when he made the Hogan putters?
He is such a talented putter craftsman, and I wonder how with his reputation that he does not
hit home runs a lot more often. I know he will never sell the #'s of Cameron's,or market share, and that is not my point.
He was the strong # 2 craftsman, talked about for years, sold and made great putters, and now what have you done lately?
Thoughts?

Anything new and great comming our way from BOB??

[Brando5105]

Scotty has the backing from Titliest to pay big money to pros to use his putters. Bob doesnt pay everyone to play his creations. Mizuno is known for thier irons and thats what they are putting the majority of their marketing power toward. Bob makes great putter by his own release (just check oout RJBcollector.com and BettinardiLTD) and I hope (and many of use do too) that someday he could give Scotty a run for his money

[b81smith]

Thats a great question - -not the whole number thing - but more on the tour side of things - -why not more tour pro's gaming his works? I feel his milling technology and the FIT face make for the best putter in the game - why not more people gaming a DASS FIT face on a sweet flamed finish or something like that? A few guys on here have putters that look like they should be on tour....but aren't!! LOL

 

I feel like the BC-6 355 gram is an amazing putter for 250 - even though I can't afford 250...LOL.

[dcl92]

Good question. It was good to see Brian Gay win the Verizon with a Bettinardi. Wonder if that will give them a little bump in visability.

 

Is it just me or do others see more Yes! putters on the Euro tour, Scottys on the PGA (but not the LPGA). There was the Rife push on the Champions. I have wondered how it seems certain tours get dominated in numbers by certain putter brands and styles (more Anser styles on the PGA than LPGA and Champions) and whether it is sponsor $ or player preference.

 

When I see a new Bettinardi going for like $130 on eBay vs. $300 for a new Cameron, it makes me wonder if I should just pull the trigger. I enjoy my Mizuno irons and wedges and would hope for/expect a similar improvement in feel. Then again, Jerry Kelly won New Orleans with a $70 Cleveland putter. What's the old saying about it being the Indian and not the arrows?

[pearls24]

If I am not mistaken, Mr. Bettinardi makes most of his income via Govt. Contracts of which have nothing to do with golf. The golf is a completely sep. company but run out of the same offices, etc.

[nobreak1970]

Oh yes...Bettinardi machines a LOT more than just putter heads.

[shortgame85]

Pardon my ignorance, but what else does he machine?

[medic170979]

Pardon my ignorance, but what else does he machine?

 

Products for the dental industry.

 

But the big money.......

 

"I make the casings for the 'brain' of a smart bomb. We use a very strong grade of stainless steel and the design must meet very tight tolerances."

 

I'm thinking he does "ok" for himself with that contract. :good:

[highergr0und]

Is he involved with Bryco Machines? Same area, another Bettinardi (Bryon) listed as the owner. They do big time CNC milling stuff for lots of industries.

[DBake]

Cameron = new and interesting designs with similar feel and balance

Bettinardi = new technology concepts

[Hansch99]

Tiger Woods is probably the biggest reason why no putter maker has been able to catch Cameron.

 

With Tiger's help, Cameron has convinced players that his putters are the world's best equipment for the world's best players.

 

As silly as it sounds, I know that when I stand over a putt holding a Cameron, I think of Tiger doing the same with a similar piece of equipment. That's an experience I'm willing to pay a premium for, and it's something Bettinardi simply can't offer (no offense to Brian Gay). I think their products are comparable quality, though.

[markjinc]

Tiger Woods is probably the biggest reason why no putter maker has been able to catch Cameron.

 

With Tiger's help, Cameron has convinced players that his putters are the world's best equipment for the world's best players.

 

As silly as it sounds, I know that when I stand over a putt holding a Cameron, I think of Tiger woods doing the same with a similar piece of equipment. That's an experience I'm willing to pay a premium for, and it's something Bettinardi simply can't offer (no offense to Brian Gay).

