Nina Caldwell
L.A.B. Golf putters have gained a cult following, but are they legal? L.A.B. Golf putters are known for their unconventional design and unique Lie Angle Balancing technology, which aims to eliminate torque and keep the putter face square to the arc of the stroke. This technology is said to improve consistency in putting by reducing the putter's twisting motion during the backswing and downstroke. While some golfers swear by the L.A.B. putters, others are sceptical, citing the unusual appearance and high price tag as potential drawbacks. The effectiveness of these putters remains a topic of discussion among golfers, with some questioning why top players haven't adopted their use.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Company Name | L.A.B. Golf |
| Company Start Year | 2018 |
| Founder | Sam Hahn |
| Putter Type | Lie Angle Balancing |
| Putter Models | MEZZ.1, B.2, DF 2.1 |
| Putter Features | Center shafting, unique LAB grip, square putter face, zero-torque |
| Putter Performance | Improved accuracy, consistency, and forgiveness |
| User Feedback | Mixed reviews, some love it, some hate it |
| User Learning Curve | Yes, takes time to get used to |
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What You'll Learn
Lie Angle Balancing
The L.A.B. Golf putter is designed to swing perfectly square to the arc of the golfer's stroke. Through an in-person or remote fitting, a certified L.A.B. Golf Fitter determines the exact specifications, including length, lie angle, grip, shaft type, and alignment aids, to optimise the putter for the individual golfer's stroke. The proprietary Lie Angle Balancing process ensures that the putter is customised to the golfer's stroke, improving their putting performance.
The L.A.B. putter's unique design and technology have sparked mixed reactions in the golfing world. Some golfers embrace the innovative approach, reporting impressive results and improved putting performance. The putters' ability to minimise torque and maintain a square face angle throughout the stroke is particularly appealing to golfers seeking enhanced consistency and accuracy.
However, others remain sceptical, questioning whether LAB technology truly offers a significant advantage over traditional putters. Some golfers may need time to adapt to the unique feel and balance of LAB putters, and the unconventional design may not suit all golfers' aesthetics preferences. Additionally, the premium price point of these putters may be a consideration for golfers thinking of adopting this technology.
While the effectiveness of LAB putters may vary from person to person, the underlying technology addresses a common challenge in traditional putting by minimising torque and stabilising the putter face. This innovative approach has the potential to transform putting performance, particularly for golfers seeking enhanced consistency and accuracy in their game.
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Effectiveness and ease of use
L.A.B. Golf putters are designed with Lie Angle Balancing (LAB) technology, which aims to eliminate torque and keep the putter face square to the arc of the stroke. This technology is said to reduce the twisting of the putter during the backswing and downstroke, improving consistency in putting. Some golfers have noticed an instant improvement in their game, especially with shorter putts, as the putter feels steadier through impact. The DF3 mallet, for example, is described as "fully automatic," guiding itself on the correct path with minimal effort from the golfer.
However, there is a learning curve associated with using L.A.B. Golf putters. Their unconventional design, featuring uniquely shaped and oversized heads, may take some time to get used to, especially for golfers accustomed to traditional putters. While some golfers rave about the improved stability and consistency, others have expressed dislike for the putters, highlighting the need for personal preference and adjustment.
The effectiveness of L.A.B. Golf putters is evident in their ability to maintain the correct line and speed. The putters are designed to resist twisting, ensuring that the putter face remains square to the arc of the stroke. This feature simplifies the putting process, as golfers can focus on choosing the right line rather than worrying about the putter's movement.
The ease of use of L.A.B. Golf putters is a matter of personal experience. Some golfers have reported that the putters feel more stable and help them hit straighter, even if they are not sinking all their putts. Others have found the putters challenging to adjust to, particularly with longer putts, as judging distance can be more difficult. The unique design of L.A.B. Golf putters may not suit every golfer's aesthetic preferences or financial situation, but those who embrace the unconventional often find improved performance on the green.
Overall, L.A.B. Golf putters offer a unique approach to putting, and their effectiveness and ease of use depend on the individual golfer's experience, preferences, and ability to adapt to the putter's distinct characteristics. While some golfers rave about the improved consistency and stability, others may need time to adjust to the putter's unconventional design and feel.
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$199.99 $249.99
Unconventional design
L.A.B. Golf putters are known for their unconventional design. The owner of the company, Sam Hahn, himself calls his putters "absurd". The putters are designed to be resistant to twisting in the path of the golfer's stroke, keeping the face square and making it easier to maintain the correct line and speed. This is achieved through Lie Angle Balancing, which requires centre shafting and a unique LAB grip that builds in considerable forward shaft lean. The putters are said to be forgiving and stable, almost guiding themselves on the correct path.
