ODIN Golf Balls: 2023 Forum Member Review

[Javs]

10 minutes ago, funkyjudge said:

Cool intro and excellent first impressions of the Odin Golf Balls, Javs! 

Since you played in a few of the all armed services golf tournaments, you may have met and played golf against my younger brother. His name is Gary Mael, and he served in the U. S. Coast Guard from 1969-1993 or 94, retiring as a Warrant Officer. Unlike me, Gary took up golf well before he was ten years old, and played to a low single digit handicap throughout his 20s, 30s and into his 40s. While in the Coast Guard, he played in several of those all armed services tournaments, with a reasonable amount of success (no victories, but a few very high finishes).

Thank you! It was many years ago when I last played in one of the armed forces events. Mostly late 80’s and then I was unable in most of the 90’s and 2001 on because of work. However, it was fun. Surprising how many really good players there were/are! Sounds like your brother did much better than I faired. He is a player!!

[GolfSpy BOS]

 

I spy some testing beginning soon.  I’m curious to see how these perform in various aspects of the game but can already say they feel good putting. 
 

 

[jbern]

Let the testing begin! It’s nice that the balls seemed to arrive so quickly for folks! 

[SRI1982]

Wow, some great feedback already!! 

Seems like they just announced this testing opportunity. MGS is really streamlining this one. 

 

Thanks Testers. 

[GolfSpy_APH]

4 minutes ago, SRI1982 said:

Wow, some great feedback already!! 

Seems like they just announced this testing opportunity. MGS is really streamlining this one. 

 

Thanks Testers. 

I know we have communicated this in community calls, but maybe not here as much.

We reach out to the testers shortly after registration closes. Throughout sign up we constantly look at and discuss various applicants. While many sign up later, within the first 24 hours is when we get the bull of sign ups.

Testers are contacted, they need to accept the terms and conditions, have a quick call to go over expectations etc and then we fire off their info to the company. In most cases by the time the announcement is made Tuesday the order has been placed and the testers have already started their intros etc.

This method helps so we don't announce testers that then can't commit or back out due to a variety of reasons.

Odin was super quick to get the product out which was nice to see!

[OdinSnipes414]

11 hours ago, GolfSpy BOS said:

 

I spy some testing beginning soon.  I’m curious to see how these perform in various aspects of the game but can already say they feel good putting. 
 

 

So very excited to have everyone testing! Really love to opinion of others on a ball I’ve picked to be my Forever ball!

[OdinSnipes414]

11 hours ago, GolfSpy BOS said:

 

I spy some testing beginning soon.  I’m curious to see how these perform in various aspects of the game but can already say they feel good putting. 
 

 

 

11 hours ago, GolfSpy BOS said:

 

I spy some testing beginning soon.  I’m curious to see how these perform in various aspects of the game but can already say they feel good putting. 
 

 

Oh and the msg logo on the ball was a nice touch  

[OdinSnipes414]

On 12/12/2023 at 3:40 AM, LinksgolfFever said:

Welcome to my official MGS review for Odin golf balls.  Thank you MGS and Odin golf balls for the opportunity.  (a few friends that missed the cut on Thanksgiving....)

About Me:  I am from Santa Cruz, CA and my family has been here since 1910.  I grew up playing everything but golf.  I never saw the allure of golf.  After high school I enlisted in the Army and that was my plan.  After a traumatic knee injury cut my service time short, I returned to Santa Cruz and was looking for my next life story to write.  A couple of weeks later my Grandfather was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and was not expected to make it 6 months.  He asked me to go out and play golf with him, my dad and uncles.  Of course I said yes, but wasn’t expecting to enjoy the golf just my time with him…  Totally not the case.  I WAS HOOKED!  I got a job a local course in the cart shed and started playing as much as I could.  Two years later ,I was playing on the golf team at college.  Playing competitively for the next few years.  Then it was time to get a real job, got married and life happened, not very much time for golf.  Fast forward to 2015 and while on vacation in Maui, my love for golf was rekindled.  More life changes and my wife Anna and I met.  We have two boys at home with us and for the next 2 months they are the same age. (9 months difference between them).  Anna and I got married last year and for our honeymoon we went to Ireland and Scotland.  She is totally supportive of my golf, so much so that when I broached the idea of taking my clubs on our honeymoon she didn’t even pause when she said “you should absolutely do that.”  While in Scotland we stayed at Carnoustie and I played three rounds there.  She came out and walked with me and kept remarking how beautiful it was and even recognized some of the course from seeing the Open championship.

