Zero Torque putters are no longer a fad and are now pretty common in bags all over the world. The trendy putting method has gained popularity over the last several years, but many players still shy away from the typically centre-shafted and offset designs due to their unfamiliarity. The angles on some designs were enough to make me sea sick looking down on them at address!
Well, Odyssey has taken aim at one of the barriers to the “zero torque” putting with its latest Square 2 Square release.
With the new S2S Tri-Hot line, Odyssey has taken the shaft axis and moved it forward, allowing the shaft to sit closer to the leading edge of the putter, but still go through the CG of the putter to give it toe-up properties.
In addition to the new configuration, the putters feature a new Ai-Dual inset, which is the next iteration of Callaway’s Ai-designed face inserts introduced with the Ai-One line two years ago.
What are Odyssey S2S Tri-Hot putters?
The new S2S Tri-Hot putters are unmistakable on a putting green with a new red and black colour scheme, which goes back to the brand’s colours. The putters are offered in three different popular Odyssey head shapes — No. 7, Rossie and Jailbird, which also comes in a 38″ Cruiser configuration — but the next thing you’ll notice about them is the forward shaft location compared to other low torque putter options.
That allows the putters to be played without shaft lean, which has been one of the barriers to low-torque putters for many players. Now you can have a low-torque putter, but keep your hands in a traditional position.
To achieve this, Odyssey used a three-piece construction — thus the reintroduction of the Tri-Hot name — with more than 140 grams of tungsten in the front piece of the putter and a lightweight aluminium back piece. The insert and tungsten are enclosed in a steel body to which the shaft is attached.
The putters also feature a new Ai-Dual insert, designed using artificial intelligence, which consists of a dual-layer urethane insert with a soft outer layer and a firm inner layer. The grooves have also been redesigned with a more aggressive 19˚ slope. To complete the builds, Odyssey is also introducing a new, heavier, and stiffer SL120 shaft based on player feedback, as well as a new pistol plus grip that was developed in response to players’ overwhelming preference for larger-sized grips.
Who are Osyssey S2S Tri-Hot putters for?
This has been a common theme with recent low-torque putter releases, but S2S Tri-Hot putters are going to do great for the player who has wanted to get into a low-torque putter but has been hesitant due to the unconventional characteristics. (see the sea sick reference above, I get this looking down at a few zero torque options)
While it’s still a centre-shafted putter, at address, the new Tri-Hots look a lot more like regular putters with the shaft much closer to the face (there’s still a bit of onset), and can be stroked just like a regular putter.
The feel is also significantly more responsive than the original Ai-One insert. I’ve never really been one for synthetic material inserts because they can sometimes have that plasticky feel and sound that seems cheap to me. This one is different because it retains a soft feel that I like, but is more responsive. Additionally, new grooves appear to produce a great roll. The price point (€569) might be surprising for an Odyssey putter, but this putter has a premium feel for sure. One that brand Odyssey loyalists will surely adopt, and will also raise some eyebrows among those who initially thought zero-torque was not for them.
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