Odyssey Black quick review

[ualtim]

I was going over my pictures and realized I forgot a couple of reviews from the show. I was wandering by the Callway area and noticed a couple of glass fronted cases with some putters inside. Inside the case were a series of Odyssey putters of which I was unfamilar. They are called Odyssey Black. I was unable to flag down one of the Callaway reps as they were busy all 3 days taking orders (both Callway and Taylor made must have made a mint as their reps were constantly taking orders) so I could not get a lot of inside information on the new putter series.

The putters are beautiful. A nice metal insert in the face versus the traditional soft composite/polymer inserts that made Odyssey famous. Traditional shapes in the initial product offerings so your not looking at a 3-ball Black just yet. Every putter is bi-metalic with heavier tungsten makeing up the back portion of the club head to increase the MOI of the non-MOI friendly traditonal shapes and to increased head weight without resorting to the extended club heads. The grip is similar to the latest Red Winn grips but done in a stunning black and white almost tuxedo like appearance. Stunning.

I did not hit one right away as I had my hands full trying to get some photos, but I asked two clubs pros that were trying out some other Odyssey putters if they had tried the black yet. They each grabbed a black and started putting around. They were both impressed with the styling but found that the insert was harder than the tradional Odyssey putter they were used to and were concearned on what the retail price on the model line would come out at. Pictures taken, I grabbed one and started putting the face to the ball. Personally, I like the feel as it felt more like the steel faced clubs I have been using. Good balance in the hands, but I could not get comfortable over the ball as there were only 35 inch models to putt with and I prefer the 33 inch. The ball rolled well off the face and the feedback on impact was better than the other Odyssey models I have used or tried in the past inlcuding the XG-7.

If I had to buy an Odyssey putter, this would probably be the one I would buy if they decide to prduce them in 33 inch lengths. It may be a bit too hard for those golfers who prefer the tradional soft Odyssey faces, but have no fear they make a ton of those and they are always expanding the line. I feel that this putter is aimed toward those using some other higher end putters such as Camerons, Bettinardis, or similar steel faced putters. It will be intersting to see the retail price point on these when they hit the stores.

[ualtim]

I just check Edwin Watts, they have them for $249 in 33, 34, and 35 in Right and left handed models.

[ManchesterGolfer]

These look nice, Charlie Howell III is using one of these instead of that Tri-Ball thing he had last year. I'd not seen any pics of them until now and I must admit they look sweet I think I'll add it to my Hoing list.

[ualtim]

Originally Posted by ManchesterGolfer

These look nice, Charlie Howell III is using one of these instead of that Tri-Ball thing he had last year. I'd not seen any pics of them until now and I must admit they look sweet I think I'll add it to my Hoing list.

They also match your Tux in your Avatar.

They did have some nice feel to them compared to the standard line up, for my putting style. I jut wish they had (or more like it, had one that I could find on their putting green) one in 33" so I could have given it a full run through. The glass doored cases were a nice touch, too. It drew my attention to them immediately.