When I pulled the OZ.1 out of the box, my initial thought was, "Ultimately, LAB made something that doesn't look like a spaceship." If you're familiar with LAB Golf's previous models like the DF3 or MEZZ.1 MAX (both of which I've played extensively), you know they're not exactly traditional looking. The OZ.1 alters that narrative completely. This half-moon mallet has the clean, tour-inspired aesthetics that wouldn't look out of place in Adam Scott's bag – which makes sense, considering he helped design it.
The all-black Type-3 anodized finish on the 6061 aircraft aluminum head looks premium without being flashy. There's a satisfying heft to it that immediately tells you this isn't some mass-produced, off-the-shelf putter. Every line, every curve feels intentional. No large holes, no fangs, no gimmicks – just a solid, confidence-inspiring piece of equipment that's been 100% CNC milled right here in the USA.
The L.A.B. OZ.1 putter combines innovative technology with superior balance to deliver unmatched feel and accuracy. Designed for golfers seeking the best performance on every putt, this putter elevates your game by reducing skidding and enhancing roll. Whether you're a pro or a passionate amateur, the OZ.1 offers confidence and control that stand out on any green.
Let me back up a bit and explain why I even care about LAB putters in the beginning. About two years ago, I was struggling with my putting stroke – constantly fighting the face rotation through impact. A buddy convinced me to try his DF3, and honestly, I thought the whole "Lie Angle Balance" thing was marketing fluff. Then I made twelve putts in a row from six feet. That got my attention.
The OZ.1 carries this same groundbreaking technology into a more traditional package. What Lie Angle Balance actually does is eliminate torque throughout your stroke. The putter wants to stay square – not because you're manipulating it, but because the physics demand it. It's like the difference between balancing a hammer by its head versus its handle. One fights you; the other cooperates.
During my testing, I set up my putting mat with gates at different distances. With my old putter, I'd clip the gates maybe 30% of the time when I wasn't totally focused. With the OZ.1? I could literally make a terrible stroke and still send the ball through cleanly. The face just stays square. It's almost unsettling at first (like switching from manual to automatic transmission), but once you trust it, your confidence skyrockets.
The stability is comparable to the DF3 and MEZZ.1 MAX – we're talking about MOI numbers that would make a high-MOI driver jealous. But here's the kicker: you get all that forgiveness in a package that looks like something you'd actually want to pull out at your club championship.
This is where things get interesting. LAB offers the OZ.1 in two configurations: the standard all-aluminum version and the OZ.1i with a fly-milled stainless steel insert. I tested both extensively, and the difference is more pronounced than you might think.
The all-aluminum version produces what I'd call a "muted tick" at impact. It's soft without being mushy, quiet without being dead. If you're coming from a White Hot insert or similar, this will feel familiar but somehow more connected. The feedback is pure – you know exactly where you hit it on the face, but mishits don't send harsh vibrations up the shaft. During a particularly cold morning round (42 degrees), the aluminum version still felt responsive when most putters would feel like striking a rock.
The OZ.1i with the stainless steel insert is a different animal entirely. It's about 10% hotter off the face with noticeably increased ball speed. The feel is firmer, more "clicky," which some tour players prefer for better distance control on fast greens. I found myself gravitating toward the insert version on courses with stimps above 11, where that extra feedback and firmer response helped me dial in my pace.
What surprised me most was how LAB mechanically bonded the insert to maintain their balance technology. Most manufacturers just glue an insert in and call it a day. This is precision engineering that maintains the performance while changing the feel profile. It's the initial putter from LAB to offer this option, and frankly, it should expand their audience considerably.
LAB could have gone crazy with options here, but they showed admirable restraint. You've got two main decisions: shaft lean (0-degree or 2-degree) and whether you want the insert. That's it for the big stuff, and honestly, that's all most golfers need. Beyond these core choices, you can select from eight colors, including black, red, blue, orange, green, pink, grey, and cappuccino to match your personal style.
The shaft lean choice is more crucial than you might think. I tested both configurations extensively. The 0-degree lean is pure LAB – it's what their technology was originally built around. The putter sits perfectly square at address with no manipulation needed. The 2-degree lean (which comes with their Press Pistol 2 Degree Grip in black) is for players who prefer a slight forward press at address. Here's the critical part: if you go with 0-degree lean, don't use a Press Grip. The grip and shaft lean need to match, or you'll negate the technology.
