buckpillar

great putting Rob, still working on getting your elbows out a bit from your sides?
 

Here is the link to my final review for the AI#1 CH Odyssey putter
 
 

Introduction
Thank you to MGS and Odyssey for this amazing opportunity...super excited to be a part of this test.  I live in Virginia and while there are cold days, there are also a number of warmer days to get out on the course.
I would consider myself a very streaky putter...have days where I can't miss and others where I have no idea where the ball is going off the putter.  Putting is definitely a weakness of my game.  Started tracking some stats this year and have averaged 34 putts per round, with a low of 29 and a high of 39 (even had a chip in during this round...).  My 3 putt average is 12% (around 2 per round), but feel many of my 2 putts could be reduced.  Currently at an 11 handicap, but know improving my putting would help drastically lower this.
I have had 3 putters in my 30 years of golf:
- Brassmaster: my dad assembled and had for years
- Ping Anser 2i: won a set of RH wedges at a junior golf camp (important note, I'm not right handed when it comes to swinging (write/throw right handed, but bat/golf left handed)), the only left handed club in the pro shop was the putter...traded the wedges and $20 for it
- TaylorMade Spider Tour Black: current gamer for around 3 years, serves me well sometimes and deserts me others
Before being selected for this test, I was thinking about switching putters and was considering the Ping PLD Tyne 4 or an older Odyssey Exo Seven S...just hadn't been able to pull the trigger however Callaway Preowned was pretty enticing!  
For the test, I chose the AI-One Seven S Putter.  I'm looking forward to see how the new technology can improve my putting.

 
Can't wait to get the putter in my hands and start playing with it!  
First Impressions (15 out of 20)
This is a very pretty putter, the blue color scheme works very well...I am generally a black/white/grey kind of person, but I can work with this blue!  I might order too many golf clubs...my kids can easily recognize when a new club arrives ("daddy, you have a new club on the porch!").  The blue face around the insert does appear to have some milling on it.

The label on the shaft is a large sticker...not sure about that currently, but it is on the underside so it is not a distraction while putting.  The lines are very clean and very easy to align the face.  I like the shape of the grip (Ai-ONE Pistol), but it seems a little slick to me (reserve final judgement on this until I can play with it some more).

The "window" on the bottom of the club is nice, you can see the structure of the face.

Cover is secured with a magnet and seems solid, have had problems with magnetic covers before, but do not believe that will be a problem with this one.
Only hit a few putts with it this evening, will provide more details in the coming days.

Aesthetics (9 out of 10)
Blue would not be a color I would normally go to on my own, but it works for this putter.  The blue and white are striking...blue is just the right hue.  The 7S has multiple lines to help with set-up and alignment...really frames the ball nicely when sitting behind it.  The blue finish has held up very well and has no signs of wear at this time.  The cover has a magnet to secure it, putter fits very nicely in it and stays secure on the head...does very well to protect the putter (I keep the cover on unless the putter is in use).
The Numbers (10 out of 10)
Had no issues starting putts on line with this putter.  Overall the best putt made was a 55' putt in a 2-man scramble...picked a target 10 feet in front of the ball, rolled directly over my aim point with perfect pace to fall into the cup.  Best with my own ball was a 40' putt downhill with 3' break (this coming after a perfect tee shot and thinning a wedge well past the hole)...golf is a funny game, hit the putt and watched it roll perfectly down the hill into the hole.
No issues on putts of any direction...uphill, downhill, left to right or right to left.  This putter inspires confidence!
On-Course (20 out of 20)
This putter really shined on the course...I felt in control with every putt I hit.  I struggled with my prior gamer with speed control, I had no issues with this putter...lag putts were incredible and generally was left with a short (no pressure) putt to finish up.  When I did get a little aggressive with a putt and ran long, making the come-backer was not a problem.  I made so many putts with the Ai-ONE that I had people asking what I was playing.  It took no time at all to adjust to this putter.  The ball rolled incredibly smooth off the face, from both the green and fringe...even hit some putts that I would have chipped previously with great success.
This putter was marketed for "finishing closer to the hole"...let me tell you, this was definitely the case!  Ai-ONE = Almost In One???  My speed control was incredible with this putter.  Even purposely (or not) hitting different parts of the face resulted in consistent distance.
If a match came down to a putt that had to be made, I would want this putter in my hands.
The Good, Bad and In-Between (19 out of 20)
The good: so many things...distance control, feel off the face, grip (after initial period...more below), weighting, color scheme. 
The bad: took a point off for two reasons...first, the grip felt a little slippery out of the box, but overall was not an issue; second, the giant StrokeLab sticker on the shaft, has not been an issue so far but feel like it could wear over time (NOTE: I have had no issues with wear to date, even using the back of the putter to drag the ball back or move it around).
The In-Between: had seen one website that listed a Bi-Matrix shaft, I would likely have chosen this (mainly because I wanted to try this shaft), but even with the steel StrokeLab shaft, the putter performs (maybe the Ai really knows better!).
Play It or Trade It (20 out of 20)
PLAY IT!  Probably doesn't come as a surprise if you have been following my posts throughout the test.  I feel more comfortable with this putter in my hands than I have previously...it is almost surprising not to make a putt with this.  My putts per round decreased with the Ai-ONE and helped salvage some rounds that were struggling.  Considering the price point, this putter should be considered for anyone looking for a new putter.  I was skeptical of the technology, but throughout all of the tests run, it performed!  I am convinced, there is something to this putter.  This putter has won a spot in my bag!
Conclusion (TLDR)
If you are in the market for a new putter (or struggling with speed/distance control), I recommend giving this putter a shot.  Putts roll smoothly from on/off the green and the overall look of the putter is stunning.  This putter is not leaving my bag...except to go sink some putts!

