Odyssey S2S Tri-Hot Jailbird Putter Review

12 months ago Odyssey introduced their Square 2 Square range to enter the zero torque market for the first time. This year they are taking things one step further by combining that technology with another historically popular line. The result is the new Odyssey Square 2 Square Tri-Hot Putters.

There’s a new construction, face insert, groove design and an all-new finish, which we thinks makes the S2S Tri-Hot range one of the best looking zero torque collections on the market.

I got my hands on the new Jailbird model to see if it’s an improvement on last year.

Who Is It Aimed At?

Zero Torque started out as a bit of a niche in the putter world, but it’s gaining more and more traction. It can provide a more simple approach to putting as it’s designed to keep the head more square throughout the stroke, which can encourage more consistent results.

If you’re somebody who has struggled with putting in the past, or you want to try and take the hands out of your stroke, this could be a great option.

Odyssey have also worked hard on the looks of the new putter, as well as the hosel placement (more on that below). This is also there to make it a potentially easier transition for golfers who have used more traditional styles in the past.

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The Tech

Odyssey are claiming that they’ve been able to take zero torque putters to the next level, by introducing the weighting and multi-material technologies of the Tri-Hot range.

Using aluminium, steel and a whopping 140g of tungsten in the head, Odyssey are able to keep more than 80% of the weight underneath the topline.

This keeps the CG much further forward in the head. It allows the shaft and hosel to be positioned in a more natural position, closer to the topline.

The new technologies don’t stop there, though.

A new Ai-Dual face insert has a soft outer layer and a firmer inner layer of urethane. Designed with the help of AI, it’s said to produce consistent ball speed across the face, as well as better forward roll from the top to bottom of the face too.

It works alongside the new F.R.D groove design. This is deeper and more aggressive than previous designs, at 19 degrees, said to encourage a better roll.

The ‘Pistol Plus’ grip has been designed with more prominent edges. This designs sits in the hands more comfortably, giving you better awareness of the face during the stroke.

There are four different models available in the S2S Tri-Hot range. This includes a 38″ Cruiser version of the Jailbird model.

Odyssey S2S Tri-Hot Jailbird Putter Review

Looks and Feel

Aesthetically, Odyssey have made a huge improvement on the previous Square 2 Square putters.

I always thought that the original Tri-Hot 5K putters looked great. Odyssey have taken the really premium look and feel of that technology and added them to their zero torque putters which is a great idea.

I tested the Jailbird model, one that has been popular over the last few years especially on the PGA Tour. The likes of Wyndham Clark, Keegan Bradley and Rickie Fowler – three uncontracted players – have all found success with this forgiving head shape.

At address the putter looks fantastic. The contrast in colours really helps to focus the eyes on the right part of the putter head, and I was a big fan of how Odyssey have been able to shift the hosel entry closer to the topline.

For me this helps the putter to sit more square, and as a left eye dominant putter it also stops me from feeling like the shaft lean is moving the ball too far back in the stance.

The new grip shape feels comfortable in the hands. The more prominent edges helps with the ‘square’ feel, and it’s thinner than other zero torque models which I prefer. There’s also much less pre-set shaft lean, which is a big plus for me.

The new insert had a really nice balance of feeling soft, whilst also providing enough feedback at impact too.

I found it produced great distance control too, with pretty consistent results across the face. I have a tendency to strike putts from the toe, but the S2S Tri-Hot still felt forgiving and stable even on mis-hits.

Performance

Similar to the ‘looks’ section, I actually felt as it the upgrade in the look of the S2S putters also helped with performance too. The centre shaft design wouldn’t be my first choice, but the new alignment line coupled with the shaft’s entry point does make it really easy to line the ball up in the centre of the face.

It also provides a bit more of a visible reference point during the stroke. It felt like this helped me with tehe consistency of my stroke and strike.

The overall quality of the roll was one of the best aspects of the putter. The new groove design really seemed to get the ball rolling end over end.

This time around Odyssey have added a slightly heavier Stroke Lab shaft. I liked this as it made the head feel less weighty.

Sometimes with mallet heads, the head can be so heavy that I struggle with my touch, but I had no such issues with the Jailbird.

Compared to my own Odyssey blade putter, I wouldn’t say I holed any more putts with the Jailbird, but the overall consistency was probably higher.

As someone with an upright putting stance and decent amount of arc to my stroke, I don’t always feel like zero or low torque putters suit me best. At times it feels like I’m fighting what feels more natural to me.

Odyssey S2S Tri-Hot Jailbird Putter Verdict

Odyssey have done a great job of combining two ranges together to make one better product. I was hugely impressed by the overall look and premium feel of the putters.

If they’re going to compete with something like LAB in the zero torque putter market, then they need to be this premium in my opinion, especially with a price tag of almost £500.

It’s a big improvement on last year too. The new weighting system and hosel design gives the putters a broader appeal, and the quality of the roll was great.

Zero Torque putters aren’t going to be for everyone, but if you’re considering making the switch, this range needs to be on your shortlist.