Bionik White Nano Putter Review

Hireko Bionik Nano Blade in White

Hireko Bionik Nano Mallet in White

Among golf designers and stylists these days, it seems that white is—so to speak—the new black. TaylorMade released a white Rossa putter earlier in 2010, then Cobra followed up with a white Ian Poulter Driver. TaylorMade since has released its own white driver.

Behind these fashion statements is apparently a bit of research which indicates that a white finish can actually improve alignment and help with hand-eye coordination. But to find out if it actually works would be expensive. To that end, I’ve actually thought about taking a can of Krylon to an old putter to see if there’s anything to it.

Thank heavens I didn’t take that trip to the hardware store. Arriving in the main for me to try right before Christmas was a pair of white putters from Hireko: a Bionik Nano blade and a Bionik Nano mallet.

Unfortunately, the ground here in Michigan is frozen and covered with the evil white stuff, so I can’t try them on a real putting surface. Luckily, however, I’ve found that the carpet at GolfBlogger World Headquarters is a pretty acceptable substitute. So with the caveat that I’m practicing on polyester and not grass, here are a few impressions.

The designs of these two putters are what you now could call “classic.” The blade looks just like any of thousands of Ping imitators. The mallet reminds me of an old Carbite model that I own.  As you can see from the photo, it’s really not much larger than the blade.

Both models have a nice balance and heft. Using my “spare” Scotty Cameron as a baseline (my regular flatstick is a Heavy Putter center-shafted mallet), I thought they were right in line with the characteristics of that premium putter, if a little lighter in the head (I haven’t weighted my Cameron’s head and I’m not about to take it off to do so.). From address, both seem properly aligned.

Putting about, I found the two to be accurate in both direction and distance. It took about fifteen minutes of adjustment to get used to the lighter feel, but once I got going, I was knocking them into the auto-returner one right after another.

The bodies of these putters are zinc, with a milled aluminum face insert. Zinc isn’t up to the pounding that a steel putter will take, so don’t get angry and fling it about. The white finish appears to be some sort of baked on enamel finish. The color surely will hold up to typical use.

Fit and finish on both putters was very good. The grips were properly installed and aligned. There was none of the epoxy residue on the hosel that would indicate less than attentive manufacture. I’m very particular, and I could not have done better.

The best part about these putters is their price: $27.95 assembled. You also can get just the head for $9.95. Hireko Golf’s got a 60 Day satisfaction policy, so there’s little to lose by giving these a try.