 

You stole the words out of my mouth

[bbeard10]

The civility of this topic is shocking and appreciated! I looked at the topic and thought, "Oh God"...But this is a great topic. I really think that Bettinardi will be a force to be reckoned with in the next 5 years. Cameron on the other hand will continue to be one of the top putter makers on tour, and for good reason, He makes a great putter!

[stage1350]

Cameron = new and interesting designs with similar feel and balance

Bettinardi = new technology concepts

 

Care to elaborate on this? What NEW designs have you seen?

 

I assume that everyone here knows that Tiger won the 1997 Masters with a Cameron putter that was MILLED BY BETTINARDI.

 

Volume is less of a driving force with Bettinardi than precision milling. He has stated time and time again that he wants to ensure that his name is only on the finest milled putters out there. It's why he mills all putters in his own facility and doesn't farm them out like other putter manufacturers.

[DBake]

Kombi, Detour, Futura

[502 to Right]

Bob's company has one of the best CNC shops in the United States. I'm certain he makes the vast majority of his money in non-golf related business.

 

My guess is that Bob's passion is golf, but his bottom line is driven by non-golf business.

 

Also, I think Bettinardi is making some of the most innovative and high quality putters in the world. I couldn't care less what his market share is so long as it's enough to keep him making putters that I love.

[GaijinGolfer]

Its all in marketing. Acushnet has convinced everyone that Camerons are there magical putters that will make you sink more putts and thats why Camerons sell.

They will sponsor just about anyone to play a Cameron, whereas Mizuno and Bettinardi are a lot more selective about who they sponsor.

Ive owned Camerons and Ive owned Bettinardis, I'll keep my Bettinardi, thanks...

[Pure745]

Kombi, Detour, Futura

 

All garbage.. stick to copying everone elses designs Scotty.

[Special K]

Kombi, Detour, Futura

 

All garbage.. stick to copying everone elses designs Scotty.

 

Of course you mean like every other putter company?

[elchene]

I just wish that Bettinardi putters were easier to find, especially the retail series. At my local Golfsmith, Scottys line the putting green and one lone Bettinardi BC1 stands to defend its place.

[LSeca]

The both make great putters, imo the Bettis have a more character and variety. Someone said SC makes interesting designs and I would have to agree, the heads are pretty much the same but the style of the graphics and coloring/stamping changes keeps them fresh every couple of years. I wouldn't mind having a buttonback or a Terillium (sp?) model.

[generalpatton]

I just wish that Bettinardi putters were easier to find, especially the retail series. At my local Golfsmith, Scottys line the putting green and one lone Bettinardi BC1 stands to defend its place.

 

I think other than the tour usage issue, availability is another one. Camerons are everywhere and Bettinardis are few and far between. My local Edwin Watts usually has at least a dozen Camerons in the full line up to every one Bettinardi. At one point when I was in there they actually had more Mills putters then Bettinardis. It's the proverbial chicken or the egg scenario but you've got to have the product out there for it to become more popular.

[bbeard10]

and......the civility is gone.

[Tim Delgado]

Kombi, Detour, Futura

 

All garbage.. stick to copying everone elses designs Scotty.

 

 

 

I would disagree.

 

Having played with several Cameron models that are NOT Ping copies, it is clear that Cameron has produced some excellent putters.

 

The Kombi is excellent IMO, and the Red X is another great putter. Sure, others have done the face-balaced mallet before, but the Red X2 in particular is unlike any of the previously produced mallets, and better IMO.

 

I was NOT a fan of the Detour or Futura, but some guys love them.

 

I am not saying that Cameron putters are better than RJB or anyone else for that matter, but if you are in the LEAST bit objective, you have to give credit where credit is due.

 

Tim

[Pure745]

Kombi, Detour, Futura

 

All garbage.. stick to copying everone elses designs Scotty.

 

 

 

I would disagree.

 

Having played with several Cameron models that are NOT Ping copies, it is clear that Cameron has produced some excellent putters.

