Blind putter test: Odyssey v Dunlop
Is a premium
While doing some putter tests a couple months ago it dawned on us that the head shape of an Odyssey Versa #9 looks remarkably similar to a Dunlop NZ9.
‘They look exactly the same,’ said equipment writer Andy Roberts. ‘If you taped them up you’d never know the difference’ – and the idea was born.
While these clubs may look similar there is one massive difference you’ll notice when looking at them in a shop– the price.
While the Dunlop can be picked up for a miserly £13, the Odyssey will set you back £100. So will this price difference be glaringly obvious to those we tested? Would people laugh in our face for trying to dupe them? We were on a mission to find out…
The Test
Firstly we had to change the grips as they displayed Odyssey and Dunlop branding. Although Charlie was upset the proshop had run-out of Arsenal grips they did stock some brilliantly generic grips which would not give anything away so on they went.
Next up, we taped the heads of the putters with brown parcel tape so that no branding or colour could show through. We left the face clear as we thought it would compromise the test as feel would have undoubtedly been affected. We asked testers not to inspect the putters when using them and specifically asked them not to look at the putter faces.
We then headed to Mannings Heath Golf Club and World of Golf, New Malden, and waited on their practice greens to talk to unsuspecting golfers.
The actual test was simple. Give golfers some balls and have them hit 10-20 shots with each putter. While they putted we continually asked questions to get their thoughts.
Before they started we told them there were two different putters and we would like to hear their thoughts on them. We didn’t tell them any more about the flat sticks as we didn’t want to raise their suspicions.
While doing some putter tests a couple of months ago it dawned on us that the head shape of an Odyssey Versa #9 looks remarkably similar to a Dunlop NZ9.
‘They look exactly the same,’ said equipment writer Andy Roberts. ‘If you taped them up you’d never know the difference’ – and there the idea was born.
While these clubs may look similar, there is one massive difference. Price.
While the Dunlop can be picked up for just £13, the Odyssey will set you back £100. But will this be apparent to golfers of all abilities? Will the extra £87 produce a glaringly superior putter?
We were on a mission to find out…
The Test
Firstly we had to change the grips as they displayed Odyssey and Dunlop branding. Although Charlie was upset the pro shop had run-out of Arsenal grips they did stock some brilliantly generic grips which would not give anything away, so on they went.
Next up, we plastered the heads of the putters with brown parcel tape so that no branding or colour could show through. We left the face clear as we thought it would compromise the test as feel would have undoubtedly been affected if we covered it in tape.
To ensure those doing the test did not look at the face we asked, ever so kindly, that they did not inspect the putters and specifically asked them not to look at the putter faces. We kept an eye on the testers at all times to ensure none of them stole a cheeky glance - you can't trust anyone these days.
We then shot off in Andy's motor to Mannings Heath Golf Club and World of Golf, New Malden, and waited on their respective practice greens to talk to unsuspecting golfers.
Not many were forthright when we asked if they wanted to be a part of the test and after three hours only five had come forward so a more aggressive tactic was needed... free balls. This worked and jovial golfers were coming and going faster than you can say Andre Villas-Boas.
The actual test was simple. Give golfers some balls and let them hit 10 to 20 shots with each putter. While they were putting, we continually asked questions to gauge their thoughts, all the while keeping the identity of the putters quiet.
Before they started we told them there were two different putters and that we would like to hear their thoughts on them. We didn’t tell them any more about the flatsticks as we didn’t want to raise their suspicions.
We asked the testers to give themselves some different putts. We wanted them to try flat putts and breaking putts as well as slow and fast putts and all from different distances.
We made sure the testers were sure of their convictions before they delivered their judgement. If they were umming and ahhing I suggested they hit a few more.
Click this link for our Putters Test 2013
