Introduction
L.A.B. Golf continues to redefine putter design with their torque-free Lie Angle Balance technology. The Oz.1 and Oz.1i (insert) mallet putters are engineered for face angle stability with minimal manipulation. This review focuses entirely on performance data, strokes gained, and measurable outcomes from testers using systems like Shot Scope, Arccos, SAM PuttLab, Quintic, Trackman or GC3 to evaluate results.
Methodology
Eight testers with handicaps of 4 to 25 were divided into two four man teams, Team Oz those with the Insert model and Team Wizards, those with no insert. Testing was conducted over a 10 week period and included testing on SAM Puttlab, Quintic, Trackman and GC3 as well as on course Arccos or Shotscope data. Specifically, they looked at and evaluated:
Data Metrics
Improvement in strokes gained Difference in one putt rate Difference in three putt rate Average Putts per round Putts per greens in regulation Birdies, pars, bogies, double bodies/+ Make percentage (0-5’, 6-10’, 11-15’, 16-20’, etc.) Putting by first putt length (e.g. 0-10’, 10-25’, 25-50’, 50+’) What are the differences between insert versus non insert. Can you measure the difference. Do the differences between insert and non insert have any tangible difference on the golf course under actual conditions. What are the differences between the Gears shaft and the TPT shaft from a looks, feel, responsivenss and performance perspective. How do they compare to the Accra shaft Does it live up to its claims and the technologyKey performance data
Strokes gained improvements – L.A.B. Oz
“I am currently gaining nearly a full stroke against my target goal of a 12 handicap on putts from 40+ feet. When combining SG for putts 15′ and longer, I am gaining 1.4 strokes. That has paid dividends in my rounds over the last month as I have posted a career low 83 and multiple 9 hole rounds in the low 40s.”
@On-In-Two added:
“Last season, I was losing an average of 2.4 strokes per round putting compared to a 5 handicap. So far this season with the LAB OZ.1, my strokes gained putting has swung to a positive +1.60 against that same 5 handicap benchmark. That’s a remarkable improvement—almost a full four-stroke turnaround on the greens.”
@Sirchunksalot offered an additional direct comparison:
“Overall I gained 1.42 strokes a round compared to the benchmark of a 25 handicap compared to losing 0.44 strokes with the 2 Ball. An almost 2 stroke gain is huge in my book!”
@cfhandyman added:
“ Overall, it resulted in a +0.2 strokes gained over the equally excellent L.A.B. DF3 and a +0.7 strokes gained compared to a 0 handicap golfer, over 20 rounds of play. It performed exceptionally well from 6-7 feet and in, dropped to about 40% at 8 feet and approximately 30% at 10 feet. (Arccos data).
Three-putt avoidance data
Testers consistently reported a significant reduction in three-putts per round:
@JGolfs:
“3 putts have decreased dramatically to the point where if I have more than two in 18 holes, I’ve had a very poor round. I’m consistently getting down in two, and lag putting has left me inside 3′ more times than I can count.”
@On-in-Two added:
“Quantitatively, the OZ.1 has made me a better putter. My strokes gained putting are up. I’m holing more putts from 10–20 feet, and the lag putting has noticeably improved.”
“On the course, the OZ.1 became more than a club—it became a confidence engine. I started making longer putts, saving more pars, and even altering how I approached greens. I no longer had to force an approach close to avoid a three-putt. I trusted my putter—and as a result, my course management improved..”
Short putt conversion rates
@Cfhandyman shared Arccos data for putts comparing L.A.B. Oz.1i versus L.A.B. DF3. Putt percentage by distance, 20 round data. Short putts(0 to 6 feet) had a 94% conversion rate
@Old Mill Golf added:
Insert vs non-insert ball speed data
Sam Hahn, CEO of L.A.B. Golf, reported that the stainless steel insert model produced ~10% faster ball speeds than the non-insert aluminum face. Testers verified this on course:
@Cfhandyman:
“Putts felt a hair quicker off the face and would often travel further than with the DF3, not in all cases, but in the vast majority. Putts indeed felt firmer off the face with the stainless steel insert.”
