This December, LAB Golf released their latest hammer gauge, the OZ.1i. This player was created through collaboration with Adam Scott. Working together, LAB Golf and Scott designed what is arguably the most traditional looking hammer that LAB Golf has ever produced.
However, the sports car-inspired aesthetic is only part of the OZ.1i’s story. Here are five things you need to know about the new LAB Golf OZ.1.
1. The OZ.1i has a stainless steel insert
Prior to the OZ.1i, Golf LAB’s hammers featured 100 percent milled aluminum construction. While the body of the OZ.1i is still aluminum, its face has a milled stainless steel insert. The “i” at the end of the name OZ.1i stands for “insert”.
Why did LAB Golf add an insert? Basically, the story is about the speed and feel of the ball. The stronger stainless steel will increase ball speed. Not only is there more snap from the face, but the stainless steel face provides a firmer feel at impact. For some golfers, speed of ball speed and consistency of feel are exactly what they are looking for.
If you prefer the feel of LAB’s traditional milled aluminum face, like the one found on the DF3, the OZ.1 is coming soon and won’t have a stainless steel insert.
2. The OZ.1i has a traditional hammer shape
LAB Golf produces some pretty weird looks. Those familiar with the success of LAB golfers over the past few years know that “weird” does not mean “bad.” Perhaps a better descriptor for their setters would be “unusual” or “atypical”.
Simply put, the OZ.1i is not a fancy-looking shooter. There’s still an unusual number of weights on the bottom for balance, but from every other angle, the OZ.1i looks distinctly odd.
Think this way. With the Directed Force, MEZZ.1, Link.1 and DF3, you immediately know they are LAB shooters when you see them.
At address, one could easily think that another company had made the OZ.1i. The shaft position is the only element that says the OZ.1i is a LAB golf gauge and not made by someone like Bettinardi or PING.
3. There are two shaft angle options
Like other LAB golfers, The OZ.1i is fully customizable. What is not like the other models is that there are two options for the shaft angle. You can build your OZ.1i with the typical LAB two-degree tilt or zero-degree tilt shaft.
The weak zero shaft option is for players looking for more of a vertical shaft position at address. This allows the OZ.1i to be set up more like a traditional hammer. You can also use your regular grip with the zero league shaft. Those using the two-stage spindle options will need to use one of LAB’s press clamps.
I spent a few hours spinning shots with two shaft options. To tell you the truth, the main differences I noticed happened in the address. With the bent shaft, I set the ball a little further forward than I do with the straight shaft. I believe axle choice will come down to personal preference rather than a performance difference.
Bottom Line: Golfers who are new to LAB may find the zero league shaft option an easier transition from their current non-LAB putters.
4. All versions of the OZ.1i are lie angle balanced
While there are some significant new build options, all of the OZ.1i putters changes are still lie angle balanced. This is true even with the stainless steel face insert and a zero league shaft.
No matter how you want your OZ.1i stock built, LAB Golf will make sure it is balanced with the lie angle to your specifications.
If you are not sure what your fit specifications are, LAB Golf offers a Remote mount program. All you have to do is record a video of you setting up and they can tell you what lie angle you need.
You may be skeptical, but their video fit fits me in the same lie angle that was previously defined in an in-person fit.
5. LAB Golf OZ.1i is built and balanced in the USA
Although some of the components come from other countries, most of the manufacturing and all assembly of LAB Golf machines takes place in the U.S. For some customers, the country of manufacture plays into the purchase decision.
Case in point: When I was testing the OZ.1i on a putting green, I was approached by a curious golfer with his MEZZ.1 in hand. During our LAB Golf chat, he said he appreciated that they were made in the USA
More than once, I’ve had someone tell me about LAB Golf’s amazing customer service. When customers contact LAB with questions or concerns, they receive immediate responses and solutions. I credit this to LAB Golf headquarters being in Oregon and not out of state.
There is another OZ.1 down the road (yellow bricks).
(You didn’t think I could go an entire article about the OZ.1i wireless device to see the wizard reference, did you?)
Now that you’re ready with the LAB Golf OZ.1i, let’s talk about what comes next. In January, the OZ.1 will be available for purchase. This version of the OZ will not have the stainless steel insert, the face looking more like the milled aluminum face of the DF3.
I’m looking forward to comparing the milled stainless steel face of the OZ.1i with the smoother aluminum face of the OZ.1.
In 2025, LAB will also release long versions of OZ.1i and OZ.1.
In the coming year, I also expect to see a whole bunch of new professional and amateur players with LAB players in their bags. 2024 was a hot year for LAB Golf and as long as they keep making great new ones like the OZ.1i, the Lie Angle Balanced fan club will continue to grow in 2025.
Find out more about OZ.1i and LAB Golf at labgolf.com
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