MEMBER REVIEWS: L.A.B. Golf OZ.1 and OZ.1i Putter Member Testing | See What Members Are Saying

[CanFred]

Really fun reading these reviews - reminds me of my first couple rounds with the DF3. Any feedback on the shaft choices yet? For me, I didn’t really notice a difference until I get to lag putting but curious how the insert contributes to overall feel. 

[StoutKing]

3 hours ago, C_rad said:

Is it possible to pick the ball up with this putter head style? 

Yes, you can.

[Rbsiedsc]

2 hours ago, ChrisATL said:

Really fun reading these reviews - reminds me of my first couple rounds with the DF3. Any feedback on the shaft choices yet? For me, I didn’t really notice a difference until I get to lag putting but curious how the insert contributes to overall feel. 

I am really digging the TPT. It’s just so consistent and I know it’s on me when I don’t hit it right. 

[dam276]

11 hours ago, C_rad said:

Is it possible to pick the ball up with this putter head style? 

Yes, but the back slopes away so easier to scoop than to hold it on there. Quick learning curve though 😎

[dam276]

10 hours ago, ChrisATL said:

Really fun reading these reviews - reminds me of my first couple rounds with the DF3. Any feedback on the shaft choices yet? For me, I didn’t really notice a difference until I get to lag putting but curious how the insert contributes to overall feel. 

Insert is noticeably firmer than the solid head, but I had as much awareness from the stock Accra and head as I did with the TPT/insert combo in terms of contact. 
 

IMO the solid head/Accra combo was nice given the additional force it takes to get the same roll (as the ball comes off a bit softer). The insert/TPT combo is my favorite as the firmer head benefits from the feel you get from the TPT.

[CanFred]

9 hours ago, StoutKing said:

Yes, you can.

WORTH IT 🤣

[CanFred]

9 hours ago, Rbsiedsc said:

I am really digging the TPT. It’s just so consistent and I know it’s on me when I don’t hit it right. 

Agreed - it with no insert feels really great to me.  Was super curious if the insert drives different (good or bad) feel, especially with a different shaft choice.  

[ShakeyT]

How many of the testers are thinking the Oz will be the long term replacement for their previous gamers?

[Rbsiedsc]

13 minutes ago, ShakeyT said:

How many of the testers are thinking the Oz will be the long term replacement for their previous gamers?

If this keeps going the way it is then yes. I will likely keep my df2.1 but this is more versatile, especially from putts on an odd slope and from fringe/rough. The df would always struggle there. 

[J-bo]

Lab are great!

[dam276]

3 hours ago, ChrisATL said:

Agreed - it with no insert feels really great to me.  Was super curious if the insert drives different (good or bad) feel, especially with a different shaft choice.  

Wouldn’t say good or bad, just different. I prefer a firmer face on the putter and play a firmer ball so the combo produces the “click” I like to hear. YMMV, but even in the stock OZ I was making it work with more consistent numbers than my gamer.

[dam276]

2 hours ago, ShakeyT said:

How many of the testers are thinking the Oz will be the long term replacement for their previous gamers?

It’s really hard to ignore the results. The tech just plain works. The only time I’ve used the LAB and missed my Scotty was putting on some really severe greens. Even then it’s more of a comfortability thing than a results thing.
 

I’m mortified to think of how many putters I’ve bought and sold on here in almost 20 years and I know I got this thing for free, but I’d have been happy to pay for it after a month with it (don’t get any ideas though @labgolf 🙃).

[Rbsiedsc]

5 minutes ago, dam276 said:

 

I’m mortified to think of how many putters I’ve bought and sold on here in almost 20 years and I know I got this thing for free, but I’d have been happy to pay for it after a month with it (don’t get any ideas though @labgolf 🙃).

ditto on this last part. In fact, if the economy turns around and my company stock does better and after I pay for other things in life, I totally would get another putter with the same shaft setup (say a DF2.1 or 3 or even a Link).

[gator022]

7 minutes ago, Rbsiedsc said:

ditto on this last part. In fact, if the economy turns around and my company stock does better and after I pay for other things in life, I totally would get another putter with the same shaft setup (say a DF2.1 or 3 or even a Link).

 

I'll be shocked if I don't game it.  I'm not letting myself not right now.  My stats aren't better but I haven't played much and there is a small learning curve.  I've learned how crappy of a putter I really was before.  My wife wants one now too.  It's SOOO stable it's impossible to ignore how good it really is.  When I miss now, it's the wrong read or wrong speed.  I know it's not a pull, push etc.

