Best Blade options? Ala 8802 ~ Napa

[MG 1977]

Post some pictures of your blade!

I love simple blade putters although in recent times have strayed away from them. I'm ready to pull the trigger on a new one but not sure which too get. I don't want to break the bank so a Scotty is out of the question. What do you play, lets see some pictures of these stunning putters and a short review of how it rolls the ball.


I demo'd a Yes! Morgan on saturday, great putter but at £235 I won't be gaming one. Anybody gamed the Rife or Bettinardi BC7 Blades?

[WichitaDuffer]

If your not looking to break the bank, I believe the Betti and Rife would be up there in the same price range as that Yes! putter you looked at. If you want a milled putter that has a great feeling to it that can be had on the cheap look into the Cleveland Classics line or the Wilson 88 series. Both have a great feel and are relatively inexpensive.

[avgjoe]

I have a bimini, 8882 and BC7... slightly different shapes on all.

[MG 1977]

£235 is more than Scotty Cameron's are here in the UK. I'm looking to get something 2nd hand the BC7 would be top of the list but I've never seen one over here. The new Wilson looks nice apart from the width of the sight line and the chunky grip but a great looking putter at a good price. What number Cleveland classic is a Blade? I've seen the heel shafted mallet but never seen a bladed one.

[MG 1977]

[quote name='avgjoe' timestamp='1289220665' post='2779903']
I have a bimini, 8882 and BC7... slightly different shapes on all.
[/quote]

Which do you prefer? How do they play. Can you post a picture of all 3 together from address to show the differences,

Thanks Paul.

[WichitaDuffer]

[quote name='MG 1977' timestamp='1289221274' post='2779906']
£235 is more than Scotty Cameron's are here in the UK. I'm looking to get something 2nd hand the BC7 would be top of the list but I've never seen one over here. The new Wilson looks nice apart from the width of the sight line and the chunky grip but a great looking putter at a good price. What number Cleveland classic is a Blade? I've seen the heel shafted mallet but never seen a bladed one.
[/quote]

My apologies, Cleveland doesn't make anything but an anser style blade currently and a couple of mallets.

[joekelli]

I have not used one but the Wilson 8882 looks awesome and it will not break the bank!

 

 

 

Look at this thread http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/topic/314250-im-dying-to-get-my-hands-on-a-wilson-8882-putter/

 

[stage1350]

The only truly cost prohibitive models are the Camerons, DASS Bettinardis, TP Mills handmades, and the original Wilson Designed by Arnold Palmer.

For $400 or less, you can buy a heck of a good putter.

In carbon steel, the Bettinardi BC-7 is probably the best deal. FIT face technology, 100% milled, and your choice of headweights.

In stainless, the value option is the Rife Bimini. But for performance, the Byron Designed by Captain Morgan with MP finish is stunning.

If you like inserts, get a Tad Moore Barn Find or Tour Classic. The Barn Find is the best collector's option at $250 and is limited to 50 pieces. The Tour Classic is an older model with a 99.5% copper insert. Very soft with excellent performance.

[avgjoe]

Barn Finds are gone, altho more have been found... the Tour Classic is essentially the same head w/ different insert and is very soft and looks more like the BC7 (and TD42). the Bimini looks more like a Geo low or Yes nicky to me, and the Wilson has a longer blade and is not really reminiscent of the older styles. they are all fine putters, slightly different, and preference will depend on your personal taste for look and feel

[dawgcpa]

I've had a lot of the modestly priced ones such as Tad Moore, Giannini, and Teardrop. This one is my favorite. It is made by Gene Nead. I took these photos as a comparison with one of Gene's prototype designs. I like the wider look of his 8802. He does nice work. I think they are in the 3-400 range depending on what you want.
[attachment=680992:Shebet+11.jpg]
[attachment=680993:Shebet+13.jpg]
[attachment=680991:Shebet+12.jpg]
[attachment=680994:Shebet+15.jpg]
[attachment=680995:Shebet+16.jpg]

[herd8497]

For me it is the Palombi 421

[dawgcpa]

[quote name='herd8497' timestamp='1289234994' post='2780160']
For me it is the Palombi 421
[/quote]

That is a sweet putter. What is the headweight on it?

