The hottest putter of 2023 makes its retail debut with an AI upgrade.
The
Odyssey Ai-One Cruiser models Ai-One faces with counterbalanced weighting.
Available for pre-order Feb. 8 at
OdysseyGolf.com and in stores March 15.
MSRP $349.99
Odyssey made quite a splash last fall when they unveiled their Ai-One and Ai-One Milled putter lines. Both lines featured new AI-designed inserts that demonstrated marked improvements in distance control compared to traditional milled putters.
These putters performed so well that Jon Rahm immediately put the Ai-One Rossie S into his bag. He was ready to save some strokes, eliminate some three-putts and make a whole bunch more prize money. I figured we common folk would be excited to try out the AI technologies as well.
As it turned out, the thing that I heard asked most often after the release was when would Odyssey be releasing a retail Jailbird putter like Rickie Fowler’s and Wyndham Clark’s.
Odyssey incorporating this new Ai-One technology into their putters was a big story in 2023, but the biggest putter story last year was the resurgence of the Odyssey Versa Jailbird. The golfing public said, “AI is cool and all, but can I have that putter from 2013?”
Looks like 2024 is going to be Jailbird season after all. Today marks the official announcement of the release of the Odyssey Ai-One Cruiser Jailbird putter. Now you can finally buy a Jailbird putter at your local store, and that Jailbird will feature Odyssey’s Ai-One insert technology.
Did I mention that this new Jailbird carries a retail price, not a limited-edition or inflated eBay price? What if I also told you that there were four other Ai-One Cruiser models being released as well?
Do I have your attention yet?
Odyssey’s Ai-One Insert
Before we jump right to the Ai-One Cruiser Jailbird and the other Ai-One Cruiser models, let’s review what makes Odyssey’s new Ai-One insert such a big deal.
On the surface, it looks like most other Odyssey White Hot inserts. The real tech is below that white surface where an AI-designed aluminum insert is bonded to the white urethane. When you look through the clear porthole in the Ai-One putters, the aluminum insert is that bent silver thing.
Yes, I did just call something generated from thousands of Tour data points a “bent silver thing.” It’s not actually bent. The aluminum layer has a variable thickness across the insert. This computer-generated design normalizes roll across the face. Not just heel to toe, but top to bottom as well.
The Ai-One insert improves distance control. If your first putt ends up closer to the hole, you are more likely to make the second putt. That is how three-putts go away. You may still miss the long first putt but the second one is closer, so you won’t need a third one.
The Return of the Cruiser Schematic
Counterbalanced designs had a real market presence about a decade ago. Odyssey’s Tank Cruiser line, along with counterbalanced offerings from other companies, were marketed as an answer to the recently implemented ban on anchored putters. I seem to remember that Odyssey even brought a tank to the PGA Show one year.
Anyone out there still miss their belly putter? Once it was illegal to shove the end of your putter into your belly button, many struggling golfers still wanted a putter design with yip-banishing stability. Enter the counterbalanced putter.
The heads were heavy and the shafts were long. Golfers choked down on the grip so the shaft was a few inches, or quite a few inches, above their hands. The shaft weight above the hands counterbalanced the heavier putter head, improving the overall stability.
Counterbalance was the rage for a while but by 2000 or so it was not really a thing. I believe Odyssey released their last Tank Cruiser line in 2015. That could have been the last release of a Sabertooth model as well. That’s a tragedy right there.
The counterbalanced design actually didn’t go away; it just transformed into something a little different. Odyssey’s Stroke Lab shaft essentially made standard-length putters counterbalanced by positioning most of the putter’s weight in the head and the grip.
But now the original Cruiser design has returned: heavy heads, long grips and 38-inch shafts. But this time, we get the new Ai-One insert as well.
Now that the tech is refreshed, let’s peruse the Cruisers.
Odyssey Ai-One Cruiser Jailbird
We may as well get right to the main course. The Odyssey Ai-One Cruiser Jailbird is the putter that seemingly everyone is clamoring for. A win at Pebble Beach threw a little more gas on the fire of desire.
Finally, you will be able to grab a Jailbird without paying ridiculous eBay prices for a nearly a 10-year-old one that looked like it was dragged behind the cart.
Anyway, here you go. A counterbalanced putter with that distinctive Jailbird/Versa alignment scheme, Cruiser stability, an Ai-One insert. So many helpful things crammed into one putter. It’s no wonder that everyone wants to try one. I can’t wait to hear what you think after getting a bird in the hands.