 

I'd suggest watching some of their YouTube videos out there to better understand the technology and benefits.  @labgolf's CEO does a bunch of them and I really think they help understand it.  Before I even ordered mine I was sold on the tech.

[cocolamb22]

I got a OZi.1 CB - Coming from a standard Mezz 1. Im curious what changes/adjustments those who have the CB model or 0* shaft lean have made. Any change in ball placement, hands, etc?

[CanFred]

As a DF3 owner, I'm not sure I'd ever move away from it (unless its to another LAB, like @Rbsiedsc said).  It just plain works, and has made me a better putter because of it.

[Barfolomew]

If you like to move the handle in a press move foreward before backswing like Rahm does.... would you want the standard or forward lean shaft?

 

 

 

 

Edited April 21 by Barfolomew

[Rbsiedsc]

8 minutes ago, Barfolomew said:

If you like to move the handle in a press move foreward before backswing like Rahm does.... would you want the standard or forward lean shaft?

 

 

 

 

My understanding is if you already preset in a press go zero shaft lean. If you don’t pre press, then go lean. 

[Young Money]

5 hours ago, ShakeyT said:

How many of the testers are thinking the Oz will be the long term replacement for their previous gamers?

Honestly already thinking about selling my super select Newport+ LA golf combo

[gator022]

1 hour ago, Barfolomew said:

If you like to move the handle in a press move foreward before backswing like Rahm does.... would you want the standard or forward lean shaft?

 

 

 

 

 

I'd reach out to the fitting email address and ask them.  I could guess, but they seem to have this online fitting FIGURED out @labgolf!

[PSUJJH86]

1 hour ago, Rbsiedsc said:

My understanding is if you already preset in a press go zero shaft lean. If you don’t pre press, then go lean. 

This is the way!

[dam276]

7 hours ago, cocolamb22 said:

I got a OZi.1 CB - Coming from a standard Mezz 1. Im curious what changes/adjustments those who have the CB model or 0* shaft lean have made. Any change in ball placement, hands, etc?

I tried to outline in a previous post, but ball position is definitely a little different. Ended up playing it a little further back than I thought I would to get the roll consistent. The CB weight for me had me releasing a little earlier than my standard length putter so some trial and error needed. 
 

Grip is the same, but would highly encourage a mirror or something to ensure eye alignment. Other than that my favorite thing about the CB is it feels normal, just rolls better!

[DKgolfAZ]

On 4/20/2025 at 9:01 AM, StoutKing said:

I think you're right.  Lag putting is typically my strength, but yesterday I had at least four 3-putts.  It's quite a bit heavier than any putter I have.  Funny, because most of us were saying the DF3 felt too light.  That being said the OZ.1i is very smooth.  It's point and shoot on shorter putts.

The putter head and swing weight is definitely heavier than my blades. That’s probably the biggest hurdle for me right now with the distance control. Just blasting my tour tempo tones and practicing on real grass as much as I can.

 

getting a evening round in tomorrow, hopefully a full 18 before the sun sets.

[CanFred]

9 hours ago, DKgolfAZ said:

The putter head and swing weight is definitely heavier than my blades. That’s probably the biggest hurdle for me right now with the distance control. Just blasting my tour tempo tones and practicing on real grass as much as I can.

 

getting a evening round in tomorrow, hopefully a full 18 before the sun sets.

I got the heavy head in my DF3, as the standard weight felt far too light.  I couldn't imagine a light / standard head in a longer shaft (like CB or broomstick).

[Barfolomew]

21 hours ago, gator022 said:

 

I'd reach out to the fitting email address and ask them.  I could guess, but they seem to have this online fitting FIGURED out @labgolf!

 

I talked to Lab Golf and they couldn't fit me.... I like it super flat and long..... 62-60 degrees flat and 40" long @labgolf

 

When they first started I wanted one 10 years ago and they offered 62 degrees but not any more

[Rbsiedsc]

I had another 18 in today and my speed control was better. It was more my alignment (definitely on me and not the putter) that held me back. Had 1 three putt and had some burners from mid distance that were tap ins. I also had more putts missed long that usual, which speaks to the better distance control I am having and getting the ball to the hole. Had several putts today that were burning the edges. Really impressed with this setup.