FINAL SCORE - 94 out of 100

Here is a short compilation of the on course progression of using the AI-ONE DB from this afternoon. 
Shot another 92, but had some amazing putts. Due to how busy they were, I was fortunate enough to set these quick recordings up and move along.
My final review will be posted by Monday,  as this is my on duty work weekend .
I have truly embraced this testing opportunity,  and my hope is that I've fulfilled not just the requirements,  but to have exceeded our forum members expectations too.
Thank you MGS! I look forward to future opportunities and growth experience !

Introduction-
First and foremost, Thank you MyGolfSpy for this fantastic opportunity.
Testing – Odyssey AI#1 CH with Length  32.75  Loft 1.5*  Lie of 72*
I’m Jeffrey “Buck” Pillar (AKA- “PUTSO” Pillar)
I’m from Southwestern PA and have Been golfing 43yrs, at one point in the early 90's to mid-2000's I was a scratch golfer but now a days I play to a 6-HDCP. I will be testing this putter on course, the backyard putting green, patio and inside the house.
I will test and compare the AI#1 CH putter against a Scotty Cameron and an older Odyssey divine line putter. I will complete individual Heel, Toe, and center strike testing, lag putting, off the fringe, ladder testing and breaking putts.  
I’m hoping that the new Odyssey AI#1 CH putter will sharpen my distance control and dispersion, if it does that it will be in the bag!
The excitement this opportunity has brought is next level, being able to review and provide honest feedback for other golfers so they can make an educated decision when trying or buying this putter.
I did some research about the putters new AI technology and hope the variable face thickness and the new white insert seem to be exceptional, but I will find that out through my testing.
I expect through testing, review and prove what Odyssey is claiming about the new AI technology is true or false.
GRADE- 18 out of 20 – Right out the box I was pleasantly surprised, the cosmetics were sleek, color scheme worked well with the shaft and grip combination was nice and the feel was very good. I never had a putter or a regular club with a counter balance weight, this putter feels that it could almost swing itself.  







 


 
 
 

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Odyssey AI#1 CH Final Review
Specs  -  32.75" length, loft of 1.5* and lie of 72*
First Impressions (18 out of 20)
As I look back, first thoughts about the AI Technology were that this is just another concept to sell more putters, after unboxing and taking a few practice strokes I thought this feels good, better than my old Odyssey that’s in the bag for years. The dark blue matte finish on the head was easy on the eyes and the white alignment marking popped off the putter head and made setting up to the line easy.
The STAR of the putter is the AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology, Through the course of testing, the AI technology produces similar ball speed no matter where you strike the ball on the face from heel to toe and top to bottom of the insert, you will get almost the same distance if it wasn’t hit on the sweet spot. I think this new advancement in face technology definitely helped my putting. When you get consistent distance no matter where you hit it on the face will not only help your putting game but mentally provide confidence knowing you’re going to get a reliable and consistent putt every time. a clear window, which allows you to see the AI technology in the new putter heads and how the space age aluminum has been transformed producing consistency across the entire putter face no matter if you hit it on the heel or toe. I think this is just a focal point to show off the technology to your friends after sinking that 30ft birdie putt to go 1 up!
The Stroke Lab SL90 shaft is a stepless shaft with minimal if not any flex, I have never had a putter with a Stroke Lab putter shaft and I was very surprised with the quality performance it brings to the putter, I think it helped transfer stroke energy better to the putter head.
The grip was of the smaller size, with a firm feel and very little tackiness, works very well with the putter. The blue and white color scheme the putter is sharp and sleek, looks ready to tackle any course it plays.


