Rife Barbados vs Ping Craz-e

slash77 · February 19, 2009

Has anybody tried both of these and have any comments? I want to go to a mallet and these are the two that I like the most from trying a bunch out at golf galaxy. How do they compare on long putts? Any comments or suggestions are appreciated.

stuway · February 19, 2009

I have tried both. I'm not a big ping guy so you know I'm keeping it real. I wanted to like the rife better, but couldn't. This is just my opinion, I don't think rife's have much feedback, especially on longer putts. Definately the ping. It hurts me say that. The rife is such a nice design.

Konklifer · February 19, 2009

Look, feel and distance control are far superior with the Barbados.

SetTheBarrHigh · February 19, 2009

Barbados all the way. I've tried the G2i and the G5i Craz-e's and liked the Rife a lot more.

PuttingDoctor · February 20, 2009

Also keep in mind that you have four options in the Barbados. You can go stainless or black, and you can choose from heel shafted or center shafted.

Depending upon your stroke you can pick what will give you the best advantage with RIFE. There is no contest when it comes to the quality of the roll.

I've been trying to switch to the black CS Barbados but the 2 Bar blade that came out of the tour shop with the custom Mike Kelly bend just wants to stay in the bag....

Good luck with your putter pick.

You can never have too many RIFE Putters!

Ronzo · February 20, 2009

Tried all the Ping Craz-E's and Rife' Barbados and 2-bar Hybrid. Rife Barbados fit me and my stroke best. I couldn't be happier with it.

slash77 · February 21, 2009

Thanks for all the opinions. I think I'm leaning towards the heel shafted barbados (stainless).

PuttingDoctor · February 22, 2009

The good news is that you should be able to find all the stainless Barbados putters marked down to $149.80 vs the old 179.00 price.

If your retailer has not yet marked them down tell them to call their sales rep.

All the Island Series stainless putters have this new lower price point going forward.

Mainlinegolfer · February 28, 2009

I tried the black Barbados yesterday and liked it a lot. It's one of the better looking mallets and was a little on the heavier side (which I liked). The 2009 models have the black finish; are there any other differences from previous models (e.g. weight) or is it just cosmetic? With the good deals available on the stainless model, I'm not sure it's worth it to get the "new" black finish.

PuttingDoctor · March 1, 2009

I tried the black Barbados yesterday and liked it a lot. It's one of the better looking mallets and was a little on the heavier side (which I liked). The 2009 models have the black finish; are there any other differences from previous models (e.g. weight) or is it just cosmetic? With the good deals available on the stainless model, I'm not sure it's worth it to get the "new" black finish.

Mainline, the difference while cosmetic is actually a little bit different in the face. Due to the clean up process after painting the face can be a little less sharp in the grooves and the feel / sound / roll has been said by some to be different.

FYI both stainless and black finish are in the 2009 lineup.

The new retail prices are $149.80 for stainless and $159.80 for black. If your retailer has higher prices ask them to call RIFE regarding the "make good" on the price reduction.

Mainlinegolfer · March 1, 2009

I tried the black Barbados yesterday and liked it a lot. It's one of the better looking mallets and was a little on the heavier side (which I liked). The 2009 models have the black finish; are there any other differences from previous models (e.g. weight) or is it just cosmetic? With the good deals available on the stainless model, I'm not sure it's worth it to get the "new" black finish.

Mainline, the difference while cosmetic is actually a little bit different in the face. Due to the clean up process after painting the face can be a little less sharp in the grooves and the feel / sound / roll has been said by some to be different.

FYI both stainless and black finish are in the 2009 lineup.

The new retail prices are $149.80 for stainless and $159.80 for black. If your retailer has higher prices ask them to call RIFE regarding the "make good" on the price reduction.

Thanks for the reply. I have since been to the website and seen that the stainless model is still offered. I think the reason why I assumed it was discontinued, frankly, was that one of my alternative "retailers', um, eBay, seems to have a plethera of new and used stainless models for sale at prices significantly south of $100-- hence, I assumed it was discontinued. I prefer the black finish aethetically but it's tempting to try to save some money when the putter is still on "trial".