Equipment Update: New Putters from Odyssey, Cobra

What's new in the world of golf equipment? The highlights are two putters, one from Cobra called the Optica SL (pictured) and one from Odyssey that combines its ever-popular 2-Ball with its new "Saturn Ring Technology."

• The White Steel 2-Ball SRT putter from Odyssey comes on the heels of the Tri-Ball SRT, the first Odyssey putter to utilize the SRT approach (The Tri-Ball had three white disks rather than two, as in the 2-Ball). The SRT is a large alloy ring around the back of the putter, which cranks up the MOI by moving the center of gravity back farther from the face. The White Steel 2-Ball SRT putter will be available beginning June 1 with an MSRP of $239. Odyssey Web site

• Cobra's Optical SL putters incorporate fiber optic technology into the putter head with the goal of improving the sightlines and therefore the alignment. Cobra claims these putters provide "the brightest aiming points in the industry." The SL-01 model is heel shafted and the SL-02 model center shafted. Both carry MSRPs of $199 and are in golf shops now. More info

• Then there's the No-Bend-O, essentially a ballmark repair tool on a stick. A standard repair tool is affixed to the end of a steel golf shaft, allowing for the repair of ballmarks without the need to bend over. The tool is marketed to all golfers, but is especially convenient for older golfers or anyone with back problems. Review

(Photo courtesy of Cobra Golf)