jQuery( document ).ready( function( $ ) {
var slides = $( '#mgs_gallery_65c50396ca857 .mgs-gallery-images .mgs-gallery-image' ).length;
if ( slides 6 ) {
slides = 6;
}
$( '#mgs_gallery_65c50396ca857 .mgs-gallery-images' ).slick( {
slidesToShow: 1,
slidesToScroll: 1,
fade: true,
prevArrow: '
',
nextArrow: '',
asNavFor: '#mgs_gallery_65c50396ca857 .mgs-gallery-thumbs',
swipe: false,
mobileFirst: true,
} );
$( '#mgs_gallery_65c50396ca857 .mgs-gallery-thumbs' ).slick( {
slidesToShow: ( slides - 1 ), //less than number of slides, so it always shows infinite scroll (bugfix)
slidesToScroll: 1,
arrows: false,
asNavFor: '#mgs_gallery_65c50396ca857 .mgs-gallery-images',
centerMode: true,
focusOnSelect: true,
infinite: true,
mobileFirst: true,
responsive: [
{
breakpoint: 1023,
settings: {
slidesToShow: 3,
},
}, {
breakpoint: 600,
settings: {
slidesToShow: 1,
},
},
],
} );
$( '#mgs_gallery_65c50396ca857' ).magnificPopup( {
delegate: '.mgs-gallery-trigger',
type: 'image',
gallery: {
enabled: true,
arrowMarkup: '',
},
} );
} );
Odyssey Ai-One Cruiser #7
Let’s assume for a minute that someone out there wants a counterbalanced putter but doesn’t like the Jailbird design. Come on. It could happen. There are a whole bunch of golfers out there and they all like different things.
If there was a popularity contest today, the Jailbird would be the winner, but the #7 would be the first runner-up. The Jailbird is the winner du jour but the #7 is the putter with the prolific performance pedigree.
If you want fangs, not stripes, the Odyssey Ai-One Cruiser #7 is your putter. The spud neck makes it face-balanced and the Ai-One insert helps balls get to the hole.
There are two variants of the #7 as well. One is an armlock variant. It looks almost identical to the standard model. The shaft is longer so it can rest on your arm rather than in your hands. It’s nice that Odyssey gave armlockers an option but the armlock version is no visual standout.
The other #7 variant is much more interesting and we will get to that one next.
jQuery( document ).ready( function( $ ) {
var slides = $( '#mgs_gallery_65c50396cb92e .mgs-gallery-images .mgs-gallery-image' ).length;
if ( slides 6 ) {
slides = 6;
}
$( '#mgs_gallery_65c50396cb92e .mgs-gallery-images' ).slick( {
slidesToShow: 1,
slidesToScroll: 1,
fade: true,
prevArrow: '',
nextArrow: '',
asNavFor: '#mgs_gallery_65c50396cb92e .mgs-gallery-thumbs',
swipe: false,
mobileFirst: true,
} );
$( '#mgs_gallery_65c50396cb92e .mgs-gallery-thumbs' ).slick( {
slidesToShow: ( slides - 1 ), //less than number of slides, so it always shows infinite scroll (bugfix)
slidesToScroll: 1,
arrows: false,
asNavFor: '#mgs_gallery_65c50396cb92e .mgs-gallery-images',
centerMode: true,
focusOnSelect: true,
infinite: true,
mobileFirst: true,
responsive: [
{
breakpoint: 1023,
settings: {
slidesToShow: 3,
},
}, {
breakpoint: 600,
settings: {
slidesToShow: 1,
},
},
],
} );
$( '#mgs_gallery_65c50396cb92e' ).magnificPopup( {
delegate: '.mgs-gallery-trigger',
type: 'image',
gallery: {
enabled: true,
arrowMarkup: '',
},
} );
} );
Odyssey Ai-One Cruiser #7 CS Broomstick
Confirming that a time warp did in fact occur, Odyssey is offering the Ai-One Cruiser #7 in a center-shafted broomstick build. It’s astounding!
After the anchor ban, I figured the broomsticks were all destined to be chopped into short and heavy putters. Somehow they persisted. The belly putters went extinct but the broomsticks somehow survived the culling.
No, I am not going to get into a debate about the modern broomstick usage being anchored or not. Feel free to fight about that below.
What I will talk about is the hosel location on the Odyssey Ai-One Cruiser #7 CS Broomstick. It reminds me a bit of the Odyssey Backstryke models where the shaft entered the rear of the putter.
Yes, it also looks similar to the hosel position of L.A.B. Golf’s Directed Force putters. Don’t light the torches just yet, though. “Similar” does not mean the same. This putter is not marketed as torque balanced, just stable.
All we know for sure is that positioning the shaft behind the face allows the golfer to see the whole face and that short sight line at address which should likely improve alignment.
