Labs

Titleist Bullseye vs 2021 Most Wanted Blade Putter

BY MyGolfSpy
Jun 28th 2021
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A Timeless Classic Versus 2021’s Most Wanted Blade Putter

Tests of “Old Versus New” never fail to generate buzz, curiosity and usually controversy. Given how far drivers have come from when your “old” is made from wood, finding the answer to the “is newer really better?” question is basically a gimme. But what about the putter space? Sure, there’s been plenty of evolution but how much has really changed?

Let’s find out.

The Old

Titleist Bullseye- A major winner. Depending on your perspective, it’s either a timeless design or a nostalgic relic. Chances are you’ve rolled a few putts with a Bullseye over the years.

The New

Odyssey White Hot OG #1 Stroke Lab Putter- Our 2021 Most Wanted Blade Putter. Sure, it’s still an Anser shape but it’s also an embodiment of putter evolution.

Can one of golf’s most iconic putters compete with the best blade we tested this year?

Let’s find out.

Most Wanted Putter Testing

Here’s how the timeless Bullseye fared against our 2021 Most Wanted Blade Putter, the Odyssey White Hot OG #1 Stroke Lab.

Strokes Gained Results

Under our Strokes Gained methodology, the field average is basically zero. That means that Bullseye lost strokes to the field at each of the distances we tested while the Odyssey White Hot OG gained strokes across the board.

Looking more closely at the numbers, the White Hot OG bested the Bullseye by a significant difference to the tune of:

Nearly half a stroke (.4875) at five feet
1.05 strokes at 10 feet
.75 strokes at 20 feet

That’s a combined difference of 2.288 strokes overall.

The Simple Numbers

To put this in terms everyone can understand, in a controlled putter test like MyGolfSpy’s Most Wanted, fewest putts wins. Over the course of our 2021 test, with the Odyssey, it took our testers 703 putts to completely hole out with the Most Wanted putter. It took 764 putts with the Bullseye.

What does that mean? Let me ask you this:

How would you like to miss an additional eight percent of your putts?

Didn’t think so.

Key Findings

1. Technology Matters

Our data suggests technology makes a difference in performance. With the Odyssey White Hot OG #1 Stroke Lab, you have a putter packed with technology.

Its White Hot insert, like the Bullseye, holds its own iconic status. Not only does it offer tremendous feel but Callaway says it offers more consistent rolls. The numbers suggest that might be true.

Over the past three years, Callaway’s Stroke Lab technology has taken off. It has the potential to create more consistency with several key variables within the putting stroke. They are: Length of Backswing, Position at End of Backswing, Face Angle at End of Backswing, Forward Swing Time to Impact, Velocity at Impact and Face Angle at Impact. In 2020, the effectiveness and popularity of Stroke Lab was on full display. Tour usage and positive impacts on the variables listed above were evident.

Putting requires consistency. It’s safe to say the Odyssey White Hot OG #1 Stroke Lab produced more consistency than the timeless, though tech-deficient, Bullseye.

2. Strokes Gained. Period.

Take away the emotional connection with the Bullseye and what are you left with? For its time, an incredible symbol of craftsmanship that holds true to this day. However, our goal is help you shoot lower scores. It is 2021. We are here to encourage you to let go of the past and realize that no-tech putters like the Bullseye might be hurting you on the putting green.

The strokes gained numbers speak for themselves. Overall, the Odyssey White Hot OG #1 Stroke Lab is the best of the two putters by a considerable margin.

2.258 Strokes Gained compared to -0.030 Strokes Gained versus the field—a difference of 2.288 strokes overall.

Out With The Old, In With The New

Can the Titleist Bullseye compete with the Odyssey White Hot OG #1 Stroke Lab? Based on our sample size, no. Can you still make putts with a Bullseye? Most definitely. However, in a game where putting makes up 30 to 40 percent of a golfer’s score, why would you not want to put a product in your bag that can actually help you shave strokes?

It is time to consider putting the “old” away and explore the plethora of “new” putter options available nowadays. The efficiency is there. Go through a fitting process. Dial in the appropriate putter for your game based on stroke type, playing length, lie angle and loft. Whether your next putter of choice is an Odyssey White Hot OG #1 Stroke Lab or another current model, the technology implemented theoretically will enhance your game. Trade in a minuscule sweet spot with little to no forgiveness off the face for a higher MOI, more consistent rolling putter.