 
Aesthetics (9 out of 10)
I love the shape of AI#1 CH blade putter; the length and height are just a hair smaller than other putters but delivers performance on every putt. The white, lighter blue and silver explode off the dark blue color of the head, you can never go wrong with that color combination. The white alignment line provided a great visual at setup. While at the country club, a few golfers commented on the putter looks and feel, all giving high praise to Odyssey.
Sound was not a factor for the Odyssey AI#1 putter, no matter if the putt was off the heel, toe or in the center, I couldn’t tell if there was a noticeable difference. When you could distinguish a difference was when you used different brands of golf balls. You got more of a click when using a Titleist PROV1 compared to a soft spongey thud with a Callaway Supersoft and Taylormade Tour Response was in the middle.




The Numbers (10 out of 10)
As I began testing, I first noticed the balance and feel of the putter, the weights in the head and the counter balance in the butt end was perfect almost felt as it could swing itself. I felt I was able to hit my selected line and with the AI technology was able to keep the dispersion tight and only have a stray putt once is a great while. During testing at the course, I was able to control distance very well and only had two 3 putts during the ladder test that included over .
The Center strike test averaged was 2 ½ inches beyond each measurement, now here is where I became intrigued with this putter, testing hits heel and toe strikes from the same distance.
The Heel test averaged was around 3 inches shorter than the center strike, but when on line it would have hit the bottom of the cup. The heel hits felt very similar to the center strikes, they did not feel like you had to help it to the hole, or getting a heavy feel like you would with other putters.
The Toe Test averaged was about 3 ½ inches short of the center strike, I realized that normally with toe strikes the putter would want to twist away from your line, not with the AI#1, when hit on the toe, this putter generates the same energy as center strikes without having the feeling of any twisting, kept the putt on line and almost identical distance to the center strike.
15 Feet (180 inches) Center strikes – 182 ¼” Heel – 179 ¾” Toe – 179 3/8”
(3”-inch average difference between center and off center strikes from 15 feet)
20 Feet (240 inches) Center strikes – 242 ½” Heel – 238 ¾” Toe – 237 ¾”
(4 ¾”-inch average difference between center and off center strikes from 20 feet)
The putter felt firm but soft giving you feedback at impact, so smooth, good sound and the distance was great. The repeatable performance, it gave me a sense that if I wanted to hit it 10 feet it would go 11 feet. Basically, giving you a better chance of holing the putt.

On-Course (20 out of 20)
During testing I tried any kind of putt you can imagine, from straight up hill, downhill, left to right and right to left breakers, from the fringe you name it I did it. At times I would think I needed to hole a 4-foot downhill left to right breaker to win the MASTERS, let me tell you that the AI#1 CH gave me confidence to make the putt, I relied on what I found out during my testing which gave me a mental calmness because of the putter performance to make the putt. Well, this time I did make it but from longer distances if I did miss it was not the putter’s fault, I was able to keep it on the line I wanted and control was perfect. More than likely, it came down to a miss read.
I found that during the course of a round that I would gain 1.72 strokes for 18 holes from the data I recorded during testing.
The Good, the bad, the in between (18 out of 20)
The Good- Balance, feel, distance control, sound, performance, looks and setup.
The Bad – I really don’t have anything bad to say about this putter.
The in Between - Make the AI technology slightly wider and taller, continue the visual site line onto the top edge of the putter and stamp the gram weight on the heel toe inserts


Play it or trade it? (20 out of 20)
I wouldn’t think twice if I had to use the putter in a pressure packed moment. I definitely would be playing it in all situations. The putter did improve my putting and helped my mental side of the game, when put in the stressful spots it gave me confidence knowing that the reliability is there and to just make the stroke. Price, wise it falls in line with all other top brands, but you are getting more for your money by purchasing the AI#1 putter, this putter is suited for anyone from beginner to the best player in the world.
Conclusion
The new AI#1 CH putter is a keeper and will be for a long time. I really don’t see any other brands in the rearview mirror of this putter, the technology is that far advanced at this moment, quality, looks and most of all the performance it delivers, will benefit any golfer who puts it in play. I highly recommend this putter, Would I put the AI#1 CH putter in play… You bet your sweet ass I would!!
Final Score (95 out of 100)
Thank to MyGolfSpy for the opportunity to test this putter and Thank you for all the hard work in the background to make everything run like a putt rolling across the 72nd hole to win the MASTERS. I appreciate you all!!
Additional photos below-



