50 Words or Less
The L.A.B. Golf OZ.1 putter offers all the performance benefits of the OZ.1i but with a softer feel. Tremendous forgiveness. Huge range of customization options.
Introduction
Several weeks ago, I reviewed the L.A.B. Golf OZ.1i putter [find it HERE], and named it the early front runner to be in my bag in 2025. But long before the snow and ice melted here in Chicago, it’s brother came along, the L.A.B. Golf OZ.1 putter. What was the result of this sibling rivalry? Would I opt for the insert over the original? Let’s discuss.
Looks
Designed in collaboration with Adam Scott [cool video on that HERE], the L.A.B. Golf OZ.1 putter blends his desire for timeless design with L.A.B.’s high tech approach. The shape of this large, modern mallet defies easy description but somehow delivers the “instinctual alignment” that Adam talks about in the video. The triangular shape at the front and the way the cavity frames the ball work together to make aiming feel natural.
With the exception of the small L.A.B. icon in the cavity and moderate branding on the sole, the OZ.1 putter has no ornamentation. This puts all the focus on the shape and the alignment aids – or lack thereof. No OEM gives you as many choices for alignment as L.A.B. Golf. When you custom order an OZ.1, you have 31 choices for a front alignment aid and 22 options for a rear alignment aid. Add in the eight different head colors and you have a total of 5,456 possible combinations. For my L.A.B. Golf OZ.1 putter, I opted for a charcoal head, a perpendicular line with sight dot on the front, and no rear alignment aid.
One other visual note: I have the OZ.1 in charcoal and the OZ.1i in black, and the charcoal finish makes the head look noticeably bigger. They’re exactly the same size, but, at least to my eye, the black finish really slims this putter. If you are hesitant about going to a large, modern mallet, opt for black or another dark finish.
Sound & Feel
Sound and feel are the areas where the L.A.B. Golf OZ.1 putter will differ most from the L.A.B. Golf OZ.1i. Where the OZ.1i has a stainless steel insert, the OZ.1 is made entirely from aluminum like most of L.A.B.’s other putters. The difference is obvious from the first putt.
Even on putts as short as four feet, the OZ.1 is noticeably quieter than the OZ.1i. The impact sound is also lower pitched. These differences only becomes larger as you extend to longer putts.
Unsurprisingly, the OZ.1 feels softer, too. The two putters are not on opposite ends of the spectrum, but there is a noticeably speedier feeling to the OZ.1i where the OZ.1 gives the ball a more gentle nudge. I tested both OZ putters with the same GEARS X L.A.B. Golf shaft to make the comparison apples-to-apples.
Performance
When I started testing the L.A.B. Golf OZ.1 putter, the first thing I wanted to know was whether the stainless steel face produced faster ball speed or just a faster feel. Using my Foresight GCQuad [review HERE], I compared the smash factor of the OZ.1 and OZ.1i. I found that the OZ.1 produced a measurably lower smash factor than the OZ.1i and its stainless steel face.
Moving to long putts on a real green, I saw similar results. I tend to putt with dying speed, and the OZ.1i helped me get the ball to the hole more easily. It’s not a dramatic difference, but I had to be a little more forceful with my stroke when I was using the OZ.1. If you tend to putt more forcefully, you may prefer the L.A.B. Golf OZ.1’s softer touch. I think it’s really cool that L.A.B. Golf gives players both of these options in the same head shape.
Though I kept the shaft the same, I made two changes from my OZ.1i to my OZ.1: I opted for the “Heavier” head weight and the Press II grip that I have on my MEZZ.1 MAX [review HERE]. The Heavier head added about five swing weight points and made a measurable improvement to the forgiveness of the putter. While I was doing my launch monitor testing, I saw more consistent smash factors from the heavier OZ.1. It was not a huge gap, but putting is a game of inches, and I was impressed that the added weight could make this very forgiving design even more so.
While I’ve just spent three paragraphs talking about the differences, the L.A.B. Golf OZ.1 and OZ.1i are identical in most ways. The critical performance element is the lie angle balancing, which makes these putters swing unlike any other. Once you’ve honed the proper technique – allowing the putter to swing naturally instead of steering it – hitting your intended start line will feel automatic. I’ve never made as many long putts as I have with my L.A.B. putters.