Out with the old, in with the new. That is our suggestion. But, ultimately, the choice is yours.

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comments

Join The Discussion

HarveyDiamond

3 years ago

I enjoy comparisons like this as much as anyone. It’s interesting to envision designing and executing the tests used in the comparison. For me the truth unfolds in an old adage. It’s not the arrow, it’s the archer. My playing partners buy new and improved, tech marvels and still post the same scores. The humor for me is when I’m asked, ‘what am I doing wrong?’.

Roberta Upton

3 years ago

From the above comments I conclude 2 things?
1. The dinosaurs aren’t dead.
2. They putt with Bull’seyes

firebird

3 years ago

I have had a Bullseye putter since the early 70’s and only started using my Callaway Warbird Putter (which I bought in the 80’s) when I accidentally bent the hosel about 3 years ago. I asked a mate who is a LAME at the local Airport to straighten it and according to the machine he used it was pretty much perfect, as I could not find the original specs we assumed the loft was 3 degrees. Unfortunately it never felt right after that. I bought a new blade butter that felt good and I still have it however I found the Warbird seems to suit the new course. I should point out that I am very good putter, always have been. I usually average less than 30 putts per round.

Derek

3 years ago

Cool story, Firebird.

Stephen Baker

3 years ago

Not a fair comparison in my view.
Test should have been conducted using a modern day centre shaft putter v the Bullseye, like v like!

Tim Root

3 years ago

I was a dedicated user of a Bullseye years ago… my favorite putter for many years. It was a difficult transition away from it… and not as much due to the performance from a statistical standpoint, but from it being pleasing to my eye. At least for me… being able to see my line while I’m lining up my putter behind the ball was automatic using the bullseye. It took some effort with the variety of more current putters. In fact, I still have a Wilson 8802 that fits in this category as well. When I set them on the ground, I just knew how to hit the putt. It feels more scientific to roll a ball with the current putters – and that isn’t a bad thing – lower scores certainly follow the science… especially for duffers like me. If nothing else, this article makes me want to put the Bullseye in the bag the next time I go to the putting green – just for old time’s sake :)

Steve Smith

3 years ago

My first “good” putter. Looking back many decades without rose tinted goggles; it was “not terrible”. Okay, it was crap.

How I graduated from it:

Flew into Oakland, CA for work but first a tee time at Presidio across the bay the next morning. Oakland still had roll-up steps to deplane – took awhile. I saw my bag get thrown into a baggage cart (and out the other side came a number of my clubs.) immediately run over by another cart tractor. Some time later at the baggage claim and I was reimbursed for the bag, several bent shafts and the now missing Bullseye. I NEEDED a putter for the upcoming round and got a $8.00 mallet at Walmart – playing with nine or so clubs wasn’t a problem. The mallet was a revelation – I’ve never gone back. – now an Odyssey 2-ball center shaft.

I have a number of old Bullseyes from my daughter’s father-in-law after his passing. I cut them down for the grandchildren to use when out with “papa.” I still have to clamp them in the vise every so often to correct the lofts which get all over the place.

Mike

3 years ago

I’m going to demand that my kids miniature golf course upgrade their equipment immediately

scott

3 years ago

A true test is how the Bulleye performs on a putt putt course. .

Mike

3 years ago

Taking a putter than was designed when greens ran about 5-6 (if the had a stimp) and testing against a putter that is designed for today’s greens? Look at old footage and you will see wristier, pop strokes on very slow and bumpy greens. My guess is that the Bullseye is lighter, has at least 5-6* loft and was designed for a softer wound balata ball. I don’t doubt the modern clubs are “better”, but they are also “different”. My real question is “What is your point?”

David

3 years ago

Keep the old stamping on the bottom of the Bullseye

David

3 years ago

Great test! It would be interesting to expand to the top 20 putters used today and over the years. Bullesye, Ray Cook, 8802, Anser, Odessey, etc.

By the way, I had a Bullseye Offset Flange 50 years ago. Great putter, and beautiful design.

SV

3 years ago

Say what you like, I still use an Acushnet Bullseye putter (approx. 50 years old.) some. I bought a Cleveland HB Soft 11 2 years ago but the Bullseye keeps coming back into the bag. Yes the Cleveland is more forgiving, but when it comes to aiming and distance control the Bullseye holds its own.

