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

[dbdors]

Hello all you DF3 owners, I could really use a favor.  I'm still waiting on my putter to finish production and deliver.  In the mean time I'm looking at some alternative head covers.

Would anyone of you with a DF3 mind measuring the overall dimensions of the head.  Basically the "face width", "face thickness", "depth from face to back" and finally "face to center of shaft"

Thanks in advance!

[Rod Dandy]

1 hour ago, dbdors said:

Hello all you DF3 owners, I could really use a favor.  I'm still waiting on my putter to finish production and deliver.  In the mean time I'm looking at some alternative head covers.

Would anyone of you with a DF3 mind measuring the overall dimensions of the head.  Basically the "face width", "face thickness", "depth from face to back" and finally "face to center of shaft"

Thanks in advance!

Face width: about 4.25”

Face thickness: nearly 1”

Depth from face to back: about 4.25”

Face to center of shaft: about 1.5”

[Rod Dandy]

My experience with the DF3: excellent. I have been a long time user of the DF 2.1, and love the LAB Golf products. To me, the DF 2.1 was the smoothest rolling putter I have ever used. I’ve tried the Mezz, the Mezz Max, the Link, the original blade style, and while they all are great, nothing had the feel and forgiveness of the DF 2.1. 
 

I was most curious if they could achieve that similar DF 2.1 feel in the DF3. I can resoundingly say “yes they did”. 
 

I have a DF 2.1 in a stock steel shaft, and I bought a DF3 in a stock steel shaft for comparison. 
 

Side note: to me, putter shafts are not going to help you make more putts, but they will give a different feel, just my take. 
 

The DF3 gives that pure LAB Golf roll, and feels very similar to the DF 2.1…I would use the word “firmer” in regards to feel compared to the DF 2.1, but feel can be subjective. 
 

Forgiveness is on the same level of the DF 2.1. 
 

The DF3 is much smaller in the bag, and it looks better behind the ball…much more compact and modular. I especially like that on shorter putts. 
 

I could tell right away the DF3 felt lighter (I got the standard head weight) than my DF 2.1, and it did not have quite as much of that “swinging itself” vibe…still was good, but a tick down from the DF 2.1 on that swinging itself motion. 
 

I contacted LAB Golf about the weight of the DF3, and they advised that the “heavier” option is 15-20 grams heavier. Due to the smaller size of the DF3, it inherently will have a lighter weight. So, the “heavy” option is not a massive amount heavier, but it may be a good option for those that like the DF 2.1 weighting. 
 

I have the original OG 3.0 grip on my DF 2.1, and like that firmer rubber feel. That said, the Press Pistol 2.0 is adequate. They have several diff grips, comes down to personal preference. 
 

The DF3 is a winner in my book, and I could see myself switching. 

 

[dbdors]

8 hours ago, Rod Dandy said:

Face width: about 4.25”

Face thickness: nearly 1”

Depth from face to back: about 4.25”

Face to center of shaft: about 1.5”

Excellent, I knew I could count on you guys!!

[molecularman]

How about Wesley Bryan leading in his first tour start with the L.A.B. putter in the bag!?   Hoping he can pull off the win and get his tour card back!


I've had a little more practice time with the DF3.  I have never been one to use a line on ball, but I thought to try it with the DF3.  So far I am having really good results!    From 10ish feet and in its really feeling automatic. 

  With the F alignment mark,  it's been so helpful to ensure my face angle is right. I've been hovering the DF3 over the ball, just slightly behind and using my dominate eye to see the line on the ball and continue that line to the alignment marks on the DF3.  When I get the putter angle dialed in, I hold that position and go.   My make rate inside of 10 feet has gone way up!

[Edub11]

Headcovers:

Please let us (me) know what after market head covers you find.  The included one is high quality, but I certainly like head covers and rotate them, well, because I’m a little vein.  I appreciate a good looking bag top to bottom. The black cover it came with is quite nice, with a dope pattern/texture to it.  But I would have ultimately preferred white, and I’d love to get a couple other head cover options for my DF3. 

 

My playing update:

Since I received my DF3 2.5 weeks ago I've gone under par twice, and played great golf overall.  My handicap has dropped nearly a stroke (from two and change to 1.5). 

 

Admittedly I have been striking the ball well but I've gotta say, my confidence from 3-8 feet has never been higher & I've made my share of 10-20 footers while rarely 3 putting.  I have to continue to train my mind to let the putter "putt itself" during the follow thru. I've incorporated into my pre-putt routine two practice putts with no thumbs, which is getting me there.  I now have to keep my hands more behind the grip and that's not totally natural feeling yet. And my distance control isn't exactly dialed in all the time -- but overall the DF3 has improved my game.  I think there's something to be said about feeling less stress and more confidence over those 3-5 footers for an entire round. It helps the overall game. The putter won't be going anywhere, anytime soon. 

