MEMBER REVIEWS: L.A.B. Golf DF3 Putter Testing | See What Members Are Saying!

[mstuewe]

On 3/22/2024 at 10:23 AM, SEP1006 said:

As I stated earlier on this thread I have 2 x DF3's. The main differences are shafts, Accra and TPT. And lies, 75* and 71*. I can roll the ball just as good with either one of them. That's just how good they are. And the feel/roll off the putter face just gives you so much confidence.

 

 

which shaft offers tighter dispersion and distance control?

[SEP1006]

1 hour ago, Rearviewmirror said:

 

How would you compare the feel of the TPT vs the Accra given that you have almost exactly the same putter otherwise.

 

The Accra shaft has a very soft/muted feel to it. While the TPT shaft isn't a hard feel by any means but it's just not quite as soft. You can feel the ball making contact with the putter face just a touch more.

 

 

 

 

22 minutes ago, mstuewe said:

which shaft offers tighter dispersion and distance control?

 

I'm not a big believer in a Putter shaft making a difference in dispersion or distance control, just don't see it.

 

But I will say this AGAIN. BOTH these putters put such a good roll on the ball with a great feel. Ball just rolls end over end with no hopping and on the intended line. No matter where you hit it on the face.

 

 

 

 

[coreyhr]

Had my first full round with this putter and I came away extremely encouraged with it. From working on the putting green, I was able to really get dialed in with my speed finally. I think not putting anything other than this putter in my hands will continue to help with this as well, getting completely accustomed to the torque free feel. I had a couple of lag putts in the 40-50 foot range and I nestled both of them up close. I didn't have any 3 putts in my round. Our greens are rolling nice and quick right now, just shy of 12 on the stimp, and I had 2-3 putts in that scary 5 foot range that I had to play outside of the hole due to the significant break. I was able to make all of them. Those testy little quick ones are where I was worried I might have issues with this putter, but that doesn't seem to be the case at all. Where this putter really shines is those 20-30 footers. I was burning the edges all day at that length. I just line my ball up and then align my putter to that same line and it's just so easy to repeat the same stroke every time. My start lines haven't been this good in a long time. I also can't stress how good this putter feels. I've admittedly dabbled in more putters than I ever care to admit, and I don't miss the milled feeling of any of those putters over this one. It has a very premium feel. One of my playing partners even commented how good it sounds as well. I've had experience with both the Mezz and DF 2.1, and I just didn't have the same  overwhelmingly positive opinion about them as I do this DF 3. I think LAB have really struck gold with this thing. They've taken all the great things from the DF 2.1 and eliminated all of the bad.  

Edited March 25 by coreyhr

[snagy2000]

1 hour ago, SEP1006 said:

 

The Accra shaft has a very soft/muted feel to it. While the TPT shaft isn't a hard feel by any means but it's just not quite as soft. You can feel the ball making contact with the putter face just a touch more.

 

Good info, I just picked up a Mezz.1 w/the Accra yesterday on the cheap  and was curious how it would feel as the ones in stores with different shafts feel harsh IMO.

[B_of_H]

13 hours ago, ccape0328 said:

Have played a few more rounds with the putter. I’m having a really hard time getting speed down which has led to 3 putts. Gotta keep chugging along. 

 

this is what a lot of people struggle with in my experience because as the stroke gets longer most start using more hands and wrists accelerating the putter.  keeping the tempo of the stroke consistent and hands quiet takes time and practice.  Over time it gets better.  

[ccape0328]

49 minutes ago, B_of_H said:

 

this is what a lot of people struggle with in my experience because as the stroke gets longer most start using more hands and wrists accelerating the putter.  keeping the tempo of the stroke consistent and hands quiet takes time and practice.  Over time it gets better.  

Yeah I’m trying to work on keeping my hands quiet and just let gravity do the work.

 

Ive struggled aiming left as well but he bunk it’s just something I’ve got to work through. I’ve went from putting really well with my Versa to struggling so it’s been tough. 

 

 

[B_of_H]

52 minutes ago, ccape0328 said:

Yeah I’m trying to work on keeping my hands quiet and just let gravity do the work.

