MEMBER REVIEWS: L.A.B. Golf Putters! Read What Members Are Saying Now!

[PlsPlsGoStraight]

So I heard on the Club Champion podcast that LAB are bringing out a new putter, which is 'a traditional looking blade'. 

 

I'd love this. Anyone here know anything about it?

[tofur99]

On 9/5/2022 at 4:25 PM, OspreyCI said:

Ok, so round three with the DF. Honeymoon might be over quick. Struggled with the face coming open at impact. Tried various grips with the right hand. Index finger coming over in the top, ringer down the right side, and even using the right hand placed like I would for a short putter. The last grip setup was the best for center contact and not having the face swing open. 
 

If anyone has any more tip to not manipulate the face angle like I am doing, that would be great @SwingBlues This is my first go around with a broomstick by the way. 
 

Thanks. 

I'm not using the broomstick so I dunno how much this helps but I find with this putter the best results come from kinda letting go of control and just letting the putterhead swing through the ball on it's own once I've made a proper backswing (i.e not dragging it outside the line or too far inside, just a slight natural inside arc)

[mshills]

My DF 2.1 is on its way back to Eugene.  I bought it from the outlet -- stumbled across one available in my unusual specs at a great price so I grabbed it.  After a month plus, I am a believer.  Last week the head came loose.  LAB is fixing under warranty, and I figured it was a good time to remove the Winn grip and replace with a proper, firm, rubber OG Press 3.  Ordinarily I'd just have it re-epoxied at a local shop or do it myself so I would not have to wait, but I really wanted that grip swapped out too.  Hate Winn grips!  So I decided to wait, and lo and behold I cannot even sniff the cup with any of my old Odysseys.

 

The way the lie angle balance works is pretty remarkable.  I still miss putts, but they are never pulled or pushed.  They can still be mis-read, they can still start on the wrong line, and I can still get the distance wrong 😄 😄 😄 but the putt rolls where I am aimed, every single time.  I am a much better putter than a 20 index (former 5 now learning to play with one arm and putting is still a strength) and these putters flat out perform.

[SwingBlues]

For all the DF owners and not on the LAB mailing list, here is a GREAT podcast interview between Fits with the Founder - Club Champion & Sam Hahn @labgolf discussing Directed Force including some history (cloudy smoky version since it's not Bill 😉), Mezz and custom fitting, look at the 27:01 time stamp:

 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fits-with-the-founder/id1557045489

 

Enjoy

 

ps while this is a DF thread, Sam - I think expanding the weight options especially on the Mezz is a HUGE bonus offering based on my testing & discussions with other testers. Jus sayin'

 

@OspreyCI 1:10 is the mark for u 😎

Edited September 14, 2022 by SwingBlues

[PingPoncho]

How come there are no reviews of the MEZZ 1 Max standard length? 
 

Lab golf would sell more standard Max putters if they put them out in online golf stores so more people could try them. The regular Mezz1 is there but no Standard Max.

[OspreyCI]

2 hours ago, SwingBlues said:

For all the DF owners and not on the LAB mailing list, here is a GREAT podcast interview between Fits with the Founder - Club Champion & Sam Hahn @labgolf discussing Directed Force including some history (cloudy smoky version since it's not Bill 😉), Mezz and custom fitting, look at the 27:01 time stamp:

 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fits-with-the-founder/id1557045489

 

Enjoy

 

ps while this is a DF thread, Sam - I think expanding the weight options especially on the Mezz is a HUGE bonus offering based on my testing & discussions with other testers. Jus sayin'

 

@OspreyCI 1:10 is the mark for u 😎

Thanks man… looking forward  to listening to this podcast tomorrow at work. Appreciate it.

[PlsPlsGoStraight]

Just to post my review of the second hand blad.1 that I've been using.

 

It's fantastic.

 

I had to adjust to it, the swing thoughts that work for me are to have a light grip, and just go straight back and straight through (yes I realise there no such thing as a straight putting stroke).

 

The ball just starts on line. Every time. I used to do putting practice on an 8ft mat with a small cage to aim at, but now it's boring, because every set just ends up looking like this:

 

I've ordered the mezz, because the blad.1 feels too heavy for my taste, and I like mallets for short putts. 

