Those are the problems Odyssey solved with the new S2S Tri-Hot SB line.

At the heart of the design is a story about weight distribution and how changing it unlocked design options. By adding tungsten to the front of putter, using stainless steel in the center section and then lightweight aluminum for everything behind that, Odyssey engineers pushed the center of gravity (CG) significantly forward. That allowed them to bring the shaft entry point forward, into the topline, which helps eliminate forward shaft lean and creates a more natural, square setup at address. The change sounds subtle, but it has a noticeable effect because instead of feeling like you need to manipulate the handle or adjust your posture, the putter naturally sits in a more familiar position.

Odyssey had done all of that in the S2S Tri Hot putters that it recently released, but the bigger story is the move away from center-shafted designs. With the SB, or single-bend configuration, the shaft enters the head toward the heel, giving the Rossie, Jailbird and #7 shapes a more traditional appearance. This addressed the concerns of players who don’t like center-shafted designs but who are interested in zero-torque performance. It also cleared the way for larger, unobstructed sightlines and shapes that golfers already recognize, but with a different torque profile through the stroke.

The face technology follows a similar theme of blending familiarity with something new. The Ai Dual insert, which was developed using artificial intelligence, has a soft outer layer covering a firmer inner core to help normalize ball speed while promoting more consistent forward roll across the face. That’s enhanced by Forward Roll Design grooves, which are angled downward at a 19-degree angle to also help get the ball rolling sooner rather than skidding.

For golfers who prefer a longer, counterbalanced-style setup, the #7 Cruiser adds that option. At 38 inches in length and standard-equipped with a heavier head and extended grip, it’s built for players who like to quiet their hands and smooth out their tempo.

With the Damascus Milled line, Odyssey is trying to give these discerning players what they want, but with a twist that’s equal parts old-world craftsmanship and modern engineering.

At the center of the design is a Damascus steel insert, which isn’t just there for visual appeal. The material is created by stacking 61 layers of two different steels that are pressed and rolled under high heat. As it is pulled and twisted a flowing, wave-like pattern in the metal, so no two inserts look exactly the same. The process of making Damascus steel dates back over 1,000 years and was first used to create knives and swords.

That visual uniqueness is part of the story, but it’s not the primary goal. The layered construction blends softer and firmer steels, which Odyssey uses to fine-tune the sound and feel. The result is a firmer, slightly louder sound at impact than many players expect from a fully milled design.

To help with consistency, Odyssey has applied its AI-designed face topology to the inner-facing side of the insert. Subtle contours are engineered to maintain ball speed on off-center strikes, which has been a focus across the company’s recent putter releases. The idea is to preserve the traditional feedback of a milled putter without giving up too much forgiveness.

The Deep Dive: Wine makers often blend different varieties of grapes together to create something unique and special. For instance, that high-priced French Bordeaux that goes great with a steak is really a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. Individually, they’re good, but together they can become great. Putter often makers do the same, routinely taking elements and technologies that have been successful in the past and blend them with new concepts and ideas.

For Oddysey, its engineers took deliberate steps to enhance speed control, roll quality and feel in the just released Ai-Dual family without abandoning shapes that have defined the brand for decades.

At the heart of the new lineup is the Ai-Dual insert, a two-layer urethane construction that combines a softer outer layer on top of a firmer inner core. Odyssey debuted this insert in the Square 2 Square Tri-Hot putters that were released in October. To develop it, engineers used artificial intelligence to refine the topology behind the insert, so it does a better job of maintaining consistent ball speed across the face. At the same time, downward-facing grooves in the hitting area promote forward roll and reduce skidding, particularly on slight mishits.

At the same time, the sound and feel produced by the Ai-Dual putters remains familiar. Odyssey leaned heavily on feedback from both Tour players and everyday golfers to keep the acoustics in line with what players have long associated with the White Hot family.