Real-world tracking data insights
Shot Scope and Arccos results
While testers referenced strokes gained improvements based on personal Shot Scope and Arccos data, detailed breakdowns were summarised qualitatively rather than reported numerically for total feet putts made. Key data-based insights included:
@Sirchunksalot used PuttLab and Shot Scope tracking, showing a +1.42 SG improvement per round versus his previous gamer.@JGolfs’ Arccos data showed +1.4 SG improvement on putts 15’ and longer, highlighting major gains in lag putting.
@On-in-Two saw improved SG from 10-20 feet and increased one-putt frequency outside 20 feet, though exact percentages were not detailed.
Long putt distance control
@RickM71 summarized:
“I am by far the most consistent on speed for long putts compared to any other putter I’ve tried.”
@On-in-Two added:
“Here’s where the OZ.1 really separates itself. This thing just flat-out performs under pressure. I’ve used it in casual rounds, league play, solo sessions, and walk-alongs with other MGS testers. It has been tested on slow, wet greens and quick tournament surfaces. In every setting, the OZ.1 has inspired confidence.”
Here’s a full list of the most memorable long putts I’ve made during this test:
42 feet with 3 feet of left-to-right break – Birdie 36 feet – Big two-putt save 33 feet – Clutch up-and-down par 31 feet – Birdie from the fringe 30 feet – Long curling par save 18 feet – Mid-range birdie 14 feet – Up-and-down par save@cfhandyman added:
Longest putts made with the L.A.B. Oz
| Performance metric | Oz.1i (insert) | Oz.1 (non-insert) |
| Ball speed | ~10% faster | Standard baseline |
| Feel | Firmer, crisp impact | Softer, muted |
| Sound | Metallic click | Quiet, dampened |
| Rollout distance | Slightly longer rollout | Slightly shorter rollout |
| Short putt performance | Similar with firmer feel | Similar with softer feel |
| User preference | Those needing extra pace | Those preferring muted feel |
Insert vs non-insert quantitative differencesTesting on Quintic, SAM Puttlab, GCquad or Trackman
@cfhandyman reported: “On testing on Quintic, what the LAB Oz and DF3 did exceptionally well was face angle control giving elite tour level readings. Also launch, roll and spin were all very good. It consistently resulted in an almost square face at impact, highlighted by the following with the DF3 demonstrating a tour level face angle of 0.17. The L.A.B. Oz.1i was equally as good (photo not available).
The Oz1.i sweeper is more consistent for me with better numbers in most categories. This fits with my on course experiences so far. There are a few areas identified related to my technique that I can make further improvements that should improve both my consistency and the roll of the ball.
I really liked the Quintic experience. It provided information about my putting that I would not have been aware of otherwise. And the data does point me in a direction of things to work on.
@On-in-Two added:
LAB OZ.1 Shows Strong Potential Despite being brand new, it held its own. Face control was significantly better, and the dynamic lie angle (0.7° toe up) is much closer to ideal than the SeeMore’s 5.7°. That tells me the LAB’s more upright lie (70° vs. SeeMore’s 68°) may be a better natural fit for my posture and stroke mechanics. Adjustment is Real These putters are differnt. I need time to adjust to and trust the LAB. You can see in the data on Stroke Dynamics and Timing that I’m not comfortable with it yet. So, it is amazing how well I am putting with it, before I am 100% adjusted.
Shaft lean and fitting data
Shaft lean effects
Testers evaluated 0 degree vs 2 degree shaft lean:
2 degree lean: Promotes forward press and shaft lean. Slightly reduced skid distances, improved forward roll consistency.0 degree lean: Preferred by some for a natural setup with minimal forward shaft lean at address.
Shaft option performance comparisons
Testers used:
TPT shaft: Preferred for consistent feel and slightly firmer feedback. Firmest feel with clear and immediate feedback.Gears shaft: Praised for stability and solid face control. Good for those who like the crisp feedback of steel but want the performance gains of carbon fiber
Accra shaft: Valued for balanced feedback and moderate stiffness profile.
@Cfhandyman noted:
“The Gears shaft is an excellent upgrade shaft and together with the pistol grip are a great combination.”
