L.A.B. Putters - 2023 Forum Review

[BallsLeon]

Holy crap! I wish I came close to 25 putts! Put the credit card down @GolfSpy SAM!! 

You've heard... if it ain't broke don't fix it, well if it's beating the tour average don't fix it!! 

[CFreddie]

What @cnosil said! It’s obvious that it’s the other clubs and not the 2.1! But I’m sure the 3.0 would help as well

[GolfSpy SAM]

5 minutes ago, cnosil said:

How was the rest of the game?  Maybe the 2.1 is perfect and you need other clubs.  

Wedges were great (putting me in a lot of positions for 1-putts).  Irons were mostly great.  Driver's the weak link, for sure - just can't seem to put the same swing on the ball every time.  Very frustrating. 

I'm very much in the market for a top-end-of-bag overhaul.  FW Woods especially need some help, and need a driver lesson to get it back dialed in (I've had a few great(!) rounds, but I've kind of fallen out of flow with it).  I may go back to the Otto Phlex option for a few rounds to see if I can get back into the timing/flow of it.  That helped a lot last year.

[cnosil]

10 minutes ago, GolfSpy SAM said:

Wedges were great (putting me in a lot of positions for 1-putts).  Irons were mostly great.  Driver's the weak link, for sure - just can't seem to put the same swing on the ball every time.  Very frustrating. 

I'm very much in the market for a top-end-of-bag overhaul.  FW Woods especially need some help, and need a driver lesson to get it back dialed in (I've had a few great(!) rounds, but I've kind of fallen out of flow with it).  I may go back to the Otto Phlex option for a few rounds to see if I can get back into the timing/flow of it.  That helped a lot last year.

Shameless plug…..you know the 2024 most wanted driver results were just posted.   Maybe you should head to that thread

[GolfSpy SAM]

16 minutes ago, cnosil said:

Shameless plug…..you know the 2024 most wanted driver results were just posted.   Maybe you should head to that thread

I have it open in another tab  Hard to ignore that 10k...but it was hard to ignore even BEFORE this testing round

  What was your best-performing driver this year in testing?

[cnosil]

4 minutes ago, GolfSpy SAM said:

  What was your best-performing driver this year in testing?

I was not allowed to participate in driver testing this year.  Surgery got in the way.  Can’t swing club for a few more weeks  but I was able to do mallet testing.   Even though I probably wouldn’t get one the DF3 was a solid putter.  

[GolfSpy SAM]

16 minutes ago, cnosil said:

I was not allowed to participate in driver testing this year.  Surgery got in the way.  Can’t swing club for a few more weeks  but I was able to do mallet testing.   Even though I probably wouldn’t get one the DF3 was a solid putter.  

I thought maybe Driver testing was before your surgery - got it.  Yeah, the 3.0 is going to be a runaway for LAB - feels like they've struck a 'best of both worlds' combo of the 98% of the 2.1 tech in a more compact and (in my eyes) attractive body.  

[cnosil]

4 minutes ago, GolfSpy SAM said:

I thought maybe Driver testing was before your surgery - got it.  
 

Yeah, the 3.0 is going to be a runaway for LAB - feels like they've struck a 'best of both worlds' combo of the 98% of the 2.1 tech in a more compact and (in my eyes) attractive body.  

Started before,  but when I went to HQ over Christmas and hit a few of the drivers I knew I wouldn’t have been able to complete a session.   
 

i went to HQ mid February to say hi and they needed another person to do mallet testing so the timing worked out.   
 

 

the D.F3 looks definitely grew on me aft the first time I saw them.   For a players that is more path focused and likes to move the putter with their chest the lab concept is great.    I did a side by side with a MEZZ max and thought the 3 was better.  I am honestly surprised how well the Lab putters sell especially with the upgraded shafts Which pushes the price north of $750.   I think it would be interesting  to do a side by side with a DF3 and an Axis1 Rose since they are both in the “no torque” world but the Axis1 is cheaper.   

[GolfSpy BOS]

Well I'll soon get to see what all this LAB nonsense is all about... I've got a Mezz Max coming my way with Accra shaft in my specs that I couldn't turn down.  The wife is going away for work in 2 weeks too.... so the putting mat can stay out the whole time too! 

 

[TSauer]

59 minutes ago, cnosil said:

I am honestly surprised how well the Lab putters sell especially with the upgraded shafts Which pushes the price north of $750.

Oh, the things we do for golf

[CFreddie]

19 minutes ago, GolfSpy BOS said:

Well I'll soon get to see what all this LAB nonsense is all about... I've got a Mezz Max coming my way with Accra shaft in my specs that I couldn't turn down.  The wife is going away for work in 2 weeks too.... so the putting mat can stay out the whole time too! 

 

Lucky!!!

(the putter, not the wife being away )

[Picklesmon]

I still like my Odyssey White Hot putter. Cheers. 