 

Ive struggled aiming left as well but he bunk it’s just something I’ve got to work through. I’ve went from putting really well with my Versa to struggling so it’s been tough. 

 

 

 

Lab putters are everywhere at my club and I think i've talked to many that have had a similar reaction, including myself.  I was putting horribly and did much better instantly with the lab.  Then i started having issues with distance control/ speed overall, and start line/alignment.  I was determined to stick with it though and it took about a month to get used to it. It takes some patience and perseverance but those that stick with them tend to start seeing that their 'bad' putting rounds are much better and their 'good' putting rounds are at worst the same as before.  So in the end it should make you more consistent over time and day to day.  (this doesn't include those that have the yips, which is a different story altogether). 

 

Things i've done: starting using the tour tempo app, the 'thumbs off drill', the TPM device (true pendulum motion), a larger putting mirror that showed shoulder alignment, and reading greens with aimpoint along with using a line on the ball.  (I got some ball markers that allow me to line up the ball with the mark and its worked wonders)  I am in positive strokes gained for the first time in my life in putting over the last 6 months vs my hcp (0).  (The last 5 rounds I am +.75). Previous best was -1.43 over a 5 round period the last 2 years. 

[ck800]

Can also confirm struggles with lag putting, definitely a work in progress. Funnily enough I make a ton of the 8-10 footers I leave myself with

[Rearviewmirror]

For folks who need some encouragement with their LAB journey, KEEP THE FAITH! It genuinely takes time for the lag putting and distance control to come together, but it is most definitely worth it (see below - that one recent dip was deep tined greens with a 1/8" of sand on top)!

 

I had some real technique issues which LAB illuminated, and now I have those ironed out I am consistently gaining strokes on my putting. You've just got to get the reps in. 

 

Edited March 25 by Rearviewmirror

[TillyGolf]

I've been really intrigued by these. Newport/L neck lover here but these just seem very point and shoot. Managed to get my hands on one the other day and hitting my line seemed very very simple. Could definitely see one finding tis way into the bag for testing, especially that Link1 blade...

[Rearviewmirror]

17 hours ago, TillyGolf said:

Could definitely see one finding tis way into the bag for testing, especially that Link1 blade...

 

The Link is a beautiful putter, but it is worth saying it is definitely not as forgiving as the Mezz/DFs.

[Minarets]

5 minutes ago, Rearviewmirror said:

 

The Link is a beautiful putter, but it is worth saying it is definitely not as forgiving as the Mezz/DFs.

Doesn’t feel anywhere close to as good as DF3 to me.  I have a DF2.1 and don’t love its feel.  Feels mettalic. The DF3 feels solid and much more quiet.  It’s why I want one. Just haven’t been able to pull trigger yet.  However, i actually cannot stand the Mezz for whatever reason. Much prefer its size to DF2.1 but the feel is off on it.   Wanted to love the link, but nothing feels like a sweet spot to me.  It always feels harsh or like im missing heel side or toe side every time. 

[coreyhr]

Was able to summarize my thoughts a bit on the DF 3 after a few hours of practice and 27 holes. Can't wait to get more rounds in as the weather starts heating up and the rain becomes less frequent. I will continue to update in the thread as I get more time in with it. Thank you again to @GolfWRX_Official and @labgolf for this awesome opportunity. 

 

 

About Me

 

I’m 38 years old and I’ve been playing golf since the age of 10. My GHIN handicap hovers in the +2 to +4 range, depending on what time of year it is. I’m a golf nut and total gear junkie who pretty much always has 8-10 putters sitting around. The majority of my rounds are played at my home course which is a traditional, old style, tree lined country club layout with mature bent greens. While not overly quick (usually in the 10-11.5 range on the stimp), they roll very true. Putting is the one thing I feel like has always held me back. I’ve won a few amateur tournaments over the years, but not near the amount I feel like I should have. Ball striking and accuracy with my irons has always been my biggest strength, averaging around 14 GIR per round. This leads to a lot of 2 putt pars and creates frustration when I don’t see anything go in. This then can spill over in to the rest of my game. If I know I’m not likely to make the putt, my brain subconsciously says “what’s the point in hitting this fairway, or this green?” I play my best golf when I’m literally excited to get to the green and putt. That feeling has been few and far between for me over the last 4-5 years. My biggest issue currently is inability to consistently hit my start line, especially when it’s a pressure packed putt. I’ve been on a Quintic machine before and it revealed that I had excessive face rotation in my stroke. I’m hoping a LAB putter will help with eliminating that feeling of having to time the rotation up at impact. I have had experience with LAB putters in the past, in the form of a Broomstick DF 2.1 (with steel shaft) as well as an Armlock DF 2.1 (with LA Golf 135 shaft). So I should be able to provide a good comparison between it and the DF3. My current putter in the bag is a Jailbird 380 with the micro hinge insert, playing at 37.5”.

