THIS month our friends at Callaway invited me down to test and review their newest putter range – which has blown me away!
The range they have offered is an Odyssey classic in terms of models, however there are a few differences.
When waiting to test the Odyssey putters and I saw them sitting along the putter wall, couldn’t help myself and I started putting away! The Ai-ONE Giraffe Beam putters come in 5 different Odyssey classic models; Double Wide Putter, Jailbird Cruiser Putter, #7 Putter, #2 Putter and my favourite the Jailbird Mini! These putters from a shape design are very similar to previous models however what will look different are two main factors. The Giraffe Beam design is much longer in the neck of the putter compared to the previous models and the longer neck helps minimize some of the arch in the stroke while producing less face rotation.
If I put my coaches cap on for a moment this design is perfect. Too often I see students come in and there is way too much arch and way too much face rotation, making it very difficult to start the ball online from short range and to find centre contact on longer putts. Therefore, the longer neck design can really help us all.
My favourite putter in the range was the Jailbird Mini! The Giraffe Beam design has the same Versa alignment which I love, however the colouring in the Versa Design is now a brown and white, and the contrast is brilliant in going along with the Giraffe Beam design. I found it easier to align and personally I thought it looked even better that the classic black and white and the newer navy and white.
I loved the weight of the putters, but I also really liked the slightly thicker grip. The grip is not a thicker Superstroke, but it feels slightly thicker than the normal standard size. Something else I noticed which isn’t new, but a positive feature, especially relating to longer putts was the Ai-ONE insert which has an aluminium backer and White-Hot urethane striking surface. I would like to say I hit all my putts out of the middle however I don’t……so when I did miss hit a few longer putts I found that they weren’t far away at all.
In summary, the Giraffe Beam Jailbird Mini combines the timeless Odyssey shape we all know and love, with some thoughtful innovations that genuinely enhance performance. From the longer crank hosel that promotes a more stable, face-balanced stroke, to the crisp feel of the Ai-ONE insert and the sleek new Versa alignment in brown and white, this putter is built to inspire confidence on the
greens.
Whether a seasoned player looking to fine-tune your stroke or someone wanting a putter that just feels right from the first roll, the Jailbird Mini is well worth a try. Trust me — once you give it a go, it might just earn a permanent spot in your bag.
RRP: $599.99
The post WE TRIED IT! Odyssey Ai-ONE Giraffe Beam Putters first appeared on Inside Golf. Australia's Most-Read Golf Magazine as named by Australian Golfers - FREE.