Odyssey DFX vs White Hot OG: A Complete Comparison
The Callaway Odyssey series has some of most popular putters in the golfing world. However, one look at their website and players may be overwhelmed by the sheer number of options and models available from their putter lines. The White Hot putter series has been around for 20 years and is one of Odyssey’s most legendary models, while the Odyssey DFX is a newer and lesser known model. A comparison of the Odyssey DFX vs White Hot OG putters demonstrates a couple of key differences.
Odyssey DFX vs White Hot OG – What’s the difference?
While there are several putters available in the DFX and White Hot OG lineup, we used the White Hot OG #7 and and Odyssey DFX #7 for this comparison. Both of these putters are mid-mallet fang putters with very similar designs.
While the DFX and White Hot putter series have several similarities, there are three key differences between these putters:
- The DFX putter series has an even softer putter insert than the White Hot OG series insert.
- The DFX has a premium black finish while the White Hot OG series has a premium silver finish that makes it look milled.
- The DFX has a lower price point than the White Hot OG.
While playing with these two putters, we definitely noticed a tradeoff between using the White Hot insert and the (even softer) DFX insert putters. The Odyssey White Hot OG had more precision and feedback on both short and long putts. The DFX insert had a softer and smoother feel on impact with the golf ball, but at the cost of some precision.
While putter face softness is a personal preference, we think that higher handicap players and beginners may appreciate the more forgiving DFX model. Players that are ready for more precision on their hit may prefer the White Hot OG.
Who do we recommend a Odyssey DFX for?
Equipped with its relatively cheap entry price and the softest insert technology available from Odyssey, the DFX is well positioned as an entry level putter.
Players that like a cushy feel on impact will love this putter. This putter is also especially forgiving, although its precision and feedback are only average.
We recommend this putter for beginners and higher handicap players.
Who do we recommend a White Hot OG for?
At a slightly higher price point than the DFX, the White Hot OG represents a great value for high to mid handicappers. These players will appreciate a well balanced putter, and while this putter is firmer than the DFX, it is still softer than most putters out there.
The White Hot OG also has a more premium look, as it is designed to emulate the look of a milled putter. Yet this putter costs about half as much as a milled putter does.
White Hot OG #7 Analysis – Full Review
First issued in the year 2000, White Hot putters have managed to stay relevant for over 20 years. The White Hot putter series is famous for the legendary White Hot insert that it is named after. These Urethane inserts are notoriously soft on impact, but never feel weak or squishy.
The new OG series returns to the original white hot formulation, and proves that sometimes the original is better. The OG #7 putter is a mid mallet fang putter, and uses a rich silver pvd finish with fine milling to give it the premium look of a milled putter. However, since it is not actually milled, this putter costs about half what a premium milled putter would cost.
On the course, this putter does a great job overall, and represents a good value for its price point. The white hot insert makes this putter especially soft and forgiving on impact, although perhaps at the cost of some precision. The putter does a good job of providing reasonable feedback on hit, and the weighting and MOI of this putter ensured that this Odyssey putter performed well on the green.
The baseline White Hot 7 has a double bend premium stepped steel shaft combined with a short slant neck, which makes it face balanced for a straight-back straight-forward hitting stroke. There is also an S version with a flow neck and partial offset, which gives it the proper toe hang for a slight arc stroke. See our article Odyssey White Hot OG 7 vs 7S for more details.
Pros – Why we like it
- The white hot insert gives the putter a soft feel on impact.
- This putter performs great for high to mid handicap players as it is very forgiving
- Great price point for a mid mallet putter
- The milled surface finish gives it the look of a milled putter without the expensive price
- The legendary Odyssey head hits well overall on long and short putts
Cons – Drawbacks to consider
- For better players the white hot insert may lack precision
- Looks milled but is not a milled putter
- Face would twist a bit on the swing
- The white hot series are a good value, but not top end putters. Players looking for a more premium Odyssey putter should check out our comparison for the Odyssey Toulon vs Scotty Cameron
Odyssey DFX #7 Analysis – Full Review
After being pulled from the Odyssey lineup, the DFX is back with an even softer insert than ever. This putter is a face balanced mid mallet, designed for entry level players that want to step up their putter game. The overall design looks great, and the extra soft insert is very forgiving for new players.
Pros – Why we like it
- Very soft on impact, for a very forgiving clubhead
- Great price for entry level players
- Available with the pistolo plus and oversize grip options
- Face balanced with reasonable MOI, making it good for straight-back, straight-forward golf swings
Cons – Drawbacks to consider
- May be too soft for some players
- Some players may want more precision
- No toe hang model, only face balanced
Final Verdict
The Odyssey White Hot OG 7 and DFX 7 are very similar putters, with the key differences being the face insert, price, and paint finish. The DFX will appeal to entry level players, while the White Hot OG will appeal to slightly better players looking for a great value putter.
Our selection criteria – what we look for in a putter
Feel
Higher quality putters will have a strong, weighted feel to their clubhead. They will hit through the ball without much resistance on impact.
Lower quality putters will tend to feel “thin” on impact with the ball, and have poor swing control.
Consistency
High quality putters should give a consistent feel and stroke throughout the golf course.
Lower quality putters may change their feel depending on external factors such as terrain, balls used, and player style.
Style
High quality putters are usually well designed with high quality accessories such as head covers. The craftsmanship is apparent in the materials used and attention to detail.
Lower quality putters will tend to have a more generic look with mediocre materials and less attention to detail.
Forgiveness
Higher quality putters tend to have bigger “sweet spots”, and can hit the ball regardless of where on the club it’s struck.
Lower quality putters tend to be very sensitive where they’re struck on the face, with a higher chance of mishitting.
FAQ
The DFX has a softer putter insert than the Odyssey White Hot.
These putter have a very soft face, which may be good for beginner and high handicap players.
The DFX putter first came out in 2003.
Players that like a high MOI mallet might like the 10 or 11 series. Players that prefer a lower price point might like the great value that the White Hot series offers.