Many of the great putters in the game, like Jack Nicklaus and more recently Phil Mickelson, have adopted a forward press putting style. The forward press can help by creating more stability and true roll in your putting stroke. At the 2010 PGA Merchandise Show, I checked out the new Odyssey Backstryke line of putters, which are engineered to deliver a better putting stroke.
Backstryke Features
In designing the Backstryke, Odyssey engineers moved the shaft backward, placing the axis of the shaft point as close as possible to the putter head’s center of gravity. This in-line axis helps promote a fluid, stable stroke path, for better distance control, consistency, and accuracy.
The Backstryke features a Visible Face Alignment that allows golfers to clearly see if the face is square to the target line without the shaft impeding the line of sight. This a nice feature when setting up to putt from any distance, and very helpful if you have problems lining up your putter square to the target line.
The Forward Press Stabilization on the Backstryke allows you to use a hands-forward position without de-lofting the putter head, which is a common problem when using a forward press putting style. The result of the stabilization, is more of an upward stroke on the ball. The forward shaft lean of the Backstryke helps with emulating the style adopted by the game’s greatest putters. The shaft position also helps create a stable straight line with the leading arm to prevent the wrists from breaking down during the stroke.
The White Ice multi-layer insert on the Backstryke has been fine-tuned to enhance the responsiveness and consistency, by using an inner core that is 19.6% firmer to enhance feel, and 92% stiffer for better resiliency. The face surface has also been roughened to enhance the sound at impact with softer golf balls.
My Thoughts on the Backstryke
I tried out all three models (Blade, Marxman, and 2-Ball) and I was really amazed at how easy it was to roll the ball so quickly and accurately from 10 feet and out. I also liked how easy it was to line up my putts and square the face towards the target, that combined with the forward press made for some consistent putting.
I think the Backstryke is an interesting approach in designing an engineered putting stroke and could potentially be a big hit with people who struggle with consistency, accuracy, and distance control. I’m curious to see how the Backstryke performs under real playing conditions, and how much of a difference it can make.
Will you try the Odyssey Backstryke?
Odyssey Backstryke $199, available April 15, 2010
