L.A.B Golf Directed Force 2.1 Question

[dixiethunder]

I searched through a number of old threads but couldn't find the answers to a couple of questions so hoping someone on here may be able to help me out. Stumbled across a nickel 2.1 today in my local shop. I've rolled a few in the past and always been interested but this one was different. It was 37' long and seemed to be heavier than ones I've tried in the past. It also appeared to have way more weights in the bottom than I'm accustomed to seeing. I know I need to be fitted, but does LAB weight for length or just user preference? Also, is there a way to tell what the specs are on a used putter. I looked all over for some type of serial number but couldn't find one. Thinking about doing a LAB fitting in person next week locally but have no way to know if this putter I found would match those specs other than it feels great. I typically enjoy heavier putters and still use a counter balance putter on occasion so the longer length is not an issue for me but I also know they are very strict on specs so don't want to buy it and find out later its the wrong specs. Any ideas appreciated.

 

Edited April 1, 2023 by dixiethunder

[Z1ggy16]

That's the newer version.

[Clark55810]

The DF with 7 weight ports are used for their custom builds, since they use the weights to “balance” the putter head. Heads with 3 ports are their standard builds where the head's are manufactured for a specific lie/length. 
 

Since each custom order is built to a spec, there is no way to know the lie angle short of measuring it. 

[flubberlange]

LAB uses weights on the bottom for weight/“heaviness of the putter” and lie angle balance. I know with Mezz/Mezz Max you can opt for the “heavy” option but I don’t think you can do so with a DF customizing a putter online. Maybe do the online/video fitting. If you are hell bent on figuring out the lie angle of that putter, maybe do the putter fitting at the store using that putter? LOL. LAB should be able to figure out what the lie angle is on that putter. 

[6holesn1]

OMG.  Looks like the exact putter I traded in to Taylormade back last November.  Traded it in cause it was heavier than all get go.  Specs were 65* lie 36 inches original press 3 grip black steel shaft.  TM trade ins typically end up @ Globalgolf.  Where is this shop located?   Putter putting in some miles possibly.  

[dixiethunder]

1 hour ago, 6holesn1 said:

OMG.  Looks like the exact putter I traded in to Taylormade back last November.  Traded it in cause it was heavier than all get go.  Specs were 65* lie 36 inches original press 3 grip black steel shaft.  TM trade ins typically end up @ Globalgolf.  Where is this shop located?   Putter putting in some miles possibly.  

 

Thanks everyone!

 

Interestingly enough, the Global Golf retail store in Raleigh is where I found it,  but one of the guys working said he remembered the guy who traded in, but they claimed he was much shorter than me (I'm 6'1) so if he was, not sure how he could have used a 37' putter.  Unfortunately, they don't do LAB fittings or I would have done one on the spot. 

 

That is very helpful to know the difference between rack and custom on the weight ports. I'm going to try to get a fitting done in the next week, I called one of the places listed on the LAB site and they acted like they'd never heard of LAB before but thankfully there are a few around here. Good to know I could possibly get it a little heavier than standard since that it what I prefer. Had thought about ordering a broomstick head but using a regular shaft to achieve the same thing. I'm not opposed to saving money on a used one or one from the outlet but they stress proper fitting so much I also don't want to get the wrong lie angle and have it not work for me as I'm pretty interested in the tech (and I've always gotten along with large putters like the original Daddy Long Legs).

[PDFPXG]

@dixiethunder if you can see this putter in person you can use the app on an iphone that is call measure and use the level setting. you put the putter head flat on the floor and place the iphone on the shaft and it will tell you the angle. I have a 69 so the phone showed 21 (you are subtracting from 90 degrees to get the LIE. That was a very expense version that was custom made. 

 

[dixiethunder]

Thats awesome, thank you for the tip, I'll head back in and take a look. Very helpful

[PDFPXG]

Here is some info on the LAB nickel finish from an older press release.

The new nickel finish on the L.A.B. DF2.1 is applied using Electroless Nickel Plating which is applied in a nickel bath through a chemical reaction. This reaction doesn’t require the traditional electric current for the plating process and it deposits a uniform layer of nickel onto the surface of the putter.

This nickel plating makes the finish on the putter almost impossible to scratch, and based on the properties of pure nickel, it isn’t affected by moisture.

[1jcwallace]

What grip is everyone using on their 2.1? I want to try a LAB Grip but all my other putters have the Superstoke Pistol 2.0 on them. Looking to try a LAB Grip for the forward press aspect! Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

[Golfcrzy]

Press 3 on the DF 2.1 and Press 1.5 on my Link.1

[dixiethunder]

Well still haven't figured out how to get the lie angle, tried the iphone method but clearly am messing something up, but I went ahead and pulled the trigger on it because I like the feel so much. I'm going to send in a video to LAB to see what they can tell me about whether its fit anywhere near right for me but I'm hoping it is because I liked the roll so much the two times I went in the shop. 