jQuery( document ).ready( function( $ ) {
var slides = $( '#mgs_gallery_65c50396cc7c1 .mgs-gallery-images .mgs-gallery-image' ).length;
if ( slides 6 ) {
slides = 6;
}
$( '#mgs_gallery_65c50396cc7c1 .mgs-gallery-images' ).slick( {
slidesToShow: 1,
slidesToScroll: 1,
fade: true,
prevArrow: '',
nextArrow: '',
asNavFor: '#mgs_gallery_65c50396cc7c1 .mgs-gallery-thumbs',
swipe: false,
mobileFirst: true,
} );
$( '#mgs_gallery_65c50396cc7c1 .mgs-gallery-thumbs' ).slick( {
slidesToShow: ( slides - 1 ), //less than number of slides, so it always shows infinite scroll (bugfix)
slidesToScroll: 1,
arrows: false,
asNavFor: '#mgs_gallery_65c50396cc7c1 .mgs-gallery-images',
centerMode: true,
focusOnSelect: true,
infinite: true,
mobileFirst: true,
responsive: [
{
breakpoint: 1023,
settings: {
slidesToShow: 3,
},
}, {
breakpoint: 600,
settings: {
slidesToShow: 1,
},
},
],
} );
$( '#mgs_gallery_65c50396cc7c1' ).magnificPopup( {
delegate: '.mgs-gallery-trigger',
type: 'image',
gallery: {
enabled: true,
arrowMarkup: '',
},
} );
} );
Odyssey Ai-One Cruiser Double Wide CH
Do you want to try a counterbalanced putter but you’ve had it up to your palette with mallets? Not a problem. Odyssey has a Ai-One Cruiser blade putter for you. Granted, it’s a 380-gram and 38-inch- long-blade putter. Still, the Double Wide is way smaller in profile than the other mallets and does look like a blade.
The crank hosel/plumber’s neck will give the Odyssey Ai-One Cruiser Double Wide a bit more toe hang than the mallets. It should play like a blade, but a stable blade since it, too, has the Cruiser morphology.
I think that offering the Double Wide was a solid move by Odyssey. Let’s say you are a traditional Anser-style putter user looking to dabble in counterbalance. Making the jump from a blade to a Jailbird would be quite a jump. The incremental transition from something like an Ai-One Double Wide to an Ai-One Cruiser Double Wide seems more likely.
jQuery( document ).ready( function( $ ) {
var slides = $( '#mgs_gallery_65c50396cd815 .mgs-gallery-images .mgs-gallery-image' ).length;
if ( slides 6 ) {
slides = 6;
}
$( '#mgs_gallery_65c50396cd815 .mgs-gallery-images' ).slick( {
slidesToShow: 1,
slidesToScroll: 1,
fade: true,
prevArrow: '',
nextArrow: '',
asNavFor: '#mgs_gallery_65c50396cd815 .mgs-gallery-thumbs',
swipe: false,
mobileFirst: true,
} );
$( '#mgs_gallery_65c50396cd815 .mgs-gallery-thumbs' ).slick( {
slidesToShow: ( slides - 1 ), //less than number of slides, so it always shows infinite scroll (bugfix)
slidesToScroll: 1,
arrows: false,
asNavFor: '#mgs_gallery_65c50396cd815 .mgs-gallery-images',
centerMode: true,
focusOnSelect: true,
infinite: true,
mobileFirst: true,
responsive: [
{
breakpoint: 1023,
settings: {
slidesToShow: 3,
},
}, {
breakpoint: 600,
settings: {
slidesToShow: 1,
},
},
],
} );
$( '#mgs_gallery_65c50396cd815' ).magnificPopup( {
delegate: '.mgs-gallery-trigger',
type: 'image',
gallery: {
enabled: true,
arrowMarkup: '',
},
} );
} );
Final Thoughts on the Odyssey Ai-One Cruiser Putters
While the Odyssey Ai-One Cruiser Jailbird will get most of the initial attention, my guess is that golfers will quickly start testing the other models as well. Counterbalancing was never marketed as the cure for everyone but it is likely a cure for some.
Can a counterbalanced or a broomstick putter help you make more putts? Maybe. You may read that as me being noncommittal, but that is not my intention. When I say “maybe”, my intention is to give those of you who are struggling with your putting some hope. There are different kinds of putters out there that could make a difference.
This new Odyssey Ai-One Cruiser line gives golfers options, perhaps the exact options needed to lower scores and enjoy the game a bit more.
Find out more about the Odyssey Ai-One Cruiser putter line at OdysseyGolf.com
FAQ: Odyssey Ai-One Cruiser Putter Line
Can I just convert my normal putter into a counterbalanced putter?
Yes and no. You probably shouldn’t just install a 38-inch shaft and expect miracles to happen. In that scenario, the putter head would likely feel very light. However, if you have a putter where you can also install heavier weights, or are open to adding lots of lead tape, you may be in business.
Would Odyssey have released these without the Jailbird’s performance in 2023?
Probably not. The Tour usage by Fowler, Keegan Bradley and Clark fueled the Jailbird hype and likely motivated Odyssey to release this 2024 Cruiser line. Does that make Odyssey opportunistic? You bet. Any company with a hot product should make that product so they can make some money while there is demand. On that note, they are making these putters because there is a demand for them, giving the customers what they want.
Should we expect more Ai-Cruiser models?
If these sell well, I expect we will see more. The Tank Cruiser 2-Ball was a solid counterbalanced offering as was the Tank Cruiser Sabertooth. #bringbackthesabertooth
Could I install a standard grip on one of these putters?
You could, but I’m not sure why you would. Unless you are 6’10”, a standard-length grip would probably have you gripping too high on the shaft to get the benefit of the counterbalancing. You need the weight of the shaft above your hands to counter the weight of the heavy head.
The post Odyssey Ai-One Cruiser Putters appeared first on MyGolfSpy.