Popular Post GolferXY Posted December 14, 2022 Popular Post Share Posted December 14, 2022 The details: Black head with black LAGolf shaft 34" long 67 degree lie angle Forward press 1.2 grip Standard weight The good: Easy to aim. Putter lines up easily and stays in line while I'm adjusting my stance. Excellent feel when stroking the ball. Heel and toe misses shout "you missed the sweet spot", but putts stay on line - just shorter than a centered strike. Head cover is excellent quality and good looking. Online fitting was precise, quick, and easy. Response time was next day! So easy to keep the club on line! No manipulation of the putter head needed during the stroke! The bad: The price. It is "oh, my gawd, did I really have a stroke and order that putter?!? expensive Not to everyone's liking looks-wise but screams "well made and upscale" Max doesn't fit perfectly into the Mezz.1 head cover, though that is minor. It does fit, just a bit tight. Head cover again. Design has two flaps that have to be undone instead of one which creates a bit of delay. Ok, here's the story. I'm 63 now, and I've been playing golf since I was 10. At one point I was fairly competitive, but I have never been a good putter. In fact, I have been a horrible putter my entire life, getting worse [as things do] as I've aged. I've lost 5 yards a year off my driver in the last 6 years. If I want to stay competitive with my age group, I know I have to figure out the short game, especially that balky putter. I've tried mallets, anser styles, and spent a ton of money and time trying to make them work. Still horrible. Enter the Mezz. So I heard about it online and decided to do some research. Not a lot out there on them, but a trip to youtube got me intrigued. I shot on over to the LAB website and watched their videos, read their info, and decided to take the leap. I took a video of myself [described on the website] and sent it in. I got a reply the next day giving me the specs. However, I couldn't see myself paying upwards of $500 sight-unseen, without having had one in my hands. I looked everywhere near me, and found only one dealer within reasonable driving range. Unfortunately, they are the "pay to play" fitters, you know the one. Big name national fitters with a pretty good reputation. However, a fitting was $125 bucks. Well folks, I decided to drop that dime just to have a chance to get a LAB putter in my hands. I figured if I'm going to pay that kind of money for a putter I want to hit a few with it first. Besides, the restocking fee for a putter returned to LAB was, as you probably would guess, $125. So off I went. I won't go into detail here because this is a review of the putter and not the fitter, but suffice to say, don't bother with a fitting if you already intend to buy one. Purchase it direct from LAB instead. The result of the online fitting was exactly the same as the in-person fitting. However, I liked the feel of the putter [oh, did I mention that they didn't have the Max version?] and decided to buy one. The fitter wasn't very helpful [long, boring story], so I went online instead and purchased that bad boy described above. It took 4 weeks from order to delivery. It is a beauty to my eyes. Only thing I would change is the grip. I ordered the smooth grip, but I would get the textured grip if I had it to do over again for two reasons: I am left-hand low style putter, and my right hand rests on the impressed LAB Golf label and it feels kind of slippery. And the textured grip is all black with a white pencil line down the middle for hand placement instead of the two toned white and black of the non-textured grip that I ordered. I think that the white detracts from the "black out" look of the otherwise all black putter. So sue me, I am a bit spoiled. I have the BirdieBall putting surface, so I dropped a few balls on it and got to work. I was immediately impressed by the look of the club at address. Where with toe-hang putters the face wants to flare open, and face balanced want to angle closed, the Max just