L.A.B. Putters - 2023 Forum Review

[Syks7]

Another really good day of practice yesterday with the Link. It was practice but I had more pars than I can count and 3 birds -- If I hit a drive well and a reasonable approach I played the hole straight up with a single ball before doing some greenside practice after.   I got almost 27 holes in before joining my wife and daughter at the pool. I had another solid day putting.

No super long putts but I made many more putts than usual from outside of 5 feet  Including a 25 ft hard cross slope right to lefter that entered the cup 90 degrees from my start line to save par.  Other highlights were a 12 footer for birdie in front of a group letting me play through, a 7 footer for birdie, and multiple 5-10 footers for par.  I also jarred a 30 yard chip for the third birdie.  (First time I've ever jarred anything in 15 years of play.)

The only knock on the day was that I, no joke, got hit in the head with a tee shot.  I luckily caught a glimpse of it right before it got to me and somehow managed to turn and shift my head just enough to turn that what might have been a direct impact just above my forehead into a glancing blow above and behind my right ear.  Scary.  No fore and no real apology.  . I had a pretty heated response to the both that did not escalate beyond a verbal expletive filled lecture about keeping track of ones ball and yelling fore loudly if you don't.  Fortunately I'm not hurt.  Keep your head on a swivel folks.

[yungkory]

2 hours ago, Syks7 said:

Another really good day of practice yesterday with the Link. It was practice but I had more pars than I can count and 3 birds -- If I hit a drive well and a reasonable approach I played the hole straight up with a single ball before doing some greenside practice after.   I got almost 27 holes in before joining my wife and daughter at the pool. I had another solid day putting.

No super long putts but I made many more putts than usual from outside of 5 feet  Including a 25 ft hard cross slope right to lefter that entered the cup 90 degrees from my start line to save par.  Other highlights were a 12 footer for birdie in front of a group letting me play through, a 7 footer for birdie, and multiple 5-10 footers for par.  I also jarred a 30 yard chip for the third birdie.  (First time I've ever jarred anything in 15 years of play.)

The only knock on the day was that I, no joke, got hit in the head with a tee shot.  I luckily caught a glimpse of it right before it got to me and somehow managed to turn and shift my head just enough to turn that what might have been a direct impact just above my forehead into a glancing blow above and behind my right ear.  Scary.  No fore and no real apology.  . I had a pretty heated response to the both that did not escalate beyond a verbal expletive filled lecture about keeping track of ones ball and yelling fore loudly if you don't.  Fortunately I'm not hurt.  Keep your head on a swivel folks.

Yikes, glad you're ok man that's scary

[Syks7]

2 hours ago, yungkory said:

Yikes, glad you're ok man that's scary

Thanks me too.   Just blind luck.

[RoverRick]

I played Trinity Forest with the 2 owners of my company. I expected to awe them with my new LAB Golf Directed Force DF2.1.  One lives in Utah and 1 in Kansas City. The one from Utah shows up with a DF2.1 Blue with a black shaft and the KC guy has the black one. 
 

Our discussion of them turned out to focus on color. We all love them. 
 

I am an idiot for not getting a picture of them. I blame the heat. I’m playing Cowboys GC in a couple of hours with 1 of them and I’ll get a pic of those. 

[TSauer]

3 hours ago, RoverRick said:

I played Trinity Forest with the 2 owners of my company. I expected to awe them with my new LAB Golf Directed Force DF2.1.  One lives in Utah and 1 in Kansas City. The one from Utah shows up with a DF2.1 Blue with a black shaft and the KC guy has the black one. 
 

Our discussion of them turned out to focus on color. We all love them. 
 

I am an idiot for not getting a picture of them. I blame the heat. I’m playing Cowboys GC in a couple of hours with 1 of them and I’ll get a pic of those. 

This is hilarious! Imagine if both of them were thinking the same thing that day, just couldn't wait to show up and tell you all about it

[TSauer]

Got a quick 9 in this morning, figured I would drop a little update on how the putting went. My short game was kinda hit or miss today, I had a few chips for gimmes and then a few more that left me with some 20' - 25' footers. All of the longer putts from 20+ feet I ended up two putting, but the bright side is the speed control was spot on and I just misread the line. The remaining putts were all one putts from the 6' - 7' range.

Nothing too exciting, unfortunately, but I feel my odds of making putts from inside the 10' range are becoming increasingly better.

[cjeffs12]

As someone who is averaging 33.5 putts a round, and today’s round was by far the worst. Shot 80 with 37 putts, very demoralizing, I feel like I’m hitting good putts just nothing is falling. After reading this testing, I am starting to think the Mezz 1 Max is calling my name  

[pozzit]

Got some practice and 9 holes in on Friday went pretty well I watched a video with Sam talking about speed control on Lag putts and have been trying a few things. Experimented with a few grip styles and testing some things out. Currently favoring a strong lead hand and just left my left arm do all the work and just support with my right.  Seems to help but we will see in time. Up vs Down hill was my biggest issue on the course Friday felt like it was rolling well just kept getting away or stopping dead. 

