I gotta ask, are Zero torque putters just a flavor of the month ?

[oneaugusta]

Seen all the hype but will these be a unicorn for all golfers or just for those who really struggle with putting?  Thinking a good putter will always be a good putter no matter the flatstick. 
What’s everyones thoughts? video reviews are mixed

[labgolf]

Perhaps they are not perfect for everyone (I think they are. Easier transistion for some than others) but it's not hype. Obviously I am biased, but we've been at this for 8 years now and the company has grown exponentially. Sure marketing helps but you can have the best marketing in the world but if the product doesn't work, the marketing effect will ultimately run its course. Its been quite the opposite. Hype fatigue is real and I totally get how annoying it must be for the consumer but I assure you, the tech is real! Just don't be fooled by the ones claiming zero torque when they aren't!

[mogc60]

I don’t think it’s a fad or a flavor of the month type thing. Is it for everyone? Absolutely not. Putting is far too personal and there are a bunch of factors in putting well or putting preferences. However the tech is real and there is definite benefit to it for those that get comfortable with the differences from standard offerings. And the “zero torque” category of offerings are different from each other and that’s good in my opinion. Just from my experience with them some will square or open longer and some will close faster. Nothing wrong with either in my opinion if it fits your stroke. I’ve tried Axis, LAB and the Allan and the feel is quite different with them all and the way the putter swings is different. I’ve been a good putter for 35 years and am one that can use many different styles with great results. Anser style not being one of them. It’s never worked for me but has for so many people. That’s the beauty of more options is finding something that helps you be more consistent. Putting will never be easy but it’s gets easier with the right wand in your hands 

[MattM97]

I don't think flavor of the month or fad either, it's just another option in the world of golf, and it always seems like when something new or different comes out a lot of people don't seem to like change for some reason, they're like Henry Ford "can have any color as long as it's black" but with golf gear. It's good seeing some people finally finding a putter that they have the confidence with and some it has changed their game anywhere from amateur to pros, but you'll also find people who try it and see no difference or it's worse for them and that's fine as well. 

[ilikegolf26]

To me it feels like the biggest adopters and people raving about zero torque putters are players coming from a blade putter with toe hang.  When I first switched from a blade with toe hang to a face balanced mallet it changed me from a very bad putter for my entire life to a decent to abode average putter. After putting a face balanced mallets for the last 4-5 years, the LABs (I’ve tried all of them other than the blade style ones) didn’t do anything for me and in fact I lost strokes putting with them. Hated the forward leaning shaft with press grip. 

[TNwanabe]

I think it clearly is. That does not mean it is not good. It is just the new 'thing" that has come up that appears to work for people. Time will tell if it really is the gold standard. 

[LUMA]

I’ve been playing golf since I was 7, (33 years).

 

I have not pulled the trigger on one, but I plan to in 2025. I played around with some  in the store and I can feel that something is different about them. Honestly, I think it’s the future and I like the idea of re training the brain to let them flow how they do.

 

Will I get rid of my traditional Scotty’s, no, never, but I can’t deny the technology behind these things. They do something a little different and I like it.

 

I would love to see a zero torque line from SC along side of the traditional models in the future. I would love a 5.5 zero torque.

 

To me, putter tech has not really changed in 50 years, but these are finally something different.

 

The OZ is calling my name next year with that stainless insert and more traditional look.

Edited December 7, 2024 by LUMA

[southpaw72]

No but I think people will think they’re the cure and still suck at putting if they don’t get fit in what works and learn how to use it. I’m 100% sold on it 

[AdExec]

I just picked up a DF3 and while I see potential, It’s hard to let go of my scotty blade

 

I think the tech and hype is real and justified, but there is a big learning curve to get max use out of them. Including ball position which is difficult for me because it throws my visual line off that Ive been looking at for 3 decades of playing. 

 

Not giving up on it yet, but most likely it’s a trial run and I go back to my NP2 blade. 

[sTmGolfer]

I've been a huge believer in the technology, even before I knew what it actually was or what it was doing without me knowing.  I started with the Odyssey Backstryke years ago.  They never advertised those putters as 'zero torque' - though argueably they're not completely zero torque.  They really seemed to market them as a naturally forward pressed putter.  But it definitely has zero/reduced torque elements to it, no doubt.  

 

Then I've tried the Axis 1 Joey - had tons of love and success with it.  The look never was off-putting to me.  I just like that it made my stroke feel 'natural'.  

Most recently got a LAB DF 2.1.  The LAB DF 2.1 is definitely the most 'noticeable' in terms of feeling what the tech is trying to achieve.  Can't wait to get more time with this puppy!  I think I've been most excited about this model than anything else.  