sits perfectly aligned as soon as you place it behind the ball. The alignment aid is adequate - as good as any of the other putters I've used, if not a bit better - and looks great [I got the three line version]. Taking a very light grip, I just swing the putter back and through, and it goes where I lined up to. It is the simplest, easiest, and most confidence inducing putter I've ever owned. And lest we forget, that encompasses 53 years of golf and all the putters that a horrible putter must dig through to salvage his score. Today I finally had a chance to get out to the practice green and give it a go. It wasn't like the angels sang and I sank every putt, but dang! Everything was online and pace was easy to adjust. I admit I made a few 30 footers, but the biggest euphoria-inducing moment was when I placed 3 putts out of four within 5 feet of the pin from over 100 feet! Yeah, that's right! Uh huh! Yeah baby! Two putt range from 100'! Woot woot!! Yep, I made all 3.... So, I haven't had a chance to run rough shod over 18 greens yet, but hopefully this weekend we get a break in the weather and I can really run this putter through its paces! -GolferXX CFreddie, knotthead17, Vegan_Golfer_PNW and 9 others 12 Quote -XY Sussex and Rain Rooster ProV1X QI10 LS Epic Flash 3-wood 4H Stealth 2, stiff i525, 6 - W, 1 degree flat, ProjectX 5.5 110 g shafts SM10 52, 56, 60 DF3 Broomstick Ping Pioneer Cart Bag MGI electric cart Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will_Mac Posted December 14, 2022 Share Posted December 14, 2022 Nice write-up and very glad that you like your new putter so much. I ordered a Mezz.1 Max myself, but only just over a week ago, so I still have a bit of a wait left. And I took a deep dive with an upgraded shaft (I've never tried nor even had an interest in these shafts ever before) so my hit over the head is more than $800! I went astray from my usual conservative self in going with a platinum colored head, also with the three alignment lines like yourself. Also went with the white BGT Polar Stability Tour 2 shaft with white headcover. The grip is the 1.L elliptical shaped grip as I do prefer that shape.I'm not new to L.A.B. putters so I know what I'm getting as to the tech and the incredibly balanced feel. I already own a Directed Force/L.A.B. Reno 2.1 with original elliptical shaped Press grip and I putt extremely well with it. Only, the obscene look of it got in my head as I strangely became self-conscious while playing it. Had it since 2018, never bothered me prior to the past couple years. But it was to the extent that I removed it from the bag, opting to instead play a Scotty Squareback 1.5 and then later a Sik DW.But finally, I couldn't take the 3-putts anymore and placed the order for the Mezz.1 Max. The very next day, I put the DF/L.A.B. back in the bag after a very long layoff and waddayaknow? I putted lights-out and carded a season low 73. I'd already told my buddies about my expensive order, to their great amusement, but at the turn one said, "cancel that order already! Are you outta your mind? This one is the putter for you."Gotta admit, my great putting that day (and since) had me second guessing the order too. Then on #12, facing a 30' putt for par after butchering an easy approach, I said aloud, "if this one drops, I will cancel that order."I made the danged thing. Didn't cancel though because excess golf funds that afforded the purchase in the first place, were burning a hole in my pocket anyway. Very much looking forward to my Max but I gotta admit, the only thing that concerns this compromised golfer with the awful back is that there's no way to scoop up the ball with the Mezz.1 Max! Best of luck with the new flatstick. The tech is real but I found the key for me is with the set-up and just as L.A.B. recommends, to take my stance and address the ball with the putter shaft in the middle of my stance.Forgot to mention that another buddy, after learning about my purchase, tried my DF/L.A.B. only once on the course. He drained a slick 12 footer for