When ordering a L.A.B. Golf OZ.1 putter, you are faced with a lot of choices. You’ll want to start with their free Remote Fittings HERE. This will get your length and lie, and may help you decide whether or not you want to order your putter with shaft lean.
There are also several shaft options beyond the stock steel. For a $100 upcharge, you can get an Accra graphite shaft, and for $399 you can get one from TPT. I tested my OZ.1 with the new GEARS X L.A.B. Golf shaft, which is a $175 upcharge. GEARS is a motion capture system used by golf instructors and researchers [I took a lesson on GEARS HERE].
Finally, there are numerous, unique grip options. If you choose to have you LAB Golf OZ.1 putter built with 2 degrees of shaft lean, the grip options are the Press Pistol, Press II 1.5, Press II 3, or the Press 1.3 XL. If you want to learn more about L.A.B. Golf’s Press grips, click HERE. Players who opt for no shaft lean can choose from the SuperStroke Flatso 2.0, Pistol 1.0, Tour 2.0, the Garsen Quad Tour [review HERE], “Simple Rubber” or “Simple Cord.”
Conclusion
Whether you’re a longtime fan of L.A.B. Golf or one of the many recent converts, their latest putter is a must-try. The L.A.B. Golf OZ.1 puts their unique technology into a more traditional shape and blends all that with a soft, solid impact feel.
Visit L.A.B. Golf HERE
He founded Plugged In Golf in 2013 with the goal of helping all golfers play better and enjoy the game more.
Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.
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21 Comments
What lie angle did you get fit to and was it a much different lie than putters you have used in the past?
Tom,
I was fit to a 70 degree lie angle, which is what I use in “normal” putters, too.
Best,
Matt
Thank you. I have a DF3, and this Oz – either one – has piqued my interest… a bit too much. I tend to be fairly even in tempo with the DF3, so your review helped and well as the commentary on alignment lines. The heavier head is also interesting. Do you keep a fairly light touch on the grip? Thanks again.
Jerry,
I try to keep my grip fairly light and disengage my thumbs.
Best,
Matt
Thanks for the comparison Matt. I am a good putter but when i struggle it is with distance control. Would you say one version is better for controlling speed? Greens are fast at my home course.
Pete,
It depends on the individual. For me, the steel insert is helpful because it gives me more of the speed that I need.
Best,
Matt
Matt,
Great review. What are your overall thoughts on the Gears Shaft? In regards to feel, stability, and performance? How does it compare to LAB’s other shafts that you may have tried? I am considering purchasing a LAB DF3 and one of the decisions I am struggling with is the shaft selection. I have tried the ACCRA shaft and liked it but I am curious how it compares to the Gears? Thank you.
Jeff
Jeff,
I think the GEARS shaft is a solid choice. The ACCRA shaft has a softer impact feel, in my opinion, but I don’t think there’s a noticeable difference in performance.
-Matt
Matt how does one determine the best lie angle for one’s stroke?
Martin,
With the online fitting or an in person fitting.
-Matt
Is there somewhere in ireland where I can get fitted for a LAB putter?
Michael,
I would suggest contacting LAB to find a full list of their fitters.
Best,
Matt
I got fitted in McGuirks, Drogheda yesterday. They have all the gear and professional guidance
Nice review, I have tried both of these at PGA SuperStore. For me the DF3 isn’t leaving my bag anytime soon. Inside 10 feet it’s so easy.
Sorry, one of the ugliest putters I have ever seen! Could not ever play it!
Thank you, Mr. Cameron
Which alignment aid, head color, and face (insert or no insert) would you favor?
Andrew,
Tentatively, I prefer the insert, the black head, and the dot.
Best,
Matt
I’ve never struggled with distance control till I bought the DF3. Amazing on so many levels but distance control is the biggest issue and I blame the aluminum for it. It feels fast but on longer putts I believe it’s not a linear progression on response. The longer the putt the more you have to hit it while shorter putts seems like the putter is very fast.
I’m going to test this one out and think the steel face will be superior for consistency.
Matt, I appreciate your reviews of the OZ. Ever since they were introduced, they’ve piqued my interest. Your latest review as to the heavier head and lighter color helped much, and I put in my order for the OZ.1i with LAB yesterday. Thanks again.
Great, let us know how it goes!
Best,
Matt