CLUB TYPE: Putter
MAKE: Bridgestone
MODEL: Ray Floyd RF-02 Mallet
LENGTH: 35″
CONDITION: Excellent (Original Condition)
WEIGHT: 360g
LIE ANGLE: 70°
SHAFT: Steel
LOFT: 3°
COST NEW: Estimated £135
This putter is in excellent original condition with minimal signs of use. The head, face, and sole are in fantastic shape, and the grip remains clean with only light wear.
No marks and immaculate at address.
The details below are the review given at the time of launch and not the opinions of the seller.
Bridgestone Ray Floyd RF-02 Mallet Putter – 35″ Review
The Bridgestone Ray Floyd RF-02 is a mallet putter that takes a simple, minimalist approach to performance. Designed in collaboration with Hall of Fame golfer Ray Floyd, it’s clear that this putter was made with input from someone who understands the value of clean lines and functional design.
Unlike many modern mallets, the RF-02 doesn’t rely on oversized heads or flashy alignment aids to stand out. Its half-circle head shape, paired with a single alignment dot, keeps things refreshingly simple. For golfers who appreciate understated elegance and solid performance, the RF-02 is an intriguing option.
First Impressions
At address, the RF-02 sets itself apart with its half-circle mallet head. The design avoids unnecessary bulk, making it feel lighter and more agile than many of its competitors. The lack of a flange gives the head a compact, rounded profile, while the single alignment dot on the crown keeps your focus firmly on the ball.
The black matte finish further enhances the clean look, reducing glare and offering a sharp contrast to the alignment dot. It’s a design that feels functional, purposeful, and player-focused.
Feel and Feedback
The RF-02 delivers a crisp yet soft feel, thanks to its milled stainless steel face. When you strike the sweet spot, the feedback is clear and satisfying without feeling harsh. The solid construction ensures that even on slightly off-centre hits, you’ll still get a consistent roll with minimal twisting.
Short putts feel incredibly precise, and the weight of the head makes it easy to maintain a steady stroke. On longer putts, the balance of the mallet head gives you the confidence to swing smoothly and focus on speed control.
For golfers transitioning from a blade to a mallet, the RF-02’s feedback and feel make the adjustment seamless.
Performance on the Greens
The RF-02 shines in its simplicity, delivering reliable results without overcomplicating things.
Stability and Forgiveness
The perimeter weighting within the half-circle design keeps the putter stable through impact. Even if you miss the centre of the face slightly, the head resists twisting, keeping your ball rolling on target.
Roll and Distance Control
The precision-milled face produces a smooth, consistent roll with minimal skidding. Whether you’re facing a long lag putt or a short downhill tester, the RF-02 helps you maintain control and confidence.
Alignment
The single alignment dot on the crown is simple but effective. It forces you to focus on the ball itself, making it easier to square the face and trust your stroke. For golfers who find lines and graphics distracting, this minimalist approach is a major plus.
Who Should Use the RF-02?
The RF-02 is a great option for golfers who want the stability and forgiveness of a mallet without the oversized look or feel. It’s particularly well-suited for:
- Mid-handicappers who need extra stability and forgiveness on longer putts.
- Low-handicappers who want precise feedback and control without sacrificing mallet benefits.
- Traditionalists who prefer clean, minimalist designs with no unnecessary distractions.
If you’re coming from a blade putter but want to explore the advantages of a mallet, the RF-02 is an excellent choice.
How Does It Compare?
While the RF-02 might not have the name recognition of some bigger brands, it delivers performance that can hold its own:
- Odyssey White Hot Pro Rossie: Offers a softer feel with its insert, but the RF-02’s milled face delivers better feedback and a more consistent roll.
- TaylorMade Spider Mini: The Spider Mini is larger and more forgiving, but the RF-02’s simplicity and compact design will appeal to golfers who don’t want bulk.
- Ping Vault 2.0 Ketsch: The Ketsch has more alignment features, but the RF-02’s dot and simple design are more intuitive for players who like a minimalist approach.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Compact, half-circle mallet design with a minimalist aesthetic.
- Single alignment dot simplifies setup without distractions.
- Milled stainless steel face provides excellent feedback and roll consistency.
- Stable and forgiving, even on off-centre strikes.
- Durable black matte finish reduces glare and adds to the clean look.
Cons:
- Not as forgiving as high-MOI mallets with larger heads.
- Lacks advanced alignment features for players who need extra help.
- Limited availability makes it harder to find compared to mainstream brands.
Final Verdict
The Bridgestone Ray Floyd RF-02 is a putter for golfers who appreciate the art of simplicity. With its clean, half-circle design and a focus on stability, feel, and performance, it offers everything you need and nothing you don’t.
This particular RF-02 is in its original condition and has been well-maintained, making it an excellent example of this rare mallet putter. If you’re a golfer who values minimalist designs with maximum performance, the RF-02 is a standout option.
Whether you’re looking to improve your consistency on the greens or simply want a classic mallet putter that performs without gimmicks, the RF-02 deserves serious consideration.
Sources:
- Golf Monthly: “Ray Floyd RF-02: A Closer Look at Bridgestone’s Underrated Mallet”.
- Plugged In Golf: “Clean Design, Big Results: Bridgestone RF-02”.
- GolfWRX: “Minimalist Mallets That Work”.
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