Putters?! - Ping IN, Rife, Wilson Staff?

[NativeTxn]

So I'm looking for a new putter. I currently game a Cleveland Classic #1, and while I like it overall, I am just in the mood to try something new for a little bit. I thought I had narrowed it down to a few that were similar to the Odyssey #9 - Rife Abaco, W/S 8883, Cleveland Classic 2 (I even like the White Ice #9 . . . at times. At other times, I feel like the insert is too soft, which is one of the reasons I like the Rife, W/S, and Cleveland).

I like the milled/non-insert putters. And I like more of the blades/mid-mallets, as opposed to "true" mallets.

So, I was at the PGA Tour Superstore trying them out again, and the Cleveland felt a bit too light for my taste. I really liked the feel of the W/S 8883, and the Rife was pretty nice, as it has been the other times I've tried it. Of those three, I was leaning toward the W/S. I'd also tried the Rife Barbados, and while I liked the look (even for a mallet) and the feel, it just seemed a tad light and seemed like I was leaving a lot of putts short, especially the longer ones.

Anyway, I picked up the Ping IN D67 just to give it a try (I had tried the IN 1/2 Wack-E a few days ago, but I didn't really care for it too much). In any event, I ended up really liking the IN D67. Even though it has an insert in it, it felt much closer to a non-insert putter. It was definitely firmer than the Odysseys and some of the other insert putters.

I also decided to try the W/S 8884 and liked it a lot as well.

I also noticed that a times, with the Abaco, the 8883, and the Cleveland Classic 2, I seemed to almost be exaggerating an arc stroke for some reason (probably the least with the W/S and Rife). My natural stroke is slightly arced, but I've never felt like I exaggerated it like I did with these three. I didn't feel like I was exaggerating an arc with the D67 or the 8884.

So, now I'm more confused than I was before.

Has anyone had any experience with any of these putters - especially the Ping IN series - and could offer some thoughts/opinions (and of course I know that a putter is a personal thing more so than most any other club)?

Thanks in advance.

[clam fist]

I seem to favor the Wilson. I always go back to it.

[enis750]

i game the RIFE Abaco 34" and really like this thing (the weight of the 34" is better than the 35", feels heavier for some reason...i know makes no sense)
I was fitted for a heel shafted putter and also tried a lot of the putters you mentioned above
in the end the RIFE won and couldnt be happier
i dont dread the 1-3 footers anymore, all cup baby

but seriously, RIFE makes quality putters and the roll face technology is the real deal

[adamg]

I had a similar experience with the Ping iN. I don't like inserts, but I liked this putter a lot. I don't like the feel of an insert. I tend to have trouble controlling distance on long putts with an insert. With the Ping, I was very accurate with my distance. I found it as a good alternative to the Scotty Cameron which I loved the best but was out of my price range. Now if I could only find a putter that reads the green for me....

[andef]

I tried a Ping IN series putter and couldn't get past the odd sound and feel of it. Putting with my old driver gives the same sound at impact.