Scott Readman Concepts IKB2 Putter
I’ve been waiting for this putter for awhile and it’s finally here – the Scott Readman Concepts IKB2. Named after Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the IKB2 is Scott Readman’s interpretation of the iconic Anser 2 head shape with some small modifications to make it his own. Most impressively, each head is a one-piece milling out of 304 stainless steel that’s finished by hand in Bristol, England. True to SRC style, this putter model is available in both bespoke as well as SRC-original designs.
The Looks
While putter looks are highly subjective, the Scott Readman Concepts IKB2 looks absolutely perfect. Though a little less boxy than most #2 shapes, the IKB2 maintains a squared topline with straight shoulders and bumpers. Being each putter is finished by hand, you can easily request sharper or softer lines in the putter as well.
My favorite part of this putter, however, is the heel. When standing over the ball, there’s just something about how perfectly the heel sits behind the neck. The lines flow through the head perfectly and give you a strong sense of stability.
Additionally, there are a wide range of custom options for the IKB2. It seems like every time I talk to Scott Readman, they have a new finish. You can also choose to add a pocket inlay if that’s your style. Anything you can dream of from stamping to paint is a possibility giving you the ability to create a truly original one-of-kind putter based on a classic shape.
How Does it Feel?
First and foremost, the Scott Readman Concepts IKB2 putter is very well balanced and one of the smoothest stroking modern #2-style heads you’ll come across. The finished design comes in right around 360 grams. That’s about 10 grams heavier than standard modern blade putters, and up to 30 grams heavier than some. This makes the putter stabilize a bit more during the stroke.
To get the right feel at impact, Scott put a lot of focus on the face/topline thickness. One popular putter designer is notorious for ultra-thin toplines that leave you with a bad clicky feel. Scott wanted to make sure to avoid that. The IKB2 has a little meat on the topline to optimize the feel. It’s perfect. Not too thick, not too thin. In fact, Scott was so particular about this that he sent the first batch of heads back so he’d get the perfect thickness. The resulting feel is right in that “responsive, yet soft” sweetspot. Additionally, the medium fly-milled face milling makes a major contribution to that smooth feel. These two factors combine to make an extremely pure-feeling blade.
How Does it Sound?
I’m going to do my best to put an actual sound in your head to explain the Scott Readman Concepts IKB2 putter. If you click your tongue to make the standard “tick-tock” sound of a clock, the IKB2 makes the “tock” part of that sound. It’s a muted, understated tone that soothes your mind at impact. For a second, it leaves you 100% certain you just made your putt. Of course, if you’re me, then reality hits shortly thereafter. But, man, is it a great sound. Again, the face milling and topline thickness play a major role in getting this tone dialed in right where it needs to be.
On-Course Performance
As mentioned previously, the Scott Readman Concepts IKB2 is very well balanced. This is absolutely crucial in terms of performance. This balance makes putting a smooth stroke on the ball with good tempo that much easier. As a result, you have much better speed and distance control, and likely more accuracy.
Also, the IKB2 gives you a tremendous roll. Though this can often be aided by the putter’s loft, some putters roll early and true while others skid and settle into a roll. In the case of the IKB2, it just rolls the ball pure. It’s somewhere right between the two “types” of roll I just mentioned. As long as you make a decent putting stroke, the IKB2 puts a true roll on the ball at a perfect pace.
Final Thoughts – Scott Readman Concepts IKB2
I have had exactly four experiences with a putter in my hands where I went, “yep, there’s something special here.” Two of those have been Scott Readman Concepts putters – the IKB2 and the SWC. Though feel is mostly subjective, I find the IKB2 to be just about perfect. Pair that feel with an absolutely pure roll and it’s hard not to get excited about this putter. Though the #2 head shape isn’t new, the Scott Readman Concepts interpretation is a great modern take that should be considered by any putter enthusiast. Don’t forget, if you’re a real equipment junkie, there is an abundance of custom options to ensure your putter is true 1/1.
