Taking a Look at Putters: Odyssey White Hot XG Golf Putters

The Odyssey White Hot XG golf putters product linevast network of dealers or directly from the Odyssey
is only one of several lines offered by the Odysseyweb site. Pictures of each putter can be found on the
company, but it is extensive in itself with 18 differentOdyssey web site as well.
models to choose from. These break down into twoOdyssey White Hot XG Progressive Models
groups, the Core Models which account for 11 differentThe Odyssey Progressive line of putters uses more
putter types, and the Progressive Models, whichmodern designs, especially with regard to putt
consist of 7 types of putters with more modernalignment aids, as in the 2 Ball putters, and with more
shapes and design features.modern putter head weight redistribution techniques.
All of the Odyssey White Hot XG putters are basedThere are two versions of the White Hot XG
on an advanced putter face insert technology which isMarxman putters. One is more of a mallet
designed to give a softer feel. The company statesconfiguration, while the other is based on a blade
that the design was inspired by newer multi-layer golfdesign. The main visual features are the long alignment
balls which also are softer. Two different materials arestripes. The putters essentially look like two ball putters,
used in the putter face to achieve this effect. Firstbut they have long parallel stripes rather than additional
there is what is called an Elastometer core materialgolf balls to help line up the putt. Aligning putts properly
which gives the putter its softer feel. On top of this is ais a huge problem for most golfers, and most of us
thin outer striking surface which is a harder material.have a tendency to be misaligned, leaving the chances
The impact zone is textured and supposedly thisof making putts up to subconscious corrections or
provides added feel, and the textured zone alsoperhaps just luck. Both of the Marxman putters have
surrounds and indicates the correct impact area, orin-line weighting and full shaft offset, and both retail for
sweet spot. In addition to this mixed-material insert$169.
technology, the Odyssey White Hot XG line of puttersThe remaining five putters in the Progressive line are 2
was designed to get the CG (center of gravity) of theBall putters, and these have become popular with
clubs low and to the back of the club head.PGA Tour pros. As is the case with the Marxman
Accomplishing this also increases the MOI of the clubmodels, there are 2 Ball putters based on both mallet
which will provide some level of forgiveness if puttsand blade designs. These clubs both have full shaft
are not struck squarely on the sweet spot.offset, and the mallet model comes in a left-handed
Odyssey White Hot XG Core Modelsversion. There is also a mallet-type model with a
The Core Models all use the technologies describedcenter shaft and no offset. All three of these putters
above and are putters based on classic designs. Thatretail for $169.
is, they are all variations of traditional blade or malletThe newest putters in the White Hot XG lineup use a
putters. They are simply named Odyssey White Hotdesign called "Saturn Ring Technology". Basically a
XG no. 1, no. 2, etc. up through no. 9. The no. 5 puttersemi-circular ring of metal is added to the rear of the
has a "CS" version, which means it is the same as theclub head. This approach will clearly redistribute weight
regular no. 5 but with a center shaft configuration.and improve the MOI of the club. This means that
There is also a White Hot XG Rossi model. The Rossieven if the putt is not struck exactly on the sweet
model and the No. 1, no. 3, and no. 9 putters come inspot, the club will not twist as much and will thus
left-handed versions. In fact the no. 9 putter was usedprovide forgiveness on off-center putts. There is a
by lefty Phil Michelson to win the 2007 Playersstandard length and long-shafted version of this design
Championship. As mentioned, these clubs are takeoffsavailable. Both putters have a half-shaft offset and
of traditional blade or mallet putters, but they come inboth retail for $189.
different styles, with different amount of offsets,Since most recreational golfers are notorious for hitting
different shaft placements and other features. Theputts off-center and for having poor alignment, the
most radical looking is putter no. 7, which is called aProgressive Models of the Odyssey White Hot XG
modified mallet putter with weighted wings in the backgolf putters product line would seem to offer solutions
to help alignment of putts. All these putters come withthat might help players hole more putts, lower scores,
an MSRP of $119 and can be purchased through aand have more fun playing the game.