[nitram]

Odyssey #9 although I prefer the BC-7.

[MG 1977]

It's a true heel shafted blade I'm after. The #9 is nice but it's a heel shafted mallet. I believe that Odyssey are bringing a couple of heel shafted blades out this year so i may have to wait until the 2nd hand one's hit the bay.

[dpark]

I try out just about every non-boutique 8802 style putter I can, and have recently tried the Rife Bimini, Bettinardi BC7. Kept the Bimini, but sold the BC7. The Rife was a tad heavy, but had good feel. The BC7 felt terrible to me, no feedback at all.

Haven't done the Tad Moore Barn Find, but I have a custom handstamped one from him that is pretty sweet-feeling. Wasn't sure if I wanted to deal with an insert so I never pulled the trigger on one.

I passed on the Byrons because they headweights are so heavy, I don't like anything over 330g and prefer ones that are even under 320g. Also bought a Slighter. Great looking putter but for whatever reason, couldn't make anything with it so I sold it.

Haven't gotten a 8882 yet, but the sightline just kills it for me so I probably won't bother with it, same with the new Odyssey PM putter. However the 325g headweight may tempt me...

Its hard to beat the Classic Napa from 1995, IMO the best incarnation of the 8802/DBAP, but they are pricey...

If you are looking for a "deal" check around for an older Cleveland Designed By putter. Easily under $100 and sometimes as low as $25 even in decent shape. They are older styles and as such have lighter headweights. I have 5 different ones and they swingweight from C6 to D4. All over the map. Those models IMHO have the closest look/shape/feel to the original DBAB or 8802.

[varsityhacker]

The new Odyseey PT 82 is a great putter with a great insert. At first I wasn't sure about the site line but, now I like it a lot as it really helps me to line up the putter.

dpark you should check one out.

[dpark]

[quote name='varsityhacker' timestamp='1289245402' post='2780445']
The new Odyseey PT 82 is a great putter with a great insert. At first I wasn't sure about the site line but, now I like it a lot as it really helps me to line up the putter.

dpark you should check one out.
[/quote]

Have owned two insert putters: Odyssey White Hot #8 and Bettinardi BB2 with the copper insert. Sold the BB2. Only reason I still have the Odyssey is that it isn't worth squat and isn't worth the trouble to sell it.

In both cases, the problem I have with inserts is that they don't react the way I want on both long and short putts. I feel that they sacrifice feel in one or the other situations. If I run across at PT82, I'll certainly give it a try but for $300+ I am not going to go out of my way to pick one up.

The PT82 headweight is what really appeals to me. So many putter brands are going to the 350g heads. Kills all the feel IMO.

[avgjoe]

[quote name='dpark' timestamp='1289244879' post='2780427']
I try out just about every non-boutique 8802 style putter I can, and have recently tried the Rife Bimini, Bettinardi BC7. Kept the Bimini, but sold the BC7. The Rife was a tad heavy, but had good feel. The BC7 felt terrible to me, no feedback at all.

Haven't done the Tad Moore Barn Find, but I have a custom handstamped one from him that is pretty sweet-feeling. Wasn't sure if I wanted to deal with an insert so I never pulled the trigger on one.

I passed on the Byrons because they headweights are so heavy, I don't like anything over 330g and prefer ones that are even under 320g. Also bought a Slighter. Great looking putter but for whatever reason, couldn't make anything with it so I sold it.

Haven't gotten a 8882 yet, but the sightline just kills it for me so I probably won't bother with it, same with the new Odyssey PM putter. However the 325g headweight may tempt me...

Its hard to beat the Classic Napa from 1995, IMO the best incarnation of the 8802/DBAP, but they are pricey...