Marc

3 years ago

Great comparison. I’ll make sure that everyone I know still playing. a bullseye reads this.

Alex O

3 years ago

My dad has used the same Bullseye for 40 years. Last year he made the gut wrenching decision to switch to the Newport 2 Scotty, and the results are undeniable. Between exceptional ball roll and better performance on off center hits, he’s never been more happy with a change up and holes FAR more putts.

Joe Duffer

3 years ago

The headweight on this putter is 360 grams! ????
For players that putt well, this is way too heavy!
This is especially true if you’re using a longer putter (35″-36″).
Would create swingweights in the E or even F range.
It seems clear to me that putters are now being designed for people who don’t put well…
I think it’s difficult at best to develop speed control with putters that are this heavy.

Steve S

3 years ago

Depends. I was a pretty decent putter as far as distance control. But I was not a good green reader. I have gone to a much heavier putter because I don’t need as long of a stroke on any putts. Shorter stroke usually means better accuracy because there is less chance of getting offline. The physics are undeniable.

David

3 years ago

Slower green speeds

dr. bloor

3 years ago

Interesting thing here isn’t that the Bullseye lost, but that it would have finished ahead of both Scotties and a couple of other big names had it been in the 2021 field for Most Wanted blades.

Phillip Bishop

3 years ago

This is a head to head comparison between the two putters. The constant is total putts made, which would greatly impact the Bullseye from a negative standpoint if it were included in the 2021 Most Wanted Blade Putter Field.

dr. bloor

3 years ago

Not sure what you mean by this. The constant is Strokes Gained, which is the same metric used in the annual round-up.

Jack B.

3 years ago

Thank you, I like articles like this. In the caption you attributed the design of the Bullseye putter to Scotty Cameron even though the sole of the Bullseye clearly says “John Reuter Jr. Design”. Which putter would you rather have if you had to punch out wrong-handed from under a tree? Golf equipment marketeers love to use the word “technology”. The Odyssey features steel putter head, offset shaft, cavity back, alignment line, heavier clubhead weight, changeable weight screws (that look like sports car wire wheels), and a fatter grip, which in my mind should be called design features not technology. On a more serious note, what is the reason for the plumber’s neck offset hosel?

Phillip Bishop

3 years ago

The plumber’s neck is because it is the exact putter used in Most Wanted Testing. Furthermore, it is the only hosel type offered by Odyssey for the White Hot OG #1 Stroke Lab.

Art Springsteen

3 years ago

I would have thought, when I saw the title of the article, that you were going to compare the Odyessey with another blade, namely a Wilson 8802. As for the Bullseye, I’ve been playing almost 60 years, including 4 yrs as a Div. 1 player, and I doubt I had a Bullseye in my bag for even one season (it was a Bullseye flange). The 8802 was in the bag for a decade, until I went to my first “high tech” putter, a Odyssey 2-ball blade. Just recently went to a Cameron Newport after a fling with the new Kirkland putter, which I still haven’t made up my mind on yet. BTW: there are probably 40 putters in the cellar that had brief tours of duty over the years. No, I don’t get rid of old putters (or wedges!).

Bob Hattery

3 years ago

Against the Bulls Eye I have no argument. I think it would be even more interesting to run a comparison against the OG and an earlier Odyssey Tri Hot #3. I have personally been using the Tri Hot #2 for years and have never found a better putter.

Robin

3 years ago

I use a Swag mallet putter with straight shaft.
I have a couple of techie putters before I bought the Swag.
I averaged the same number putts even making more and not leaving them short with the Swag with little tech.
Maybe I’m a better putter than I think.

Matt Blankenship

3 years ago

Frankly, I’m shocked. I really thought the Bullseye would best the modern tech. My hickory shafts hardly give up anything to the new fangled graphite shafts!

Can you test a Pro V1 against my gutta-percha balls next? I may be losing distance too.

Hehe. I enjoyed the nostalgic look. I never liked the Bullseye and yes, I still have one….somewhere…

MBU

3 years ago

How about The Odyssey vs an original anser? There would be minimal difference .The main problem with The Bullseye is that it sets up so different to the modern forward press putter

Ryebread

3 years ago

Those are my thoughts exactly. There is a reason the Anser swept the pro ranks eliminating the Bullseye and the 8802. What you did was nice but it effectively showed what history did and speaks nothing to “new tech.”

