Odyssey Golf has never been one that shies away from the putter spotlight, after all, they are the Alpha in the room when it comes to worldwide usage as well as wins. However, this one is certainly bound to be the biggest conversation lightning rod we have seen from the brand in years.
When the first images leaked out from Tour with this particular release, many of us thought that there was simply no way it would actually come to retail. Well, not only is the Ai-ONE Max making its way to consumers, but it is doing so with no hesitation from Odyssey Golf.
The Elephant in the Room
Alright, no need to sit here and tiptoe around the what every single one of you are thinking right now, the new Max 1 and Max 1 Stripe models look extremely similar to the putter which has become a bit of a sensation, the DF3. Before you jump to some sort of emotional reaction however, first entertain some food for thought.
Golf, and especially putters, is a realm where imitation happens. The old saying is that said imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. However, in golf it is often more that there was a very good innovation or idea made that could benefit golfers, which means the full attention of the biggest names on the schoolyard has now been shifted their direction. All of those things can be, and likely are, true here.
The Zero Torque putter concept has clearly taken golf by storm, and as such it means there is true merit to the concept. Yes, some will try to say that this has all been done before, and toe up has, but this specific trend is much more nuanced than that, like it or not. For so many brands to be jumping on the concept, it means it has value. However, for Odyssey to expand their initial release with two putters of this head shape, one could say it goes much further than that.
Odyssey Ai-ONE Square 2 Square Max 1 and Max 1 Stripe Putters
To the putter itself, the Max 1 is the most stable option in the entire Square 2 Square lineup, and one of the highest MOI models Odyssey has with its 6,300 rating. The shape is one which even with a solid rear flange, is immediately recognizable. It won’t be one that everyone likes, but there has been a lot of clamoring for it on the various Tour’s for the brand. In fact, it keeps ending up in bags out there, including being in over 13 bags on the Korn Ferry multiple weeks in a row now.
The backset location centers the shaft on the CG plane of the putter which is what allows for the toe up balance which is entirely different than traditional designs. The shape of the putter itself as well as small high density sole weights placed at the extremes of the forward heel and toe increase the overall stability of the putters. With such a shaft location, there is still 3.3 degrees of forward shaft lean built in which Odyssey still claims helps pre-set the hands and eliminate face opening which can occur when pressing a traditional design.
Other than not having a cavity/opening on the rear flange, the other massive differentiator to this version of the putter shape is the implementation of the most tech forward insert on the market, the Ai-ONE. If you want to read more about the insert, check out our detailed info for it here, however, Artificial Intelligence brings an Aluminum backer that is co-molded with the legendary White Hot Urethane which provides consistency and feel that many players love.
The Details
Odyssey is providing two different options with this release. The Max 1 which is a solid Blue PVD finish with a single topline that stretches to the hosel, keeping it a bit more subdued. Then there is the Max 1 Stripe that brings Versa to the table on top of the PVD, which the company believe works better than ever in combination with the Zero Torque aspect.
The putters can be ordered with SL 90/140 and 180 shafts for different configurations to ensure the right balance based on the weights and lengths in play. The price point is set at $399.99 with both models being available everywhere 5/9/25.
For more information visit odyssey.callawaygolf.com.