[cnosil]

43 minutes ago, GolfSpy BOS said:

Well I'll soon get to see what all this LAB nonsense is all about... I've got a Mezz Max coming my way with Accra shaft in my specs that I couldn't turn down.  The wife is going away for work in 2 weeks too.... so the putting mat can stay out the whole time too! 

 

I'm sorry for what I did.     Next question.....will it last until Kingsmill? 

[TSauer]

So... I was able to tune in to the 2ndswing meeting they had with Sam. He confirmed there are some new Link headcovers in the works.

[GolfSpy BOS]

Dipping my toes in the water to see what all the fuss is about…

[TSauer]

4 minutes ago, GolfSpy BOS said:

Dipping my toes in the water to see what all the fuss is about…

Wooo! Once you go down the LABbit hole, there's no going back. Welcome to the club!

[GolfSpy BOS]

5 minutes ago, TSauer said:

Wooo! Once you go down the LABbit hole, there's no going back. Welcome to the club!

I've already rolled a good... 200 putts or so since the brown box showed up the other night.  The look took less time for me to get used to than I expected.  Turns out, after I get set up to the ball I don't pay any attention to the clubhead at all.  I still am curious about the link.1, but the mezz max was in specs on ebay, much shorter waiting time! haha

[Josh Ross]

Just got the email that my DF3 is in production! Shouldn't be much longer! 

[Canadoc]

Just recently got a good deal on stock 2.1 in my specs.
Wasn't ready to pull the cord on a super expensive putter. Figure I like the black and the stock sightlines.
The length and lie that I fit into were stock. Truthfully don't feel I can spend a ton extra for a shaft.
Figure most putts are going sub 8mph. So I think it is more a feel thing and I am fine with the stock feel.

Was contemplating the DF3 but to get my 33 inch I would need custom and it felt lighter than the DF2.1.
Truth is I actually like the spacy look of the 2.1 and while yes the DF3 is smaller since I don't mind the looks I figure might as go for the most forgiving one. Also was able to get it next day rather than 6 weeks later.

I really liked the link as well but I had zero feel or control with the Mezz.1 Max couldn't align it and was short or long on every roll.

So far basement practice has been great. Out performing my gamer from 8 feet easily.
Still figuring out how to grip it lightly given the weight and swing it as smooth as possible. Thumbs nearly off and on sides and both palms almost facing the ball seemed best.

Think for anybody in market who want max forgiveness the 2.1 is way to go. If you can't stomach the size then df3.
If you need conventional mallet look Mezz and blade link.
To me I might get a link as well and perhaps if an outlet in my specs comes up at good price. As I really loved look and feel bit I want max forgiveness.

Sent from my SM-S918W using Tapatalk

[GolfSpy SAM]

11 hours ago, Canadoc said:

Just recently got a good deal on stock 2.1 in my specs.
Wasn't ready to pull the cord on a super expensive putter. Figure I like the black and the stock sightlines.
The length and lie that I fit into were stock. Truthfully don't feel I can spend a ton extra for a shaft.
Figure most putts are going sub 8mph. So I think it is more a feel thing and I am fine with the stock feel.

Was contemplating the DF3 but to get my 33 inch I would need custom and it felt lighter than the DF2.1.
Truth is I actually like the spacy look of the 2.1 and while yes the DF3 is smaller since I don't mind the looks I figure might as go for the most forgiving one. Also was able to get it next day rather than 6 weeks later.

I really liked the link as well but I had zero feel or control with the Mezz.1 Max couldn't align it and was short or long on every roll.

So far basement practice has been great. Out performing my gamer from 8 feet easily.
Still figuring out how to grip it lightly given the weight and swing it as smooth as possible. Thumbs nearly off and on sides and both palms almost facing the ball seemed best.

Think for anybody in market who want max forgiveness the 2.1 is way to go. If you can't stomach the size then df3.
If you need conventional mallet look Mezz and blade link.
To me I might get a link as well and perhaps if an outlet in my specs comes up at good price. As I really loved look and feel bit I want max forgiveness.

Sent from my SM-S918W using Tapatalk
 

As a DF2.1 user, I'm SO pleased you went that way   Big is beautiful, baby! 

  A friend of mine has the Link, and I've only putted a few times with it, but I've never been a blade-type player, so the only real temptation for me was the Mezz - but given my (frankly) insane results with the 2.1 over the last nearly-two-years, there's not really been a pull anywhere else other than the 3.0, and honestly, that's just to have a shiny new thing (which, you know, is a HUGE draw, don't get me wrong).  

  My practical side says to just not mess with what's not broken (please forgive my butchering of that phrase), so for now, the 2.1 is proudly in the bag.  Someday when money's no object, I'm confident the 3.0 will find it's way to me and then I'll have a good old fashioned putt-off and probably keep the smaller, sleeker 3.0 no matter the results

  Welcome to the L.A.B. club!