[GDB67]

Yes

[ChaosTheory]

No

[snowmangolf]

Spoke to a friend who got fitted at the Ping headquarters in AZ about a month ago and when he asked them if they’re in the process of designing their version of a LAB, they said they’ve done a bunch of testing and just can’t find any real benefit to the tech. 

 

I’m a fan of how Ping approaches their golf club design. I thought it was interesting that that’s how they feel about it. I honestly think it’s a slightly confusing time in the world of putters right now. LAB definitely rocked the boat. 

[bunta]

29 minutes ago, snowmangolf said:

Spoke to a friend who got fitted at the Ping headquarters in AZ about a month ago and when he asked them if they’re in the process of designing their version of a LAB, they said they’ve done a bunch of testing and just can’t find any real benefit to the tech.

 

If this is true, im glad a big name said it. Ive been saying this mentally within myself since i tested the og lab putter last year (felt like ages ago when i first held one). I just wasn't saying it out loud cause i didn't feel like dealing with the flame lol.

 

I do love the shaft lean aspect of it. I always thought a slight shaft lean in a putting stroke does a lot of good things.

[dalehead]

57 minutes ago, snowmangolf said:

Spoke to a friend who got fitted at the Ping headquarters in AZ about a month ago and when he asked them if they’re in the process of designing their version of a LAB, they said they’ve done a bunch of testing and just can’t find any real benefit to the tech. 

 

I’m a fan of how Ping approaches their golf club design. I thought it was interesting that that’s how they feel about it. I honestly think it’s a slightly confusing time in the world of putters right now. LAB definitely rocked the boat. 

I’d be interested in knowing what kind of testing they’ve done. Robot testing (whatever the putting equivalent of Iron Byron is)?

 

Start a putt on line at the right speed and make a perfect stroke like a robot would and you will see little or no difference between putters. The question for zero torque putters is what do they do in the hands of real golfers. That question can only be answered on an individual basis.

[AdamMH]

I liked the idea so much that I went and designed myself a custom - I have no reason to believe I'll ever change putters again unless the design bug bites again... but even then it'll be a zero-torque or adjacent design style.

[oneaugusta]

16 hours ago, labgolf said:

Perhaps they are not perfect for everyone (I think they are. Easier transistion for some than others) but it's not hype. Obviously I am biased, but we've been at this for 8 years now and the company has grown exponentially. Sure marketing helps but you can have the best marketing in the world but if the product doesn't work, the marketing effect will ultimately run its course. Its been quite the opposite. Hype fatigue is real and I totally get how annoying it must be for the consumer but I assure you, the tech is real! Just don't be fooled by the ones claiming zero torque when they aren't!

I appreciate your response and explanation and even though I have many traditional blade style putters in the collection I may buy one of your putters in 2025 just to see if I can make a few more putts.

I do have to say I am thrilled to see an American company have the success you have had.  "keep up the good work"

[Kdaniel72]

17 hours ago, labgolf said:

Perhaps they are not perfect for everyone (I think they are. Easier transistion for some than others) but it's not hype. Obviously I am biased, but we've been at this for 8 years now and the company has grown exponentially. Sure marketing helps but you can have the best marketing in the world but if the product doesn't work, the marketing effect will ultimately run its course. Its been quite the opposite. Hype fatigue is real and I totally get how annoying it must be for the consumer but I assure you, the tech is real! Just don't be fooled by the ones claiming zero torque when they aren't!

How do I view shaft, grip, and head colors before I purchase? There is not an update on your site before I buy. 

[ChaosTheory]

8 hours ago, bunta said:

I do love the shaft lean aspect of it. I always thought a slight shaft lean in a putting stroke does a lot of good things.

If done right when using a LAB, the shaft leans but the grip doesn’t.  So your hands are not leaned.  It’s similar to offset.  Some days I don’t care for it.  But lately I think it might be part of the secret sauce. 
 

 

 

[Bubb]

For me, the most beneficial feature is how they automatically set you up in a forward press.

[bunta]

1 hour ago, ChaosTheory said:

If done right when using a LAB, the shaft leans but the grip doesn’t.  So your hands are not leaned.  It’s similar to offset.  Some days I don’t care for it.  But lately I think it might be part of the secret sauce. 
 

 

 

 

IMO it's the only sauce that's helping. It's almost like a training device that naturally encourages your shoulders to "continue" the stroke down the intended line and if you do that in succession, the face will STAY square for a much longer duration compared to a conventional putter. 

 

 

 

[vman]

I like the tech and have rolled a few putts with them. I will say, however, that I’ve witnessed the LAB and Axis Rose putters being torqued all over the place by individual users hands. 

