50 Words or Less
The L.A.B. Golf OZ.1i HS putter puts the company’s latest mallet in a whole new perspective. More traditional look may open up appeal of zero torque to a wider range of players. Same outstanding performance as the original OZ.1.
Introduction
L.A.B. Golf is having a monster year. They kicked things off with the release of the OZ.1 [review HERE], a more traditional mallet that golfers have loved. Then they got their first major win at the US Open in the bag of J. J. Spaun. Now they’re bringing golfers something that will change how we look at L.A.B. putters…literally. The new L.A.B. Golf OZ.1i HS is the first heel-shafted putter in the company’s history, an offering geared toward golfers who have stayed away from the center-shafted style that L.A.B. has always created. I got to test one to see if this blend of old and new is the secret to success on the greens.
Looks
Everyone who got their hands on my L.A.B. Golf OZ.1i HS gushed about the looks. From the company that built their brand around a putter that looks like a spaceship [check it out HERE], this putter looks positively old school. The secret is the new hosel, placed in the heel but slightly back from the face, like PXG’s S-Hosel [see it on the Bat Attack ZT review HERE].
Overall, this is a large, angular mallet that combines modern and traditional elements. While it’s size and sharp lines feel more futuristic, the design is clean and straightforward, sitting comfortably behind the ball. I like how the body narrows toward the face, like an arrow pointing toward the hole.
Above you can see the L.A.B. Golf OZ.1i HS (left) next to the standard OZ.1. Not only is the hosel very different, the shaping of the cavity is dramatically changed. Without the need to put the shaft into the middle of the head, L.A.B. was free to create a stepped cavity which adds to the flow of the design. I liked – and still like – the original OZ.1, but the HS model is much more appealing to my eye.
As with all previous L.A.B. putters, the L.A.B. Golf OZ.1i HS has a world of customization options. You can choose from eight different head colors, 32 front alignment aids, and 22 back alignment aids. With the HS, you can also choose between a black and platinum “riser” or neck.
Finally, the L.A.B. OZ.1 HS comes with a cover very similar to the original OZ.1. It’s a high quality, embroidered cover with a strong magnetic closure. The big difference is that the cover doesn’t need to maneuver around L.A.B.’s unique center shafted design. For headcover collectors, this is a big deal: you can now use traditional mallet covers on a L.A.B.
Sound & Feel
You’ll note the “i” in the name of the L.A.B. Golf OZ.1i HS, meaning that this is the insert version of the OZ.1. That insert is stainless steel in an aluminum head, used to create a firmer feel and faster ball speeds.
As with the original OZ.1i [review HERE], the OZ.1i HS has a much firmer feel than any non-insert L.A.B. putter. It’s also worth noting that the HS version that I tested has a steel shaft; all my previous L.A.B. putters have graphite shafts (graphite shafts are still available for the HS model). This is another piece of the feel equation, and it likely contributes to that firmer feel. I’ll add that I felt less feedback on strike quality with the OZ.1i HS than with the standard OZ.1i.
The sound of impact is a very gentle “tock” from 15 feet and in. I found the volume to be average, though it did depend on the golf ball. Softer golf balls produced a quieter impact sound; firmer balls (all urethane covered) were louder. The sound of impact got noticeably louder at longer distances, but there was never much audio feedback on impact location.
Performance
Let’s start with the facts. Despite the different hosel placement, the L.A.B. Golf OZ.1i HS has the same zero torque properties as any other L.A.B. putter. It wants to stay square to your stroke path and works best if you can keep from steering or manipulating the club face. When you let this putter do what it wants to, hitting your start line is automatic. Learn more about zero torque putters HERE.
The OZ.1i HS also has good forgiveness. Small misses, especially at close range, are a nonissue. At long range, the ball will get within tap-in range as long as you make a fair effort.
Before getting into the part I can’t quite explain, a little background on me. I’ve used an Anser-style putter for the vast majority of my golfing life. In the last two years, I switched to the L.A.B. MEZZ.1 MAX [review HERE]. I made the switch because I got better results from the MEZZ, particularly in the midrange. My long putting has never been great with zero torque putters, but I’ve always put a large portion of that blame on the fact that I’ve been playing less in the last few years.
When I started using the L.A.B. Golf OZ.1i HS, something felt more comfortable right away. In my first testing session, I was rolling most 60 footers into gimme range – something I struggle to do with my MEZZ. Despite the HS and standard OZ both being zero torque, the HS felt like it had a better flow during the stroke.
With most zero torque putters, I need to give up control fully to get good results. If I try to steer it, things go badly. That’s one end of the spectrum. On the opposite end, there are traditional putters where I need to have both hands on the wheel. Both of those are hard – I want to have some control, but I also like some help. The L.A.B. Golf OZ.1i HS feels like a middle ground where I don’t get punished for doing a little steering, but the putter is doing the lion’s share of the work. This led to great results at all distances.
