Putter Head
Putter Head Why is the head of a driver different from a putter? I mean like, roundish head vs. squarish? Why is the head of a driver round and the putter rectangular? How does it affect game pla...
Putter Head
Odyssey White Steel And Dual Force Putters
This article will discuss two product lines of putters from Odyssey, the White Steel and Dual Force putter lines.
White Steel
The White Steel product line consists of 8 different putters broken down into two general classifications, the core models, which are based on traditional blade and mallet putter designs, and the Progressive models, which use more modern techniques for weight distribution and alignment aids.
The common denominator of the White Steel putter line is the putter face. There are two inserts in the putter face, one is a light urethane insert that is also used in the White Hot line of putters. This insert is rather large and takes up a fair amount of the putter face. The material is light and provides for a soft feel at impact. This light material in the face means that there is more weight to the rear of the putter head and this places the CG (center of gravity) of the putter head farther back and also helps improve the MOI (moment of inertia). With a higher MOI the putter head will not twist as much on off-center hits, and this improves accuracy. A second insert of milled stainless steel is placed over the larger urethane insert. This insert is machine milled and has a consistent flat surface which improves the roll of the ball. It also has a pleasing sound, which also improves the overall "feel" of the putter. This line of putters also features a two-line alignment system, and the putters come with an anatomical grip which adds to the overall soft feel.
There are 3 putters currently offered in the core product line, and these are called White Steel no.1, no. 5, and Rossie models. The White Steel no. 1 putter is a blade style which has a full-shaft offset. The White Steel no. 5 putter is a mallet style with a double bended shaft that gives a one-shaft offset. The White Steel Rossie is also a mallet putter with a one-shaft offset. All these putters have an MSRP of $119 and all the White Steel features described above, the double insert putter face, the two-line alignment feature, and an Odyssey Red Twirl Grip produced by Winn Grips, are included.
In the Progressive product line there are three types of 2-Ball putters. The White Steel 2-Ball has the White Steel features along with 2-Ball alignment. This club retails for $169. The White Steel 2-Ball Mid has a mid-length shaft and retails for $235. The White Steel 2-Ball Blade 2 is a 2-Ball putter that has more of a blade shape on the heel and toe areas, and of course it has the 2-Ball alignment in the middle. The Odyssey web site did not have a sales page for this club on the normal link one clicks to see the price and place an order. Either they are out of stock or they have an incorrect link on the site- I suspect the latter. In any case no price is given for this putter.
There are two putters offered with SRT (Saturn Ring Technology), a 3-Ball and a 2-Ball design. A semicircular ring of metal is on the back side of the putters. This configuration must have a very high MOI, so these would be great putters for golfers who have trouble consistently hitting putts solidly on the sweet spot. The White Steel Tri Ball SRT putter retails for $199, and the White Steel 2-Ball SRT putter sells for $189. Once again, all the White Steel product line features are on these clubs as well.
Dual Force Odyssey Golf Putters
The Dual Force 2 is an improved version of the classic putter that revolutionized putter design with the use of inserts on the putter face. In the new version the insert is called a Stronomic insert. The MOI of these putters has been increased as well. There are three putters available in this family, and these have the same forms as the ones in the White Steel core family, that is, no. 1, no. 5, and Rossie versions. As stated earlier, the No. 1 putter is a blade style design while the no. 5 and Rossie putters are mallet-style. They all have a one-shaft offset, and they each retail for $89, so these have the lowest prices of any putters in the Odyssey family.
About the Author
Walt Ballenberger is a life-long golfer and founder of
Golf Putters
, a resource site for golfers. For a Free Report entitled "Make More Putts Using Balanced Golf Balls" visit
Golf Putters