L.A.B. Golf Launches TNS-1:The World’s First Lie Angle Balanced Driver

In a move I suppose we probably should have seen coming, especially given the massive footprint (you can see it from space), L.A.B. Golf has announced the TNS-1 (Torque Neutral System One) – the world’s first Lie Angle Balanced driver.

“We’re excited to bring L.A.B. technology to a new category,” said Dean Torkless, VP of Unrestrained Concepts at L.A.B. Golf. “The TNS-1 is more than a decade in the making and we’re a little surprised we got here first. When we saw all those screws on the first generation of PXG metalwoods, we thought they had figured it out. Turns out, they were just overcomplicating adjustability.”

“We’re excited to have the category [zero-torque drivers] to ourselves. At least until the guys in Carlsbad get wind of this.”

As you would expect from L.A.B., the TNS-1 driver is as big as it can be, pushing right up against the USGA’s dimensional limits.

“We could have made it smaller but then it wouldn’t be so in-your-face ugly,” said Torkless. “That’s what our customers know us for. It’s what they expect and we’re going to deliver.”

While the TNS-1 driver is a first in the company’s lineup, it borrows some key technologies from the putter.

Center-shaft design

“The TNS-1 is center-shafted and while that might seem unconventional for a driver, there’s a good reason for it,” explains Steve Labreau, L.A.B.’s Director of Stability Narratives. “To be successful with a driver, golfers need to understand where the center of gravity is. To help golfers visualize the sweet spot projection, we put the shaft right through it.”

Whether or not that helps golfers hit straighter drives remains to be seen but if it works for the putter, I don’t see why it wouldn’t work for the driver.

Press Grip 180

The key to unlocking the performance of the TNS-1 Driver is L.A.B.’s proprietary Press Grip. It’s the same grip used on L.A.B. putters but with a literal twist. Installed on L.A.B.’s putters, the Press Grip helps create forward shaft lean. By rotating the grip 180 degrees on the driver, the Press Grip encourages golfers to tilt away from the target.

In testing, L.A.B. found golfers increased their attack angles by an average of 6.1 degrees, leading to more ball speed, higher launch, lower spin and algorithmically irresponsible distance gains.

TPT Orbit 1x Golf Shaft

For the L.A.B. Golf TNS-1 driver, the company has again collaborated with shaft maker TPT. The TPT Orbit 1x was developed exclusively for L.A.B in a climate-controlled bunker outside of Geneva, Switzerland.

According to Torkless, “the Orbit 1X shaft represents the pinnacle of Swiss engineering restraint.”  The construction process involves 14 precision lasers, a mood-calibrated curing chamber and at least one horologist. Unlike traditional shafts, the Orbit 1X does not torque; it acknowledges force but declines to react.

Swing hard, swing wild, swing off a cliff—the shaft remains centered, composed and emotionally unavailable. The TPT Orbit 1X shaft is perhaps the only Swiss export more neutral than the country itself.

Simplified alignment options

Like L.A.B. putters, the TNS-1 driver is customizable with your choice of alignment features although L.A.B. Rats will lament the comparable lack of options.

“We understand that the breadth of alignment options offered on our putters can be overwhelming,” says Labreau. “With our putters, we offer nearly 50 different alignment options. With the driver we knew we needed to simplify so we’re only offering our 38 most popular options. If the market demands more, we’ll consider adding them in the future.”

Driver fitting, L.A.B.-Style

True to its roots, L.A.B. is offering custom fitting for the TNS-1—via video, of course.

“Just like our putter fittings, all we need is a video,” said Labreau. “But instead of a slow-motion putting stroke, we ask golfers to send us a three-second clip of their most emotionally charged driver swing.

“We analyze shoulder tilt, foot flare and spiritual alignment. Then we pair you with the optimal shaft flex and one of our 38 alignment packages based on your aura and follow-through aggression.”

A beta version of the AI-powered swing analyzer, called LIE VISION, is said to flag golfers attempting to “game the process with tempo or coordination.”

Colors and patterns

As with L.A.B putters, TNS-1 drivers will be available in a variety of colors. At launch, golfers can choose from black, blue, red or pink. A limited-edition alternating black-and-white striped “VerZa” version featuring a custom alignment aid will be available in early summer. The limited design is meant to inspire golfers to untorque themselves and for L.AB. competitors to go f*ck themselves.

Specs, pricing and availability

The L.A.B. Golf TNS-1 driver is available in nine, 10.5 and 16 degrees. Retail price is $1,239.99. Admittedly, that places L.A.B.’s first driver outside the realm of reality for most golfers, although, according to Labreau, “it’s a small price to pay for the kind of stability only L.A.B. can deliver.”

For you ballers on a budget out there, it’s only a matter of time before cheaper alternatives emerge. Given the copycat nature of the golf equipment industry, today’s joke likely is tomorrow’s prototype.

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