[Canadoc]

As a DF2.1 user, I'm SO pleased you went that way   Big is beautiful, baby! 
  A friend of mine has the Link, and I've only putted a few times with it, but I've never been a blade-type player, so the only real temptation for me was the Mezz - but given my (frankly) insane results with the 2.1 over the last nearly-two-years, there's not really been a pull anywhere else other than the 3.0, and honestly, that's just to have a shiny new thing (which, you know, is a HUGE draw, don't get me wrong).  
  My practical side says to just not mess with what's not broken (please forgive my butchering of that phrase), so for now, the 2.1 is proudly in the bag.  Someday when money's no object, I'm confident the 3.0 will find it's way to me and then I'll have a good old fashioned putt-off and probably keep the smaller, sleeker 3.0 no matter the results
  Welcome to the L.A.B. club!

Thanks!
I kind of felt that if I was going to go down this path I would want the putter that would most likely give me best results in terms of forgiveness and the feel of the lie angle balancing.

The fact Sam Hahn still states this is their most forgiving model despite 4 newer putters that came to market.
The DF3 would be best choice for someone who wants to get as close to the 2.1 in terms of forgiveness but can't get their head around the size and look of 2.1.

For me I actually like the look of the DF2.1. sure it is big in the bag but I like the softer lines and the bigger face at the ball. I think I liked the link and my Mizuno M craft 4 because they also have a longer blade length heel to toe. The angles on DF3 seem a bit sharp and the heel toe blade length is shorter. It also felt lighter for me which I don't prefer.

I do like the ball picker upper on the DF3. On the DF2.1 at least in my basement it is 50 50 I get the ball airborne to catch it on a flick.

Sent from my SM-S918W using Tapatalk

[Syks7]

1 hour ago, Canadoc said:

Thanks!
I kind of felt that if I was going to go down this path I would want the putter that would most likely give me best results in terms of forgiveness and the feel of the lie angle balancing.

The fact Sam Hahn still states this is their most forgiving model despite 4 newer putters that came to market.
The DF3 would be best choice for someone who wants to get as close to the 2.1 in terms of forgiveness but can't get their head around the size and look of 2.1.

For me I actually like the look of the DF2.1. sure it is big in the bag but I like the softer lines and the bigger face at the ball. I think I liked the link and my Mizuno M craft 4 because they also have a longer blade length heel to toe. The angles on DF3 seem a bit sharp and the heel toe blade length is shorter. It also felt lighter for me which I don't prefer.

I do like the ball picker upper on the DF3. On the DF2.1 at least in my basement it is 50 50 I get the ball airborne to catch it on a flick.

Sent from my SM-S918W using Tapatalk
 

You definitely have the order right as far as forgiveness goes. 

Also, I may be this friend @GolfSpy SAM speaks of unless he's got a second golf buddy with a Link (in which case he better introduce me to my Link twin).  I also have the DF2.1 and I find myself swinging between the two in kind of an odd fashion.  When I feel like I'm getting too sloppy with my stroke and handsy I've been pulling out the DF2.1.  Then when I feel I'm getting too technical and want a bit more hands for some 'artistry' I switch back to the link.  Truth be told the Accra on the Link is probably what keeps me coming back more than anything (Stability probably doesn't matter but the feel is superb) and I should just pull the trigger and send the DF2.1 back to Lab for an Accra install.  

[Canadoc]

You definitely have the order right as far as forgiveness goes. 
Also, I may be this friend [mention=92876]GolfSpy SAM[/mention] speaks of unless he's got a second golf buddy with a Link (in which case he better introduce me to my Link twin).  I also have the DF2.1 and I find myself swinging between the two in kind of an odd fashion.  When I feel like I'm getting too sloppy with my stroke and handsy I've been pulling out the DF2.1.  Then when I feel I'm getting too technical and want a bit more hands for some 'artistry' I switch back to the link.  Truth be told the Accra on the Link is probably what keeps me coming back more than anything (Stability probably doesn't matter but the feel is superb) and I should just pull the trigger and send the DF2.1 back to Lab for an Accra install.  

Thanks for the input. I really liked the heavy feel of the link. Felt like it tracked very well whereas the bigger markets feel a bit more vague as the weight is more distributed.
There may be a link in my future as well but for now can't justify the cost and already own 4putters lol.
Don't think I will go graphite shaft at this stage. For me whatever drops more putts is the best feel! And nothing will ever feel as good as my Mizuno craft 4. So would rather chase fewer putts.


Sent from my SM-S918W using Tapatalk

[Canadoc]

Sent from my SM-S918W using Tapatalk

[RoverRick]

It’s 4:17am, and my dog woke me because of thunder. I checked my email and saw that the LAB Putter Testers were announced, so I clicked the link to see who they were. RoverRick was the top of the list. WHAT?