@wolfstrum added:
“I love my Gears shaft. It is a huge upgrade over steel. The Gears shaft and the OZ putter head feel like a single piece”.
Fitting impact on performance data
Proper fitting was universally cited as essential to maximise performance:
Lie angle: Directly affects face angle at impact, critical for direction consistency.Length: Affects eye position and stroke path confidence.
Head weight: Adjusts tempo and distance control preferences.
Cumulative strokes gained vs subjective feel
Quantified outcomes
Testers reported net gains between +0.2 to +4.0 strokes per round depending on previous putter baseline and fit.
Short putt confidence
@Cfhandyman:
“The biggest transformation has come in my confidence level in knowing now that I can make those 3-7 footers routinely.”
@On-in-Two added:
“ It’s rare that a piece of equipment doesn’t just improve performance, but also improves the way you feel about your game. The OZ.1 did that for me.”
“The direction is obvious: more one-putts, fewer strokes wasted on the greens, and better scores. My playing partners have noticed. The data backs it up. And most importantly—I feel like I’m going to make putts.”
Long putt performance improvement
@On-in-Two:
“It’s the mindset shift that’s been transformational. I now approach longer putts with the belief that I might actually make them. And when I have a 5-footer to clean up, I’m not worried. That confidence breeds better putting.
Technical pros and cons summary
Data-supported pros
Strokes gained improvements up to +4.0 per round, range (+0.2 – 4.0)Ball speed gain of ~10% with insert
Improved rollout consistency, especially on long putts
Reduced three-putts, with testers reporting sub-2 three-putts per round
Face angle stability translating into quantifiable putting performance gains
Data-related cons
High cost, especially with shaft upgrades (up to $700+)Adjustment period required to adapt to torque-free mechanics
Insert preference split: Some testers did not prefer firmer insert feel despite speed benefits
@On-in-Two added;
“There is an adjustment period. My coach noticed it right away, and we talked through ways to speed up the transition and tweak my setup. The Putt Lab results also reflected this need for adjustment.
Lag Putting: No issues here. I feel confident with my distance control. Press II Grip: I’m on the fence. I like the feel, but it introduces a bit of doubt in my setup. After more testing, I may switch to a standard grip. Alignment Challenges: I’m not aligning as easily as I do with other putters. Head Weight: I went with the standard weight and love it. The putter feels stable and does the work if I stay relaxed and let my shoulders move freely. Roll & Feel: The ball comes off the face beautifully. The roll is smooth, starts on line, and has great end-over-end rotation. Early Impact: My playing partners have already noticed a difference in my putting—so there’s definitely something working here.Final verdict
The L.A.B. Oz.1 and Oz.1i putters are validated by quantitative data from testers showing strokes gained improvements, three-putt reductions, and distance control gains. The insert version benefits golfers needing extra ball speed and firmer feel, while the non-insert version caters to those preferring softer impact feedback.
Optimal fitting pathway
Book a professional fitting to determine lie angle, length and shaft lean for optimal setup.Test insert vs non-insert under identical conditions to evaluate ball speed impact.
Choose a shaft based on desired stability, stiffness, and feedback preferences.
Who benefits most
Golfers tracking performance with Shot Scope or Arccos who want measurable gainsPlayers seeking roll consistency and face control improvements
Those willing to adjust to torque-free mechanics for data-backed results
Who may struggle
Golfers with strong arc strokes that fight torque-free designsBudget-conscious players due to the premium pricing
FAQ
What is the average strokes gained improvement?
Between +0.2 and +4.0 strokes gained were seen with the average being +1.5 strokes gained for all the testers, depending on fitting quality and user adaptation.
How much faster is the insert?
Approximately 10% faster ball speeds than non-insert faces.
Does shaft lean really affect performance?
Yes. 2 degree lean generally produces earlier roll and reduced skid, while 0 degree lean feels more neutral at address.
Which shaft is best?
Testers reported strong performance with Accra, Gears and TPT shafts, each offering different feel profiles.
Is fitting necessary?
Yes. Optimising lie angle, length, and head weight is critical to achieve the performance gains observed by testers.
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