The design of the putters may be unconventional, but they have a cult following as hardcore as any in golf. Some golfers have reported instant improvements in their game, with one golfer claiming that they shot their best round in 20 years after switching to the Mezz.1 putter. Another golfer, who switched from their strata putter to the LAB putter, reported feeling steadier through impact and hitting the ball straighter.
However, the unconventional design of the putters may also be a source of embarrassment for some golfers. One golfer commented that while the LAB putter is not embarrassing to own, it is the biggest obstacle for the brand. The putters also tend to carry a lofty price tag, which may be a factor in why they are overlooked by some golfers.
Despite the unconventional design, L.A.B. Golf putters are legal and can be a great choice for golfers looking to improve their game. The brand is represented on tour by golfers such as Will Zalatoris and Adam Scott, while Phil Mickelson has also been known to use the DF3 model, which is one of the most recognisable in the L.A.B. family.
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Performance and results
The performance and results of using LAB golf putters are varied, with some golfers reporting great improvements in their game, while others are less impressed.
Some golfers have found that the heavier putters feel steadier through impact, requiring less effort on shorter putts. The LAB putter, with its Lie Angle Balancing technology, is said to keep the putter face square to the arc of the stroke, allowing for more consistency. This technology, according to LAB, also keeps the putter from twisting during the backswing and downstroke. The putter head is designed to stay square to the lie angle, reducing torque and making putting easier. The DF3 mallet, for example, is described as "fully automatic," guiding itself on the correct path.
One golfer reported an instant improvement in their game after switching to a LAB putter. They felt more contact and hit the ball straighter, although they noted that they were not sinking all their putts. Another golfer who switched to the Mezz.1 model claimed to have shot their best round of golf in 20 years, attributing their improved putting to the putter.
However, some golfers have expressed mixed feelings about the putters. One golfer mentioned that while the putter felt better and straighter, they were not necessarily making all their putts. They also highlighted the financial aspect, stating that they could not justify keeping the putter due to the cost. Another golfer expressed their dislike for the putters, stating that they were not impressed with their performance.
The unique design of LAB putters, with their unusually shaped, oversized heads, may be off-putting to some golfers accustomed to more traditional putter designs. The putters have been described as "absurd" and "unconventional," and their appearance may be a significant obstacle for some golfers considering their use.
Despite the mixed reactions, LAB putters have gained a cult following, and their impact on the market has led other brands to explore low-torque or zero-torque putter designs. While the performance and results of LAB putters may vary from person to person, they offer a unique option for golfers seeking to improve their putting consistency and explore a different putting experience.
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Cost and aesthetics
L.A.B. Golf putters are built by hand in a factory in Eugene, Oregon, which makes their shipping time a little longer than usual. The company covers the shipping fees of returning the putter to the factory for repair within 180 days (6 months) of purchase. Shipping costs associated with warranty returns after the initial 6 months are the responsibility of the customer.
L.A.B. Golf putters can be returned within 14 days of arrival if they are in new condition. In this case, the company refunds the purchase price of the putter to the original form of payment and does not charge a restocking fee. However, if the putter shows signs of use, a $75 restocking fee is charged.
The L.A.B. Golf putters are unique in their design and functionality. The OZ.1i Custom and OZ.1i Stock putter models feature a face insert, which gives golfers a specific sound and feel at impact. The putters have stainless steel inserts that create a firmer feel and faster ball speeds. The OZ.1 is the company's first half-moon-style mallet putter, with a solid-body construction. The company also offers the option to choose the length, lie angle, head weight, colour, alignment marking, shaft, shaft lean, and grip of the putter.
L.A.B. Golf putter shafts are created using an automated manufacturing process that continuously winds a single strip of carbon fibre, resulting in a one-piece construction. The GEARS x L.A.B. Golf putter shafts are an ultra-premium design without the ultra-premium cost. They can be built to a wide range of lengths for ArmLock and Sweeper builds.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, LAB golf putters are legal. They are, however, unconventional in design and may take some getting used to.
LAB golf putters are designed with Lie Angle Balancing (LAB) technology, which eliminates torque and makes putting easier by keeping the putter face square to the arc of the stroke.
LAB golf putters can help golfers improve their putting skills and gain more consistency on the greens by reducing the putter's twisting during the backswing and downstroke.
LAB golf putters may not be suitable for golfers who prefer a standard blade putter or a mallet putter due to their unique and oversized head designs. However, they can be beneficial for golfers who struggle with torque or consistency in their putting stroke.
Yes, Will Zalatoris, Adam Scott, and Phil Mickelson have all been known to use LAB golf putters, specifically the DF3 model.