 

Edited April 20 by Edub11

[SwingMan]

On 3/25/2024 at 6:50 AM, mstuewe said:

which shaft offers tighter dispersion and distance control?

 

TPT

[mstuewe]

3 hours ago, SwingMan said:

 

TPT

 

have you measured this or is it perception?  For $400 bucks I am hoping to find someone who identified a measurable difference.

Edited April 21 by mstuewe

[ChrisATL]

Finally catching up on this thread after a busy work month - absolutely love the reviews so far!  Curious - how did everyone decide on their alignment aides?  With 33+ (+ because you could actually combine multiple options), it was probably very hard to choose!

 

Also, @Hunteruu - I absolutely love that cappuccino - I hope you are warming up to it nowadays!

[ChrisATL]

13 hours ago, mstuewe said:

 

have you measured this or is it perception?  For $400 bucks I am hoping to find someone who identified a measurable difference.

Was wondering the same thing - I think the TPT technology is pretty neat, but $400 is pretty steep. 

[03trdblack]

38 minutes ago, ChrisATL said:

Was wondering the same thing - I think the TPT technology is pretty neat, but $400 is pretty steep. 

 

My opinion... The TPT is manufactured identically from shaft to shaft which makes it easier for LAB to balance the putters.  It's helps them but maybe not you as much. It'll provide a different feel but some may or may not think that's better. 

 

LAB uses Dynamic Gold X100 shafts that have been tipped so the basic steel option is already going to offer really low torque, be super stiff, and be very consistent. 

 

 

 

 

Edited April 22 by 03trdblack

[ChrisATL]

Just now, 03trdblack said:

 

My opinion... The TPT is manufactured identically from shaft to shaft which makes it easier for LAB to balance the putters.  It's helps them but maybe not you as much. It'll provide a different feel but some may or may not think that's better. 

 

LAB uses Dynamic Gold X100 shafts that have been tipped so the basic steel option is already going to offer really low torque and be very consistent. 

 

 

Great stuff - thanks @03trdblack!

[B_of_H]

15 minutes ago, 03trdblack said:

 

 

 

LAB uses Dynamic Gold X100 shafts that have been tipped so the basic steel option is already going to offer really low torque, be super stiff, and be very consistent. 

 

 

 

 

 

Interesting.  My new 2.1 definitely has an x100 then but my older one has a stepless shaft.  The older one feels very different and I prefer it. (both work just as well and I go back and forth as one is a little more upright than the other (69 vs 71))

[03trdblack]

9 hours ago, B_of_H said:

 

Interesting.  My new 2.1 definitely has an x100 then but my older one has a stepless shaft.  The older one feels very different and I prefer it. (both work just as well and I go back and forth as one is a little more upright than the other (69 vs 71))

 

As I understand it, they used to have KBS shafts but then switched at some point. 

[molecularman]

10 hours ago, 03trdblack said:

 

As I understand it, they used to have KBS shafts but then switched at some point. 

I think it had to do with the number of rejects they were getting.  If the shafts don't meet their initial QC standards, they reject it as it will make it too hard/impossible to lie angle balance.

[ChrisATL]

12 hours ago, 03trdblack said:

 

As I understand it, they used to have KBS shafts but then switched at some point. 

Yup - I have a friend with an old mezz and its a KBS shaft.  

 

2 hours ago, molecularman said:

I think it had to do with the number of rejects they were getting.  If the shafts don't meet their initial QC standards, they reject it as it will make it too hard/impossible to lie angle balance.

Thats my understanding as well - makes sense given the technology / concept.

[Rod Dandy]

I’ve tried several of the DF 2.1’s….for my taste, I somewhat preferred the old stock steel KBS shafts versus the current True Temper stepped stock steel shafts. Splitting hairs, but the old stock steel shafts seemed to feel a touch smoother. Everyone likes something different though and has their own tastes. 

[Negncic]

On 4/18/2024 at 10:22 PM, dbdors said:

Hello all you DF3 owners, I could really use a favor.  I'm still waiting on my putter to finish production and deliver.  In the mean time I'm looking at some alternative head covers.

Would anyone of you with a DF3 mind measuring the overall dimensions of the head.  Basically the "face width", "face thickness", "depth from face to back" and finally "face to center of shaft"

Thanks in advance!

If you find a headcover that fits, please let us know. First thoughts were that the included headcover was super well built but that’s not the case. After a couple of months, the fabric holding the magnets is wearing away. I may have another round or two before they come out of the headcover. 