 

Remote Fitting

 

This process couldn't have been easier for sending in my fitting video. I used a phone tripod and set it up straight down the line, 2 feet off the ground. Calvin at LAB was able to check my eye position from the video along with proper length and lie angle. He said my eyes were perfectly over the ball, therefore the 37.5" length I'm currently using was my best bet. He determined that a 69* lie angle would work best for me, this is slightly flatter than what I'm currently using. The follow up call with Calvin about these details was a great experience. He was extremely courteous and gave detailed answers to all my questions. I was unsure of what head weight I wanted and explained to me that most players sense that the LAB putters feel lighter in the head due to not having any torque. Due to that fact, we both agreed to go with the "Heavy" head weight option on my build. He also described to me the different feel throughout the various shaft options. Because of the heavier head weight, and the longer shaft length, the stability of the TPT shaft made the most sense. Calvin also explained that the TPT shaft provides more feedback with different strikes, with the Accra shaft being a softer feeling at impact. Finally, we discussed color, alignment options and grip. I already had my mind made up on black with the small "T" alignment. I also was leaning toward the Garsen 17" grip as I don't enjoy the diameter of the Superstroke. He confirmed that the Garsen would have more of a pistol feel, and we were all set.  

 

My LAB DF 3 Specs

 

Color: Black

Alignment: "C" (Small T Alignment)

Length: 37.5" Counterbalanced

Lie: 69*

Shaft: LAB Golf x TPT 

Grip: Garsen Quad Tour 17"

Head Weight: Heavy (Calvin said this would put the head in the 390g range) I highly recommend going with heavy, especially in counterbalance model.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Looks

 

 

It’s no secret that the DF 2.1 wasn’t exactly going to be winning any beauty contests. The DF 3 probably isn’t either. While it is certainly smaller than the DF 2.1, my playing competitors all commented on how weird it looked. I personally don’t have a problem with the new size and I happen to love the shape as it’s incredibly easy to align this putter behind the ball. The finish on the DF 3 is high quality and appears like it will hold up very well in the long run. The white “T” alignment aid that I went with has a very nice contrast to the black head and gives me tons of confidence when I sit it down behind the ball. There’s also very little manipulation required to get the putter to sit square to the target. Having the counterbalance version, there’s not the same amount of forward press that’s found with the standard-length versions. So, there was very little adjustment period going from my Jailbird 380 to the DF 3. When ordering the counterbalance model, you have the choice between the Garsen Quad Tour 17” or the Superstroke 3.0 17” grips. I’ve never personally been a fan of the diameter of the 3.0 Superstroke grips. I also don’t love the material in which they’re made of. The Garsen has a nice pistol feel to it with a premium feel to go with it. It is black and white in color and looks awesome when paired with the black/white of the TPT shaft and the black head. I’m very pleased that I went with the black head. With the reduced size of the DF 3, you shouldn’t be concerned at all about the looks or footprint. The adjustment period will be minor at worst.

