If you’ve been rocking a mallet your whole life and are flirting with the idea of switching to a blade, the LAB Golf Link.1 might be calling your name.
But is this premium putter worth the hype (and the hefty price tag)? We put it to the test from first strokes to lip-out challenges to see what it's all about.
Whether you’re a lifelong blade loyalist or just curious, this one’s for you.
Key Takeaways
If you’re short on time, here’s the quick scoop on the LAB Golf Link.1 Blade Putter:
- Sleek, premium design with full customization options
- Surprisingly stable for a blade — balances well and stays square
- Feels a bit firmer and "hollow" on mishits
- Pricey — starts around $550, easily hits $660+ with upgrades
- Not very forgiving if you miss the center of the face
But if you prefer enjoying reviews in video format, here is the full LAB Golf LINK.1 review on our YouTube channel.
Is The LAB Golf Link.1 Putter Worth The Hype?
First Impressions: Blade New World
This thing is clean. Right out of the box, the LAB Link.1 screams premium. Ours was fully custom, and the full setup was chosen by Carl. This is what we were running:
- Original LAB Quad Grip
- 35" LAB X Accra Black Shaft
- Custom Designed Club Head
- USA LAB Golf Headcover
Arvo had never played a blade putter before — only messed with one at mini-golf — so this was a true first experience. Carl, on the other hand, is a blade guy through and through.
Initial shots? The contact felt solid, but the sound and feedback took us by surprise, more on that in a sec.
Feel & Feedback: Hollow or Hefty?
So here’s the thing: the Link.1 feels firm. Like, noticeably firmer than the LAB Golf DF3 Putter or most other mallets we’ve tested. Some shots felt a bit hollow — not in a bad way, just different.
When you hit it right in the sweet spot, it feels super controlled. But if you’re slightly off? You’ll feel it immediately. There’s not a ton of forgiveness here, especially on longer putts.
The small face grooves also add to the “punchy” sensation. It doesn’t feel soft like a milled Odyssey or the DF3. Instead, it’s more like a “crisp tap” — and that might be exactly what some players love.
Comparison: Link.1 vs Odyssey 10
To see how it stacks up, we compared the Link.1 to Arvo’s Odyssey 10 mallet. The Odyssey felt more familiar — softer, more forgiving, and easier to control on mishits.
The Link.1, on the other hand, felt stiffer and more aggressive. It’s the type of putter that rewards precision but punishes inconsistency.
- Odyssey: Softer feel, better for mishits
- LAB Link.1: Firmer feel, more stable but less forgiving
If you're a mallet lover, the Link.1 will take some adjusting. But if you're already a blade guy, you might fall in love.
Challenges: Lip-Outs and Closest to the Pin
What’s a Bogey Book review without some challenges?
Lip-Out Challenge
We each tried to hit the nastiest, sloppiest lip-out we could. The Link.1 was surprisingly consistent — maybe too good at wanting to drop putts. But Carl did manage a solid 180° heartbreaker.
Closest to the Pin
We took on a wild downhill putt from the top of a slope, crazy line. Arvo managed to roll one back from the brink of disaster, while Carl... fumbled. Let’s just say the Link.1 rewards commitment and a confident stroke.
Or maybe Carl just needs to put in a bit more time in The HackMotion Wrist Sensor's putting mode, who knows.
Pros & Cons
Before we wrap this up, here’s what stood out after a full session:
✅ Pros
- Stunning design — sleek and customizable
- Great balance and alignment help
- Grippy feel without being too bulky
- Super stable on center strikes
- Full custom fitting available online
❌ Cons
- Pricey — especially if you go all-in on upgrades
- Feels firm and unforgiving on off-center hits
- That “hollow” feel might not be for everyone
Bottom line: If you're not confident in your stroke, this blade can be a bit harsh. But if you hit center consistently? It’ll reward you.
Final Thoughts
Here’s our honest take: the LAB Golf Link.1 is a niche putter, but a high-performing one.
It’s sleek, feels premium, and performs when you hit it well. If you’re a blade fan and want something stable with next-level customization, this could be your new min putter.
But if you struggle with consistency or prefer a softer feel, it might not be worth the $600+ investment.
So, is it a smash or a pass? Well, it depends on your vibe. Take it on a date or two and you’ll know soon enough.