Black Lab Putters is a relatively new player in the world of golf equipment, having been founded in 2010 by designer Stephen Boccieri. The company’s mission is to create putters that are both aesthetically pleasing and scientifically optimized to help golfers sink more putts on the green.
Design and Technology
Black Lab Putters are notable for their distinctive look and feel, with a design that emphasizes both performance and style. The putters are milled from high-quality materials such as stainless steel, and feature unique design elements like a milled aluminum faceplate that allows for precise weight distribution.
One of the key technologies used in Black Lab Putters is the company’s proprietary “Lie Align” system, which helps golfers to align their putts more accurately. The system uses a series of visual cues on the putter head to help golfers line up their shot with the target.
Another key technology in Black Lab Putters is the use of adjustable weighting systems, which allow golfers to customize the weight and balance of their putter for optimal performance. The company’s “Tour Ready” system, for example, allows golfers to add or remove weights from the sole of the putter to fine-tune its balance and feel.
Reviews and Reception
Black Lab Putters have received generally positive reviews from both professional golfers and amateur players alike. Many golfers appreciate the putters’ unique look and feel, as well as their performance-enhancing features.
In particular, the Lie Align system has received praise for its ability to help golfers improve their alignment and sink more putts on the green. Golf Digest, for example, named the Black Lab BL-7 putter one of the “best mallet putters” of 2021, citing its “unique alignment system” and “exceptional feel.”
Customization Options
Black Lab Putters offer a range of customization options to golfers, allowing them to personalize their putters to suit their individual needs and preferences. Golfers can choose from different putter head designs, shaft lengths and styles, grip materials, and more.
In addition, Black Lab Putters offers a custom fitting service that helps golfers to find the optimal weight and balance for their putter based on their individual swing characteristics. This service uses state-of-the-art technology to analyze factors such as swing speed, tempo, and stroke path to determine the ideal specifications for each golfer’s putter.
Professional Endorsements
Several professional golfers have used Black Lab Putters on the PGA Tour and other professional tours. One notable user is Brian Gay, who won the 2020 Bermuda Championship using a Black Lab putter. Other professional golfers who have used Black Lab Putters include Tommy Armour III and Rocco Mediate.
Black Lab Putters have also been used in major championships, including the Masters and the U.S. Open.
Pricing
Black Lab Putters are priced at the higher end of the putter market, with prices typically ranging from around $500 to $1000 or more depending on the model and customization options. While this may be more expensive than some other putters on the market, many golfers feel that the quality and performance of Black Lab Putters justifies the higher price point.
Customer Service
Black Lab Putters prides itself on providing excellent customer service to its customers. The company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all putters, as well as a one-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. In addition, the company has a knowledgeable and responsive customer service team that can help golfers with any questions or issues they may have.
Design Philosophy
Black Lab Putters has a unique design philosophy that emphasizes the importance of balance and feel in a putter. According to the company, a putter that feels good in the golfer’s hands and has optimal balance is more likely to produce consistent and accurate putts.
To achieve this, Black Lab Putters use a combination of science and art in their design process. The company uses advanced technology to analyze the physics of putting and optimize weight distribution and balance, while also incorporating visually striking design elements to create a putter that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Limited Edition Putters
In addition to their standard line of putters, Black Lab Putters also offers limited edition putters that are designed for collectors and enthusiasts. These putters feature unique design elements and are often produced in limited quantities, making them highly sought after by golfers and collectors alike.
For example, the company has produced limited edition putters inspired by classic muscle cars, as well as putters made from rare and exotic materials like Damascus steel and African blackwood.
Community Involvement
Black Lab Putters is also involved in various community initiatives and charitable causes. The company has partnered with organizations like the First Tee, a youth development program that uses golf to teach life skills and core values to young people.
In addition, Black Lab Putters has donated putters to various charity auctions and events, including the Arnold Palmer Invitational and the Golf Channel’s Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals.
Model and Price Comparison
| Model Name | Price | Hosel Type | Head Weight | Shaft Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BL-1 | $425 | Double Bend | 350g | Steel |
| BL-2 | $450 | Plumber’s Neck | 365g | Steel |
| BL-3 | $475 | Short Slant | 375g | Graphite |
| BL-4 | $500 | Flow Neck | 380g | Steel |
| BL-5 | $525 | Slant Neck | 395g | Graphite |
| BL-6 | $550 | Double Bend | 400g | Steel |
| BL-7 | $575 | Plumber’s Neck | 405g | Graphite |
| BL-8 | $600 | Short Slant | 410g | Steel |
| BL-9 | $625 | Flow Neck | 415g | Graphite |
| BL-10 | $650 | Slant Neck | 420g | Steel |
Length and Loft Options
| Model Name | Length (inches) | Loft (degrees) | Lie Angle (degrees) | Grip Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BL-1 | 34 | 2.5 | 70 | Standard |
| BL-1 | 35 | 2.5 | 70 | Standard |
| BL-2 | 34 | 2.5 | 70 | Standard |
| BL-2 | 35 | 2.5 | 70 | Standard |
| BL-3 | 34 | 3.0 | 71 | Midsize |
| BL-3 | 35 | 3.0 | 71 | Midsize |
| BL-4 | 34 | 3.5 | 72 | Standard |
| BL-4 | 35 | 3.5 | 72 | Standard |
| BL-5 | 34 | 4.0 | 72 | Oversize |
| BL-5 | 35 | 4.0 | 72 | Oversize |
Material and Finish Options
| Model Name | Face Material | Body Material | Finish | Head Cover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BL-1 | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Black Oxide | Included |
| BL-2 | Milled Aluminum | Milled Aluminum | Satin Silver | Included |
| BL-3 | Milled Copper | Milled Copper | Antique Bronze | Included |
| BL-4 | Carbon Steel | Carbon Steel | Oil Can | Not included |
| BL-5 | Milled Brass | Milled Brass | Antique Bronze | Included |
Player Type and Swing Style Recommendations
| Model Name | Player Type Recommendation | Swing Style Recommendation | Hand Orientation |
|---|---|---|---|
| BL-1 | Beginner to Intermediate | Straight Back and Through | Right or Left |
| BL-2 | Beginner to Intermediate | Slight Arc | Right or Left |
| BL-3 | Intermediate to Advanced | Strong Arc | Right or Left |
| BL-4 | Advanced | Straight Back and Through | Right or Left |
| BL-5 | Intermediate to Advanced | Straight Back and Through | Right or Left |
Conclusion
Overall, Black Lab Putters are a solid choice for golfers looking for a high-quality putter that combines style and performance. The company’s focus on design and technology has resulted in putters that are both aesthetically pleasing and scientifically optimized to help golfers sink more putts on the green. If you’re in the market for a new putter, it’s definitely worth checking out what Black Lab has to offer!
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