[Edub11]

I dont love any of these, but I suspect all of these should/would fit:

Headcover (update - I bought and it doesn’t fit. Shaft is too near middle of head)

Headcover

Headcover

Headcover

Headcover
 

Headcover

 

Edited Monday at 01:15 AM by Edub11

[Negncic]

3 hours ago, Edub11 said:

I dont love any of these, but I suspect all of these should/would fit:

Headcover

Headcover

Headcover

Headcover

Headcover
 

Headcover

 

Don’t love any of those either, but I ordered #2 just so I have some protection. I’ll report back on the fit. Thanks. 

[geesecougar2]

Is it fair to say that the DF3 (and LAB putters in general) fare better with a straight-back-straight-through stroke rather than an arced stroke? 

[molecularman]

37 minutes ago, geesecougar2 said:

Is it fair to say that the DF3 (and LAB putters in general) fare better with a straight-back-straight-through stroke rather than an arced stroke? 

Because it's balanced to the lie angle,  there really isn't a difference there in terms of needing more or less toe hang vs. face balance.   It is perfectly suited to any stroke type.

Edited April 25 by molecularman

[lopey986]

On 4/24/2024 at 12:20 PM, Edub11 said:

I dont love any of these, but I suspect all of these should/would fit:

Headcover

Headcover

Headcover

Headcover

Headcover
 

Headcover

 

Hatch Golf is now producing center shaft mallet covers for their headcover releases. Sackd Golfing Co also produces LAB specific shaped covers (LAB Putter Covers – Sackd Golfing Co). And LAB themselves just did a release of a Masters themed headcover and have more in the works coming soon.

[dbdors]

On 4/26/2024 at 11:52 AM, lopey986 said:

Hatch Golf is now producing center shaft mallet covers for their headcover releases. Sackd Golfing Co also produces LAB specific shaped covers (LAB Putter Covers – Sackd Golfing Co). And LAB themselves just did a release of a Masters themed headcover and have more in the works coming soon.

But still no DF3

[ChrisATL]

On 4/26/2024 at 12:52 PM, lopey986 said:

Hatch Golf is now producing center shaft mallet covers for their headcover releases. Sackd Golfing Co also produces LAB specific shaped covers (LAB Putter Covers – Sackd Golfing Co). And LAB themselves just did a release of a Masters themed headcover and have more in the works coming soon.

Never heard of either of these - pretty wild designs.  Thanks for sharing! 

[lopey986]

18 hours ago, dbdors said:

But still no DF3

Yeah Sackd doesnt seem to have the DF3 yet but i would imagine they will.

 

Hatch does, when you choose their mallets at release there is a dropdown for small or large center shaft covers to fit either option,.

[ChrisATL]

Not sure if this was addressed, but for any of the testers, it seems like mostly everyone went with the TPT - any reasoning for that choice? Have yall hit any of the other shaft choices before choosing? 

[molecularman]

1 hour ago, ChrisATL said:

Not sure if this was addressed, but for any of the testers, it seems like mostly everyone went with the TPT - any reasoning for that choice? Have yall hit any of the other shaft choices before choosing? 

It's one of those things where L.A.B. was generous enough to offer the upgrade; so why not go with the highest end offering? 

In all honesty, I was pretty agnostic about shafts. I have only used steel shafts in my putters, so I wouldn't know any better.  When speaking with Calvin I told him I'd like a softer feel while retaining feedback.  He suggested that the TPT was probably the best option so that's what we did.  In terms of "stability shafts"  as I understand it, the Accra shafts are the softest feeling.  The TPT shaft is suppose to be very consistent, very straight and very stiff while maintaining some good feel and feedback.

 I could have very well loved the plain old steel shaft version.  I really have no idea how much feel or performance changes there.   But I will say I really love the DF3 TPT combo.

Edited Sunday at 07:44 PM by molecularman

[ChrisATL]

13 minutes ago, molecularman said:

It's one of those things where L.A.B. was generous enough to offer the upgrade; so why not go with the highest end offering? 

In all honesty, I was pretty agnostic about shafts. I have only used steel shafts in my putters, so I wouldn't know any better.  When speaking with Calvin I told him I'd like a softer feel while retaining feedback.  He suggested that the TPT was probably the best option so that's what we did.  In terms of "stability shafts"  as I understand it, the Accra shafts are the softest feeling.  The TPT shaft is suppose to be very consistent, very straight and very stiff while maintaining some good feel and feedback.

 I could have very well loved the plain old steel shaft version.  I really have no idea how much feel or performance changes there.   But I will say I really love the DF3 TPT combo.

