TaylorMade TP Reserve B11 putter review
What’s new? How much does it cost? And how does it perform? Nicola Slater brings you the low down on the new TaylorMade TP Reserve B11 putter
2023 sees the launch of TaylorMade’s long-awaited brand-new line of fine-milled putters. The B11 is one of three blades in the new TP Reserve collection. I got my hands on one to test, and this is what I found…
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TaylorMade TP Reserve B11 putter review: NCG Summary
NCG SUMMARY
The TP Reserve B11 is a fine blend of art and science. The detailing on this putter is beautiful, and it almost feels too good to use.
When you do use it, it creates a pure feeling roll with soft contact and a unique sound.
Complete with a luxurious leather head cover with fleece lining. This putter really has a classy feel.
PROS
- A much loved classic shape
- Beautiful detailing
- Soft feel off the face
CONS
- No alignment aid on the top line
First Impressions
The B11 is the most traditional-looking blade in the new TP Reserve putter range. It shares the same head shape as the B13 model; however, it has an L-neck hosel, and the B13 has a shorter small slant style neck. TaylorMade has chosen to offer numerous neck options so people can get a club that best suits them and their stroke while still having flexibility on head choice.
TaylorMade have really dug into the details with this range. This particular head shape was influenced by the previous TaylorMade TP Juno putter. Due to TaylorMade tour feedback, it now has a longer blade length, and a narrower top line.
Even the L-neck hosel has been redesigned. It has a slightly shorter hosel bucket and increased radii on the edges, which essentially means the edges have more chamfer.
The new TP Reserve putters are milled from 303 stainless steel, and feel more art than science. Each putter is individually milled which takes around forty-five minutes for one engineer to complete, this is a very labour-intensive process to deliver the detail and finish you expect from this type of putter. Some of the detailing is so fine that you can’t actually see it with the human eye alone.
While the milling on the face may look similar to the grooves we see on other TaylorMade putters, it isn’t there for the purpose of improving ball roll. This milling is designed to control the sound and feel which certainly works as this putter felt extremely soft off the face.
NCG Review
I had the pleasure of attending the press release for the TP Reserve line at the stunning K Club, in Ireland. My first view at the B11 was on an artificial green, and I can only describe it as delivering one of the purest roles I have ever felt from a blade putter. Out on the course on the second day, I got the chance to fully immerse myself in using the B11.
I have predominantly used mallet putters, so it was a pleasant change to get my hands on a blade putter, especially one of such fine quality. Everything about the TP Reserve line screams luxury, from initially taking off a vintage-looking leather headcover that contains a soft fleece lining to the new Lampkin sink fit grip that has been vertically etched with TaylorMade.
As a milled putter, the feeling off of the face was quite soft. I enjoy a putter with a softer face and thoroughly enjoyed using this. For me, I found it a little different not having an alignment line on top line of the putter. However, that is very standard for a putter of this style.
TaylorMade has created a range of different putters throughout the years but the feel and look of the TP Reserve range is a whole different ball game. Unlike the TaylorMade Spider putter, the B11 provides a much softer feel of the face as there isn’t a face inserted in. With that said, there is a very solid feel as the head is made from one piece of material. The grooves are milled into the face at a specific depth aimed at creating the optimal sound. This unique crisp sound provides instant feedback from the stroke that you have just produced.
Overall, I think that the TP Reserve B11 is a beautiful-looking blade that has taken a great amount of time to perfect. The B11 does, however, come with a hefty price tag of £379, but for those blade lovers out there, this is absolutely a timeless-looking piece and certainly one worth getting your hands on.
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TaylorMade TP Reserve B11 putter review: The Details
Available: Now
RRP: £379
Shaft lengths: 33″, 34″ & 35″ (Right & Left Handed)
Shaft: KBS 120 Chrome stepless shaft
Grip: Black Lampkin Deep Etched Pistol
More information: TaylorMade Website
Nicola Slater
Nicola recently graduated from Stirling University where she studied Sports Studies, she wrote her dissertation on barriers to participation for women in golf.
Nicola plays her golf at Hickleton and she currently plays off +3. Having played for Yorkshire Ladies and has represented England at junior and senior level, she will soon be beginning her professional career on LETAS.