par and instantly said, "Billy Mac, after you fall in love with that new putter, I want this one. I'm not kidding, I want it. If you sell it to someone else, you'll be dead to me."He is an eccentric guy who easily fixates and LOL... I'm pretty sure he means it. Both counts. joen, Vegan_Golfer_PNW, GolfSpy SAM and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GolferXY Posted December 14, 2022 Author Share Posted December 14, 2022 Thanks for the kind words Billy Mac. I tried the DF1 when it first dropped and it felt too heavy. My guess is that I was trying to muscle it through the ball. When I went for my fitting, I tried one again and this time I was armed with the info from the website, so I just let it swing. It felt good. However, I prefer the feel of the Mezz's taller face as more of it contacts the ball. I think it helps me to judge distance better. Hope you like your new putter! Will_Mac, GolfSpy_APH, cksurfdude and 1 other 4 Quote -XY Sussex and Rain Rooster ProV1X QI10 LS Epic Flash 3-wood 4H Stealth 2, stiff i525, 6 - W, 1 degree flat, ProjectX 5.5 110 g shafts SM10 52, 56, 60 DF3 Broomstick Ping Pioneer Cart Bag MGI electric cart Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GolferXY Posted January 29, 2023 Author Share Posted January 29, 2023 UPDATE: Hey guys. I've been using the LAB Mezz Max for a couple of months now, and I have to say it has made a big positive impact on my putting game. I still have the occasional mis-hit, but anything inside of 20 feet is right around the hole consistently. I absolutely love setting the club down behind the ball and it stays exactly where I put it without any input on my part. No losing the line as I adjust my grip or stance, it stay flat and straight on the line I've chosen. It really makes set up super easy for me. The only issue I have is with the head cover. It has dropped off the club twice [found it both times, thankfully] while driving in a cart even after taking great pains to ensure that it was on tight. I finally turned it around and placed another club in the putter slot of the bag to help hold it in place. So far so good, but it's a hassle worrying that I might lose it. I've shown it to several friends, and they've all commented positively. Two have said they're going to order one for themselves. And it does generate interest on the putting green. Today I dropped three putts on the green about 12 feet from the hole, slight right to left breaker. Holed all three, cold. Love this putter. -XX joen, GolfSpy SAM, cksurfdude and 5 others 8 Quote -XY Sussex and Rain Rooster ProV1X QI10 LS Epic Flash 3-wood 4H Stealth 2, stiff i525, 6 - W, 1 degree flat, ProjectX 5.5 110 g shafts SM10 52, 56, 60 DF3 Broomstick Ping Pioneer Cart Bag MGI electric cart Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarlH Posted January 29, 2023 Share Posted January 29, 2023 I played with the Mezz Max, Mezz, and DF 2.1 for quite a bit when I was at a PGASS in Plano last month. I'd heard such great things about all of the L.A.B. line that I was very interested in trying them out. True to the hype, they felt great in the hand, albeit a bit awkward looking. I went back and forth between all 3 models and came to the conclusion that I really liked the DF. With a leap of faith, I placed my order for a custom build with L.A.B. DF 2.1, including a stability shaft. Closing my eyes at the cost, I pressed enter. It is enroute to my house as I type and it is expected to arrive Thursday. I can't wait to hear the comments from my playing buds about the ugly, oversized, branding iron I call a putter. GolfSpy SAM, Golf2Much, DRLEONARD58 and 3 others 6 Quote Driver: Black Ops 12* with Cypher 50 5.0 Fairway: Black Ops 3 wood with Cypher 50 5.0 Hybrids: Black Ops 19* and 22* with Cypher 50 5.0 Irons: Gen6 6, 7, 8, 9, W, G with Cypher 50 5.0 Wedges: Sugar Daddy II 52* and 56* with Cypher 50 5.0 Putter: DF 2.1 -- BGT Stability shaft @ 34" Ball: Tour, Chrome Tour, Pro V1 Other: C10 Bag, glove My Photography can be seen at Smugmug Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GolfSpy