That’s great feedback @molecularman - I’m leaning Accra at the moment but maybe I should consider the TPT

[Drrussell]

On 2/21/2024 at 4:29 PM, Drrussell said:

Thank you @GolfWRX_Official and @labgolf really excited to get started with testing. I will use this as my spot to update as testing progresses. 

 

Background

My review might be helpful for those in the market for a new putter because until I saw the promotion to be a tester, LAB putters were not really on my radar. I have gamed different putters over the years, but over the last 3 years, I have gamed: Scotty, Ping, Odyssey, SIK, Cobra and Bettinardi.

 

I always have two golf bags, one I leave at the golf club, the other is in my trunk and ready to go if the opportunity arises. I play off a 3 index.  I am a pretty good putter. Always have been.

 

A few years ago I realized that while I rarely 3 putted, I also didn’t make enough birdies. Because I never wanted to leave myself a 3-4 foot return putt, I died the ball to the hole and as a result I left a lot of putts short. I figured I could immediately increase putts made by simply being more aggressive on my putting, but that meant I needed to be confident in the come back putt. That revelation caused me to switch from the traditional putter to armlock. 

 

Truth is, over the last few years I have changed putters pretty frequently. After all, if I missed a 4 foot putt and it cost me money, it was clearly the putter’s fault. 

 

Recently, I started reading up on all things LAB. Their customization options hit home. I signed up for the remote fitting and ended up ordering the DF2.1 (Armlock) and then ordered another Mezz 1 Max (armlock). The day after I received the DF2.1, I was notified that I was going to be an official GolfWRX tester for the DF3. 

 

In my review, I will be able to compare the LAB DF3 to the putters I have played most recently which are most of the big name putters. At the same time, I will be able to compare the new DF3 to the previous models, both the DF2.1 and the Mezz1 Max.

 

 

 

 

 

Remote Fitting

The remote fitting was super simple and Calvin is awesome.

 

I shot the initial videos. We exchanged emails and based on some of my questions he asked to see a couple more videos to confirm some things. After dialing in the numbers, orders were placed. DF2.1 (blue), Mezz 1 Max (orange) and then the DF3 (red).

 

Since the DF3 isn’t available as an armlock, we discussed the options to best fit my putting stroke. I provided videos of a putting stroke for 3 putters (armlock, wristlock, and standard). 

 

We decided that for the DF3, we would do something a little different. 

40” length

75 degree lie angle

wrist lock grip

 

By using this setup the DF3 will only be a couple inches shorter than my armlock putters. It will connect to my lead arm mid-forearm and in my setup, the ball position will be slightly more forward so that the shaft lean allows the putter head to sit flat (giving it the proper loft). 

 

This will allow virtually no change to my putting stroke and allow for a more accurate comparison of the putters. 

 

Day 1 - New Putter Arrival

 

My LAB DF3 Specs

 

Color: Red

Alignment: Big T Alignment)

Length: 40" Counterbalanced

Lie: 75*

Shaft: White Accra X LAB long

Grip: Superstroke Wristlock 

Head Weight: Heavy

 

Unboxing - First Reaction

Out of the box, putter had headcover on and that was it. Other than a piece of paper that tells you about taking care of the putter and using oil on the screws to keep the putter looking nice. 

 

My other LAB putters were on standby waiting for the arrival of their new brother. Looks are obviously personal, but the DF3 is pretty sexy. Not nearly as obnoxiously big as the DF2.1. 

 

I dropped a couple balls on my putting sim putting green just to stroke a few and immediately felt that the DF3 is right in between the Mezz 1 Max and DF2.1. Meaning the Mezz has a bit harsher feel, the DF2.1 is silky soft. The DF3 is much softer than the Mezz and probably approaching the DF2.1 in terms of how soft the ball feels off the face. 

 

Testing Day 1

The putter was originally supposed to arrive yesterday and I blocked the second part of my day so I could get out and do some proper testing. It didn’t arrive until today. I had pretty limited time, but I did run out to the course just to get some time on the real putting green. 

 

I used all three putters from 5ft, 15ft, random lag putting. With 20 balls, I went through a rotation of putters. Mezz 1 Max, DF2.1, DF3. The practice putting green was rolling at a 10 on the stimp meter. Unfortunately, they are going to be aerating next week, so I will probably need to try and get out there tomorrow for more detailed testing and maybe even a real round of golf. 

 

Because both of the armlock putters are more upright and also about 2 inches longer, that was obviously a little more comfortable just because I am so used to the setup. With armlock, I know exactly where the putter rests against my arm. I also know that the face of the putter will be exactly center of my stance. 