 

Got to hit the oz from the fringe and on some angles today and it performs so much better than the DF2.1. The DF would get snagged and then leave me really short. The Oz I was able to make good contact and a much closer next putt.

 

Out side of my prior nine, my 3 putts per round are also lower than with the DF 2.1.

 

DF2.1 2024

 

OZ 2025

 

 

 

Stats from this round:

 

Make percent over 54 holes:

 

Make percent last year with DF2.1

 

Edited April 22 by Rbsiedsc

[jongalt55]

4.22.25 Update

 

Last weekend was rough.  Snow Saturday and a frost delay Sunday (with Easter dinner in the afternoon), so just practice the last week or so.  Thought I'd give some updates, then some feedback on things I'm seeing from others...

 

On my practice, I've noticed that alignment and setup are really important to me.  I have a tendency to get my front shoulder a little up and open in my setup.  When I do that, I consistently push the ball.  My keys have been to get my shoulders squared up and to play the ball slightly more forward of where I played it with my prior gamer (a two-ball).  When I do that, the roll is as immediate and true as any putter I've ever played, and the start lines are very consistent.

 

On middle distance putts, I've noticed the miss cone is much smaller.  When alternating between the OZ and my old gamer, I was missing less from left to right.  Indicates to me that I'm having a little more success with both start line and intended speed.  The heavier total weight and counterbalanced build really make it easier to swing the putter freely and feel like I'm releasing it (or maybe they make it harder to decel--either way I see it as a good thing).

 

I'm really enjoying the style C front alignment aid (which happens to be the stock configuration).  One of the reasons I've used the 2-ball for years is that I've struggled with traditional alignment lines.  For some reason, that ball-width t-style alignment aid just works for me.

 

I've had very little trouble with my distance control.  Perhaps I was fortunate in that the ball just happens to come off the OZ at about the same speed as my old gamer.  But speed control hasn't been an issue for me.

 

Finally, I find myself wishing I was one of the guys that had an existing LAB to compare against.  My biggest curiosity is how the TPT shaft compares to other options for a counterbalanced build.  I love the TPT shaft--it's got great heft and stability, yet still allows me to really feel where, and how solidly, I'm contacting the ball.  I've even toyed with the idea of buying another identical putter--just with a different shaft option--to compare against.  I may still do that, as I have a habit of buying two versions of every putter I've gamed for any length of time--one to keep at home for practice and play, the other to keep at my office to practice on my birdie ball green there.  I just haven't pulled the trigger yet because the delivery window is a month to a month and a half out.  Kudos to @labgolffor starting a bit of a revolution in the putter market--so much so that they've engendered a bunch of copycats from the more traditional big players.  My guess is that LAB is crushing it on units sold--and justifiably so.

 

Some comments below on some of the other posts I've seen:

 

On 4/17/2025 at 6:42 PM, DKgolfAZ said:

Update 4-17-2025

 

been practicing quite a bit and got a round in today.

 

not my best performance all around but putting was both fantastic and unfortunate all at the same time, 35 putts. 3x3putts but 2 of them were on huge greens that started at near 100’ and the other was about 60’… the other 3 putt was all me. I lipped out about 5 pretty great birdie putts, one of them was on the high side with near perfect pace and my entire group was confused how it didn’t drop, went 180* from high to low and ended up maybe a foot from the hole… but that’s golf. I can absolutely see the potential in my putting and my confidence is rising.

 

I’m holing out more putts within 6-10’ or so, which is huge, but I’m worse outside of that range. Just growing pains with a new putter and distance control. Overall it’s been fantastic.

 

One thing I have noticed is the importance of set up with this putter. It really does stay square to the arc, so I’m finding set up to be even more crucial than a standard putter, maybe it because it’s forward in my stance and my eye isn’t use to the onset (even with the forward press) and center shaft. My miss is definitely off the toe. Luckily it’s pretty dang forgiving. Keeping very quiet hands and wrists is an absolute must, you can’t really feel the head, the golf ball between the grip and wrist has been a good drill. 

 

Another thing to note as I’m getting more comfortable. I’m noticing more start line miss hits, but when it’s missed it’s far less egregious, it’s a small miss vs a big push or pull. I think this is why I’m better 8-10’ and in. More gate drills are in my future. 5’ and in feels automatic, even if it’s not rolling perfectly end over end yet.

