What’s new? How much does it cost? And, what are the performance gains? Max McVittie brings you the lowdown on the new Odyssey Ai-Dual putters
Odyssey recently celebrated the 25th year of being the number one putter across the global tours. For over 25 years the brand has had more putters in play in the professional game than any other brand, impressive stuff.
But it is the present and future we are more interested in. The brand say they are focusing on a number of key areas, including insert innovation, zero torque, alignment and fitting.
With this they have released the new Ai-Dual and Ai-Dual Square 2 Square Putters. The new line-ups are designed to take the inconsistencies out of putting.
They also appeal to a wide range of golfers. There are more traditional looking putters available as well as more forgiving ones that have a certain sci-fi look to them.
So, let’s take a look at the technology by these new putters from the number one putter brand on tour…
Odyssey Ai-Dual Putters: The Technology
Every putter in both families features Odyssey’s new Ai-DUAL Insert, which was developed using artificial intelligence to optimise performance across the face.
The insert uses a dual-layer urethane construction, combining a soft outer layer for improved sound and feel with a firmer inner layer that helps maintain ball speed on off-centre strikes.
The purpose of this construction is to help deliver more consistent distance control. It also enables an enhanced forward roll on putts struck high, low, or toward the heel or toe of the face.
Odyssey believe the result is a noticeably smoother roll and a premium feel at impact that benefits golfers of all skill levels.
Additionally, both putter lines are equipped with Odyssey’s new Forward Roll Design (FRD) groove. This groove design is deeper and more aggressive than previous Odyssey grooves and features a 19-degree slope.
All golfers will be aware of the feeling of watching your golf ball skid of your putter face. Well this new Odyssey face works with the dual insert to stop that from happening.
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It instead works to encourage the golf ball to roll forward quicker. This helps golfers unlock better control and accuracy on the greens.
Odyssey Ai-Dual 1/2 Ball Putters: The Breakdown
The standard Ai-Dual model putters may appeal to golfers who prefer their putters to have a more traditional look to them.
One of the standout features of this putter range is the 1/2 ball alignment option. It represents Odyssey’s latest evolution in alignment technology.
The design aims to visually frame the golf ball at address, with a view to, of course, helping golfers improve their aim on the putting greens. It does this by helping to golfers to find the centre of the putter face more frequently for a cleaner strike.
Ai-DUAL putters in standard lengths are equipped with the SL 90 shaft, which is a lightweight steel shaft that includes between 20 and 30 grams of counterbalance weight in the butt end.
Odyssey’s testing revealed that this configuration is optimal in encouraging a ore consistent and repeatable putting stroke.
For those who prefer a heavier and more stable putter, Crusier options are also available as part of this range. They feature heavier heads, a longer and heavier SL 140 shaft, and an extended 17-inch grip.
Ai-Dual Square 2 Square Putters: The Breakdown
Zero Torque putters have caught fire over the past few years, with more and more tour players putting them in their bags. The Ai-DUAL Square 2 Square putters are Odyssey’s latest version of them.
These putters are designed with a canter-shafted construction that positions the shaft directly underneath the putter’s centre of gravity plane.
This design promotes the opposite of what a traditional does as it causes the putter to naturally rest with the toe pointing upward. More orthodox putters are equipped with with toe hang designs.
Each Square 2 Square putter also features 2 degrees of built-in forward shaft lean. This forward press is preset into the design to place the golfer’s hands in a forward-press position.
This restrains golfers from opening up the putter face, which is usually what happens when golfers attempt to forward press on their own.
Additionally, a new reverse taper grip has been introduced for these putters. It aims to help offset 2° of shaft lean that these putters come with.
Odyssey believe this will result in a more comfortable set-up for golfers by getting the leading edge of the grip parallel to the leading edge of the putter.