 

 

Sound and Feel

 

Other than shrinking the size of the DF 2.1, this to me is where LAB made the biggest improvement with the DF 3. As you can hear in my videos, my DF 2.1 made a higher pitched sound at impact and the feel to me wasn’t anything to write home about. That is not the case at all with the DF 3. It produces a much duller sound at impact that’s very pleasing to the ears. I love everything about the muted sound and solid feel this thing produces. The same playing partners that commented on the unflattering looks of the DF 3, have also repeatedly talked about how good this thing sounds on the green. I’ve owned countless milled putters over the years, both OTR and boutique/custom, and I don’t hesitate for a second to claim that this putter feels every bit as satisfying off the face. Everything about the strike feels premium. Now whether that is the head, TPT shaft, heavier head weight or all of the above that’s to thank for the feel is something I can’t really speak to. I just know that if you go with this setup that I have, you’ll be extremely happy with how it sounds and feels. I’ve documented in other LAB threads that I just didn’t like the sound of the Mezz or DF 2.1, that’s something I no longer have to declare. They’ve perfected the sound and feel with this model.

 

 

DF 2.1 Sound

 

 

 

 

 

DF 3 Sound

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Performance

 

 

In addition to a few hours of indoor putting mat practice, I’ve now got a couple hours of putting green practice and 27 holes of golf with the DF 3. While not enough to formulate a definitive opinion of the DF 3, I’ve learned quite a lot about it and am becoming increasingly confident in the help it can provide me. For starters, I’m a big fan of how the putter looks behind the ball and how easy it is for me to align it to my target. As mentioned in my opening paragraph, alignment and start lines is by far the weakest part of my putting. This putter appears to be already assisting me with both of those issues. I'm also very impressed with the forgiveness of the putter, you can strike this thing pretty much anywhere on the face and see very similar results. I will say however, that I found myself hitting this thing out of the middle on a repeated basis. I love the TPT paired with the heavy head of the counterbalance model. It's just so easy to make the same stroke time and again. The TPT shaft also seems to really take out any vibration on longer lag putts, which I love. I've had other counterbalance putters that on those longer 50' or so lag putts you could really feel the vibration of the head at impact due to the speed at which the putt had to be struck. That's not the case with the TPT and DF 3. Even when you get out to those longer distances and start making lengthier strokes, it feels just as solid as it does at 5 feet. It's obviously debatable whether or not a $400 putter shaft is worth it. I don't think I can answer that, as everyone has different priorities and budgets. I've never bought in to the importance of a putter shaft. But what I can say, is that something does feel more stable and consistent with this TPT shaft. If there was an instance where I would be more inclined to say that the expense is worth it, it would be in a counterbalanced set up with a heavier head such as this. I can't say with certainty that a steel shaft at the longer length and heavy head would have more vibration and deflection on longer putts, but I'm inclined to think that the difference would be noticeable. It took me a while to get my speed dialed in with the DF 3, but that issue seems to be a thing of the past now. I’ve been making all of those slick 5 footers that require you to start the ball outside the hole due to significant break. In my first 27 holes, I’ve been scaring the hole and burning edges of more 30 footers than I can remember in recent memory. My plan is to refrain from making even as much as a practice stroke with any other putter for at least the next month or so. Completely freeing my muscle memory and brain of the feeling of a “conventional” putter with torque. I think doing this will only continue to improve the results I see with the DF 3. The lack of torque and excessive face rotation in my takeaway seems to be something I had no clue that I needed. I’m no longer having to try and time the face rotation at impact and thus seeing much more consistent start lines. This is the feeling that I’ve been searching for when trying the Mezz and DF 2.1 in the past. Now I’m able to achieve that with a putter that sounds and feels much better in my opinion.

 

 

Summary

 

 

This putter isn't going to magically turn a poor putter in to Brad Faxon on the greens. But what I can say with confidence is that removing the excessive face rotation from the putter makes creating a repeatable, consistent stroke infinitely easier to obtain. If you've been wanting to try a LAB putter, this is the one truly worth taking the dive on in my opinion. Having never been completely blown away with the Mezz or DF 2.1, this putter has really changed my opinion. I've always been really intrigued by the technology, and completely buy in to the concept, but I've never been able to get past what I perceived to be less than stellar looks, sound and feel. LAB, in my opinion, has address and improved on all of those things. While this putter still looks far from conventional, it did not take long to get comfortable with the look or footprint. It's not overly obnoxious in size and sets up so well behind the ball. If you're a counterbalance user like myself, my one piece of advice would be to opt for the "Heavy" head option when ordering. The lack of torque creates a lighter feeling club head and the heavier head option helps offset that. This set up I have feels so well balanced that it significantly removes all thought from my mind when making a stroke. It almost feels like autopilot. Very rarely do I make a stroke now that feels "off" or "foreign" feeling to the previous one. They all feel the same. That in itself has me excited to see how this putter might help me on the greens throughout the start of this golf season. 