My last note is about L.A.B.’s signature Press grips. As you can see above, the shaft enters these grips at an angle to offset the built-in shaft lean. I’ve always felt that the grips looked and felt normal, given the design of L.A.B. putters. Interestingly, with the L.A.B. Golf OZ.1i HS, I didn’t feel that way. The grip looked odd to me – probably the mixture of the more traditional hosel with the less traditional grip. If you want a “normal” putter grip, you can order the OZ.1i HS without shaft lean. Regardless, the putter soled square at address, the grip was perfectly installed, and I quickly got over my aesthetic issues thanks to the results.
Conclusion
If you’re reading this at publication, I’m currently sidelined by knee surgery. I’m hoping that we get a long, temperate fall in Chicago so that I can steal some golf when I’m back on two feet. If all that comes to pass, I’ll have the L.A.B. Golf OZ.1i HS putter in my bag. I’m not typically one for 4th quarter WITB changes, but this putter has been too good to ignore.
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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16 Comments
I was very excited for this to come out! Over the summer my family all chipped in for my birthday towards a LAB – I knew the HS was coming out so waited for this release before making a decision on which model to get.
I did a couple different testing sessions at some big box stores, and for me I found that the look of the HS – despite how awesome I think it looks – was encouraging me too much to engage my wrists and close the face. As you and other commenters have noted, that’s really not the best way to use a LAB.
I realize that’s on me and not the putter’s fault, but I’m curious as to how many other golfers might be drawn to this head shape because it’s familiar but fail to get the full benefit of the LAB tech (“thumbs off,” “no steering,” etc. as you have mentioned). Seems like it worked fine for you! For me, it was much easier to trust the putter and hit my starting lines with the center shafted models and ended up going with a DF3.
Mike,
Thanks for sharing your experience.
You ask a really interesting question. It’s not hard to imagine that the unusual look of the “original” LAB helped people to use a different technique and the more familiar look could trigger them to use old patterns. I suspect that, like most things, there’s not going to be a universal answer; people will need to try stuff and get fit to find their answer.
Best,
Matt
Hope you bounce back from the knee injury. I think I’m going to pilot the trigger on the OZ.1.HS. I’ve never loved center shafted puttered and this one tickles my fancy. How did you decide what alignment aid to use? There are so many options it seems difficult to know which gives you the best alignment.
Thanks, Ryan!
With this one, I actually didn’t choose – LAB decided for me, though they made a good choice based on my previous LABs.
I agree, the number of choices is overwhelming. I think it’s best to keep it simple unless you know exactly what you like. I’ve been through enough putter fittings that I’ve learned about my aiming preferences – the old Edel process was really good for that. Even though the putter may be very different from what you use now, I would probably recommend sticking to the alignment aids you’re currently comfortable with.
Best,
Matt
Ryan, I would go somewhere where you can go through the Edel fitting process (or something similar). It can be very eye opening seeing how you think you’re aiming and where you actually are aiming. They can change out the plates that have the different alignment aids to dial in what fits your eye the best. It’s worth it if you’re going to make the investment.
Great review Matt, lab Golf has definitely turned the putting industry onto his head. Honestly, I’m a little surprised it took private equity this long to acquire them. Hopefully good things come from this much like this new design. I use the lab link putter in the past and got great results with it however had a hard time lining that putter up with the hosel being so close to the center of the face. I took a chance on the heel shaft Oz and have to say I’m pretty happy. My proximity from 30-40+ foot putts is much improved. You really just have to let the putter do the work and not manipulate anything.
You make some very good points because the insert definitely is much firmer than the non-insert version of the lab putters. You should pick this putter based on what ball you play with primarily because there is a big difference at impact. You make another great point about the grip. Lab has two different heads meant to specifically address that. The 0° and 2° heads allow you for some flexibility regarding the grip. You can only change the grip on the 0° head. It was made specifically for that reason. I’d hate for someone to mistakenly get the 2° head and change the grip and not experience good results, especially considering how much these putters cost. I wish you a speedy recovery. Keep up the good work.
Thank you, Michael.
Best,
Matt
I hope your knee heals well and quickly, Matt!
Thanks, Ian.
Best,
Matt
I got to try the Oz1i HS, it is the first lab putter I have actually liked, the others just felt forced to me if that makes any sense. I game the Bettinardi SB2 and it has worked well for me so far. I would definitely try the Oz1i HS and the Spider ZT, both seem to fit me better than some other ZT putters I have tried.
Great, honest review… as always
Great review. Heal up quick Matt. I’m just coming back after rotator cuff surgery. Sucks to be sidelined.
I’m still rocking the Mezz 1 Max. I bought it as an arm lock, never fully felt comfortable with it, that is until I cut it down to standard length. It feels like butter now. This Oz looks amazing. One for the future maybe.
Would you rock this over PXG bat attack ZT?
These seem to be 2 good options :)
JK,
Those are indeed two very good options. I am getting along with the OZ.1i HS a bit better for distance control, so that’s in the bag for now.
Best,
Matt
Hoping for your quick recovery, Matt. I have an OZ.1i and your thoughts on the heavy head persuaded me to order it and with the TPT Shaft. Very happy with it. Long distance is not an issue for me. I had to relax my arms and grip pressure (to 3 out of 10) – stable enough. I did manage to demo the HS and I think it was easier as to consistency. Probably will wind up with a HS with the same specs as my current OZ.1i. Excellent review. Thx..