Changing of the Guard





 
 
 
 
 

Well hello, MGS Community!  My name is Willie Tyndall (aka @Willie T on the forum pages).  SUPER Gassed to be picked for the Odyssey AI-One Milled Putters (going with the AI-One Milled 7 T DB (link to putter specs)). This is my second time as a tester for the MGS community. Before we talk too much about putters, let’s speak on what brought my journey in golf to this point in time.  I have always been a person who loves the outdoors.  I grew up here in Eastern NC, which meant I had ample time to hunt, fish, play baseball and all the other things a kid of the ‘60s would have enjoyed.  Yes, I am one of those “old” guys at the ripe age of 64!   
So how does a kid who does everything but golf get into the game?  I grew up watching some golf on TV, seeing Travino, Nicklaus, Palmer, Player, Norman, Seve’, etc. make their way around the course. Anyone remember the old “Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf” TV series.   But it was not a game within reach as my parents were not country club folk.  Fast forward to my working career in procurement for a chemical processing facility and the invitation in 2009 to play in a 9-hole Super-Ball “team building exercise”, aka an excuse to play golf.  I was to just fill the “D” slot and not much more.  We finish the 9-hole round and my boss along with a couple of others opt to play the front nine.  I was asked if I wanted to join and I thought why not - it was that or either go back to the hotel and be bored.  Mind you, I was almost illiterate when it came to what’s in the bag.  After the fIrst couple of holes, the best player leans over and says, “If you want to play off my tee shot that is okay” as we were playing stroke play..  I tell him that I want to play my tee shot and he tells me to use the 3 wood as it will get the ball airborne easier (1st lesson).  That worked and I am off and running.  At the end of the round, my counterpart from a sister facility looks at me and says, “You’ve learned more in nine holes than most will in a lifetime.”  I opt to “retire”! 
Fast forward to 2016 and while I remember the round, golf is not a table item as I am into riding motorcycles. 
That changes in June that year as I get hit by a car that results in my left foot being degloved and I wind up as a trans-metatarsal amputee (no toes on the left foot, grafted skin from my left thigh to cover the wound). I tell folks I can only count to fifteen these days.  After learning to walk, I need a new hobby and our church men’s group is starting a once a month super-ball scramble. I still have those old “real wood” Spalding woods, MacGregor blades and Spalding putter from the set gifted to me in the late 90’s.  My son and I tag along and the rest is history.  I get the golf bug and pick some newer “used” clubs, this time a full set of Tommy Armour 845s Silver Scots (pat pend).  Likewise I pick a TaylorMade R580 driver and fairway woods and start practicing in earnest, learning to get the weight forward in a way that my rebuilt foot does not hurt too much. It has been a journey of first times, like when I got that first birdie, broke 100, broke 90, got to 80 (still haven’t broken it), had as few as 29 putts, holed out from off the green - several times.  The biggest joy is that my bride of 22 years has joined me from time to time that's us on a dream vacation gifted us by our children to the Dominican Republic playing La Cana Golf Course, a super enthusiastic grandson who lives to play the game
My current game has me bouncing between 13 and 15 handicap. My journey with putters started with the Spalding Tournament.  I quickly picked up an old Odyssey DF992 with the black face insert.  Putted many an hour in the house on the mat getting used to the feel of “soft face”.  The putting game got better but still not good.  Found an Odyssey White Steel #5 mid-mallet that had the white hot insert.  I really enjoyed that one, ended up gifting it to a young man when last year my son got really frustrated at what is now my current gamer - Odyssey Versa 7CS.  He told me to take it, play it and if I like it, it was mine.  That has been the gamer I have learned to rely upon.  When on, the putter is smooth and silky with as few as 25 putts in an 18 hole round.
So the big question is - How will the “milled” face perform compared to the “white hot” face or "black insert" face or plain steel face?  As you can see I still have the Spalding Tournament, the Odyssey DF 992 and Odyssey Versa 7 CS.....   
Let's get rolling.....
Testing process:  In my intro, I spoke that this will be my first real time with a “milled” face putter as I have lived in the insert world.  Key areas: (1) Accuracy: Odyssey claims these putters finish 10% closer than the average milled face.  Planning a series of lag tests at defined distances - 6’ (10% closer means it will finish just of 7” closer to the pin), 8’ (10% closer means it should finish approx 10” closer), 10’ (12” closer), 15’ (18” closer”), 20’ (24” closer), you get the point.  (2) Forgiveness - With AI design, do toe or heel strikes affect the ball’s roll less?  On the course, I plan to play the AI-One Milled 7DB head to head against the Versa 7CS (current gamer) in a series of environments - long putts, short putts, putts from the fringe and just off the green but in the fairway.  Big test will be the end of the day results - have I had to take far fewer overall putts per round (strokes gained) and have I “all but” eliminated three (3) putts?  
Review comparisons:  Of course the big claim by Odyssey “...with Ai-ONE Milled, putts finish 10% closer to the hole on average than a typical milled putter”.  Truth or just PR.  I will be comparing it to the current gamer (Odyssey Versa 7CS) (insert pic)  As I am  really comfortable with the Versa’s predictable roll, I am looking to see how much better the AI-One Milled 7DB.  Does a Milled face inspire more or less confidence in the roll of the ball.  
Will it stay or will it go (as the old song says):  Accuracy, predictability on and off the green.  If strokes are gained - its a winner. (Over the past quarter my average putts per round is just over 30, so the goal will be for the AI-One to improve that)  If strokes remain the same - more testing may be required.  If strokes are lost - it loses and the Versa will roll on.  
What is not to be excited about - new putter, new technology: The opportunity to test a brand new putter with technology I have not used in the past (the milled face).  It combines so much of the familiar (the head shape, weight, length) with the latest AI technology.  
In the know stuff:  Odyssey has been my putter of choice for the most part as I have used them exclusively the past 5 years. As this is a new technology Odyssey is bringing I have not seen or heard too much about it.    
Expectations-high, high, high!:  Fewer strokes taken while putting which will mean lower scores and we all know that lowest score wins!  The combo of familiar looks and feel with new face technology will give me the opportunity to hole putts more often from all distances.      
First Impressions (19 out of 20)
Unboxing: The box (a little the worse the wear (thanks brown truck people)) arrived Thursday, as others noted.  It was a total surprise as I had not received any shipping notices from Odyssey.  Upon opening - the putter was well encased with an internal brace to keep it in place. 