I didn’t even apply. I’m not eligible because I won last year. Then I realized this was last years thread and it was just an update. I mean, it’s 4:17 and perhaps I’m not especially quick on the uptake at that time. I thought it was the new DF3 thread. 

I was not disappointed. On the contrary, I absolutely love my DF2.1. The only advantages of the DF3 are it takes up less space in the bag, and easier to pick up balls. I’ve been thinking about posting a One Year Update in a couple of weeks, complete with stats, but the Cliff’s Notes version is that this is the only putter that I even consider taking to the course. I have half a dozen other putters that I haven’t even touched since getting this one.
 

Thanks L.A.B.  Thanks MGS.
 

I look forward to the DF3 tester’s post, but there is no jealousy towards them. I am considering selling all my other putters and getting the LINK1 and TPT shaft, but only because it felt so great. Not because the DF2.1 with the Accra is lacking in any area.

 

[ShaunieBoy652]

Congrats folks! 

[GolfSpy_APH]

21 minutes ago, RoverRick said:

It’s 4:17am, and my dog woke me because of thunder. I checked my email and saw that the LAB Putter Testers were announced, so I clicked the link to see who they were. RoverRick was the top of the list. WHAT?

I didn’t even apply. I’m not eligible because I won last year. Then I realized this was last years thread and it was just an update. I mean, it’s 4:17 and perhaps I’m not especially quick on the uptake at that time. I thought it was the new DF3 thread. 

I was not disappointed. On the contrary, I absolutely love my DF2.1. The only advantages of the DF3 are it takes up less space in the bag, and easier to pick up balls. I’ve been thinking about posting a One Year Update in a couple of weeks, complete with stats, but the Cliff’s Notes version is that this is the only putter that I even consider taking to the course. I have half a dozen other putters that I haven’t even touched since getting this one.
 

Thanks L.A.B.  Thanks MGS.
 

I look forward to the DF3 tester’s post, but there is no jealousy towards them. I am considering selling all my other putters and getting the LINK1 and TPT shaft, but only because it felt so great. Not because the DF2.1 with the Accra is lacking in any area.

 

Early mornings can do that - DF3 testers once selected will be announced next Tuesday.

Also as per our agreement with LAB in the DF3 they wanted new to LAB users so for those who already listed LAB putters as their gamers were then not eligible. 

Time to see how some new ppl to LAB can do and if it makes a difference to their games!

[CFreddie]

58 minutes ago, RoverRick said:

It’s 4:17am, and my dog woke me because of thunder. I checked my email and saw that the LAB Putter Testers were announced, so I clicked the link to see who they were. RoverRick was the top of the list. WHAT?

I didn’t even apply. I’m not eligible because I won last year. Then I realized this was last years thread and it was just an update. I mean, it’s 4:17 and perhaps I’m not especially quick on the uptake at that time. I thought it was the new DF3 thread. 

I was not disappointed. On the contrary, I absolutely love my DF2.1. The only advantages of the DF3 are it takes up less space in the bag, and easier to pick up balls. I’ve been thinking about posting a One Year Update in a couple of weeks, complete with stats, but the Cliff’s Notes version is that this is the only putter that I even consider taking to the course. I have half a dozen other putters that I haven’t even touched since getting this one.
 

Thanks L.A.B.  Thanks MGS.
 

I look forward to the DF3 tester’s post, but there is no jealousy towards them. I am considering selling all my other putters and getting the LINK1 and TPT shaft, but only because it felt so great. Not because the DF2.1 with the Accra is lacking in any area.

 

Haha I have done the same thing on some recent early mornings!  Glad you are still loving your DF2.1 - def a testament to the technology and club that it’s still in your bag! 

[CFreddie]

37 minutes ago, GolfSpy_APH said:

Early mornings can do that - DF3 testers once selected will be announced next Tuesday.

Also as per our agreement with LAB in the DF3 they wanted new to LAB users so for those who already listed LAB putters as their gamers were then not eligible. 

Time to see how some new ppl to LAB can do and if it makes a difference to their games!

I think this is a really good stipulation (sorry @RoverRick  ) - going to be really interesting to see what models the testers compare the DF3 to!

[Canadoc]

Since golf is only starting up and I likely won't play my 1st round into last week of April, I have been practicing in my basement.

There is no question when I let tendon go this thing is much more consistent. Practicing on the little hole on the mat, my misses usually are ones that hit the hole and lipped out rather than missing the line. The roll is more end over end then with any other putter.
Just have to keep working at the correct grip and feeling of a non accelerating putting motion...
The look had grown on me as well. I have seen some side by side videos and actually prefer the df2.1 shape appearance more. Just with it had the ball picker lol.
Can't wait to get line reps with it.

Sent from my SM-S918W using Tapatalk