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Zero-torque putters have become one of the biggest equipment trends in golf, with more tour professionals and everyday players making the switch in search of straighter, more consistent putting. The LAB Golf helped start that movement, but its unconventional center-shaft design wasn’t for everyone. The new LAB OZ.1i HS changes this with a traditional heel-shaft shape that looks like a classic Scotty Cameron. After testing it out over several rounds of golf against my longtime gamer, I found a putter that offered impressive accuracy — but also came with a steep learning curve.
Lab OZ.1i HS Putter First Impressions
david young
It’s a warm spring day at Colorado’s Fossil Trace Golf Course as I step onto the second green with my freshly opened Lab OZ.1 Heel Shaft Zero-Torque Putter. This is my first go-round using it outside of my practice of applying mats at home, and it feels very different from the Scotty Cameron California Monterey I typically apply. I take the putter back and let it fly freely onto the ball, which rolls smooth and straight into the cup for my first birdie of the day. I think it’s interesting as I move on to the next hole.
The new OZ.1i HS is LAB’s first heel-shafted putter with Lie Angle Balance technology, so it looks similar to my Scotty but has LAB’s Zero-Torque technology integrated into it. Up to this point, LAB has been known for its center-shaft putters that stand out on courses. It is intended to appeal to golfers who avoid trying the lab technique because a center-shaft putter may feel awkward or unwieldy.
As soon as I finished my first round with the new lab fossil traceI walk off the course with not just 1, but 7 birdies in my pocket. It was a great performance for my first outing with the new putter. That’s about five birdies more than my normal round. I think the new Lab OZ.1i HS has taken over the bag for now.
Lab OZ.1i HS Putter Review
LAB Golf has been trying to make putting greens across the country smoother and easier for some time by using its Lee Angle Balance (LAB) technology. While historically, these putters have looked very different from traditional putters, the new OZ.1i HS. The HS, short for “heel shaft”, is the brand’s first attempt at making a “normal” looking putter.
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“Lie angle balance goes far beyond where the shaft goes into the head, and golfers are going to feel that when they try the OZ.1i HS,” said Sam Hahn, CEO of LAB Golf. “It looks a lot like a traditional putter, but it performs like a lab. It’s a big step forward in our mission of helping every golfer putt better.”
The OZ.1i HS is identical to its predecessor, the OZ.1i, in that its aluminum body is mechanically attached to a fly-milled stainless-steel insert. The key to the heel shaft is a proprietary aluminum riser that connects the head and shaft. This riser comes in ten different angle settings ranging from 65 to 74 degrees, providing a customizable lie angle for different golfers.
You can get even more customization with this putter by selecting shaft length, head width, riser color, head color, shaft angle, grip, and even alignment marks. Golfers can dial this club to their exact specifications.
The real question is, will all this putter technology translate into lower scores on the golf course? While my first outing with the putter resulted in a Beaucoup birdie, unfortunately, this did not continue until later rounds. After testing it on a variety of golf courses and conditions, and talking with people who have used the L.A.B. Have used them and like them, my conclusion is that the no-torque technology makes straight putts easier, which is a huge benefit for your average putter.
Where I struggled was with distance control. For years, I’ve been using a Scotty California Monterey, which has a precision-milled face. According to my Garmin stats, I have developed a feel for that type of putter and average 1.8 putts per round.
david young
The OZ.1i HS has a fly-milled stainless steel insert on the face, making it more challenging to dial in my putting distances. I could make anything within five feet, but beyond that I would leave it short or blow it past the hole. With the Lab, I averaged about 2 putts per hole, per round.
Over time, I will be able to increase that distance further. Friends who have LABs agree that it takes a while to “get the feel” of it. But once you do, this is a very accurate putter that will pay off with fewer putts per round.
How to Choose the Best Putter for Your Game
When it comes to choosing the best putter for your golf game, there are a few variables to consider. The primary factors to consider are head shape, weight and balance, facial technique and alignment.
In terms of head shape, most putters are either bladed, thin and flat, or malleted, square and large. Think about your grandfather’s putter, the blades are more traditional and feel-focused. The mallets are new, with more forgiveness and easier alignment. LAB falls into this latter category.
The weight and balance of some putters, like the Scotty Cameron, can be adjusted, but the main takeaway is that heavier putters are smoother and provide better distance control. A lighter putter may provide better feel and control. It is a personal choice.
As for face technology on a putter, this is where the putter strikes the ball, and can range from a milled metal face to polymer inserts and grooved technology. This is where I found the Lab Insert faulty. The face affects roll, distance, sound and the overall feel of the putt. The i in OZ.1i stands for “insert” and it is the company’s first model with a face insert. They offer a model without any inserts.
Lastly is the alignment of the putter. Again, there is a wide variety of designs for this, ranging from alignment lines to different colors and shapes on the putter. A club that looks and feels right when lined up can help a putter gain confidence and, in turn, make more putts.
david young
Should you get a custom fit for a Lab putter?
One of the main benefits of going with LAB is the opportunity to dial in the club to your exact specifications. To do this, you can go to a golf shop that sells putters, or send a video of yourself putting one from the comfort of your home. That’s what I did and it worked great. I simply followed the LAB’s video-recording instructions and emailed a short video of me applying my strokes. In return, he responded with exact specifications recommended for the new OZ.1i HS.
Lab OZ.1i HS Putter Pros and Cons
Pros
- excellent directional stability
- The traditional heel-shafted look is much less intimidating than previous Lab center-shafted designs
- Very forgiving on short putts, especially within five feet
- Highly customizable with multiple lie angles, shaft lengths, grips, alignment aids and finishes
- Custom fitting is easy with personal and remote fitting options
- Encourages a smooth, repeatable putting stroke
Shortcoming
- Distance control takes time to learn, especially if switching from a traditional milled-face putter
- Premium price compared to many quality putters on the market
- Requires fitting for best performance, adding additional time and potential cost
- Golfers accustomed to classic blade putters may not like the feel
- Learning curve before benefits are fully visible in the course
Is the LAB OZ.1i HS worth the money?
Most new quality putters cost between $150 and $300. However, once you get into higher-end or custom-fit putters like LAB or Scotty Cameron, they can run from $500 to $1,000 or more. It really depends on what you need and what you are looking for in your golf game.
A beginner can buy a used putter and complete the course for less than $100. If you’re looking for the latest and greatest in technology, a brand new custom-fitted Lab could be a great addition to your bag. Newer, more expensive putters with zero-torque can help reduce strokes gained in a round. There’s a reason professionals use these putters; It’s just a matter of whether it’s worth the cost for an average weekend golfer.
why should you trust me
I’ve been testing and reviewing gear as an outdoor writer for over 20 years. I’ve tested and reviewed everything from golf clubs and golf bags to tents and hiking shoes. As an outdoor adventure freelance writer, I have been published in men‘S Journal, Forbes, SKI Magazine, GearJunkie, 5280 Magazine, American Whiskey Magazine, And Colorado avid golfer. I live in Colorado and cover everything from fly fishing and backcountry skiing to mountain biking, backpacking, and golfing.