 

If you're wondering whether to get any kind of lab putter (and the previous 75 pages haven't convinced you yet) just go ahead and do it. Worth every penny.

[vandyfan]

I had some better luck short putting this weekend. I realized I had gotten back into the habit of having a long thru stroke which has never worked out for me. So I went back to having my thru stroke the same length or shorter than my backstroke (without being jabby) and made all my putts from 4 ft and in. 

[Haber]

Liked my Mezz so much that I just ordered a DF2.1 armlock to mess around with over the off season.
 

Tried arm lock previously and was hot and cold with it. I think mainly due to being 6’2 and it being an OTR odyssey at 40” and 72*. 
 

excited to get my fitting results back and have it built. 

[Mob]

I have been using mine all season now, and it took me awhile, but I am clearly putting better with the Mezz than my previous putter.  Making more one putts, and missing fewer 3-5 foot putts.

 

I did have to make one adjustment.  I have the Press 1.5 grip.  I was pushing putts early on and not sure why.  I watched a video from the owner about ball position needing to be further forward, so I moved the ball up in my stance so that it is just inside my lead foot, and that has made all the difference.  

[tofur99]

7 hours ago, Mob said:

I have been using mine all season now, and it took me awhile, but I am clearly putting better with the Mezz than my previous putter.  Making more one putts, and missing fewer 3-5 foot putts.

 

I did have to make one adjustment.  I have the Press 1.5 grip.  I was pushing putts early on and not sure why.  I watched a video from the owner about ball position needing to be further forward, so I moved the ball up in my stance so that it is just inside my lead foot, and that has made all the difference.  

 Yeah I have the ball position inside lead heel as well, feels the most natural with the mezz 

[Sixthreesix]

Just got DF a week ago. Practiced everyday so far, still used to a heavier pendulum. Did the No thumbs, 1 and 2 ball practice, and have always had a pendulum heavy putter (Seemore PCB w/ 40g of lead tape), and I limit the manipulation of putter and keep the natural stoke as close as I can.

 

Seem to struggle extra keeping line w/ new DF, burning edges on left and right. Have a 4 ft metal ruler I practice with (put ball and one end and putt off other, ensuring you’re getting ball on line to start) and cannot seem to find stroke w/ DF. Feel is good, but if it was 20-30g heavier I could get it feeling good.

 

I know adding weight throws off the lie balance, but how much? How have others (if there are others that feel same) added a touch of heftyness to their DF?

[Sons_of_Pitches]

12 hours ago, Sixthreesix said:

Just got DF a week ago. Practiced everyday so far, still used to a heavier pendulum. Did the No thumbs, 1 and 2 ball practice, and have always had a pendulum heavy putter (Seemore PCB w/ 40g of lead tape), and I limit the manipulation of putter and keep the natural stoke as close as I can.

 

Seem to struggle extra keeping line w/ new DF, burning edges on left and right. Have a 4 ft metal ruler I practice with (put ball and one end and putt off other, ensuring you’re getting ball on line to start) and cannot seem to find stroke w/ DF. Feel is good, but if it was 20-30g heavier I could get it feeling good.

 

I know adding weight throws off the lie balance, but how much? How have others (if there are others that feel same) added a touch of heftyness to their DF?

You might want to reach out to Lab Golf and ask to send the putter back to them so they can make it heavier.  Not sure how heavy they can go though but worth the ask.  You would need to obviously tell them how much weight to add.  Maybe get the total weight of your existing putter and compare that to the lab putter and go from there.

Edited September 26, 2022 by Sons_of_Pitches

[ephmen]

Does anyone use LAB for short putts inside 10ft and a normal putter for longer putts? My strokes gained data say I stink inside 10 feet but am scratch at greater than 10 feet. . . .

[JJP84]

On 9/14/2022 at 4:21 PM, PingPoncho said:

How come there are no reviews of the MEZZ 1 Max standard length? 
 

Lab golf would sell more standard Max putters if they put them out in online golf stores so more people could try them. The regular Mezz1 is there but no Standard Max.

I have Mezz Max and the weight is great, much better for me than Mezz standard. Sounds great off face and the roll it puts on the ball is superb!