[Nelson.br.1515]

5 minutes ago, dixiethunder said:

Well still haven't figured out how to get the lie angle, tried the iphone method but clearly am messing something up, but I went ahead and pulled the trigger on it because I like the feel so much. I'm going to send in a video to LAB to see what they can tell me about whether its fit anywhere near right for me but I'm hoping it is because I liked the roll so much the two times I went in the shop. 

Take a picture of it in this position and someone here can help out. Here is a picture of mine and using my iPhone edit it is bang on spec at 69*. 

[Nelson.br.1515]

Not fool proof. But should at least give you an idea +/- a degree. 

[PDFPXG]

I think that if you bought it, then all you have to do is put it on the ground, grip it and swing it. If it feels easy to swing and it keeps the head parallel with the ground you should be good to go. The issue that many people have is the need a putter with a more upright or other angle then how he putt. If you really want to figure out what you have I will try and explain using iphone.

1. Open the app on iphone "measure" then when in app select "level"

2. Place the putter on a level table, you can see if it is level by placing the edge of the phone on the table and if level it will read 0 zero degrees. If your table is not level then you will need to adjust the number accord as this goes by earth level. OR level out the table by putting shim under the legs until dead level.

3. The putter face should be facing you, place the long edge of the phone on the shaft with the screen facing you.

4. The level bubble will show a number between 20 degrees and 40 degrees. On my putter which is a 69 degree lie (most stock putters are 69 or 70.) When I do this my shows 21 degrees.

5. you subtact the number 21 from 90 and end up with the putter lie. 90-21=69 degrees

 

 

Edited April 3, 2023 by PDFPXG

[6holesn1]

2 hours ago, dixiethunder said:

Well still haven't figured out how to get the lie angle, tried the iphone method but clearly am messing something up, but I went ahead and pulled the trigger on it because I like the feel so much. I'm going to send in a video to LAB to see what they can tell me about whether its fit anywhere near right for me but I'm hoping it is because I liked the roll so much the two times I went in the shop. 

Curious to see what you come up for a lie angle…

 

I did the iPhone trick on mine.  Spot on with both the Mezz1 and DF2.1.  Easy to put putter on a hard surface.  With the tri-sole design sole it’s pretty easy to get putter level.  

[PDFPXG]

I agree that it is easy to do but the first time I did it I got a reading that was one degree off. I then check the the desk and realized that the desk was not level. I went to a countertop that I first checked for level and it was perfect at 69. 

[dixiethunder]

Thank you to all, best I can tell the lie angle is 66-67, was hoping it would be closer to 69-70 but is what it is. Curious to get it out on the course but on the practice mat in my playroom it still feels pretty good. 

[PDFPXG]

Just did a video with my friend and he was a 67. Why do you think that you need a 69? 

[dixiethunder]

Only because thats closer to "standard" on their website, no other reason. I guess with all the stress they put on fitting, I don't want to lose out on the secret sauce by having the wrong lie angle, but only way to know that is with a fitting, so I'm going to do the remote fitting with the putter and see what they come back with, hopefully its right or close enough. REALLY appreciate all the help getting this figured out

[PDFPXG]

I am also very anal about these things. If I can suggest, you watch the instruction video about fitting for an arm lock (even if you are putting regular). If you use a club with a round sole you will stroke it very naturally for how you like to putt and LAB can get a more accurate fitting via video. You can send them 2 videos. Also you need to use a putter that is the best length for you as the video does not help them determine length it is only for lie.

 

[dixiethunder]

Has anyone had experience with the remote fitting on the website? It says 24-48 but I submitted mine of Tuesday and still haven't heard anything back. 

[SEP1006]

I did one about 6 weeks ago and heard back from Jake the next day.

 

I know I read on here somewhere that some discount code got out that wasn't supposed to. A bunch of members here and others ordered so they may be pretty busy right now.

[OspreyCI]

19 hours ago, SEP1006 said:

I did one about 6 weeks ago and heard back from Jake the next day.

 

I know I read on here somewhere that some discount code got out that wasn't supposed to. A bunch of members here and others ordered so they may be pretty busy right now.

This. I heard back the next day too. They are crazy busy right now. Besides the discount, the are gaining popularity and interest.

[5yddraw]

On 4/7/2023 at 2:50 PM, dixiethunder said:

Has anyone had experience with the remote fitting on the website? It says 24-48 but I submitted mine of Tuesday and still haven't heard anything back. 

I did the remote fitting and heard back in about 2 days.  I had a few more questions and the rep usually replied to my emails in about 1-2 business days each time.

[dixiethunder]

They got back to me and asked me to send another couple of videos, confident we will get it figured out

[C_rad]

The only putter that would have a chance to replace my 5.5.