 
Really like the spec sheet sent as well : 
Did a little compilation video showing some of the details:
If the way it is packed is any indication of how it is to play, this is going to be some high class fun.  Nothing like a NPD (New Putter Day (borrowing from guitar geeks to whom NPD means New Pedal Day)).  
Aesthetics (10 out of 10)
Initial Thoughts:  Love, love the look and feel of the putter - being a Odyssey 7 user (Versa 7CS) - it is amazingly familiar.  The navy blue - gold theme reminds of seeing Blue Angel jets flying as a kid (and as an adult) and being in total awe of their precision in flight.

That is one thing that this putter speaks to me - precision.  Nothing looks afterthought, but purpose driven.  Even the Super Stroke grip is spot on:  Pulling all the little wraps off and setting the putter down for the first time behind the ball was like saying “Hello” to an old friend.  I guess the similarity of the Versa 7CS (
and AI-One Milled 7DB

allows for that to happen. 

So what’s on tap….today was just breaking out the old putting mat and getting some rolls on it.  How did it turn ou? Well lets say the Versa is going to have its hands full with the AI-ONE!  The alignment aid (center stripe, flanked by stripes along the internal part of the tangs)
frames the ball well as compared to the Versa’s 3dot alignment:  

Feel off the face was solid and I hit a number of ball types (urethane thru surlyn) and it was consistent. 
That about wraps up initial thoughts. Any testing thoughts, will be glad to see how I can accommodate.  The best part is that with the weather here, I am hoping to spend lots of time on the practice green rolling on real turf as well as on the course. 
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More Thoughts on Aesthetics: The putters are very similar in terms of feel “in my hands” as my current gamer, Versa 7CS, is very much the same as the AI-One 7DB milled, aka “Millie” and both are fitted with SuperStroke GT 2.0 grips (albeit Millie’s is very new).  The biggest difference is first “heard” when hitting balls.  The muted White Hot face is very different from the Milled face as the latter is more percussive and solid in transferring that to the puttee.  The sound was alien at first but rapidly became expected and enjoyed as more rolls were made.  Off-center hits were more forgiving with the Milled (this showed up in the testing as accuracy was more consistent).  What about alignment?  Versa is simply three white dots while Millie has a center line flanked by white lines on the wings 

