Introduction
The #7 is a classic Odyssey shape that many other manufacturers have copied. Like the Jailbird, it lends itself perfectly to conversion to zero-torque. A shape that customers are very familiar with, in a brand they trust, and a new technology they may be curious about.
I applaud Odyssey for bringing a more cost-effective product to the zero-torque segment of the market, and I can see this head shape being very popular. Possibly even more so than the Jailbird.
First Impressions
With such a classic shape, this is an immediately comfortable putter. The modification required to accommodate the shaft position is minor and doesn’t alter the look in any detrimental way. The switch to a black shaft is a welcome change from the previous model, especially with this black head.
Like the previous Jailbird review, the immediate big miss for me is the new S2S grip. I really don’t like the shape or how it kills my feel in the swing.
Specs (as tested)
Total weight: 580g
Head weight: 360g
Swing weight: F3 (influence of longer shaft vs Jailbird)
Length: 35”
Loft: 3°
Lie: 72°
Toe Hang: Zero-Torque
Grip: Odyssey S2S Press
There are no customisation options other than length. At this price, that’s an acceptable compromise.
Protocol Snapshot (How I Tested It)
Surface: The Eden green at the St Andrews Links Academy
Conditions: A bright, but cold, February day. The green was slow, but it was rolling nicely.
Make Test: 6 putts x 3 reps from 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 ft
Lag Test: 40 ft to 3 ft - uphill and downhill - run once
Start Line: Gate drill (two tees at 18 inches ahead, gate only just wider than a ball)
Benchmark: My SeeMore Nashville mFGP
Full testing framework: HERE
How did it perform?
Notes
The #7 performed better than the Jailbird, but struggled as distance increased and won’t be troubling the SeeMore.
Pros and Cons
Looks (+ve): Using their conventional shapes and making them zero-torque is a very sensible move from Odyssey. They don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Both this #7 model and the previously reviewed Jailbird are very easy on the eye.
Aim/Alignment (neutral): I was able to align with the leading edge and the top line without getting too distracted by the rear lines. The putter felt square to my target line, and I didn’t feel like I was overly negotiating with it.
Feel (neutral): This is where the test got interesting. The feel from the #7 head was distinctly firmer than with the Jailbird. It produced a higher-pitched sound that I thought gave me better feedback. It’s still not as firm as a milled putter, but it was an improvement over the other putters I’ve tried with the Ai-Dual insert. If anyone else has had the same experience with this head relative to others in the range, I would be really interested to hear about it in the comments.
Pace control (-ve): Better than the Jailbird, but still not good enough. I definitely think the grip is more of a problem than the Ai-Dual insert here. I find the shape and size of the grip to be awkward in my hands, and I thought it took away any feel from the swing. I’d be really intrigued to try this and the Jailbird again with a L.A.B. press grip fitted, or even the SuperStroke that Taylormade use.
Performance (-ve): It had a decent start through 3’, 6’ and 9’, but really broke down after that. Between the slightly dead feel of the face and the lack of feel through the swing caused by the grip, I just couldn’t make this one work for me.
Headcover (+ve ): It’s a bit dull compared to the Jailbird cover, but otherwise it’s the same cover with different branding. Well-padded, with a good magnetic closure. Totally inoffensive.
Grip (-ve): Horrible, same comment as the Jailbird. It’s like a severe reverse taper. I’ve tried to show the shape by placing it beside a ruler. The putter shaft runs straight into the grip, and to create a forward press, they need to make the bottom wider than the top. It feels awkward to hold, and it definitely had a detrimental impact on my stroke. I have to assume that L.A.B. have patent protection on their press grip, because it’s so much better than this. I can see customers swapping to a L.A.B. grip or just using a standard grip. That adds another £30 or so to the price, and is disappointing. It’s a big miss for me, but I can understand why Odyssey have tried it.
Price (neutral): RRP £339 and available online for £299, this remains decent value in the Zero-Torque space, but it does come with compromises. For £199 (or less), you can still get the previous version of this putter. It comes with the standard grip, chrome shaft and original Ai-ONE insert, but if you are on a budget, it could be a great way to experiment with Zero-Torque.
Conclusion
This putter, and the Jailbird before it, are not for me. While I can get some ZT putters to work, I struggled with these new offerings from Odyssey. I really think the new press grip is part of the issue, and I wonder if an alternative would make a difference.
I applaud Odyssey for bringing the technology to market at a lower price point, and while it may not work for me, it may well be the answer for you. The familiar shape and typical Odyssey quality will appeal to a wide range of golfers. If you are interested in zero-torque putters, then this is a great place to start. Even better are the heavily discounted previous-generation models.
Fit verdict (for me):
Would I game it tomorrow? No. It was better than the Jailbird, but it’s not for me.
What would I change? The grip.
What did I learn? That head shape can influence how the Ai-Dual insert feels. This was the best feeling of all the putters I’ve recently tried with the new Ai-Dual insert.
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Links:
Full testing framework: here
All my other putter reviews: here