We’d heard a lot about the new Stroke Lab putters from Odyssey with their innovative weighting system and game-changing shaft technology. Anything which improves the quality and consistency of the stroke is a winner in our book so we headed down to The Els Club, Dubai to find out from Callaway’s Sam Taylor what all the fuss is about and whether the new putters really are a stroke of genius…
What makes Stroke Lab such a breakthrough?
Most golfers’ putting strokes are inconsistent. Yet most putting technologies focus on improving alignment or improving the quality of roll. They attempt to mask a given stroke’s weaknesses instead of improving those weaknesses. Odyssey’s new Stroke Lab putter line helps improve the stroke through a profound change in weight distribution made possible by an innovative new shaft. This is a completely new approach to putter weighting, and something only Odyssey has done.
What’s the story behind the Stroke Lab shaft?
The Stroke Lab shaft is a full 40 grams lighter, made possible by an innovative new multi-material shaft design that combines a graphite body with a steel tip to net out at just 75g, with most of the mass concentrated in the tip. Odyssey have redistributed that saved weight by adding 10g to the head in the form of two sole weights, and adding 30g to the grip-end via a 10g-lighter grip and 40g end-weight.
Why is that weighting system so important?
The effect of Stroke Lab’s innovative weight distribution on the stroke is dramatic. Odyssey studies indicate improvements in the consistency of backswing time, face-angle at impact, ball speed, and ball direction. Feel for the putter head becomes more acute, helping the golfer repeat the same, smooth stroke time after time.
“What Odyssey have tried to achieve here is a more consistent putting stroke for the user. Therefore your length of backswing, face-to-path etc have been improved because of the weight savings in the shaft. It’s a brilliant product which we are having a lot of success with here in the UAE and across the pond in the US.” – Sam Taylor
Putter to suit everyone
The Stroke Lab line-up consists of 10 great shapes — six mallets and four blades – all with the newest White Hot Microhinge insert for smooth roll and great feel, in a choice of pistol grip or oversize grip.
Slightly stiffer and lower torque for increased control
The Stroke Lab Shaft is slightly stiffer and lower torque compared to standard putter shafts for to better control the slightly heavier head.\
White Hot microhinge face insert for a great feel and smooth roll
Combines legendary White Hot feel with dozens of microhinges embedded across the face that promote topspin for smooth roll and acute distance control.
Sole weights and grip weight for a smooth and accurate stroke
Additional weight in the sole and butt-end of the grip change the putter’s dynamics to help golfers consistently repeat a smoother and more accurate stroke.\
Multi-material Stroke Lab shaft for innovative weight distribution
Tip-heavy graphite and steel shaft saves 40 grams that’s relocated into each end of the putter to change performance dynamics.
Winning vibes
Phil Mickelson used a #9 model to win $9 million in The Match over Thanksgiving weekend, Danny Willett used a Tuttle to win the DP World Tour Championship and Thomas Pieters used a Toulon to win the World Cup of Golf.