(think Triple-Track Harley Wide Glide style). 
Also the White Hot (Versa) has a Center shaft while Millie is a Double Bend (about ½ shaft offset).  The latter meant adjusting slightly but not a big deal or deal breaker...
The Numbers (10 out of 10)
The heart of testing is emphasizing the differences we see and/or feel or maybe don’t!  
Life in the mat lane? In my initial comparative rolls of the ball with each putter, I realized real quick that what worked with the White Hot did not with the Milled and vice-versa.  On the putting mat is where I first learned that “Millie” showed great restraint.  In the initial roll tests - at 5’, both were comparable, each putting the ball within 6” on average of the target hole (note - the Versa was typically long, the Milled just at or below), at 7’, the Milled moved ahead with a 12” average with the Versa moving out to 15’ on average.  A 9’ (the max distance of my mat), the Milled dialed in to about 6” just at pin high while the Versa was more scattered at about 12”.  
What about maintaining start lines?  Odyssey touts that AI is more forgiving across the face - to test it, I set up the gate drill to see how consistently straight the ball comes off the face.  In the rounds of testing, I found the Milled to be slightly better on keeping the ball straight, fewer pushes or pulls.  With Versa the ball was more erratic, playing into my typical push.  I conducted several tests, the most extensive is noted below.  The focus was on "make potential" - again using the putting mat to get some base lines here is how the numbers shook out:  
Total of 30 putts at each distance (six groups of 5 putts per group): 3’ - both averaged 90% potential make rate; 5’ - Milled - 66.7%, White Hot - 76.7%; 7’- Milled - 73.3%, White Hot - 60%; 9’ - Milled - 76.7%, White Hot - .53%. Impressed to say the least that at the longer distances the Milled was putting me in the hole more often and closer on misses. I came out of this testing series pumped that I may see some real gains on the course (see On Course for details). 
What about the long mat in the yard?  This mat is roughly 18’ long and the carpet is like putting on a green that has a stimp of at least 12 - it is slick!  Also, as it follows the contours of the yard, you get an undulated roll to where you have to pace the break to keep it on the 3ft lane. How did it play out?  The milled face gave a “solid” connected roll whereas the white hot was “freely (lacking a sense of control)”. 
What does this mean? Very quickly Millie demonstrated an accuracy I have not seen in any other putter.  On the course, see below, I would read my line, figure the start “gate” point and then watch as the ball would consistently roll the start line as it came off the face.  Distance control continues to remind me why a good putter (Versa) may not be a great putter (what Millie was starting to prove).  Over the course of testing, lag distances continue to shrink as I develop a more consistent feel.  The last round before this report was like this - lag putts in the 20’ plus range were well within 4’ of the hole (some less than a foot), putts that were less than that length that missed also ended within the circle of friendship.  This tester has a lot of approaches that are in the fringe or just in the rough that can call for a putter.  In the course of testing, I found Millie to be a good choice to make these rolls with a number of these “off the green” strokes with the ball often finishing close to the pin. Looking at course journals (highly recommend) - putts off the green often lagged as close as those long putts on the green, a tribute to the AI face technology to deliver consistent impact to the ball.    
On-Course (20 out of 20)
Real world life.  Putting mats and such are great practice tools, but if yours is like mine flat ain’t where it's at on your local course.  How did they do on the course?  Through a series of head to head roundsI learned that there are no automatic putts. If you want to be a good putter, it requires having confidence in your stroke as well as the club.  There were days where I could putt with either club and it was the same result.  Other days the Milled would leave me on misses much closer to the hole than the White Hot.  Overall, data from the rounds showed that “on average” I gained about 1.66 strokes per round with Millie.  Is just under two strokes per round significant?  For a guy whose handicap has been hovering just under 15, each stroke gained is significant.  What about three putting? That is the nemesis of all putters - prior to the test (using data from August to December) I would see “on average” a 3-putt or worse at least 7 out 10 rounds.  So has my accuracy gotten better in the testing period?  I want to say that bad putts were cured with Millie, but that has not been the case.  Partly because it is winter and greens have been everything from greasy slick to furry slow.  Interestingly enough, long putts have been the norm (talking in the 25 - 35ft range) so lags to the holes have been the priority to which Millie has proven extremely consistent in finishing misses closer than what I was used to seeing.  In that area, it is 1000% better!  The last round I played before this write-up a no 3-putt round on greens that were smooth and firm with plenty of undulation and slope with a total of 31 putts coming away with a whopping 4.88 strokes gained using an online Putting Calculator that uses your current handicap to base strokes gained.
The Good, the bad, the inbetween (15 out of 20)
The Good: Odyssey has a proven design in the 7.  The AI-ONE continues that familiar shape and feeling.  Overall balance and feel was identical to the Versa 7. The AI technology was consistently consistent as deliberate heel and toe putts were impressively at or into the hole (a definite plus for touted technology).   I found it to be confidence inspiring on and off the green (fringe putts were inspiring).  The PVD finish has done remarkably well, showing no signs of wear and is a standout color even in brown dormant grass!  