Edited March 27 by coreyhr

[tonypb57]

I just ordered mine last week and was able to combine 2 sight-lines, G and Q! I went counterbalanced with the TPT shaft and heavy head in the cappuccino color way. I am pumped to say the least. 
 

KEEP IN MIND, IF YOU ORDERED A COUNTERBALANCE AND CANNOT SEEM TO GET THE HANG OF IT FOR WHATEVER REASON YOU HAVE MULTIPLE OPTIONS:

1. KEEP GRINDING AND DONT GIVE UP
2. IF THAT DOESNT WORK, YOU CAN CONTACT LAB AND THEY WILL SHORTEN TO NORMAL SPECS.
3. YOU CAN. SELL IT HERE OR ON FACEBOOK IN THE LAB GROUP!

[dmeeksDC]

Did any of the testers go with standard head weight AND no counterbalancing? Read a lot of posts but it seems the testers in general went with the heavier head. I rolled a DF3 at PGASS today and really liked it. It was stock all the way — standard weight, steel shaft and pistol grip. Other than not liking the T alignment, I thought it was great. A 34-inch, 69 lie angle putter fits me well. 
 

I previously bought (and sold) a MEZZ1 but I went with the heavier head and the Accra shaft and never really liked either. Putter seemed bulky and the shaft felt dead. DF3 with steel rolled beautifully, felt heavenly. Also rolled a Ping PLD today with their composite shaft and there is no way I would play the Ping shaft either. Felt flimsy. So it is highly probable that I just don’t mesh with the composite putter shafts. The KBS CT steel putter shaft is great IMO. The DF3 is very nice, a big step up by LAB Golf. It is smooth. I would love to see feedback on a boring old steel-shafted, standard weight, standard length build. 

[Pops99]

Pulled the trigger on a 34.5", 70 lie angle df3. Black, t-alignment. I'm 6'1 and during my fitting that length felt the best to me. 

 

After seeing results from one of my buddies at the course with the df2.1 last summer, and reading/watching reviews all winter here in Canada, it was a no brainer. Golf trip to Phoenix in April and I am just vibing, cannot wait to get this bad boy out on the course. Putting mats just ain't cutting it haha

[Minarets]

15 minutes ago, Pops99 said:

Pulled the trigger on a 34.5", 70 lie angle df3. Black, t-alignment. I'm 6'1 and during my fitting that length felt the best to me. 

 

After seeing results from one of my buddies at the course with the df2.1 last summer, and reading/watching reviews all winter here in Canada, it was a no brainer. Golf trip to Phoenix in April and I am just vibing, cannot wait to get this bad boy out on the course. Putting mats just ain't cutting it haha

Hope you get yours by then 

[Pops99]

17 minutes ago, Minarets said:

Hope you get yours by then 

Fingers crossed haha. Ordered it 2 weeks ago (slow to post on here) and they said 6 weeks so it will be tight.

 

Even if not, it should be waiting for me when I get home and my course should be open by then. 

 

These winters are killing me. 

[coreyhr]

9 hours ago, dmeeksDC said:

Did any of the testers go with standard head weight AND no counterbalancing? Read a lot of posts but it seems the testers in general went with the heavier head. I rolled a DF3 at PGASS today and really liked it. It was stock all the way — standard weight, steel shaft and pistol grip. Other than not liking the T alignment, I thought it was great. A 34-inch, 69 lie angle putter fits me well. 
 

I previously bought (and sold) a MEZZ1 but I went with the heavier head and the Accra shaft and never really liked either. Putter seemed bulky and the shaft felt dead. DF3 with steel rolled beautifully, felt heavenly. Also rolled a Ping PLD today with their composite shaft and there is no way I would play the Ping shaft either. Felt flimsy. So it is highly probable that I just don’t mesh with the composite putter shafts. The KBS CT steel putter shaft is great IMO. The DF3 is very nice, a big step up by LAB Golf. It is smooth. I would love to see feedback on a boring old steel-shafted, standard weight, standard length build. 