I am playing 2-3 days a week currently with 1-2 days of practice.  I play competitively whenever possible, this year I played in the NCGA matchplay tournament and made it to the group of 8 before a bad round, and a great competitor ended my run....until next year.  

Plans for testing:

●      The testing plans are 10+ rounds of golf, multiple putting green/chip and pitch practice sessions.  I will be comparing the my results against my current ball of choice Srixon Z-star.  

●      The review and comparison will be based on feel, responsiveness, wear and sound.

●      The litmus test is how well this stacks up to the Srixon. Feel, distance, spin, dispersion? From a price point and what I've researched it is a contender for sure.  

●     This will be a keeper if it plays comparably to the Srixon.  

●      This is a great addition to the DTC market, comparisons to Pro-V1 and the like.  3 piece urethane cover.  Great price point with subscription benefits.

●      I expect that the product will be very similar to the Srixon, from the data comparisons I've read they should perform similarly.

The Arrival:  They've landed!!!

 

Tuesday the balls arrived.  Great looking packaging !!!

 

1st Round with ODIN:

The balls arrived yesterday, and it was off to the course this morning.  Arriving early only to realize my wallet was still on my dresser(thankfully the course is about 8 minutes away from my house....).

Super cold (for California) not comparing to my brethren on the east coast, but it's all relative right? Round start 7am @ 36ºF.  Ball felt great off the driver.  Mid-irons had an interesting click noise on impact, not sure if this was the cold but will find out with some hopefully warmer rounds in the near future.  

Wedge play was responsive, I don't get a lot of spin normally but the ball checked at least as well as the Srixon. (assuming comparable contact, etc.).  Spin rates seemed to be right in-line with the Srixon (Driver, Irons, Wedges).

Feel while putting was my biggest worry, but that was answered on the 1st hole.  Post round ball was in great shape, no marring or discoloration. Next round I will be doing some side by side comparisons with the Srixon Z-Star.  

Beautiful spot to golf and toss darts around! I’m excited to see some side by side!

[GolfSpy_KFT]

12 hours ago, GolfSpy BOS said:

 

I spy some testing beginning soon.  I’m curious to see how these perform in various aspects of the game but can already say they feel good putting. 
 

 

I will be eternally envious of the spy logo'd golf balls

[Josh Parker]

13 hours ago, GolfSpy BOS said:

 

I spy some testing beginning soon.  I’m curious to see how these perform in various aspects of the game but can already say they feel good putting. 
 

 

That spy logo though....

[Jordan ODIN Golf]

On 12/12/2023 at 10:40 AM, LinksgolfFever said:

Welcome to my official MGS review for Odin golf balls.  Thank you MGS and Odin golf balls for the opportunity.  (a few friends that missed the cut on Thanksgiving....)

About Me:  I am from Santa Cruz, CA and my family has been here since 1910.  I grew up playing everything but golf.  I never saw the allure of golf.  After high school I enlisted in the Army and that was my plan.  After a traumatic knee injury cut my service time short, I returned to Santa Cruz and was looking for my next life story to write.  A couple of weeks later my Grandfather was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and was not expected to make it 6 months.  He asked me to go out and play golf with him, my dad and uncles.  Of course I said yes, but wasn’t expecting to enjoy the golf just my time with him…  Totally not the case.  I WAS HOOKED!  I got a job a local course in the cart shed and started playing as much as I could.  Two years later ,I was playing on the golf team at college.  Playing competitively for the next few years.  Then it was time to get a real job, got married and life happened, not very much time for golf.  Fast forward to 2015 and while on vacation in Maui, my love for golf was rekindled.  More life changes and my wife Anna and I met.  We have two boys at home with us and for the next 2 months they are the same age. (9 months difference between them).  Anna and I got married last year and for our honeymoon we went to Ireland and Scotland.  She is totally supportive of my golf, so much so that when I broached the idea of taking my clubs on our honeymoon she didn’t even pause when she said “you should absolutely do that.”  While in Scotland we stayed at Carnoustie and I played three rounds there.  She came out and walked with me and kept remarking how beautiful it was and even recognized some of the course from seeing the Open championship.

I am playing 2-3 days a week currently with 1-2 days of practice.  I play competitively whenever possible, this year I played in the NCGA matchplay tournament and made it to the group of 8 before a bad round, and a great competitor ended my run....until next year.  

Plans for testing:

●      The testing plans are 10+ rounds of golf, multiple putting green/chip and pitch practice sessions.  I will be comparing the my results against my current ball of choice Srixon Z-star.  

●      The review and comparison will be based on feel, responsiveness, wear and sound.