[UnderPar18]

The way that people look past the ugly shapes speaks to believing in the tech. If this was a normal OEM putter I think there would be a lack of sales and bashing the looks. 
 

I do think LAB needs time to refine looks and only improve, as I think that is the biggest opportunity for them. Right now it was market disruption and get customers on board with true lie angle balanced.

[BYK]

lol yup 

 

and why not.  New tech is always cool. 
 

It is kinda funny how fast lab chimed in this thread, but not in the thread about their customer service. 
 

I get it, they wanna hype their tech.  But if you’re gonna respond to this, respond to the one about CS that they were tagged on. 

[MattM97]

15 hours ago, GDB67 said:

Yes

 

13 hours ago, ChaosTheory said:

No

 

Riveting discussion and evidence from both of you, bravo. 

[clinkinfo]

22 hours ago, oneaugusta said:

Seen all the hype but will these be a unicorn for all golfers or just for those who really struggle with putting?  Thinking a good putter will always be a good putter no matter the flatstick. 
What’s everyones thoughts? video reviews are mixed

 

 

 

2 things can be true at the same time, it can be the new flavor AND it can work for some players.  

 

The biggest support for it working are the big manufacturers copying.  

 

Is it right for you?  You have to go try it and see; there's really no other way to tell. 

[Veebee3]

11 hours ago, dalehead said:

I’d be interested in knowing what kind of testing they’ve done. Robot testing (whatever the putting equivalent of Iron Byron is)?

 

Start a putt on line at the right speed and make a perfect stroke like a robot would and you will see little or no difference between putters. The question for zero torque putters is what do they do in the hands of real golfers. That question can only be answered on an individual basis.

Right what kind of tests? It’s pretty undeniable that the feel is completely different with this tech. Whether that translates to less putts is mixed I’m sure but everyone knows someone who putts much better with a LAB putter so I don’t see how they can say the tech provides no benefit for at least a decent percentage of golfers. 

[Archimedes65]

I think it’s too soon to call them flavor of the month, as I think it takes years for putters to spend enough time in enough hands to really know whether they’re special or not.  The proof will be in the long term adoption rates among the golfing public.

 

What I never understand is why some people constantly change putters, rather than taking the time to learn how to use a given putter properly.  Even more shocking to me is when players that are very good putters already, start tinkering thinking that the latest shiny new toy is gonna make them even better.  I consider myself a very good putter with my TM Spider X, but it too me a long time to get there with it and I have no interest in messing that up.  Sometimes I’ll pick up another putter for grins, like the GT, and test it out and I’ll be rolling everything in the hole.  Feels like I just can’t miss.  But I still don’t change putters, because I know that comfort and experience with the one I have will translate into better results on the course.

[llewol007]

More like a new flavor that will stay. A flavor of the month is probably your armlock.  Just like Stability shafts in putters now, it is becoming more and more common. They are working for a lot of players and I can see a lot of Lab putters out there. Have not yet pulled the trigger on one since I think they look hideous 😂😂😂 The only one I would consider is their blade model which to me looks like a center shafted face balanced Odyssey. Hey Lab golf, send me a Lab Link 1 to try out and I can offer a write up with pictures 😂😂
 

Edited December 7, 2024 by llewol007

[ChaosTheory]

47 minutes ago, MattM97 said:

 

 

Riveting discussion and evidence from both of you, bravo. 

 

Ha, I couldn't resist.

 

My take is that it is here to stay, and should become a permanent fixture in the game improvement putter evolutionary chain of 8802/Bullseye -> Anser -> Face balanced mallets -> High MOI mallets -> torque balanced putters.    Can you still putt with a Bullseye?  Of course! 

 

I have a handful of my prior putters sitting near my home putting mat.  When I try hitting a small target, nothing beats my Mezz.  The margins are small but the Mezz is clearly better over time, for me.  And I'm using the same stroke with all of them.  The only thing more accurate is a broomstick, but for the occasional surprisingly big miss that keeps it from being in contention.

 

The Mezz is just more stable through the stroke.  The DF3 is even more so but I don't own one.   The leaned shaft is a source of confusion and misuse for many, if my observations are any indication.  Most people like their putter shaft plumb, not leaned.  Especially if they hover or hang their putter.  One of my friends putts well with his LAB, but he hangs the shaft straight down despite having the grip with the most slant built in.  But he makes putts so whatever.  He probably should look at the new OZ in the straight shaft version.

 

I've also played an Axis1 Rose, a SeeMore, and an Odyssey Toe Up.  They all had deficiencies unrelated to how they might do in the revealer.  The LAB is my best so far.  It's too good to be a fad that goes away.