Odyssey Ai-One Square 2 Square Jailbird Putter Review

The Odyssey Ai-One Square 2 Square Jailbird Putter puts three Odyssey technologies into one center-shafted mallet: the Ai-One face, Jailbird alignment stripes and zero-torque Square 2 Square balance. I rolled it for 5 rounds and saw more birdie putts drop, shorter second putts and fewer 3-putts. I am officially on the zero-torque bandwagon.

It took a round or two to settle in, because my first round had alignment issues that were my own doing. Once I learned to use the technologies, I made more putts and shot lower scores.

Ai-One face

I was impressed by the first Ai-One putter I tried, like the Ai-One #2. The forgiveness, speed, feel and overall success of the face had me hooked. It is essentially like variable face thickness in drivers, but for putters, and it helps your miss hits act more like your pure ones.

The window that lets you peek at what is happening behind the face is a nice touch. The Ai-One face is a good match for the Square 2 Square balance.

Alignment stripes

The Jailbird head became hugely popular quickly, and Odyssey now offers several heads with the striped crown. I was most intrigued by this combination of Ai-One face and Square 2 Square balance in the Jailbird shape.

My first round, I had alignment issues. I simply didn’t use the huge perpendicular stripes of the Jailbird head to get the putter square to the line, which was user error. Once I used the stripes, I had every putt rolling on my intended line.

Square 2 Square balance

Zero-torque putters have been around a long time. I reviewed a torque-free putter long before they caught on, because making them look good and widely accepted was the uphill battle. Odyssey calls its line Square 2 Square.

The head is balanced on the center line, which keeps the putter from rotating in your hands during the stroke. I am a believer in this technology, and a torque-free putter has been in my bag for a long stretch. Now the Jailbird version is the one in the bag.

Headcover, grip and weights

The little details make this a high-class putter too. It comes with a unique, cool headcover, and the large Square 2 Square grip goes nicely with the combination. The sole also has adjustable weights for a heavier or lighter head.

Setup and performance

We just want to see more putts go in the hole, and this putter delivered. Over my last few rounds I saw more birdies drop, shorter second putts and even fewer 3-putts.

Don’t be surprised if it takes a round or two to settle into these technologies. I struggled first with torque-free putting because of the angles and center shaft, and then with the Jailbird alignment. It has been in my bag since and doesn’t want to give up the gamer slot.

Should you buy it?

Yes, if you want a zero-torque mallet with a forgiving face and alignment that makes aiming easy, and you are willing to give it a round or two. The Odyssey Ai-One Square 2 Square Jailbird Putter made me more birdies, and that is hard to overlook.

Skip it if you want a putter you can hit without adjusting your setup. Our best putters guide covers other options.

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