SAM Posted January 29, 2023 Share Posted January 29, 2023 1 hour ago, CarlH said: I played with the Mezz Max, Mezz, and DF 2.1 for quite a bit when I was at a PGASS in Plano last month. I'd heard such great things about all of the L.A.B. line that I was very interested in trying them out. True to the hype, they felt great in the hand, albeit a bit awkward looking. I went back and forth between all 3 models and came to the conclusion that I really liked the DF. With a leap of faith, I placed my order for a custom build with L.A.B. DF 2.1, including a stability shaft. Closing my eyes at the cost, I pressed enter. It is enroute to my house as I type and it is expected to arrive Thursday. I can't wait to hear the comments from my playing buds about the ugly, oversized, branding iron I call a putter. Nice!! They'll come around as soon as they see you putt with it. My buddies have been calling it my Cheat Stick since last summer. CarlH and cksurfdude 2 Quote Driver - Callaway Ai Smoke Max - 9* - Draw setting; Maltby UL (Otto Phlex) 5/7 Wood - Takomo Ignis Utility - Caley X01 Driving Iron (3 = 18*) (currently benched) Irons (5-PW) - Caley 01T Wedges (48, 52, 56, 60) - Indi Wedges FLX 48 / ATK 52, 56, 60 Putter - L.A.B. Directed Force 2.1 - 65*/DF3 65* Ball - Chrome Tour Triple-Track Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GolfSpy SAM Posted January 29, 2023 Share Posted January 29, 2023 9 hours ago, GolferXX said: UPDATE: The only issue I have is with the head cover. It has dropped off the club twice [found it both times, thankfully] while driving in a cart even after taking great pains to ensure that it was on tight. I finally turned it around and placed another club in the putter slot of the bag to help hold it in place. So far so good, but it's a hassle worrying that I might lose it. Love this! Thanks for the awesome (original) write-up and the follow-up! I would reach out to LAB directly re: the head cover issue. If they don't know about the issue, I'm sure Sam (CEO) and the team would love to know about it, and if they DO, a fix being either in the works or already figured out wouldn't surprise me either. The head cover for the DF, btw, is the size of a catcher's glove and has never threatened to fall off, so I'm guessing it could be a quality control issue? Or is it just the standard Mezz cover that they're squeezing the Max into? cksurfdude 1 Quote Driver - Callaway Ai Smoke Max - 9* - Draw setting; Maltby UL (Otto Phlex) 5/7 Wood - Takomo Ignis Utility - Caley X01 Driving Iron (3 = 18*) (currently benched) Irons (5-PW) - Caley 01T Wedges (48, 52, 56, 60) - Indi Wedges FLX 48 / ATK 52, 56, 60 Putter - L.A.B. Directed Force 2.1 - 65*/DF3 65* Ball - Chrome Tour Triple-Track Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Golf2Much Posted January 30, 2023 Share Posted January 30, 2023 @GolferXX, your scenario is almost exactly like mine. I'm in my mid 60 (ish), loosing distance on my driver and had to rely on chipping and putting to post decent scores. Chipping was not the problem....putting was. I stumbled upon L.A.B. putters on this forum and decided to take the plunge. The only exception is that I chose the DF 2.1. You were right on with the fitting process. I actually sent in two different videos with the two putters I had been using and got slightly different results. Like Soloman, I split the difference in the lie angle. I ended up at 34.5/35 inches long, 67 degrees lie angle and the 3 degree press forward grip because I naturally create too much loft with my stroke. I put it in play the first of the year and my putting and confidence, hasn't been better. I like it so much, I ended up picking another DF2.1 on eBay so I had a back up and could practice at home without and leave one in my bag at the course. I hope it all works out for you have as well as it did for me! CarlH, GolfSpy SAM and cksurfdude 3 Quote Ping G430 Max driver 10.5 degrees with an Alta Quick45 gram senior shaft Callaway Epic 3 wood, Project X Evenflow Green 45 gram senior