Looking back at the tester builds, it appears that they're are a few conventional length builds. But they're all heavy head weights. Looks like the only standard weight was Rooski and he's got a counterbalance. For what it's worth, Calvin stated during my remote fitting that he's never had a customer regret going with the heavy head weight. The total weight of my putter feels beefy when I pick it up, but doesn't feel overly heavy at all during the stroke. Maybe the weight is more spread out and better distributed with the DF 3 versus the Mezz. Because I too dabbled with the Mezz and wasn't really a fan either. 

Edited March 28 by coreyhr

[JamesFisher1990]

Tons of info here, bit too much for me to read. Do people think this is actually "better" than Mezz max or just "different"?

 

I've been so streaky with my Mezz since I got it. Im giving it an entire year on Arccos to see how it performs - I've had some of the best putting days with it, but also some of my worst. I'm not sure if it's the overall balance, the head weight or the grip itself but I can't settle in with it. I feel SUPER confident over short putts, but longer putts in that 25-40ft range kill me.

[coreyhr]

2 minutes ago, JamesFisher1990 said:

Tons of info here, bit too much for me to read. Do people think this is actually "better" than Mezz max or just "different"?

 

I've been so streaky with my Mezz since I got it. Im giving it an entire year on Arccos to see how it performs - I've had some of the best putting days with it, but also some of my worst. I'm not sure if it's the overall balance, the head weight or the grip itself but I can't settle in with it. I feel SUPER confident over short putts, but longer putts in that 25-40ft range kill me.

I myself would say better, not just different. The DF 3 in my opinion is much more consistent when it comes to repeating the stroke. I don't know if it's the large head and weight distribution or what. Even though I know it too was torque free, I found myself feeling like I was still having to fight the Mezz a little bit. Now granted I never tried it in counterbalance and maybe that's the reason I feel like I'm getting more consistency. I will say that the DF 3 is noticeably more forgiving on off center strikes than the Mezz. The feel is also world's better to me, it's got that addictive feel to it that some putters have where you really look forward to hitting that next putt. 

[JamesFisher1990]

9 minutes ago, coreyhr said:

I myself would say better, not just different. The DF 3 in my opinion is much more consistent when it comes to repeating the stroke. I don't know if it's the large head and weight distribution or what. Even though I know it too was torque free, I found myself feeling like I was still having to fight the Mezz a little bit. Now granted I never tried it in counterbalance and maybe that's the reason I feel like I'm getting more consistency. I will say that the DF 3 is noticeably more forgiving on off center strikes than the Mezz. The feel is also world's better to me, it's got that addictive feel to it that some putters have where you really look forward to hitting that next putt. 

Interesting - I would have assumed mezz max would be the most forgiving from an MOI standpoint bc the weight is truly in the perimeter, just due to shaping.

 

I never really got along with CB'ed putters... I tried it before and generally struggled with speed control. I might email LAB to see what they think if I don't feel more consistent with it after another month or two. I suspect it's actually the grip, either the size or weight. I've always used pistol grips, either the Pingman or Scotty Pistolinni+.

[coreyhr]

13 minutes ago, JamesFisher1990 said:

Interesting - I would have assumed mezz max would be the most forgiving from an MOI standpoint bc the weight is truly in the perimeter, just due to shaping.

 

I never really got along with CB'ed putters... I tried it before and generally struggled with speed control. I might email LAB to see what they think if I don't feel more consistent with it after another month or two. I suspect it's actually the grip, either the size or weight. I've always used pistol grips, either the Pingman or Scotty Pistolinni+.

The DF 2.1 is LAB's most forgiving putter. I'm not sure I've read yet where the DF 3 ranks in terms of forgiveness/stability, but it feels much more similar to the DF 2.1 than the Mezz Max to me. 

[SEP1006]

2 hours ago, coreyhr said:

The DF 2.1 is LAB's most forgiving putter. I'm not sure I've read yet where the DF 3 ranks in terms of forgiveness/stability,

 

 

LAB stated that the DF3 is as close to being as forgiving/stable as the DF 2.1 without being identical. So basically not quite but just a hair short.