●      The litmus test is how well this stacks up to the Srixon. Feel, distance, spin, dispersion? From a price point and what I've researched it is a contender for sure.  

●     This will be a keeper if it plays comparably to the Srixon.  

●      This is a great addition to the DTC market, comparisons to Pro-V1 and the like.  3 piece urethane cover.  Great price point with subscription benefits.

●      I expect that the product will be very similar to the Srixon, from the data comparisons I've read they should perform similarly.

The Arrival:  They've landed!!!

 

Tuesday the balls arrived.  Great looking packaging !!!

 

1st Round with ODIN:

The balls arrived yesterday, and it was off to the course this morning.  Arriving early only to realize my wallet was still on my dresser(thankfully the course is about 8 minutes away from my house....).

Super cold (for California) not comparing to my brethren on the east coast, but it's all relative right? Round start 7am @ 36ºF.  Ball felt great off the driver.  Mid-irons had an interesting click noise on impact, not sure if this was the cold but will find out with some hopefully warmer rounds in the near future.  

Wedge play was responsive, I don't get a lot of spin normally but the ball checked at least as well as the Srixon. (assuming comparable contact, etc.).  Spin rates seemed to be right in-line with the Srixon (Driver, Irons, Wedges).

Feel while putting was my biggest worry, but that was answered on the 1st hole.  Post round ball was in great shape, no marring or discoloration. Next round I will be doing some side by side comparisons with the Srixon Z-Star.  

Hey @LinksgolfFever - first off, big warm welcome to the crew! Thanks again for all the help and support, and giving the darts a good test drive. Excited to hear how the next rounds turn out.

Also, I didn't realize you were in the Santa Cruz area (I recognize that morning vista! I'm from the South Bay Area (one of our ODIN HQs is the South Bay Area, the other Berlin) and also grew up going over the hill to SC, Aptos, et al. I frequent Seascape quite a bit when I'm in the area. Lotta ODIN donations there!

We host a lot of ODIN Day events for our community in the Bay Area, they're a ton of fun and we'd love to have you join us! Give me a shout anytime. Thanks again and take care over there.

 

 

[Jordan ODIN Golf]

On 12/12/2023 at 11:59 AM, fredsharky said:

Introduction 12/13/2023

I want to thank MyGolfSpy and ODIN Golf for being selected to test the X1 golf ball. I see a lot of the tests on this forum and find them super helpful. All the testers do a great job and take testing products seriously.

I just hope that I can bring something to the table..

I am fredsharky on the site and have been a member for a couple years now. I live in Fort Walton Beach Florida (for the past 2 years) but grew up in Arkansas (Go Hogs!!!). I am super lucky to have a job that I have been at for about 23 years as an IT Systems Engineer (Data Protection and Recovery). Also very lucky that I can do everything from home so that gives me a lot of time to get to the course.

I have been married to my super awesome wife for almost 28 years and between all the years spent fishing bass tournaments and fishing trips and now golf almost everyday without complaining about it - well I am def super lucky to have her.

 

I have been playing the game of golf for several years, but never really took it too seriously until the last three years or let’s say never worked on my game.  I was always way too busy fishing..

Since moving to FWB and rarely fishing any longer I have a ton of time to work on my game. I am at the range almost every day at lunch just working on swing and aiming (SMH because for some reason I cannot aim very well). I have dropped my HDCP from around 15 to about an 8 (depends on week). I set goals every year, some are more attainable than others, like getting HDCP consistently in the 7’s and others that may be a little more difficult like hole in one (which I did get this year) and shoot in the 60’s (also did this year 68). I play a few cash games weekly and love playing golf tournaments, whether it is FSGA, two man or 4 man scrambles for fun. 

One of my favorite things this year was the MYGOLFSPY FORUM MEMBER MATCH PLAY EVENT. I had such a blast and it really got me to focus on playing for a score. Our team was also lucky enough to win the inaugural event (Shout to the Sharky Mac’n Swans, @GolfSpy_BNG, @swansosa and @LinksgolfFever), way to go guys.

 

First impressions (10/10) 

So let’s get into this golf ball review introduction….

First off - Packaging: Just WOW!! This box is outstanding and it tells you that hey I am right here waiting to be opened and I probably have something inside that is equally awesome. Very rarely does a box make me take notice, but it did.  Mean they even have a subtle X1 on the sleeve.

Opening it up and getting the first sleeve of balls out was also very telling in the packaging department, as the sleeve is very smooth and sturdy (some other manufacturers have very flimsy sleeves). I mean they even have a subtle X1 on the sleeve.