Stock models come in 33, 34, or 35-inch lengths at a 69-degree lie angle, which should fit probably 85% of golfers. But if you need something different, their custom program lets you dial in everything: length, lie angle, head weight, color, alignment markings, shaft, and grip. I appreciate that they don't overwhelm you with options while still offering enough customization for those who need it.
The build quality on my test units was flawless. These aren't assembled on some production line – they're built, balanced, and tested by actual craftsmen. You can feel the difference in the consistency of the weight distribution and the precision of the milling marks. The attention to detail reminds me of premium rangefinders like the Bushnell Pro X3, which features CNC milled housing for uncompromising durability and precision.
I've put about 40 rounds on the OZ.1 now, playing everything from my home course (where I know every break) to unfamiliar tracks where I'm reading putts for the initial time. The consistent theme? This putter makes me better when I'm good and saves me when I'm bad.
On putts inside 10 feet, the forgiveness is almost unfair. I tracked my stats for 20 rounds, and my make percentage from 8 feet improved from 42% to 61%. That's not a typo. The combination of the face staying square and the high MOI means slight mishits that would normally slide by the edge now find the bottom of the cup.
Where the OZ.1 really shines is on those knee-knockers – the 3-to-5 footers that make your palms sweat. The putter's stability removes one variable from the equation. You're not fighting face rotation; you're just making a stroke. In my club championship qualifier, I didn't miss a single putt inside 5 feet over 36 holes. That's never happened before.
Distance control took some adjustment. The solid body construction makes the OZ.1 about 10% hotter than my previous gamer, so my first few rounds saw some putts racing past the hole. But once I dialed in the feel (took maybe three rounds), my lag putting actually improved. The consistent roll and reduced vibration on off-center hits means even my mishits maintain decent pace.
The only slight negative I found was on severe breaking putts over 20 feet. The technology that keeps the face square can feel like it's fighting you when you need to really release the putter head on a big swinger. It's not a deal-breaker, but it's worth noting if you play on severely undulating greens regularly.
The L.A.B. OZ.1 putter combines innovative technology with superior balance to deliver unmatched feel and accuracy. Designed for golfers seeking the best performance on every putt, this putter elevates your game by reducing skidding and enhancing roll. Whether you're a pro or a passionate amateur, the OZ.1 offers confidence and control that stand out on any green.
Yes, you can customize the L.A.B. OZ.1 putter for left-handed play through their full customization options. You'll specify left-hand orientation when ordering, choosing from extensive lie angles (63° to 79.5°), shaft leans (0° to 7°), lengths (28-50 inches), and grip styles. You're encouraged to use their remote video fitting service to determine your ideal left-handed specifications. Custom orders typically take 6-8 weeks, with no advertised upcharge for left-handed configuration.
You'll get a 12-month warranty from your purchase date for the L.A.B. OZ.1 putter. This warranty covers manufacturing defects only - it won't cover damage from misuse or improper handling. You'll need your original order number to file any warranty claims. If you need warranty service within the initial 6 months, L.A.B. Golf covers return shipping. After that, you're responsible for shipping costs to send your putter back.
While there's no explicit USGA and R&A confirmation available, you can reasonably expect the L.A.B. OZ.1 putter to be conforming. Its tour-inspired design, professional endorsements, and standard specifications like 3-degree loft and traditional mallet shape align with conforming equipment rules. The putter doesn't feature any banned elements like spring-loading or unconventional face treatments. For absolute certainty, you'd need to check the USGA's official conforming club database directly.
You'll find multiple grip options for your OZ.1 putter, including SuperStroke, Garsen, and classic rubber grips. If you're building with 2-degree shaft lean, you'll want the Press Pistol 2 Degree grip, which comes in 1.5-degree, 2-degree, and 3-degree variants. For 0-degree shaft lean builds, standard grips work perfectly. You can customize your grip selection during ordering to match your putting stroke and personal preferences for peak performance.
So, is the LAB OZ.1 the putter that'll ultimately fix your putting? If you struggle with face control, have inconsistent stroke mechanics, or just want more forgiveness without sacrificing feel, then yes – this putter is a game-changer. It's perfect for the 10-handicapper trying to break 80 consistently, the senior golfer who's lost some touch, or the good player who wants to eliminate those momentum-killing three-putts.
However, if you're already an excellent putter with perfect mechanics, or if you prefer a blade-style putter with maximum feel and workability, you might not see the same dramatic improvement. The OZ.1 is about consistency and forgiveness, not artistry. After 40 rounds, I'm keeping it in the bag. My putting stats have improved across the board, and more importantly, I stand over putts with genuine confidence. At the end of the day, that's worth every penny of the asking price.
