I Tested The Coolest Limited Edition Putter I've Ever Seen

As the putter tester at Golf Monthly, I’m always excited when manufacturers release limited-edition products, particularly when they boast truly standout designs. I had previously seen the Odyssey Ai-One Giraffe Beam putters online, when some had been spotted on the DP World and Asian Tours, and so when I heard they were coming to retail in the UK and US, I knew I had to get my hands on one. These putters look the part, but how do they perform on the greens? I took the Giraffe Beam Jailbird Mini out on the golf course to find out if it can be considered one of the best putters on the market.

Right out of the gate, the Jailbird Mini shape immediately felt familiar, having used this shape a couple of times. It's a classic Odyssey design, but the "Mini" sizing is perfect – compact enough to encourage putting with feel, but still offering that iconic and popular look. What really caught my eye, and immediately made alignment a breeze, was the Versa alignment system. I find the contrasting sections running parallel to the face make it extremely easy to set the face square to your target at address.

There are a few things that make this putter stand out from the standard Ai-One putter range. The standout feature has to be the Giraffe Beam Hosel. This longer plumber's neck hosel design is genius and is what gives the putter its name. I love the traditional, aesthetically-pleasing look of a crank hosel design, but you get that with the performance benefits of a face-balanced putter. For someone like me who has a putting stroke with minimal face rotation and arc, this is a dream come true. The putter naturally stays square through the stroke, which translated into more putts starting on their intended line. It also rivalled the stability of any of the best mallet putters I have recently tested.

Speaking of performance, the Ai-One insert is something that impresses me every time I use a putter with it. Odyssey’s use of Artificial Intelligence to create an insert with variable face thickness and to promote consistent ball speed, even on mishits, is truly impressive. I noticed a remarkable consistency in ball speed, even on putts hit slightly out of the heel and toe. That means fewer putts coming up short or rolling too far past the hole and minimizing the chances of three-putting. Plus, they've co-molded it with the classic White Hot Urethane design, so you get that buttery, soft feel that we all love. As is the case with all of the Ai-One putters, you can actually see the unique topology of the insert through the Ai Window, which is made from a unique automotive-grade polymer. It's a nice touch that showcases the tech within.

The SL 90 Shaft is another subtle but significant innovation that makes a big difference in the putter's performance. It's a lightweight steel shaft that possesses a counterbalance weight (20-30 grams depending on the grip) in the butt end. This helps promote a smoother, more controlled stroke, and I felt like it really helped my tempo and pace control, particularly on putts from outside 30ft.

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The Stroke Lab shaft and grip are designed with a giraffe theme

Finally, the aesthetics are something to behold. The putter boasts a beautiful copper PVD finish. This finish, contrasted with the white on the rest of the head, provides a look that will certainly grab attention as soon as you remove the headcover. If you look closely, there’s a subtle giraffe pattern on the sole that ties into the "Giraffe Beam" name. The shaft band, grip, and headcover also feature giraffe print with copper and gold tones, which only add to the premium finish of this limited-edition flatstick.

Overall, the Odyssey Ai-One Giraffe Beam Jailbird Mini ($399/£339) is a superb putter for golfers who prefer a face-balanced design with the look of a traditional plumber's hosel and have a stroke with minimal face rotation. The combination of the consistent Ai-One insert, the stable SL 90 shaft, and the stunning copper finish makes this a truly impressive piece of engineering. I'm genuinely excited to keep testing this product and see if I can hole even more putts. If you think one of these may be good for your game or it will simply look great as a collectible in the office or at home, you’ll want to move quickly, as these are likely to fly off the shelf!