If you are looking for a "deal" check around for an older Cleveland Designed By putter. Easily under $100 and sometimes as low as $25 even in decent shape. They are older styles and as such have lighter headweights. I have 5 different ones and they swingweight from C6 to D4. All over the map. Those models IMHO have the closest look/shape/feel to the original DBAB or 8802.
[/quote]




the bimini is heavy? I think it's on the light side, at 330gm... the 8882 is 337gm but that sight mark isn't even on the sweet spot. to me it has a harder feel, more of a pop. haven't spent much time w/ the BC7 yet, but I wouldn't say it has terrible feel... are you using the spongy stock winn grip? hate those things, no idea why they are so popular and have pretty much become the standard oem grip

[varsityhacker]

[quote name='dpark' timestamp='1289246476' post='2780492']
[quote name='varsityhacker' timestamp='1289245402' post='2780445']
The new Odyseey PT 82 is a great putter with a great insert. At first I wasn't sure about the site line but, now I like it a lot as it really helps me to line up the putter.

dpark you should check one out.
[/quote]

Have owned two insert putters: Odyssey White Hot #8 and Bettinardi BB2 with the copper insert. Sold the BB2. Only reason I still have the Odyssey is that it isn't worth squat and isn't worth the trouble to sell it.

In both cases, the problem I have with inserts is that they don't react the way I want on both long and short putts. I feel that they sacrifice feel in one or the other situations. If I run across at PT82, I'll certainly give it a try but for $300+ I am not going to go out of my way to pick one up.

The PT82 headweight is what really appeals to me. So many putter brands are going to the 350g heads. Kills all the feel IMO.
[/quote]

So far my putts have all come off the insert with a great feel no dead spots or weird distance issues, the insert on the PT 82 is more solid feeling then the other White Ice inserts. It might be due to the tungsten weight that is behind the insert firms it up a bit. Any way I like it and plan on gaming it for sometime.

Speaking of weight. I thought I would not like the weight as I usually have my putters on the heavy side over 350g and had planned on adding lead tape to the bottom but have found the weight to be very balanced for the head so I have left it as is.

[avgjoe]

[quote name='varsityhacker' timestamp='1289252436' post='2780669']
Speaking of weight. I thought I would not like the weight as I usually have my putters on the heavy side over 350g and had planned on adding lead tape to the bottom but have found the weight to be very balanced for the head so I have left it as is.
[/quote]




I agree... for these heads it seems to me that heavier is not nec better. have tried a couple of 355gm heads and they felt too heavy

[onlyhogans]

If you want a cheap one that is a little lighter, search Prairie Golf on ebay, they usually have some pretty cheap ones tht are made of copper, and they usually have one that is made fo brass also. Although they are not a well known company they are great putters

[drewspin]

If you are a blade lover, I'd say there is still nothing that beats the feel of a classic fat-paddle leather wrap Wilson Arnold Palmer/DBAP/ or 8802 with an original Head Speed shaft.

The combination of the shaft, grip & underlisting, the offset, the plating and the headshape and weight make these the gold standard of blade putters (for almost 50 years).

Compared to the countless hundreds of thousands of blades that followed, these still hold their own in feel and performance.

[bogeyjosh]

I can't putt with it, but here's my Bettinardi BB2 with a proto sole.
[attachment=681723:bb2sole.png]
[attachment=681722:BB2back.png]

[dpark]

[quote name='avgjoe' timestamp='1289247830' post='2780532']

the bimini is heavy? I think it's on the light side, at 330gm... the 8882 is 337gm but that sight mark isn't even on the sweet spot. to me it has a harder feel, more of a pop. haven't spent much time w/ the BC7 yet, but I wouldn't say it has terrible feel... are you using the spongy stock winn grip? hate those things, no idea why they are so popular and have pretty much become the standard oem grip
[/quote]

Yup. My Bimini is at D9. Don't know why, it is 35" and has the stock Rife grip.

[Smoothduffer]

I have a Wilson Staff 8882 ordered and should be here any day now and, i already game the 8883 so i know the 888 series are quality putters.A buddy of mine has had an 8882 for over a year and iv practiced with it alot and i have putted around with one at edwinn watts many times.The sweet spot has never been an issue that i have ever noticed it seems to be exactly where its supposed to be to me and you can get 1 for below $100 at many places .

[howeber]

Nead

[herd8497]

[quote name='dawgcpa' timestamp='1289235370' post='2780162']
[quote name='herd8497' timestamp='1289234994' post='2780160']
For me it is the Palombi 421
[/quote]

That is a sweet putter. What is the headweight on it?
[/quote]

I'm gonna say in the 320 g range.

[forrre]

here is mine.......

[lafayette7]

Theres a Rife Bimini in the for sale forum right now...............$50 a pretty good deal

[ws6]