As I open the first sleeve up and I get the first ball, I automatically love the feel and texture. It feels super soft to the touch and has the “it” factor when you pick up a ball and instantly it either feels like quality or it doesn’t and this one does (We will see soon if that translates to the course).

I only had one concern when I initially opened the package and inspected the ball. The lettering is quite large and at first I was a little concerned, but after looking at it for a few minutes I actually think I like it.

As stated above I gave the first impressions a 10/10 and I absolutely hate that, but I am a supre fair person and I just cannot find anything wrong with this ball so far..

 

This week I will start the process of testing.

Here is a rough cut of my methodology:

Take balls to practice green and putt 100 times 

Go to chipping green and do the same

Go back to both again this time with ProV1, Vice Pro and Z-Star (3 of each)

Take to the course on Friday and play 

Take to course again and hit shots all the way through the bag 

Take to Trackman and get numbers

From there just keep playing different shots 

 

More to come.....

 

Hey @fredsharky - great to meet ya and another big warm welcome to the ODIN Crew! Thanks for sharing your story, it's awesome having you in the community here, thanks for being a big support!

 

Excited to hear about the test drive, thanks again and enjoy for me!

[Jordan ODIN Golf]

On 12/12/2023 at 12:20 PM, Cecil Williams said:

Placeholder introduction 1st I wanna give a big shoutout to my spy and Odin golf family for choosing me out of the thousands of people u could of choose thank you so much for this opportunity and my honest opinion on these Odin golf balls.              My name is Cecil Williams I’m 66 years old I worked for  ( UPS) 29yrs 6 months on that brown truck been married to my wife for 44yrs we have a son n daughter 3 grandson 1 granddaughter love all to the moon  golf background I started playing golf in 1984 first time ever on a course I also taught myself to play golf by google videos golf digest and going practice at the golf range and develope my on shot it works now I’m a 2.1-3 handicap love the game first impression on Odin Golf Balls was so excited to get them quickly on Tuesday as I opened the package and saw this beautiful colorful box all my favorite colors as got 1 ball out compared it my tp5x gamer they feel the same look the same as for as dimples but Odin x1 also the Odin ball is 86 compression and tpx5 90 compression 5 piece vs Odin 3 piece I’m excited today to take them to the course to test n compare my play and thoughts I will get back to u spies later links here I come 

Hey @Cecil Williams - great to hear the amazing back story! Thanks for being a big support and it's awesome having you in the community here. Excited to see how they play in the test drives, take care and enjoy for me!

[Jordan ODIN Golf]

15 hours ago, GolfSpy BOS said:

 

I spy some testing beginning soon.  I’m curious to see how these perform in various aspects of the game but can already say they feel good putting. 
 

 

Lookin good @GolfSpy BOS! Big welcome to the crew and thanks again for all the support. Enjoy the test drive for me!

[GolfSpy_KFT]

Looking forward to rolling the rock tonight on the putting mat! Gonna put them up against some of my gamers from this year to get a feel comparison

[OdinSnipes414]

1 hour ago, Jnoble89 said:

Looking forward to rolling the rock tonight on the putting mat! Gonna put them up against some of my gamers from this year to get a feel comparison

Didn’t know you were even rocking the ODINs

[GolfSpy_SHARK]

Gave them a whirl today….not going to lie I’m impressed…..

verdict is not out yet for iron or wesges because it’s still cold and ground was firm and had several temp greens but tee and puttting I cannot come up with a bad thought 

 

[Rob Person]

I have never saw these before this test, looking forward to all the posts and results!

[Josh Parker]

Some great reviews and info so far.  Looking forward to more info on these. 

[Javs]

First three rounds with the Odin X1 were 66, 70 and 68. All with the same ball. Handicap just dropped from 1 to +2 on the same course! Yes, I am in love with this ball. Off to Norway tomorrow and hope the love is still there when I return in Jan!

Edited December 16, 2023 by Javs

[OdinSnipes414]

3 minutes ago, Javs said:

First three rounds with the Odin X1 were 66, 70 and 68. All with the same ball. Handicap just dropped from 1 to +2 on the same course! Yes, I am in love with this ball. Off to Norway tomorrow and hope the love is still there when I return in Jan!

Dayum son we will be here when you get back! Pros to the great scores !

[Javs]

6 minutes ago, OdinSnipes414 said:

Dayum son we will be here when you get back! Pros to the great scores !

Thank you!