[JJP84]

On 8/5/2022 at 12:51 AM, rlb4 said:

I'm looking to get the DF 2.1(35") and am trying to decide on the shaft. I've tried the stock steel shaft in PGA Superstore and it felt pretty good. I would like the benefit of the extra stability of the BGT or LAGP shafts but have never tried them and am worried that I won't like them. I've read that the Stability Tour is the same weight and balance as the stock steel so the swing weight should feel the same. I also read that the LAGP TPZ One35 is heavier than the stock steel and has a different balance point(some counter balance?) and am concerned that the swing weight will be noticeably lighter and I may not like that. Does anyone have any feedback on these concerns?

I’m interested in this question too. Anybody have feedback on it?

[JJP84]

Just now, JJP84 said:

I’m interested in this question too. Anybody have feedback on it?

Also, how does Accra X affect swing weight of 2.1 standard?

[mshills]

My experience with the DF so far is positive. Here are some observations for what it’s worth.
 

I would never spring for a shaft upgrade in a putter. Steel is plenty stable for the violent transition and impact of a putt. 😉

 

With the OG Press grip on the DF, you almost can’t play the ball too far forward. Off the left heel, instep, and even big toe are all totally effective setups.  
 

I practice incessantly with a line around the ball. I don’t play with this marking (slows down play too much for me) but on the practice green or my Big Moss, I zero in on quality of contact. No wobble means good contact. Wobble, even if I make the putt, means face angle is not precise.

 

Keeping the putter head low through impact (think Loren Roberts) is also a great key. 
 

The one ball and two ball drills in the cut, as suggested by the Lab YouTube channel are really good too. 

[Minarets]

19 hours ago, ephmen said:

Does anyone use LAB for short putts inside 10ft and a normal putter for longer putts? My strokes gained data say I stink inside 10 feet but am scratch at greater than 10 feet. . . .

That’s interesting.  I will say I have been using my DF2.1 on slow greens and my Ping Harwood on faster greens.  
 

I have the BST shaft in mine. (Well did. Accidentally stepped on the shaft and broke it and need to replace with LAB). Anyway, the df2.1 has been the best lag putter I’ve used.  I have become a great 2 putter from long distance with that.   That said, I miss far too many 10’ and in with it.  I am much better with the Ping Harwood.  
 

 

I am likely to reshaft with the Accra this go round.  I love the BST but supposedly the Accra is softer and it’s also a lot less. 

[LODGE1519]

4 hours ago, JJP84 said:

I have Mezz Max and the weight is great, much better for me than Mezz standard. Sounds great off face and the roll it puts on the ball is superb!

 

Did you order the heavier version or do you think the weight is just better with the standard Max as compared to the standard Mezz?  Do you notice any increased stability or any other benefits.  Really conflicted about ordering the Max, I want to pull the trigger but not sure it is worth the price tag if there isn't actually any performance benefits.

[JJP84]

On 10/1/2022 at 11:47 AM, LODGE1519 said:

 

Did you order the heavier version or do you think the weight is just better with the standard Max as compared to the standard Mezz?  Do you notice any increased stability or any other benefits.  Really conflicted about ordering the Max, I want to pull the trigger but not sure it is worth the price tag if there isn't actually any performance benefits.

I ordered the standard weight Mezz Max and, yes, the weight felt better than the standard Mezz.  I also think the stability is better with Max because the head size is larger/heavier.  I strongly prefer Max over standard Mezz.  It is worth the price tag IMO. 

[KhiloD]

On 10/3/2022 at 10:14 AM, JJP84 said:

I ordered the standard weight Mezz Max and, yes, the weight felt better than the standard Mezz.  I also think the stability is better with Max because the head size is larger/heavier.  I strongly prefer Max over standard Mezz.  It is worth the price tag IMO. 

Wish I could exchange my Mezz for the Max, not a big market here in Ontario for LAB stuff in the resale market.

[ace036]

I understand the Lab Press Grips are encouraged for their standard length putters. But I’ve never been a fan of larger diameter grips (ie. Super Stroke). 
 

