Zero-torque seems to be the buzzword for putters in 2025. They are designed to eliminate the face rotation as you make your stroke and return the clubface to square at impact. L.A.B. Golf provided the impetus for this explosion when “The Revealer” showed golfers exactly what was happening with their putter during the putting stroke. It was amazing.
Not to be left out, Callaway has introduced a new line that delivers a square face at impact and capitalizes on their top-selling putter heads. The Ai-One Square to Square series includes three new models – Jailbird, #7, and Doublewide – in three different styles – Standard, Cruiser, and Broomstick. All are packed with a ton of new technology, including Ai-One technology – contours on the aluminum backer of the insert that are co-molded to the White-Hot urethane striking surface, creating consistent ball speeds across the face.
The center shaft design makes them “stroke-balanced,” and results in putters that rest with the toe up in a reverse torque position, opposite a traditional putter with toe hang. This promotes a square face throughout the entire stroke. The shaft has 3.3° of forward lean, which places the hands in a forward press position and eliminates the opening of the face that often happens when golfer forward press on their own. They are perfect for golfers who want to minimize the face rotation of their putter.
The stock shaft for the standard putter is Odyssey’s Stroke Lab SL90, which allows 20-30 grams of counterbalance weight to be put under the handle. The grip has 3.3 degrees of forward shaft lean built into it, creating a forward press. The Standard model grip is oversized with a rounded shape that fits perfectly and helps calm the hands and wrists during the stroke. The Cruiser and Broomstick models have different grips.
The new Odyssey Ai-One Square 2 Square Jailbird Putter has a dark navy blue and white PVD finish, which you may think is just for aesthetics, but it reduces glare. The alternating navy blue and white stripes are what Odyssey refers to as the Versa alignment tool. It helps aim the entire clubface instead of just a few dots. By the way, there are three dots to aid in your aim as well.
Now that the face is square to the target at impact, the rest is up to you. Your new Ai-One Square 2 Square putter can’t judge the speed or read the breaks, but it has delivered one less thing to worry about!
Lastly is the headcover; it’s the coolest headcover I’ve ever seen without having to place a special order or pay extra. The embroidered Jailbird leaves its mark when it comes to headcovers, something I hope other companies will heed.
One of the first things you’ll notice when you strike your first putt is that you don’t notice it. The ball rolls off the face quietly, regardless of how long the putt is. That took some getting used to.
What I found with this new putter was the remarkable consistency it produced, much of which is due to the Ai-One face. There’s no comparison between this and a milled face putter in this respect.
Thanks to this new face technology, the toe-up balance, and the aerodynamic shape of the putter head, mishit putts may soon become a thing of the past. See for yourself; head over to your favorite golf store and give it a roll. For more information, visit the Callaway/Odyssey website at www.odyssey.callawaygolf.com.