The stability of the putter is slightly decreased, but there is certainly an increase in the feel and response. So, I thought I would try to put the heavier 30 gram weight on the toe of the putter with the 5 gram on the heel. Though solid putters, I felt like the newer Rifes did not hold up as well compared to the old Rife putters. With the silver weights installed the putter becomes extremely easy to put a smooth stroke on, but there is a little loss in feel. Rest assured, the blue is not distracting. I would assume a 25g weight difference isn’t enough.
Thanks.Bill, thanks much for your comments on the Switchback XL putter.One final comment as I have now played 2 (18 hole) rounds with the Switchback XL and it will be staying in the bag for a while. The putter itself comes with a set of 5 gram blue weights and a set of 20 gram silver weights. I have been playing with the lighter blue weights. When the silver weights are installed, you’d never even guess the weights are attached by screws. I believe there are a lot of golfers out there that would find that in-between setting to be optimal.Bill, I just bought one of these because it had a very nice feel to it. Previous articles on this website will tell you that I have been a As mentioned, the bumpers of the Switchback putters are actually completely replaceable.
I have putted very well with it. I’ll discuss the direct effect in the next section, but just note, the feel does change with the weights.The biggest appeal to me in Rife putters over the years has been their ability to perform above all else. Personally, if I’m looking for toe hang, I’m going to go with a putter designed to have toe hang.Bill, an update……after looking at the putter covers in your article, it was obvious that the PGA Superstore gave me the wrong cover that included a 30 gram weight. I contacted Rife to see if I could get a mid-size or large pistol Rife grip but they stated that they do not have any, only larger Super Stroke grips. The weights and the flange line appear to flow seamlessly.My favorite aspects of my old Rife blades are how soft they sound and feel. By day, Bill is a technology manager living in the Chicago suburbs with his wife and kids. With this putter over just 2 rounds, it feels more natural, better rolling and the distances have been much better.The only part I do not like is the standard sized shaft on the putter. Though the loss is not massive, it’s notable. Previously, I had been playing with a 380 gram putter and the Rife felt just fine with those 5 gram weights. I have not sunk everything (I did sink some good ones) but it has been very stable and smooth rolling. The heavier silver weights bring the putter up to 380 grams and the blue weights bring the putter to 350 grams. The PGA Superstore did not know why. As mentioned, your best bet is to contact Rife through their website and see how they can advise you.We believe that golf is better when golfers are better informed.Our goal is to provide golfers with the best information through honest reviews, world-class instruction, and data-driven myth busting. The weights we got were 20g and that’s what Rife has listed.As far as the toe hang issue, I will say the hang is usually based on neck positions and significant weight distributions.
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There was a very good feeling with the roll of the ball coming off the head.I have been using a DART mallet putter but have had some trouble with longer putts with the inserts. The Rife Switchback 2 putter has a classic shape with excellent performance and a new ability to change weights with replaceable bumpers. Anyway, what I’m trying to say is that I now hold Rife putters to a very high standard. I went back and they found the correct cover with the 20 gram weight.However, my second question still stands and would like your thoughts. I have been playing with a larger grip to quiet the hands a bit and will probably have to install a larger non-Rife pistol grip. We are only an independent review website and we are based out of the US. Bill is a true golf gear nerd by definition who loves making custom club creations in his garage with tools like sledge hammers, blow torches, and his bare hands. Obviously the appearance changes quite a bit with the blue weights where you get an interesting pop of color.