Are there any owners using the standard length putters like the Mezz with more traditional style and smaller profile grips-like a pistol grip?

[ThinkingPlus]

52 minutes ago, ace036 said:

I understand the Lab Press Grips are encouraged for their standard length putters. But I’ve never been a fan of larger diameter grips (ie. Super Stroke). 
 

Are there any owners using the standard length putters like the Mezz with more traditional style and smaller profile grips-like a pistol grip?

I used a Garsen Quad with the B.2.  It all comes down to managing the putter onset.  As you go from the B.2 to Mezz to DF 2.1 the onset increases. Press Grips compensate somewhat for the onset by forcing your hands further forward.  The more onset, the further forward.  That's why Lab recommends the 3° Press for the DF, but only the 1.5° Press for the Mezz or B.2.  Because of the minimal onset, you can get away with a standard grip for the B.2 rather easily.  The others will be more challenging, but some folks have done it I believe.

[Haber]

Got my first couple rounds in with the armlock DF on the weekend. I previously had an odyssey 2 ball armlock that was stock 40” and I believe 70 degree lie angle that I ditched pretty quick. This one was fit at 41.5” and 76 degrees. 
 

First round I left quite a few putts short but anything 5’ and in truly felt automatic. Second round was a terrible front 9 only hitting 1 green but had a few up and downs and got the speed dialled in. Hit 7 greens on the back and birdied the first 2 from 10 and 12’. 
 

I’ve always struggled with the odd push or pull on a short putt where I just get handsy. With the armlock the face is locked square and it is a game changer. For the time being the Mezz will be relegated to back up duty.

[johnsomp]

I currently play an Edel EAS 4.0. I watched the revealer video but can anyone comment on whether going to LAB would be different based on what putter you are coming from? Is the difference with LAB more noticeable, for example, with an OTR Scotty compared to the Edel which is supposed to be "torque balanced" or perhaps have a little less torque? Or does it not matter because the only question is whether the putter you are coming from has any torque?

[ballywho27]

Has anyone ordered the custom DF putter in the blue or red?  I’m considering the blue one and just wanted other peoples thoughts. 

[manVSgolf]

I have them both.  The blue is a dark royal blue while the red is closer to maroon.  Both look really good, I prefer the blue.

Edited October 26, 2022 by manVSgolf

[JSSPRADLIN]

Just got a Mezz 1 in last Friday.  So far I love the putter.  On the plus side I'm amazed at how well the ball rolls off the face.  I normally struggle to get the ball to the hole, but the first few rounds I was running everything 3-4 feet by if I missed.  I'll need to adjust but this is what I wanted to see.  Pure roll with no skid.  I had also thought my left hand was neutral, but after messing with this for a few days I've learned I wasn't even close to neutral.  The more I weakened my left hand the more consistent the start lines became.  

 

The only complaints I have are the textured press 1.5 grip actually feels more slick than the standard one they had at Club Champion where I was fitted.  This thing is also terrible at fixing ball marks.  

 

Overall I'm happy so far and am looking forward to working with it.  

[prouse25]

On 9/5/2022 at 3:25 PM, OspreyCI said:

Ok, so round three with the DF. Honeymoon might be over quick. Struggled with the face coming open at impact. Tried various grips with the right hand. Index finger coming over in the top, ringer down the right side, and even using the right hand placed like I would for a short putter. The last grip setup was the best for center contact and not having the face swing open. 
 

If anyone has any more tip to not manipulate the face angle like I am doing, that would be great @SwingBlues This is my first go around with a broomstick by the way. 
 

Thanks. 

I have messed with broomsticks for years but never committed to the method. I have all three of the LAB models in standard length versions.  Bought a DF broomstick a couple of weeks ago for an off-season hobby project. The weather has been great and I have had a lot of unexpected outside practice time. 
 

my first practice session was better than expected but felt the head wasn’t consistently square at contact. While putting at home that evening, I realized my grip was way too tense (anchor hand and low hand). Ever since, a light grip with a slow back stroke has been unbelievable.  Get out of the way of the club and just let it swing.  No manipulation.  
 

I have not had a round with the broomstick with more than 29 putts in the last two weeks.  I can’t believe how quickly this method has become second nature.