Odyssey have always been at the forefront of face insert technology and the premium putter maker has once again pushed the envelope with its latest innovation.
The new range of O-Works putters have been unveiled and feature what Odyssey calls Micro-hinge technology: 304 tiny L-shaped stainless steel points embedded in a plastic face plate.
Clubface deflection might be the buzzword when it comes to drivers but Odyssey have used the same principle to improve flat stick performance by using micro-hinges to promote a pure, forward-rolling motion straight off the putter face.
Much like a diving board, the micro-hinges deflect slightly when coming into contact with the golf ball before springing back to push the ball slightly up and forward off the putter face. The advantage of this spring effect is that it creates immediate top spin (Odyssey claim an extra 70rpm) to negate side spin and the dreaded back spin that most poor putters impart on the ball.
While a professional's smooth stroke consistently achieves this pure rolling motion, Odyssey's micro-hinges will impart top spin no matter what angle the putter is approaching the ball from.
And, when an error of half a degree can be the difference between a putt dropping or lipping out, this helping hand should make more golfers eligible to join the elusive flat stick wizard society.
Where previous Odyssey putters had soft inserts, which could give a mushy feel when used with a soft golf ball, the stainless steel hinges deliver a solid feel and sound when struck.
The O-works putters also have 15g weights in the heel and toe that can changed, building in a degree of versatility to suit every golfer's preference.
Micro-hinge technology is standard on all putters in the O-Works range, which features the classic Odyssey 2-ball, the #1 Anser style and #1 wide blade, #2 offset, #7 mallets, #9 mid mallet, and the MOI-enhanced R-Line and Fang.
All models are finished in the high-contrast Versa black and white colour scheme and Odyssey have also added a T-shaped red line to further to assist alignment.
O-Works putters come fitted with the Odyssey Super Stroke 2.0 grip or Pistol Grip as standard.
Phil Mickelson used a prototype of the Odyssey Micro-hinge technology in last year's Ryder Cup, holing several clutch putts in the US team’s win. Not that anyone would've noticed: Mickelson's micro-hinges were painted black to avoid revealing Odyssey's new technology.
