By Leonard Finkel
Odyssey Golf has been an industry-leader in innovation for more than 20 years, the latest being Microhinge technology, featured in the new O-Works putter line. Microhinge consists of two components: a 304-stainless steel hinge plate backed by a soft thermoplastic elastomer inner layer. The hinge plate is populated with microhinges, designed to gently flex and rebound at impact to impart forward spin. That immediately starts the ball rolling, smoothly and accurately. Odyssey robotic testing indicates that this technology promotes almost twice as much forward-spin as Odyssey’s Fusion RX insert.
The insert and elastomer inner layer are co-molded to ensure they fit together perfectly, essential to achieving the performance and feel targeted by Odyssey engineers. A 23-step production process is required to complete each insert. The thermoplastic elastomer inner layer measures 46 on the Shore D hardness scale, making it softer than the cover of an average Tour golf ball. That creates a uniquely soft-and-satisfying feel which should appeal to golfers of all types.
The O-Works lineup consists of four popular Odyssey blade shapes and four mallet shapes. Each blade incorporates Odyssey’s new Versa-T alignment system to further enhance accuracy. Versa-T combines the alignment benefits of a contrasting black and white color scheme with the alignment benefits of Big T alignment lines, making it easy to determine precisely where the putter face is aimed.
“Tour pros are much better putters than amateur golfers, partly because Tour pros impart forward-spin at impact for a smooth, accurate roll,” said Austie Rollinson, Chief Designer at Odyssey. “Microhinge technology promotes the kind of Tour-level forward-spin that can immediately help golfers at any level putt better.”
All but one model is available left handed. Grip options include SuperStroke Slim 2.0 with CounterCore Technology, SuperStroke Pistol GT Tour with CounterCore Technology and SuperStroke Tank.
Leonard Finkel is the author of The Secrets to the Game of Golf & Life and former editor in chief of Golf Journeys Magazine. His work has been featured in almost 200 publications including Golf Magazine, Golf Digest, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Golf Illustrated, Golf Tips and Player Magazine. He has written more than a dozen cover stories for Golf Today Magazine. He has written extensively about golf and travel and has added poker to his writing repertoire. Finkel also works as a marketing and public relations consultant. His specialty niche is writing advertorial copy. Prior to his career in golf, Finkel owned a chain of retail stores and a consulting and import company based in Asia. He attended the University of Utah.