A much more compelling test would be the best tech Anser from today (with fancy grooves) vs a similar in size / shape / toe hang legacy Ping Anser with the exact same grip. I would bet we’d find much different results.

Eric Baltimore

3 years ago

I love the new versus old comparison, but what would this test look like with a top putter from 2011, versus something that is more of a relic at this point. Obviously, face technology with drivers has made an impact, but is this the same for putters too over a smaller gap of time as many players still probably have something in their bag that’s 6 to 12 years old or more, is there an appreciable difference here? Thank you and as always, keep up the great work.

Rockstar Leo

3 years ago

Great comparison, year over year the improvement may be minimal, but over time it sure adds up.

Next: please do MW blade vs MW mallet, would be curious to see how that turns out!

Phillip Bishop

3 years ago

Rockstar suggestion right there. We will keep it in mind.

Dave Silkroski

3 years ago

I’ll keep my Bullseye (Flanged) … lots of folks can’t read putts so technology does not help them.

MyGolfSpy

3 years ago

Data was collected from 35 testers. A portion of those can read putts well and some can not. These type of golfers are included in this data set. If the person can’t read putts that means he/she can’t read putts with both putters, which means all things are equal and results will more than likely remain the same.

Al P

3 years ago

But what if there was no difference in strokes gained from those who can read putts, but a HUGE difference from those who couldn’t read putts. This would give you the average that was posted, but would say that for good putters, the club didn’t matter one way or the other.

MarkM

3 years ago

What a shocker ;)

James

3 years ago

Great test results. My son was fitted into the OG a few weeks ago, based on MyGolfSpy we told fitter that was his preference, and his strokes gained putting have gone up nicely.

James

3 years ago

Great test results. My son was fitted into the OG a few weeks ago, based on MyGolfSpy we told fitter that was his preference, and his strokes gained putting have gone up nicely.

Genaro Melendez

3 years ago

Loved bullseye. Then the Ping B60. Fitted at ping long in the 90’s. Need to get fitted again. Made some great putts with all of them.

Ritch Gallagher

3 years ago

I still have a Bullseye flange that I bought while in high school in 1967. I still take it out to the practice green from time to time. The feel is still great but the putter just doesn’t work well on today’s greens. The current in the bag putter is a B60 Isopur 2 that I’ve had for 20 years.. It might be time for a new putter but the ball keeps going in the hole so it is hard to make the change.

don

3 years ago

While I love this test – it is apples to oranges. The old bullseye was meant for very slow greens. If you re-did this test on the very slow greens they played on when the bullseye ruled it would win likely.

David

3 years ago

Very good point! Green speed.

Jon

2 years ago

The green speed is important most of you are wrong . The Bullseye should do much better on today’s greens.The Bullseye is made of soft metal, so it should do much better than on the slower greens of the 60’s and 70’s were you had to put more effort into the stroke. Soft feel doesn’t mean the putter has good response ! This is the main reason the odyssey white Hot insert is so great ! But remember too much weight in a putter head today’s mallets can blunt feel. I tried numerous store bought Cameron’s and they don’t have the feel and response that the Odyssey’s do ! You also must find the right ball for your putter and wedges.

Jon

2 years ago

P.S many people today are looking at huge putters of today everything has grown in size ! So when you look down at a Bullseye or a George Low 600 it’s intimidating ! You don’t think it has and muscle! You don’t need mass or muscle to putt .

Jose Jim

3 years ago

Giving the data you get how long or how often do you consider changing your putter?

Phillip Bishop

3 years ago

A great question. Data suggests one could benefit from newer designs, technology, etc year to year. In our Most Wanted Testing, it is evident there are some great putters that perform consistently. The most important ingredient is to go through a putter fitting.

Alvin Paul

3 years ago

I have tried a variety of putters over the past couple seasons, I currently use a Tommy Armour silver Scott model 708 it’s old I pulled it out of the scrap pile but until I can track down a Wilson 8802 I will Not be switching anytime soon.

Paulo

3 years ago

These are two different putters ! Nobody would expect the bulk eye to win here. It would have more merit if you tested an old / original odyssey #1 blade against the latest edition

bob

3 years ago

I agree. Put a putter from 2011 up against the new Odyssey and test the difference.

Gaelichunter

3 years ago

Even Scotty does not use a Bullseye.

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