 

How's that for technical terminology !!

[JamesFisher1990]

2 hours ago, SEP1006 said:

 

 

LAB stated that the DF3 is as close to being as forgiving/stable as the DF 2.1 without being identical. So basically not quite but just a hair short.

 

How's that for technical terminology !!

Interesting! Well, the budget doesn't have new clubs in the works for me this year, so I need to work with the Mezz as best I can.

[molecularman]

6 hours ago, coreyhr said:

Looking back at the tester builds, it appears that they're are a few conventional length builds. But they're all heavy head weights. Looks like the only standard weight was Rooski and he's got a counterbalance. For what it's worth, Calvin stated during my remote fitting that he's never had a customer regret going with the heavy head weight. The total weight of my putter feels beefy when I pick it up, but doesn't feel overly heavy at all during the stroke. Maybe the weight is more spread out and better distributed with the DF 3 versus the Mezz. Because I too dabbled with the Mezz and wasn't really a fan either. 

  I have the same thoughts.  The weight is more linear, if that makes sense.   With a normal putter, I feel the weight more in the transitions (which would make sense as it's the torque you feel).    I think that's part of why some have a hard time with distance control.   That feedback in the transition from backswing to forward swing really gives us valuable input for modulating how aggressively we hit the ball.  The DF3 is much more muted in that transition, so it's a learning curve for some.


As an aside -  it looks like the weather is taking a turn for the better here. Hopefully I can get out this time next week for an actual round of golf!
 

[jasman29]

19 hours ago, dmeeksDC said:

Did any of the testers go with standard head weight AND no counterbalancing? Read a lot of posts but it seems the testers in general went with the heavier head. I rolled a DF3 at PGASS today and really liked it. It was stock all the way — standard weight, steel shaft and pistol grip. Other than not liking the T alignment, I thought it was great. A 34-inch, 69 lie angle putter fits me well. 
 

I previously bought (and sold) a MEZZ1 but I went with the heavier head and the Accra shaft and never really liked either. Putter seemed bulky and the shaft felt dead. DF3 with steel rolled beautifully, felt heavenly. Also rolled a Ping PLD today with their composite shaft and there is no way I would play the Ping shaft either. Felt flimsy. So it is highly probable that I just don’t mesh with the composite putter shafts. The KBS CT steel putter shaft is great IMO. The DF3 is very nice, a big step up by LAB Golf. It is smooth. I would love to see feedback on a boring old steel-shafted, standard weight, standard length build. 

I have a standard build with the heavier head but I playa heavier head in my other putter as well. What I will tell you is that it doesn't feel as heavy as my other putters in my hands and during the stroke. I am quite sure it is attributed to the balance of the putter. I have not tried the standard DF3 as there is not a store close to me that has one. I talked with Calvin during the fitting process and he advised based on my other putter weight and swingweight that I go with the heavier head. I was not dissapointed. I know this might not help you much but Ill say again, it doesnt feel as heavy as the other putters I have in the same weight

[PINSEEKER72]

I've been on an extended business trip out of the country so I'm behind in my personal stuff and hobbies, but I've just returned and had one of those rectangular boxes waiting for me that all of us on this site look forward to getting, and I'm excited to get this out on the course to test it.

 

I first want to sincerely thank GolfWRX and L.A.B Golf for the opportunity to review this putter.....the timing was absolutely perfect.  Last year I started with a mallet and changed to two different blades, and for this year I was going to go back to a mallet.  (Because of course it's the equipment and not the player).  I will be honest here and also in my review when I am able to get the putter out on the course.  I like putters with traditional shapes.  I have seen L.A.B. putters in stores and have not picked one up to try just because I didn't think that I would have confidence standing over it on the course.  It's very different than anything that I have ever used, but when I saw this contest and started to read about the technology and see the reviews, I got to thinking that if this will get my putt going on my chosen line and I would only have to worry about speed, it could go in the bag.  

