Rife Two Bar putter
How does it look behind the ball?
The Rife Two Bar putter is very much like other mallet designs such as the Odyssey 2-ball and Taylormade Spider from above, with a large alignment aid and "hybrid mallet" shape. The things is that the Rife is really the daddy of these other designs.
Visually the Rife Two Bar is easy on the eye in every way, and in addition sits squarely when flat on the ground without much manipulation. There's nothing garish about the paintwork either - a common stainless steel finish with the two bars justifying the name of the putter and pointing you in the right direction.
How does it feel?
You get the feeling that the purpose of the Rife Two Bar's design was to make setting up to make easier for all types of player. Having said that, though, you may benefit more from its intricate adjustable weighting system if you're a lower handicapper. The idea of the weighting system is that you can alter the weight configuration in order to accommodate varying speeds of greens.It is also one of the best putters I've tried for making a stroke without involving the wrists. After hitting a few putts, you will soon notice that the natural centre of gravity makes it very easy to develop a even pendulum motion.
This gives it a very reassuring feel indeed.
How does it roll the ball?
The Two-bar range comes with 'roll groove technology', essentially meaning milled grooves designed to increase the grip on the golf ball and consequently reducing skidding. You will notice the sound off the face is a deliberate one too despite the putter having an insert. An advantage of this is of course knowing when you've hit a well-struck putt!
I found the effect of the Rife face technology similar to the Yes C-Groove face (perhaps not quite as good). Although the delivery of the ball did seem to be true and more forgiving than a regular milled face.
The Rife Two Bar Putter is great value for money in comparison to its mallet rivals. A new one at retail will set you back about $200, and you can get a pick up a used model for less than half that.
by Murray Rose
Senior Contributor
Not sure if a Rife Two Bar putter is for you? Click here for our article on choosing a putter to fit your stroke.
Others to consider:
TaylorMade Spider
Lots of hype when this putter launched, and pros who rely on their putters took a while to get used to the Spider, but now seem convincedOdyssey 2 Ball
The iconic putter of the 2000s - easy to aim, great feel
TaylorMade Monza The original, best Scotty Cameron... and thankfully not the most expensive. This is Tiger Woods' putter and if you can putt half as well as he does...
Odyssey #7 Used by some of the greatest putters in the game (Luke Donald, Ian Poulter), this is the classic high MOI mallet which Odyssey has had in every new putter family since the early 2000s.
Yes Natalie (C-Groove)
Futuristic design with amazing roll, super long aimline and nice ping sound!.Yes Donna (C-Groove)
Wide bodied anser-style head with the amazing C-Groove for a terrific roll.Ping Crazy E
One of the easiest putters to line up we've ever tested, but feel is hollowOdyssey Backstryke
One of the most revolutionary designs in putting. Love it or hate the look, the results are goodOdyssey Backstryke
One of the most revolutionary designs in putting. Love it or hate the look, the results are goodReturn to the Best-Putter.com homepage
