Why this zero-torque putter gone straight in my golf bag

This L.A.B. Golf copycat is an instant hit for me. I’ve popped the Odyssey Ai-One Square 2 Square Max Stripe straight into my bag and I’m going to tell you why…

When it comes to zero-torque putters, and indeed, the best putters, Odyssey and L.A.B. Golf are two names that are destined to crop up. In the zero-torque sphere, the two big guns are going head to head to create the best zero-torque putter. And, I guess, if you can’t beat them, join them… right?

Is that what Odyssey have done with their Ai-One Square 2 Square Max Stripe and Max 1? There’s no denying the silhouette perfectly mirrors that of the super popular L.A.B. Golf DF3, the little brother of the original DF 2.1, but how does the Max Stripe compare in its performance?

It’s all well and good copying the looks of another putter, but the DF3 finished fourth in the zero-torque category of our 2025 putters test (15th overall). Can the Odyssey Ai-One Square 2 Square Max Stripe match the standard set by the DF3 or exceed it? Let’s find out…

Odyssey are the No.1 brand when it comes to putters, so it’s hardly surprising to hear this is a well-crafted putter that deserves praise. The Max Stripe sports much of the same technology found in the original range of Ai-One Square 2 Square putters Odyssey launched in 2024. The Jailbird from the original launch took first place in the zero-torque category of our 2025 putters test. Therefore, if the Max Stripe can match the performance of the Ai-One Square 2 Square Jailbird, it will pitch in ahead of the best L.A.B. Golf putters and go down as one of the best Odyssey putters.

The reason the Max Stripe has gone straight into my golf bag is because I’m incredibly fascinated by it. I’m very eager to see how this putter performs compared to both the L.A.B. Golf DF3 and DF 2.1. Also, given how much I appreciate a super-forgiving zero-torque putter, the fact that the Max Stripe has over 6,300 MOI massively appeals to me, and surely it can only make putting easier.

I have spent some time putting with the Max Stripe on the putting green at Wynyard Golf Club, and I’ve played a round with it at my home course, Cleveland Golf Club. On both occasions, I’ve enjoyed making putts with the Odyssey Ai-One Square 2 Square Max Stripe, but what exactly is it that sparks my interest the most?

Looks, Sound, and Feedback

I’ll be honest with you, the main reason I’ve put the Odyssey Ai-One Square 2 Square straight in my bag is because I really like how it looks, both in the bag and behind the ball. I completely get that it’s not going to tick everyone’s boxes for its appearance, but for me, it definitely does.

Mainly, I like how the Max Stripe looks behind the ball because of how big the head is. Knowing there’s over 6,300 MOI in the head fills you with tons of confidence, and it helps to create such a stable feel.

The size of the head won’t please everyone, especially if you prefer the look of one of the best blade putters, but if you’re a fan of large mallets, the Max Stripe should be right up your alley.

Sound and feedback off the Ai-One insert are very pleasant – much less ambiguous than its looks. The Ai-One insert was introduced with the first Odyssey launch of Ai-One putters, and it’s certainly here to stay based on its performance, sound, and feedback.

Distance Control and Roll

Touching on the Ai-One insert leads nicely onto distance control and roll. The Max Stripe is faultless when it comes to both distance control and roll – anything other than full marks in this area would be unfair.

The ball rolls incredibly well off the Ai-One insert, and every putt (provided you give it a good stroke) rolls as intended to the hole. Practically every putt I hit made it to the hole, or where I was aiming on a misread, and I had very little work to do to tidy up for a two-putt. I haven’t yet had a three-putt with the Max Stripe, which I’m hoping continues as I play more rounds with this putter.

Forgiveness and stability

Have I mentioned the Odyssey Ai-One Square 2 Square Max Stripe has over 6,300 MOI? That’s what makes this zero-torque putter so forgiving and stable. Both this model and the Max 1 have the same MOI, making them the most forgiving and stable putters offered by Odyssey – even more than the Ai-One Square 2 Square Jailbird.

This putter feels as though it’s on rails when you’re putting. It’s very difficult to put a bad stroke on it because of its stability. Most of that stability does come from the MOI, but also the zero-torque technology, which prevents the putter from twisting throughout your stroke.

Having a forgiving putter has massive upside, and while many of the best mallet putters are hugely forgiving, none of them are as forgiving as the Odyssey Ai-One Square 2 Square Max Stripe.

The only reason the Max Stripe didn’t score full marks for forgiveness and stability is because of how upright the putter sits as standard. If you prefer a putter that lies flatter, you’ll struggle to find this putter as forgiving as it’s capable of being.

Technology and Components

The major selling point of the Max Stripe for me is the versa 90 alignment technology. The contrasting white stripe running through the center of this putter head makes me struggle to believe why anyone would opt for the Max 1. Both putters sport the same technology, barring the versa 90 alignment, and it massively helps keep the putter square and helps you line up correctly to your target.

Away from the alignment assistance, the Ai-One insert is very much appreciated because it’s a premium face insert that delivers a very positive and consistent forward roll. The built-in forward press grip also helps to promote a positive roll by ensuring you strike the ball with the desired loft to get the ball rolling correctly.

The built-in forward press is important because of where the shaft enters the putter head. The shaft enters the Max Stripe directly in the centre of the head because it places the centre of gravity (CG) directly under the shaft axis to remove torque entirely.

The Stroke Lab 90 shaft creates an amazing weight and feel to stroke with.

Final Verdict

There is very little to dislike about the Odyssey Ai-One Square 2 Square Max Stripe. This is a high-class performance zero-torque putter that promotes a positive and consistent forward roll. This putter makes putting easy and fun. What more could you ask for? That’s exactly why the Max Stripe has gone straight into play for me.

Yes, it’s a L.A.B. Golf copycat, but who hasn’t copied the Odyssey #7 or the Ping Anser over the years? Exactly, every brand in the golf industry has taken inspiration from another brand’s design and ran with it. In this instance, can you blame Odyssey? What they’ve done is taken a hugely popular putter, made it their own, and produced a brilliant product that’s worthy of your consideration, whether you’re in the market for a zero-torque putter or not.

Odyssey Ai-One Square 2 Square Max Stripe

RRP: $399.99 / £369.00

Loft: 3°

Lie Angle: 70° - 74° (72° standard)

Length Options: 32" - 35.5"

Shaft: Odyssey SL 90

Grip: Odyssey Square 2 Square Oversize

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