The Bad: This really came to light in the last couple of rounds and it has to do with the Mille Face insert.  I noticed some checking in the face - could be incidental club chatter as I will carry the putter without the head cover to the hole especially if I am doing an up and down.  However as I have been super careful not to bang the club, it makes me wonder if this may be more of an issue as time wears on (3 point deduct).  The glints of steel against the gold face are hard to unsee once you’ve seen them. 
The Inbetween: Overall not too much of a “gray area” here. Mainly the interchangeable weights were not available at the start and have now just become available (2 point deduct). 


If we had been able to work with a fitter with different weights, it may have made the putter more accurate for individual swings. Until recently the weights have not been available for purchase, however they now show the 5g & 10g as in stock.  As time goes on, this may be a future side test.    
Play it or Trade it? (18 out of 20)
While it was obvious for me, but what about the “average Joe/Josephine”?   First the putter itself is top shelf gear and that comes with a really nice price tag of $ 450.  For the “average Joe” golfer this may be way too rich as it’s almost as much as a nearly new driver.  Yet, typically you will use it for 36 strokes on average (2 putts per hole - 18 holes) and is known as the most used club in the bag.  Second, there are myriads of used putters on the market and the bargain hunter will say, “Na, not today.”  Taking a couple points off as it speaks more of a  “custom putter” realm and likely out of reach for the average golfer.  Would I buy it?  Most definitely, but only after working with a professional fitter.  
Conclusion
One would think that a putter is a putter is a putter.  As a tinkerer of all things, including putters I have always been looking for a magic bullet that would be automatic.  What I have found is that this putter works well - no matter the ball in play. In the past some balls just felt “funny” coming off the putter, like you could not feel the ball coming off the face.  To address the feel, I played several rounds where I switched balls every few holes (playing two balls from the approach into the green and putting out both from the same spot using Pro-V1 thru Wilson Zip): I was pleasantly pleased that the putter reacted similarly no matter which ball was in play.  The feel off the face is excellent!  The fit and finish for most part is excellent (after 15+rounds, many days of rolling balls on mats, etc) as the putter still looks like it has been just unboxed except the notation in the Bad section above.  While audibly different...once dialed in to my ears, it was subtly telling - on center, sweet, off center less sweet.  Playability - this is where it really stood out as each round, each roll built on the last to instill confidence.  One of the best comments about it came from my son who said “Man, your misses just barely miss and stop close.”  That means fewer overall putts and less opportunity for three putts.  Versatility, I have been one that is not afraid to try a putt from “off the green”.  In the course of the test, I had a number of approaches that were 3yds or less off the green either fairway or fringe.  Some were of significant distances (ball at the front fringe, cup in the back up to 90’ at one hole), yet I could lag to less than 10% of the hole distance (ex. 40’ putt to less than 4’) and know that it was a makeable 2 putt finish.  
The Odyssey AI-ONE Milled 7T DB (that is a mouthful) “Millie” definitely impressed in the long run.  I thought the AI technology would be more marketing than material, but in playing the club round after round I am seeing the forgiveness across the face deliver makeable 2nd putts and fewer three putt misses.  I can see it or one of its siblings as good fit in any golfer's bag.   
I again want to say how thankful I am to the MGS Mods to have been chosen for this test as it truly is an honor and privilege and to Odyssey for the opportunity to test this next level putter.  Having been a solid White Hot Insert puttee for the past few years, the AI designed and implemented face provides a feel and confidence that I had not known before.  Distance control, i.e. lag, was spot on through the entire test.   It was truly an honor to test and discover the “new face” of putting. 
 
Final Score (92 out of 100)

 

Thank you for the additional insight toward participation throughout the year and testing. I'm very happy that I stumble across MGS over a year ago.
Only bad thing... I didn't find you sooner!!! 
Glad to be a proud member!!

