Rife clubs are known for favouring performance over flashy aesthetics, with their designs having historically prioritised roll and forgiveness. With the release of the Black Edition range, and the Rife 007 in particular, Rife is putting style front and centre without sacrificing what matters most, performance. So, we took the 007 putter out to give it a go and see how good it really is. Here’s what we found in the Rife Black Edition 007 putter review…
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NCG SUMMARY
The Rife 007 Black Edition punches well above its weight, offering high-end aesthetics and tour-level technology at a distinctly mid-range price point. With an appealing stealthy look, enhanced forgiveness, and practical roll technology, it’s hard to ignore just how much performance Rife has packed into this putter. Whether you’re upgrading from an older model or simply seeking a new feel on the greens, the 007 is a serious contender. I think its Ideal for club golfers seeking a little extra forgiveness without spending a fortune.
PROS
- Fantastic value for money
- Soft face feel offers control on delicate putts
- Matte black finish enhances alignment and reduces glare
CONS
- Standard grip feels a little cheap compared to the rest of the build
Rife Black Edition 007 Putter Review: First Impressions
To kick things off, I think the Rife 007 Black Edition is a real visual step forward for the brand. Its all-black PVD plated finish lends a sleek, modern aesthetic that gives the putter a premium look. I like how the matte black body contrasts beautifully with a distinctive white alignment line, and in my experience testing it both adds to the visual appeal and practical alignment.
In hand, I thought the 007 felt solid and balanced. The soft face delivers a muted impact sound, particularly noticeable on longer putts. This might take a little adjusting to if you’re used to a firmer strike. That said, once I was dialed in, the feel on both short and long putts was very confidence-inspiring.
The only downside I initially came across was the grip. While the head and shaft components feel like they belong on a much more expensive club, the standard grip feels a touch low-rent by comparison. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s the one area where the putter’s value price shows.
NCG Verdict
Rife continues to champion practical performance tech with the 007. The fixed sole weights are cleverly positioned to increase forgiveness. This is to help stabilise the head through the stroke and minimises twisting on off-centre strikes. Useful for those of us who don’t necessarily strike the ball cleanly on every putt.
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Adding to that, the Roll Groove Technology across the face is another subtle but vital innovation. By encouraging a quicker forward roll, it reduces skid and bounce, with the ball staying its intended line, even on longer putts.
On the greens, it became clear to me that the Rife 007 Black Edition is a performer. My short putts felt incredibly stable, with the high contrast alignment helping greatly under pressure. On longer efforts, the soft face requires a bit of adjustment to get the speed dialed in, but the forgiveness offered by the higher MOI is tangible.
Miss-hits, which are unfortunately inevitable for most of us club golfers, still provide consistent performance. I found the distance control to be impressively forgiving, and once I adapted to the soft feel, lag putting was great.
Final Verdict
Overall, I think it brings together striking aesthetics, practical technology, and real-world forgiveness in a way that punches well above its weight.
Sure, you might want to upgrade the grip down the line, but that’s a small investment considering the overall quality on offer. With a range of models available in the Black Edition line-up to suit different preferences, it’s well worth a trip to American Golf to try one out.
Rife Black Edition 007 Putter Review: The Details
Available: Now
RRP: £149.00
More information: American Golf
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