Rife Putter

[toaster83]

So I was in a local golf shop today that I go to once in a while because it's a bit farther away, but has a different selection of clubs, balls, etc. than other places. While trying some other putters out, I noticed in the putting area a stand with some Rife putters, which I had never heard of before that point. I hit some balls with one, a 34" Martinique, and it felt amazing. Despite the fact that I generally don't like straight shafts, it didn't bother me on this putter, although the 34" shaft was noticeable. I definitely need a 35". It has grooves to promote a forward rolling ball (like Yes putters except the grooves go straight across), and I just got the best feel from it compared to everything else I tried today, including a couple Camerons, some Odysseys, and a few Yes putters (my favorite being the Callie-f).

Does anybody own a Rife putter and has for a period of time who can attest to them? It felt great in a store on an indoor mat, but how does it feel on real grass? Also, it doesn't seem to be a current model as its relatively difficult to find online. Amazon is the only reputable place I've found one in stock. Does anybody know anywhere else I could find one since I need a 35".

[Ollie56]

Hi


I have heard that Rife are a good company. I think Justin Rose uses or has used a Rife before. (not sure)

[Jcp907]

I have a Rife Two Bar, and have had it for maybe six months. I love it! Don't hesitate if you like it. I don't recall exactly, but I believe mine is 35 inches with a 1 inch extension. I put a Winn grip on it. The two bar comes with a lie bender as well.

Jay

[LottaBalata]

I purchased a 2bar hybrid last year, cut about 4 to 6 strokes within 2 rounds. I purchased a 2bar blade (used) a little later in the year.

I picked both of mine up on Ebay, got the hybrid new for about $30 less than on the site or in a store. Came with the weight set, headcover and bending tool. No reason to fear Ebay for me.

The Rifes are def. awesome. Probably mostly used on the Champions Tour.

[Neil]

I had a similar experience trying a Rife in shop two weeks ago - Antigua model - I thought the feel was brilliant.

I play with a guy quite regularly who uses the 2bar and really likes it. Justin Rose also uses one.

I'm currently happy with my PingZing2 but if I look to change Rife are up near the top of my list!

[Titleist Man]

If you cant find a 35 you can always get it extended.

[Kcas77]

Buy the rife they roll so perfectly

[toaster83]

Thanks for the input guys! I'm not too interested in the 2 bar putters since I like the basic blade with no weight behind it. With any mallet or blade with weight behind it, my stroke immediately becomes much less consistent and reliable.

After doing some research online, I went back and tried the Cayman today and loved it as well. The toe weighting felt great, my stroke felt solid, and the feel was just as last time. However, I don't think I can bring myself to pull the trigger on a $180 putter right now since I already have a pretty nice one that I didn't get too long ago. As my game improves, and I plan on improving it a lot this year, I'll definitely be keeping that Rife Cayman in mind (since I doubt I'll be able to find the Martinique new later on and I don't get used clubs as a rule).

Out of curiosity and since I didn't know it was possible, how does a shaft extension work? Does it have any negative effects to the shaft? I definitely use that last inch on my putter shaft, so I wouldn't want to do that if it would feel different or otherwise impact the shaft.

[Jcp907]

  toaster83 said:

Out of curiosity and since I didn't know it was possible, how does a shaft extension work? Does it have any negative effects to the shaft? I definitely use that last inch on my putter shaft, so I wouldn't want to do that if it would feel different or otherwise impact the shaft.

They remove the grip, epoxy an extension in there, and replace the grip. I would never know there was an extender in there if they didn't tell me that was how they did it. Figure that the Hosel is epoxied on the other end, and it holds just fine.

[KwSipp]

I use the Barbados model and love it just feels better to me than the 2bar because is all metal design I dont like the face insert to much on the 2bar but there all really good and the "roll-groove"tech is very noticable when you get on a green with alot of dew on it just watch the line the ball leaves youll be amazed on how it doesnt skip so much like alot of putters deff a convidence booster.