 

Ill be keeping a more detailed putting log from here on out to track my stats.

 

Completely agree that setup is key.  And--at least for the counterbalanced putters--the no thumbs drill is an awesome one.  Really helps avoid steering the putter.

 

On 4/17/2025 at 7:27 PM, Jut said:

Just a quickie update - 

 

Two things - #1. Second round in and getting REALLY comfortable (29 putts).  #2.  I do baby my stuff, but just wanted to let y’all know that the finish is holding up REALLY well.  

 

 

 

Agree on the quality of the finish.  We've had some sand on the greens and I always use the back of my putter to scoop up gimmes.  Putter is showing no wear this far.

 

On 4/20/2025 at 10:01 AM, StoutKing said:

I think you're right.  Lag putting is typically my strength, but yesterday I had at least four 3-putts.  It's quite a bit heavier than any putter I have.  Funny, because most of us were saying the DF3 felt too light.  That being said the OZ.1i is very smooth.  It's point and shoot on shorter putts.

 

The weight is the best part.  I have the CB with the heavier head.  It's a unit--very stable.  And it does feel very automatic on short putts.

 

On 4/20/2025 at 5:37 PM, C_rad said:

Is it possible to pick the ball up with this putter head style? 

 

It is.  Personal--and potentially controversial--opinion: Any putter that you can't use to pick the ball up is a pain in the a**.  If I can't pick up a ball with my putter, it better make literally everything to have a chance of making my bag...

 

On 4/20/2025 at 6:48 PM, ChrisATL said:

Really fun reading these reviews - reminds me of my first couple rounds with the DF3. Any feedback on the shaft choices yet? For me, I didn’t really notice a difference until I get to lag putting but curious how the insert contributes to overall feel. 

 

This is my biggest question at this point.  I'm super curious if anyone has had a chance to do an apples to apples comparison between the TPT and the Accra or Gears shafts?

 

On 4/21/2025 at 7:20 AM, ShakeyT said:

How many of the testers are thinking the Oz will be the long term replacement for their previous gamers?

 

It's staying in the bag.  The 2-ball held on for years, but it is finally getting relegated to the basement bag.

 

On 4/21/2025 at 10:46 AM, cocolamb22 said:

I got a OZi.1 CB - Coming from a standard Mezz 1. Im curious what changes/adjustments those who have the CB model or 0* shaft lean have made. Any change in ball placement, hands, etc?

 

I've moved the ball position slightly forward.  That's about it.

 

5 minutes ago, Rbsiedsc said:

I had another 18 in today and my speed control was better. It was more my alignment (definitely on me and not the putter) that held me back. Had 1 three putt and had some burners from mid distance that were tap ins. I also had more putts missed long that usual, which speaks to the better distance control I am having and getting the ball to the hole. Had several putts today that were burning the edges. Really impressed with this setup.

 

Got to hit the oz from the fringe and on some angles today and it performs so much better than the DF2.1. The DF would get snagged and then leave me really short. The Oz I was able to make good contact and a much closer next putt.

 

Stats from this round:

 

Make percent over 54 holes:

 

Make percent last year with DF2.1

 

 

Agree on the observation about burnt edges.  Really seems like the miss cone is smaller with the OZ.

[Rory4Pres]

2 hours ago, Barfolomew said:

 

I talked to Lab Golf and they couldn't fit me.... I like it super flat and long..... 62-60 degrees flat and 40" long @labgolf

 

When they first started I wanted one 10 years ago and they offered 62 degrees but not any more

https://labgolfoutlet.com/Blem-7646/

 

Looks like they make it in 63* if you can make that work..

[CanFred]

42 minutes ago, jongalt55 said:

 

This is my biggest question at this point.  I'm super curious if anyone has had a chance to do an apples to apples comparison between the TPT and the Accra or Gears shafts?

Bingo @jongalt55 - I'm especially curious on the Gears.  I've hit a LAB (not OZ) with every shaft before besides the Gears, but I've heard its kind of a middle ground shaft between Accra & TPT.

[Rbsiedsc]

48 minutes ago, jongalt55 said:

This is my biggest question at this point.  I'm super curious if anyone has had a chance to do an apples to apples comparison between the TPT and the Accra or Gears shafts?

I haven’t done apples to apples but I have rolled a MEZZ with the Accra and I didn’t like it. Was too soft and didn’t feel as stable as the steel to me.