 

The Kombi is excellent IMO, and the Red X is another great putter. Sure, others have done the face-balaced mallet before, but the Red X2 in particular is unlike any of the previously produced mallets, and better IMO.

 

I was NOT a fan of the Detour or Futura, but some guys love them.

 

I am not saying that Cameron putters are better than RJB or anyone else for that matter, but if you are in the LEAST bit objective, you have to give credit where credit is due.

 

Tim

 

I did.. his "concept" models all have been flops when compared to his "traditional" designs. I like Scotty putters.. especially the limited run's and rare pieces where he actually puts his personal touches on them. However, his success is NOT from his Kombi, Red X, Futura, Detour lines.. his success is having traditional headshapes in the hands of the best players..

[xxio]

Maybe because Mr. Bettinardi doesn't think its a "race"?

 

From what I have read on several forums and the very few and far between Bettinardi interviews, Mr. Bettinardi seems to be more concerned with making quality products than marketing mass produced putters. I have 8 Betts right now and maybe have had another 5 that I have sold. All of them from the Hogans, to the BBs, to the MCs have all been well made and finished products. I have gone thru maybe 10 Camerons. Some have been great, others so-so, and 1 was pretty bad.

[phelps22]

Next time you are standing over that putt and thinking of Tiger and his Cameron think of this:

 

All the Cameron putters Tiger used prior to his current putter were made by Bettinardi, including his US Am, Las Vegas, Disney, 97 Masters winners.

Tigers putter was not designed or made by Cameron. It was designed after a cast Ping Anser II and it was made by a third party for Cameron.

 

Bettinardi makes great looking putters that are made to exact and specific tolerances. Unlike Cameron putters you can rely upon the weight stamped on the putter as being correct; you can count on better quality than the Cameron putters and the prices are much less because as a retail customer you are not funding the pay for play putters. WIthout a doubt the Bettinardi putters are better quality and value than Cameron putters. Cameron's expertise is marketing and Bettinardi's expertise is milling fine putters.

 

Sorry, but Tiger did not use a Cameron until after he turned professional. All of his US Am victories were won with a Ping Anser II. You are correct about the Cameron he used when he first turned profession being milled by Bettinardi though.

[nickpoz]

Next time you are standing over that putt and thinking of Tiger and his Cameron think of this:

 

All the Cameron putters Tiger used prior to his current putter were made by Bettinardi, including his US Am, Las Vegas, Disney, 97 Masters winners.

Tigers putter was not designed or made by Cameron. It was designed after a cast Ping Anser II and it was made by a third party for Cameron.

 

Bettinardi makes great looking putters that are made to exact and specific tolerances. Unlike Cameron putters you can rely upon the weight stamped on the putter as being correct; you can count on better quality than the Cameron putters and the prices are much less because as a retail customer you are not funding the pay for play putters. WIthout a doubt the Bettinardi putters are better quality and value than Cameron putters. Cameron's expertise is marketing and Bettinardi's expertise is milling fine putters.

 

Sorry, but Tiger did not use a Cameron until after he turned professional. All of his US Am victories were won with a Ping Anser II. You are correct about the Cameron he used when he first turned profession being milled by Bettinardi though.

Tiger used a Cameron for his 96 US Am win

http://www.scottycameron.com/authenticatio...egistry=A011018

[mac94]

Uhh, how many of Bettinardi's designs are just Anser copies also? Shoot, everybody copies the Anser design, not just Scotty. Why is he the only one to catch grief?

[longballjs]

I just wish that Bettinardi putters were easier to find, especially the retail series. At my local Golfsmith, Scottys line the putting green and one lone Bettinardi BC1 stands to defend its place.

 

Same here, in all my years of playing golf, I have never seen a Bettinardi for sale at any Golfsmith, GolfGalaxy, 2 chains which either closed or were purchased and relocated, and tons of proshops. Maybe its just NJ, and we dont get them here - but they cant expect people to buy what they dont see - out of sight out of mind