shaft Callaway GBB Epic Heavenwood, with a Mitsubishi Diamana 50 gram senior shaft Ping G 20.5 degree 7 wood, with a stock Alta 65 gram senior shaft Ping G 26 degree hybrid, stock Alta 65 gram senior shaft Callaway Paradym X irons, 7-AW with Aldila Ascent Blue 50 graphite shafts Edison wedges: 50, 55 and 60 degree, KBS Tour Graphite A flex shafts Putters: L.A.B. Direct Force 2.1 putter, 34.5" long, 67 degrees lie MSG Tester: Shot Scope LX+ Rangefinder MGS Tester: Callaway Paradym X Irons MSG Tester: Titleist Long Game Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GolferXY Posted January 31, 2023 Author Share Posted January 31, 2023 Yep, I feel ya, brother! I think I'll be looking for another myself. Leaving the putter in my living room when I go golfing is something I want to avoid. GolfSpy SAM, cksurfdude and Golf2Much 3 Quote -XY Sussex and Rain Rooster ProV1X QI10 LS Epic Flash 3-wood 4H Stealth 2, stiff i525, 6 - W, 1 degree flat, ProjectX 5.5 110 g shafts SM10 52, 56, 60 DF3 Broomstick Ping Pioneer Cart Bag MGI electric cart Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZMendle10 Posted April 17, 2023 Share Posted April 17, 2023 Been gaming the MEZZ1-MAX for about a month now and have been thoroughly enjoying it myself. My biggest draw was not so much the putter but more so the forward press grip. After a putting lesson with my local pro we concluded that pressing the lead wrist forward at setup and maintaining through impact. So the grip really intrigued me because I couldn't get the hang of arm or wristlock putters. cksurfdude 1 Quote Driver: TSR3 8°, set to B1, Project X HZRDUS Smoke RDX Blue 6TX 3 Wood: SIM 3 Wood 15°, Aldila Rouge Silver 7X 3 Hybrid: CLK 18°, Ventus Blue 9X 2 Utility: ZX Utility, LA Golf Tour AXS Blue, (15th club) 4i-AW: ZX7, Tour Issue Dynamic Gold 120's S400 56°: TAIII, Dynamic Gold S400 60° TAIII, Dynamic Gold S400 Putter: Mezz1 Max Ball: Tour BX Forum Reviews: Currently Testing Official Member Review Sub 70 TAIII Wedges Official Member Review Zelos 7 Shaft Review Unofficial Vokey SM8 and Wedge & Wedge Works Review Unofficial Srixon 2021 ZX7 Iron Review Unofficial TSR3 Review Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ACalling Posted April 19, 2023 Share Posted April 19, 2023 @GolferXXThank you for the write up and to everyone else in this thread sharing their stories. I am strangely captivated by these L.A.B putters, putting has always been the weakest part of my game, but I have not been able to test out or use new equipment that often. I also just love anything slightly different, and in general a technology believer, so when a brand says they developed something new and it fixes putting I was intrigued. At the price point though I am hesitant, would love to see how it could perform on a course/green and not just a few practice rolls indoors. Who knows, the more of these stories that come in maybe I'll just spring for one sooner than later. cksurfdude 1 Quote WITB: Driver: PING G400 3W: Ping G400 3 Utility Iron: Ping G410 5-GW: Cobra Forged Tec (2020) KBS $-Taper 125 x-stiff shafts (Club Champion fitting) Wedges: 52,56,60 (mixed) P: Cleveland Frontline 8.0 Wide blade HCP: 11 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CFreddie Posted April 19, 2023 Share Posted April 19, 2023 Thanks so much for this review @GolferXX - I'm not in the market for a new putter, but LAB has def piqued my interest / could be an option in the future. Curious if they plan to come out with a reduced price point putter at some time (even reduce the price of the DF, since its been around for a good amount of time). cksurfdude 1 Quote Driver: Paradym with Ventus TR Blue 60 Stiff Fairways: Aerojet Max 3W & 7W with Hzrdus Smoke Blue RDX 70 Stiff Hybrid: King TEC 5H with KBS PGI 95 Stiff Irons: Forged TEC 5-PW with KBS Tour Lite Stiff Wedges: Haywood Signature Raw Wedges (50 / 54 / 58) Putter: L.A.B. DF3 (aka "Chewie") Ball: 2023 Maxfli Tour Reviews: L.A.B. DF3 Cobra 50th Anniversary Member Testing Callaway Paradym Titleist White Box Testing (2023) Scotty