REVIEW: L.A.B. Golf OZ.1i, a Fitting Follow-Up to the DF3

Everyone is emulating L.A.B. Golf and its unique approach to putting. A review of the Callaway Square 2 Square Jailbird confirmed that, but L.A.B. is now shipping the follow-up to its groundbreaking DF3 with the OZ.1i, a smaller, more compact clubhead with similar features.

My first impressions of the OZ.1i were pretty similar to that of the DF3. It’s definitely a different take on a putter, and as someone who has gamed a traditional Scotty Cameron blade for several years, it definitely takes a few minutes to get used to the aesthetic and feel of a mallet.

But there are a few differences. Size and weight are the two that truly come to mind here, and these could be potentially purchase-breaking features for some and perhaps the reason others decide to drop $449 on the OZ.1i.

First Impressions

The big difference between the DF3 and the OZ.1i is the size and shape of the head. The DF3 is arguably the most polarizing putterhead in golf, but the OZ.1 could be close to second.

The OZ.1i has a 6061 Aluminum head and a 303 Stainless Steel insert on the face. This already makes it slightly different than the DF3 in terms of what materials are used, as the DF3 does not have a Stainless Steel insert on the face.

This helps with faster ball speeds and a firmer feel, which is totally subjective. I did find that it was a little more difficult to control the speed of my putts with the OZ.1i compared to the DF3, and the ball speed test totally rang true as similar swings always resulted in the OZ.1i rolling further.

What I Noticed the Most

The weight is truly what the biggest difference between the two was. I totally felt as if the OZ.1i felt more “solid” and was more reliant on gravity than the DF3. This is where I had some decisions to make about which I’d rather use on the course.

Side-by-side, it was easy to tell that the DF3 was going to be the one I gravitated more toward, simply because I don’t love any club being overly heavy at the head.

I have always preferred the weight to be evenly balanced throughout the club, not concentrating on where the ball will contact the club.

The Face

Something does need to be said about what L.A.B. is doing with their putters and there is a reason other companies are attempting to do something similar. The forgiveness and help that any LA.B. model will give you is incredibly generous and valuable to all players, but especially those at the amateur level.

There is nothing better than coming to terms with the fact that the face of your putter is going to be square, because it takes one entire metric and guess out of the game. Putting is arguably the most difficult part of golf, so if you can find something that makes it easier, put it in your bag.

With L.A.B., all of their products tend to do this. The DF3 brought me one of the most accurate putting performances of my year in 2024. The OZ.1i did the same this year for me, although it is early.

Final Thoughts

The big question I had for myself when testing out the OZ.1i was whether it would be a putter I’d put back in the bag after a round or two. Did I like it more than the others I own? Was it worth bringing exclusively to the course?

My answer to that is not straightforward. I will be transparent when I say I am having a hard time picking this over the DF3 simply because I putt better with the DF3 than any putter I’ve ever had the pleasure of using.

The OZ.1i is undoubtedly one that many will find as a complement to their game, but the weight at the head was something I truly could not see past, as I preferred the feel of the DF3.

With that being said. I do feel that the OZ.1i is an ideal addition to those who want a little bit more weight in the head of their putter, especially as it can help with the pendulum effect that is used with putting.

It truly can help.