L.A.B. Mezz.1 Max

[GolferXY]

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

 

[Will_Mac]

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! [emoji1787]

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. [emoji2369]

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. [emoji15]

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! [emoji2369] [emoji6]

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. [emoji6]

[GolferXY]

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!

[GolferXY]

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

 

[CarlH]

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]

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.

[GolfSpy SAM]

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? 

[Golf2Much]

@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!

[GolferXY]

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.

[ZMendle10]

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.

[ACalling]

@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. 

[CFreddie]

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).

[GolferXY]

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

[GolferXY]

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

 

[DRLEONARD58]

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.