Cameron Phantom X 5.5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GolferXY Posted April 20, 2023 Author Share Posted April 20, 2023 (edited) LAB has a factory seconds site LAB golf outlet with cut rate putters that have blemishes and cancelled orders [I think]. Unfortunately, the benefits of the LAB putters are best experienced after a few sessions to get used to them. Man, I feel like I'm a shill for LAB but I'm just interested in getting out the word for a putter that I think may be revolutionary. Not for everyone, but certainly I'll never be buying another putter. I've used this putter now for 6 months, and though putting is still not the strongest part of my game, I'm no longer afraid of 3 putting from 30+ feet! The biggest challenge for me is trusting the putter on 10 footers. Try it out if you dare! lol A light touch and trusting the line is key. Hope you get a chance to roll a few, and whatever club ends up in your hands learn to trust it! -The Sass Edited April 23, 2023 by GolferXX Clarification of my meaning CFreddie and cksurfdude 2 Quote -XY Sussex and Rain Rooster ProV1X QI10 LS Epic Flash 3-wood 4H Stealth 2, stiff i525, 6 - W, 1 degree flat, ProjectX 5.5 110 g shafts SM10 52, 56, 60 DF3 Broomstick Ping Pioneer Cart Bag MGI electric cart Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GolferXY Posted May 1, 2023 Author Share Posted May 1, 2023 UPDATE NUMBER 2: Six months with the Mezz Max, 30+ rounds, and the difference in my putting is obvious not just o me, but to all my golf buddies. While a new putter often seems to provide me with a quick jolt of confidence on the greens, it seldom lasts. But with this putter, the more I use it the more confidence I have over my putts. Part of that is my continuing adjustment to the somewhat unusual looks of the putter, and of course adjusting my grip and stroke. Initially I seemed to be making significantly more 15 to 20 footers, but inside 10 feet it was hit and miss [literally]. In recent rounds those 5 footers are more or less kick-ins...I just have to pick the line and let the club swing back and through. Par saves and birdies from often mis-aimed [or mis-hit] chips have become more of the norm rather than the knee-knocking white knuckle experience that often affected my mental outlook. I set a personal best on a visit to Palm Springs in January, and bettered that score by 4 strokes[!] yesterday on a course with hard to read, slick as iced-teflon greens. Two PB's in 4 months can be attributed directly to the Mezz Max in my hands. Just to share, I snaked in a 35 footer for eagle on the par 5 second, then buried a 5 foot bird on the next hole, a testament to my continuing adjustment to and confidence in the putter. I'm now at an age where PBs should be a distant sun-dream, but the Mezz Max has given me a new lease on golfing life. But I'm still dreaming. Hmm, maybe some new hybrids? Or a 7 wood? They are pretty expensive. Maybe I don't need that left arm and that right leg? XX cnosil 1 Quote -XY Sussex and Rain Rooster ProV1X QI10 LS Epic Flash 3-wood 4H Stealth 2, stiff i525, 6 - W, 1 degree flat, ProjectX 5.5 110 g shafts SM10 52, 56, 60 DF3 Broomstick Ping Pioneer Cart Bag MGI electric cart Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DRLEONARD58 Posted May 2, 2023 Share Posted May 2, 2023 Thank you @GolferXX for the review and subsequent updates! I am very intrigued by the Lab putters, even did the virtual fitting. I have only been able to swing the Link.1 in a standard putter swing style setup and desperately want to try them all before making a choice. Quote WITB: Takomo IGNIS Driver 10.5* (1* strong) with HZRDUS Smoke Black 60g 5.5 shaft Takomo IGNIS 5 Wood with HZRDUS Smoke Black 60g 5.5 shaft Ping G430 22* Hybrid with HZRDUS Smoke Red 80g 6.0 shaft Srixon ZX5 Mk II 5-PW with KBS Tour Light R shafts Edison 2.0 Wedges 51° 55° 59° with KBS Tour 110 R shafts L.A.B. Golf MEZZ.1 MAX with LAB x Accra shaft Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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