Pics: New Rife IBF Aussie Black Tour Edition

Ran over to PGA Superstore the other day after reading here they were the first to receive the new Rife IBF and Hybrid. I've previously owned the Limited 500pcs Aussie, a Tour Aussie, and the Flag Sole retail model. The black looks great, and the roll and feel is most akin to the Limited Aussie. The Tour Aussie was "buzzy" and the retail seemed to lack the heft, balance, and milling of the Limited release. The IBF has more auditory feedback than the current Antigua and Martinique, which to me feel mushy and vague. Those who are fond of putters with sound-slots should get along nicely with the IBF.

Man, that is a beast putter. Love the black finish.

There's nothing wrong with that one. Very clean.

wow, very impressive looking putter. any idea what the head weight is on that one? and is that a limited run?

Hmmm... I really like the black finish. I think I just discovered my winter project... sending mine to BOS!

Anybody else hit this putter yet? I would love to hear feedback on it. Currently debating between this, 2 bar mallet, seemore, or some other putter.

that looks awesome.

How durable do you think the finish will be? I have always heard that it is hard to put the Black Oxide finish on stainless steel. I wonder if that will eventually begin to wear away.

Is that even a black oxide finish?

It looks like black zinc plating or something, similar to what Gauge/Whitlam use.

It's not Black Oxide, and you're right it's more of a plated finish with a fine pebble to it up close. The few times that I used it from the fringe with a dirty ball, the finish on the grooves did nick in a few places revealing the bare metal underneath. Small nicks- but it could bother a few people.

I'm surprised nobody mentioned the notch cut into the topline. That'd bother me enough to not own it. Nice look though.

[quote name='ckay' post='842354' date='Dec 30 2007, 02:06 PM']I'm surprised nobody mentioned the notch cut into the topline. That'd bother me enough to not own it. Nice look though.[/quote]
Isn't that part of Rife's design? If you can see the sightline through the notch... lie is A-OK.

jOnpeterson, you are correct sir. man is that a good looking putter, wish they would do the cayman in that with a santefe neck.

Nice clean putter, what is the headweight?????

[quote name='j0npeterson' post='842362' date='Dec 30 2007, 05:12 PM'][quote name='ckay' post='842354' date='Dec 30 2007, 02:06 PM']I'm surprised nobody mentioned the notch cut into the topline. That'd bother me enough to not own it. Nice look though.[/quote]
Isn't that part of Rife's design? If you can see the sightline through the notch... lie is A-OK.
[/quote]
So a gimmick, in other words?

[quote name='BEND OF THE RIVER GC' post='842469' date='Dec 30 2007, 06:35 PM']Nice clean putter, what is the headweight?????[/quote]

I was told by someone at Rife 347 grams. It does have a nice weight and balance to it.

I'm liking this putter more and more after about 2 weeks of use. The black finish seems durable and the feel is really good. My only complaint is the gold paintfill on the sole "Rife" logo rubbed off within the first couple hours of practice putting LOL. That made me worried at first but overall the putter has been great.

[quote name='ckay' post='842500' date='Dec 30 2007, 03:54 PM'][quote name='j0npeterson' post='842362' date='Dec 30 2007, 05:12 PM'][quote name='ckay' post='842354' date='Dec 30 2007, 02:06 PM']I'm surprised nobody mentioned the notch cut into the topline. That'd bother me enough to not own it. Nice look though.[/quote]
Isn't that part of Rife's design? If you can see the sightline through the notch... lie is A-OK.
[/quote]
So a gimmick, in other words?
[/quote]
well... personally, i don't think so. i can see the purpose behind it...

It's a great looking finish on a great putter.
Make good use of it.

[quote name='j0npeterson' post='842583' date='Dec 31 2007, 01:59 PM'][quote name='ckay' post='842500' date='Dec 30 2007, 03:54 PM'][quote name='j0npeterson' post='842362' date='Dec 30 2007, 05:12 PM'][quote name='ckay' post='842354' date='Dec 30 2007, 02:06 PM']I'm surprised nobody mentioned the notch cut into the topline. That'd bother me enough to not own it. Nice look though.[/quote]
Isn't that part of Rife's design? If you can see the sightline through the notch... lie is A-OK.
[/quote]
So a gimmick, in other words?
[/quote]
well... personally, i don't think so. i can see the purpose behind it...
[/quote]

the notch is genius, make sure that it lines up and pull the trigger, something else to think about besides misiing the putt!

What type of stroke is it designed for?

just picked this putter up this morning and played a round with it a few hours later and i absolutely love it... i chose this putter over the studio select newport 2, and i went into the store with my heart set on the studio select, i almost didn't even see the aussie in the corner but the black finish caught my eye. nice balance to it, love the feel and just LOVE the roll. the notch is absolutely genius, although after putting a full round with it i believe i'll have to adjust the lie a little flatter based on my stroke, but other than that it is perfect. my only gripe was with the grip. i actually like the feel and tackiness of it, but it just feels a little thin for me. but this is definitely a keeper.

Is the only difference between this 'IBF' version and the normal Aussie just the color? Im on their website and it doesnt mention anything....

I have a Rife putter and the notch is not a gimmick. One of the few putters that I know of that you can change the lie angle yourself. It works well for me. Was able to adjust the putter to 67 degree lie angle. With that adjustment I am able to putt very well with a Rife putter.

do you know if this putter comes in 33" and 350 head weight? I like the look of this putter.

Thanks

do you know if this putter comes in 33" and 350 head weight? I like the look of this putter.

 

 

Thanks

Im not usre on that one try emailing [email protected]

Not sure on the 33" in the UK its only 35" or 34" and the head is the same weight regardless also shows this on the USA site. So unless its custom made, would be nice though...

do you know if this putter comes in 33" and 350 head weight? I like the look of this putter.

 

 

Thanks

 

Im not usre on that one try emailing [email protected]

The head already weighs 345g. http://rifeputters.com/catalog/product_inf...?products_id=81

I'm sure that will do.

How much toe down is it?

Tried this version at the PGA SS last month, felt way too tinny to me. Surprised the heck out me, wanted to like it.

I'm surprised nobody mentioned the notch cut into the topline. That'd bother me enough to not own it. Nice look though.

Isn't that part of Rife's design? If you can see the sightline through the notch... lie is A-OK.

So a gimmick, in other words?

No more of a gimmick than any other sight dot or sight line. It is just another tool for aligning the putter, and it works.