 

A LITTLE BACKGROUND
Putting is the worst part of my game, and I'm a head case over the ball with too many thoughts about what my arc should be when taking the club back, are my wrists rotating too much or too little, should my follow-thru be straight down the line that I chose or arc slightly to the left, etc. I'm about a 13 handicap, and I think if I could improve my putting, I would have a chance to get to single digits.

 

THE ONLINE FITTING PROCESS
I was surprised to find this fitting even better than some in-person fittings that I have had in the big box golf stores.  I sent in a video, and Calvin at L.A.B. analyzed it while we talked and made suggestions about what lie angle, length, grip and alignment marks would work best for my game.  It was a great experience all around, including the communication during the build and while it was being prepared to ship.

 

INITITAL THOUGHTS
Super high quality fit and finish.  I've hit some carpet putts with it and I really like the feel and sound.  It has a pleasing "tock" sound at impact and feels soft but not mushy.  Although it is a bigger mallet, you do get some feedback when you wander off the center of the face. In the small sample size so far indoors, it seems to want to go straight, and my distance control has been gone.  Premium feel and look on the headcover as well, and it's magnetic, unlike other high end putter manufacturers that still do Velcro- you know who you are.  I'm playing 18 tomorrow and will report back to see how the inaugural outing goes.

 

Here are some pics of the new addition to the family.  Ask any questions you have, and I will continue to update this post with my thoughts about the putter.

 

 

 

[tonypb57]

On 3/28/2024 at 9:19 AM, coreyhr said:

The DF 2.1 is LAB's most forgiving putter. I'm not sure I've read yet where the DF 3 ranks in terms of forgiveness/stability, but it feels much more similar to the DF 2.1 than the Mezz Max to me. 

the forgiveness ranking is as follows:

1. DF2.1

2. DF3

3. Mezz Max

4. Mezz

5. Link

6. that weird blade i cant remember the name

[tonypb57]

13 hours ago, PINSEEKER72 said:

I've been on an extended business trip out of the country so I'm behind in my personal stuff and hobbies, but I've just returned and had one of those rectangular boxes waiting for me that all of us on this site look forward to getting, and I'm excited to get this out on the course to test it.

 

I first want to sincerely thank GolfWRX and L.A.B Golf for the opportunity to review this putter.....the timing was absolutely perfect.  Last year I started with a mallet and changed to two different blades, and for this year I was going to go back to a mallet.  (Because of course it's the equipment and not the player).  I will be honest here and also in my review when I am able to get the putter out on the course.  I like putters with traditional shapes.  I have seen L.A.B. putters in stores and have not picked one up to try just because I didn't think that I would have confidence standing over it on the course.  It's very different than anything that I have ever used, but when I saw this contest and started to read about the technology and see the reviews, I got to thinking that if this will get my putt going on my chosen line and I would only have to worry about speed, it could go in the bag.  

 

A LITTLE BACKGROUND
Putting is the worst part of my game, and I'm a head case over the ball with too many thoughts about what my arc should be when taking the club back, are my wrists rotating too much or too little, should my follow-thru be straight down the line that I chose or arc slightly to the left, etc. I'm about a 13 handicap, and I think if I could improve my putting, I would have a chance to get to single digits.

 

THE ONLINE FITTING PROCESS
I was surprised to find this fitting even better than some in-person fittings that I have had in the big box golf stores.  I sent in a video, and Calvin at L.A.B. analyzed it while we talked and made suggestions about what lie angle, length, grip and alignment marks would work best for my game.  It was a great experience all around, including the communication during the build and while it was being prepared to ship.

 

INITITAL THOUGHTS
Super high quality fit and finish.  I've hit some carpet putts with it and I really like the feel and sound.  It has a pleasing "tock" sound at impact and feels soft but not mushy.  Although it is a bigger mallet, you do get some feedback when you wander off the center of the face. In the small sample size so far indoors, it seems to want to go straight, and my distance control has been gone.  Premium feel and look on the headcover as well, and it's magnetic, unlike other high end putter manufacturers that still do Velcro- you know who you are.  I'm playing 18 tomorrow and will report back to see how the inaugural outing goes.

 

Here are some pics of the new addition to the family.  Ask any questions you have, and I will continue to update this post with my thoughts about the putter.

 

 gorgeous! looking forward to hearing how it went on the course!