[OdinSnipes414]

*BY NO MEANS MENT TO BE ANYTHING BUT LOVE*
The date was October 3 2022 when I officially joined the crew got my balls in two days and have been hooked ever since!Signed up for ambassador! Went from 5% to 25% for my friendsBought an NFT! And went out and rocked out with my fav ball! So excited that my brothers from MGS forum has gotten this ball in the testing portion of the forum! I’m slightly addicted and it’s good to see others having fun! (Will remove if not aloud)

[GolfSpy_KFT]

Rolled some putts on the perfect practice mat this evening and can say confidently feel is exactly the same as ProV1, slightly softer than V1x (as expected). With the winter season in full swing here in WI I’ll have to get to a sim to see some ball data, but makes me very excited for spring to roll around. Took a few glam shots as well because I just couldn’t help myself

[Jordan ODIN Golf]

6 hours ago, Jnoble89 said:

Rolled some putts on the perfect practice mat this evening and can say confidently feel is exactly the same as ProV1, slightly softer than V1x (as expected). With the winter season in full swing here in WI I’ll have to get to a sim to see some ball data, but makes me very excited for spring to roll around. Took a few glam shots as well because I just couldn’t help myself

Hey @Jnoble89 - great to meet ya! Diggin the pics! They look awesome, thanks again for all the support. Keep me posted on how they play in the wild, appreciate you taking the time to try them out. Cheers and enjoy for me

 

 

[Jordan ODIN Golf]

10 hours ago, Lacassem said:

Gave them a whirl today….not going to lie I’m impressed…..

verdict is not out yet for iron or wesges because it’s still cold and ground was firm and had several temp greens but tee and puttting I cannot come up with a bad thought 

 

Hey @Lacassem - great to meet ya and thanks for all the support! Keep us posted on how the rest of the test drive goes, enjoy for me!

[Jordan ODIN Golf]

9 hours ago, Javs said:

First three rounds with the Odin X1 were 66, 70 and 68. All with the same ball. Handicap just dropped from 1 to +2 on the same course! Yes, I am in love with this ball. Off to Norway tomorrow and hope the love is still there when I return in Jan!

Hey @Javs - lookin good and big ups on the great rounds! Sounds like you were on a run. Thanks again for all the great feedback and have a good trip to Norway - skål!

[Javs]

2 hours ago, Jordan ODIN Golf said:

Hey @Javs - lookin good and big ups on the great rounds! Sounds like you were on a run. Thanks again for all the great feedback and have a good trip to Norway - skål!

Thank you!

[Big C]

On 12/12/2023 at 5:20 AM, Cecil Williams said:

Placeholder

Good morning everyone hope all well update on my 1st day with Odin x1 golf ball I was so impressed how well this ball compressed on the club face I played a titleist tsr2 driver mizunos 921 irons sm8 vokey wedges this ball is long off the tee n long off my irons also I like the way it bites n releases forward look at my pictures to see results my longest drive was 278 down wind 257 head wind 63 degrees partly cloudy I’m n Longview Texas shot 71 with Odin x1 ball 

[fredsharky]

12/15/23 

Was able to get out and play a round with the ODIN X1. I was very hesitant at first not knowing how the ball would be in windy and wet conditions, but to say that I was impressed is an understatement. I continually keep being impressed by this ball. I am not sure if it is the fact that the ball is in a price range that I like and therefore the performance is skewed for me (something that I have to quantify for myself) but so far I really like this ball 

Hitting my first real shot (something besides a wedge) with a 5 wood off the tee and I was able to blast it with a nice little fade down the middle of the fairway (244 yds) 

Next shot 53 yds - 58 degree wedge to from pin location, hit about 5 ft from hole and spin it back about 6 ft just to off the fringe (Ball was very spinny) 

Although I missed my putt from just off the fringe, it putted true 

I could go through the whole round shot by shot, but I will not bore you with all that detail. I will say that with the driver I did not lose any distance and because it was windy and wet it was really hard to quantify if I added any distance (I do not think so), but I was able to hit my fade and baby draws easily (if I made a good swing).

The next thing was mid irons (I carry 6-9) and wanted to see if I could hit high and low and fade and draw, again this ball did everything I wanted if I made a good swing.  I have a lower ball flight than most and I did not see it really change.

I did hit a couple trees (just to check durability) and the ball had no blemishes except for your normal color off the tree when hit, but did not ever show wear on it. I also hit out of the sand three times and yet again no blemishes.

Well after only one round in the books with the ODIN X1 as I stated above I very impressed - cannot wait to see how this ball does after a few more rounds 

Not very many pics as I had some technical difficulties, but got a couple from the putting green - I will be better next time