I think it really isn't a shocker at all. All this hype on the looks and then the reviews really started to pile on about their similarities to TM made it a big target. A bit of drama and intrigue on these KSIG sticks is gonna make them even harder to get a hold of.
Get em while you can

I think this will only help Costco Sell their Irons unless the court issues a temporary restraining  order while the case is ongoing.  I think that’s what it’s called. I did graduate 10 years ago. Memory a little hazy. 
 
However if my memory is correct last time Costco was sued they lost because their ball was too close to the PROV1. 
 
Whoever got those clubs appears to got a nice W

I'm not surprised at all.  Actually more surprised this hasn't happened with a few companies but then again no one has been as big ($$$$) as Costco to use a design almost identical. 

Personally I'm not at all surprised that the Kirkland irons got the attention of TaylorMade.  I think every video review I saw on the Kirkland's had some mention of the P-790 in it.  That's not to say they are the only goo-filled hollow-body players distance iron, but it seemed like it was more than being in the same category.  I couldn't tell you what patents TM has for the P-790 but I don't blame them for exercising their right if there is indeed infringement on them.   
 
I'm almost more interested in the false advertising claims and finding out the story on that and learning more about SCDC.

Paging @Golfspy_CG2

Has anyone tried the makefield putters self fitting kits?  Might be worth a test?

I've been getting bombarded by emails from Hank Haney promoting the SF1 driver (stands for Slice Fix, I guess). Supposedly utilizes technology from Formula 1 race cars. At $299 with frequent specials, the price is somewhat attractive, but does it work?

The easy answer here is PING. Their SFT models are legendary for it. 

Is it tooo obvious know to want to see the direct comparison between Kirkland and Taylormade. Lets see them numbers. 

I'm with you on this one! I recently had a training session and I told the instructor something similar about wishing the club could fix my slice. He said we just need to fix my swing. (I still think having a club that could do that would be easier...)

I'd love to see the new Wilson Staff Irons! beauty personified

Id like to see a comparison of drivers that claim to fix slices. to find out if there is one that actually works and still be competitive with regular drivers

I'd like to see the advancements in driver tech for this year. I'd also like to get into speed training and would like a side-by-side test/review of the different systems

We have done Exputt in the past. They haven't reached out to us again. However there were several other companies we reached out to.

55’ during a 2 man scramble (putting second) had the perfect pace.  On my own ball, a 40’ putt downhill with 3’ break.
Other than the longest, just being able to have the no pressure 2 putt and knowing that if I get too aggressive and run one by, the confidence to make the comeback…have so much confidence with this putter in my hands.
The feel in the 4-6 footers has really helped me, was struggling with my prior gamer on these and would miss quite frequently.

52 feet from the fringe on one end of the green with a left to right break. I think if it didn't go in I would have had about a 5 or 6 footer coming back.

Date 01/29/2024 Course Name Crans sur sierre, Switzerland Gross Score 72 Course Handicap 0 Gross Strokes over/under par 0 Net Score to Par 0 Net Score 72 Net Birdies or better 4 Longest Drive 253 SIM Round? SIM This weeks SIM round we travel across the pond to the lovely Crans Montana in Switzerland.  A tale of two nines, the  front 9, 4 under, 4 birdies, irons on absolute fire. Had supreme horseshoes up my butt. The back nine 4 over, no birdies. Birdie fest on front. Bogie fest on back. My driver was overwhelmed by the scenic beauty and insisted on the scenic route on the back nine. My irons and short game couldn’t save me. All in all still a very good round.

Date 01/29/2024 Course Name Pebble Beach Gross Score 77 Course Handicap 0 Gross Strokes over/under par 5 Net Score to Par 5 Net Score 77 Net Birdies or better 2 Longest Drive 271 SIM Round? SIM Weather made a dramatic improvement this week but work was not letting me get away early enough to actually go outside yesterday. Decided to try another sim round after searching "best course TGC2019". With that, I was "off" too Pebble Beach. TGC didn't disappoint and the course was a lot of fun. I still had a number of 3 putts since I'm just not great at reading virtual greens. Lag putts are always hard to judge too. Otherwise,  I think I had only a couple relatively bad shots. Nothing I couldn't recover from but still, not ideal.

3 putts: 3 (35 putts total)
Fairways hit: 10/14
GIR: 12

Overall, a pretty consistent round. The swing is starting to feel good again. I just need to add some speed back in on the driver.