 

For the DF3 I wanted to make sure my setup wasn’t causing weirdness on the stroke, so I was pretty particular about the setup routine. I lineup the ball, place the putter behind aligned properly and soled flat. Then I would step in and setup around the putter being soled properly. I didn’t want to lean the shaft too far forward because online armlock putters which have the built in shaft lean, the DF3 with a wristlock grip does not. That means I want the shaft to be more vertical on setup. 

 

As soon as I realized where the wristlock putter was going to rest on my arm…the setup became super simple. In a couple more sessions it won’t require any extra caution and can adjust to the setup with no problems. 

 

I was rolling the rock so well with all three putters. I think that based on my initial feel I could game any of the 3 putters without hesitation. This testing could really come down to feel between the putters because I was hitting my line and seeing true end-over-end roll on almost every putt across all three putters. 

 

Tomorrow, if I don’t to the course, I am going to get all three putters on the simulator so I can see the launch angle, launch angle, and spin rate. That will give me real data I can compare between all three putters. In addition, I will use HackMotion to see if there are any variations in my stroke pattern with the three putters. 

 

 

Short update, more to come soon:

Over the past 2 weeks, I got out and played some golf. I rotated putters, DF3, DF2.1, Mezz 1 Max. 

 

I don’t know that I have ever struggled with a decision as much as this one. I have gone through testing with all three putters using the Capto putter analysis tool and I have done testing in terms of putts from 3’, 6’, 10’. I have even done testing using the Why golf putting gates. 

 

By every metric these putters are showing nearly identical results. I basically get an overall putting score of about 80. My most consistent issue is that I hit up on the putt, but that has very little impact on the result. I may truthfully change the threshold because my number is really consistent. The other issue is acceleration. Until I get into testing putters I really never thought about putting technique. I always had the idea that I was supposed to accurate through the putt. Turns out that’s not true. I will write another review on Capto and the data it provides.

 

I got a little extra time because of rain, the golf season was delayed and will be starting this week. So the lingering question. Which putter is going in the bag? As I sit here on Sunday, I really have no idea. 

 

Best feel: DF2.1 or DF3 really close. The 2.1 is more foregiving, no doubt about it. 

Best looking: Mezz 1 Max. This might just be because the orange head with the white shaft looks totally badass. 

Best results: Tie - Statistically, the putters have had nearly identical results. On the course, changing from one putter to the next has an adjustment period. But once I have the feel for the putter, the results have been the same. The most important thing I have been looking for is, when I setup the line on the ball do I see that line rolling end-over-end? With all three putters the answer is 100% yes. 

 

To me, what that means is if I pick the right line, I am making the putt. When I see the ball rolling end-over-end that means I struck it properly and rolled it on the line I intended. If I miss it’s just because I had a misread…

 

Red flag: If there is one red flag in my testing it’s with the DF3. It’s not because of the DF3, but rather the DF2.1 and the Mezz 1 are both at 79 degree lie angle. The DF3 is a 75 degree lie angle. With Capto data I can see that I setup the DF3 properly, but during transition and into impact, I go toe down about 3-3.5 degrees. So, instead of returning the putter exactly how I started, I kind of default back to my normal armlock impact conditions. 

 

The only thing I can say for certain right now is that I will be selling a bunch of other putters and I am so confident with the LAB putters that I will be selling all of my non-LAB putters (I have already started selling). 

 

My confidence:

Realizing that I haven’t started playing the money games yet this year, so I have basically gone out to play and practice. Going back and forth on which putter I would use, I had to ask myself, “If you had a big money game tomorrow, which putter would you put in the bag?” 

 

If I were forced to choose a putter today, I would put the DF2.1 in the bag. 

 

Why? 

1. Comfort level: Because I have used armlock putting for the last couple seasons, the setup with either the Mezz or DF2.1 are more comfortable. The DF3, being a wrist lock putter, doesn’t have the forward shaft lean that I am used to. As a result I play the ball further forward in my stance…however, when it comes to comfort, the Mezz and DF2.1 just feel so good. 

 

2. My tendency: In all of this testing, I have a bunch of slow motion videos of my putter coming into impact with the ball. From the top view, I have noticed that I have a tendency to hit just to the toe side of center. That tendency makes using the DF2.1 beautiful because that miss is almost indistinguishable from the dead center strike. 

 

What’s next: 

I am going to shoot some video of my testing so that you can see exactly what I am doing and get some video of the ball rolling.

 

I am also going to get on the simulator and do some lag putt tests. Since the putters are basically interchangeable inside of 15 feet, I need to see if there is any difference with lag putts. I will test with 25, 35, 50 foot putts.

Edited Monday at 04:46 PM by Drrussell