 

[ZackS]

15 hours ago, cjeffs12 said:

As someone who is averaging 33.5 putts a round, and today’s round was by far the worst. Shot 80 with 37 putts, very demoralizing, I feel like I’m hitting good putts just nothing is falling. After reading this testing, I am starting to think the Mezz 1 Max is calling my name  

After hitting some putts at the store with the Link1 it is definitely calling my name. But my wallet keeps putting a muzzle on it so I can’t hear it . 

[TSauer]

1 hour ago, ZackS said:

After hitting some putts at the store with the Link1 it is definitely calling my name. But my wallet keeps putting a muzzle on it so I can’t hear it . 

[TSauer]

Another 9 hole update for y'all!

• Hole 1: Gimme chip
• Hole 2: 2 putt from 6'
• Hole 3: 2 putt from 7'
• Hole 4: Gimme chip
• Hole 5: Gimme chip
• Hole 6: 2 putt from 10'
• Hole 7: 1 putt from 13'
• Hole 8: 2 putt from 20'
• Hole 9: 2 putt from 7'

So... a pretty terrible round of putting, aside from the 13 footer. I know I just said inside 10' was feeling pretty good, but I don't know what was going on out there today. I just barely missed my line on a few of the two putts, I was just out of it this afternoon. I'm going to blame it on the heat and a slight headache.

Planning to get some more golf in in the morning, so we'll check back in then!

[RoverRick]

I just updated my review. 

[McGolf]

got 2 rounds in this weekend.

only one 3 putt for both rounds , 

The results are about the same as previously posted land on the green some 20 to 50 ft from the cup and leave myself with a 2 -3 footer.

two stories:

Had a putt from quite possibly the worst place on this green. on the left hand side directly at the straight line except the hole is at the base of a shelf in the green.  threw the ball toward the cup using the shelf and left myself a 6" tap in. I stepped off the break and it was 8 ft.  This just after dragging the putter on a straight in 8 ft miss. arggg.

on to separate occasions while putting down hill I have some how managed to leave a putt short. I am a lag putter but down hill and 10 plus ft away on a slippery slope. I normally have the touch of a jack hammer. this  was quite the surprise. 

[RoverRick]

I also added this to the end of my review.

Look what showed up on the putting green before my regular Wednesday round. One of the regulars in my group ordered the MEZZ. So in the last 2 months, both my bosses and one of the guys I play with have bought LAB putters. All after I spoke with them about LAB putters.

 

I told them all I find it interesting that every couple of years thousands of golfers spend $500 for a driver they may use 14 times per round and may gain 2-3 yards or perhaps hit a fairway or 2 more . Or perhaps spend $400-500 for a shinier version of a 1960’s technology putter. Neither of which will likely translate to lower scores compared to a totally different technology that is not a bandaid. 
 

He said he could tell a huge difference on 5’ and shorter putts  

 

[TSauer]

A little bit of an upgrade to the Link today...

[RoverRick]

36 minutes ago, TSauer said:

A little bit of an upgrade to the Link today...

That looks incredibly good. 

[GolfSpy_APH]

https://labgolf.com/shop/all-products/custom-df21/?utm_source=klaviyo&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20230705_dfcolors_engaged180_purchasers&_kx=dl5DXlDhNQfn6ERLhUTaUuIlUYJJA0-OHfdpwc3O7SdkM1eLAV_tPq6Kph3g_i6B.WtQZpN

Got a email saying a few colors have been added... too bad the Pink wasn't available for any of you when you guys had done your orders!

[pozzit]

3 hours ago, GolfSpy_APH said:

https://labgolf.com/shop/all-products/custom-df21/?utm_source=klaviyo&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20230705_dfcolors_engaged180_purchasers&_kx=dl5DXlDhNQfn6ERLhUTaUuIlUYJJA0-OHfdpwc3O7SdkM1eLAV_tPq6Kph3g_i6B.WtQZpN

Got a email saying a few colors have been added... too bad the Pink wasn't available for any of you when you guys had done your orders!

Yea I saw an email on that yesterday that Pink may be a little bold, but grant it I want black and white.

[ZackS]

I can't stop thinking about the Link1. Just have to find a way to justify the money when I don't put poorly with my current putter. 

[vandyland]

1 hour ago, ZackS said:

I can't stop thinking about the Link1. Just have to find a way to justify the money when I don't put poorly with my current putter. 

I have a DF 2.1 and I think about the Link.1 constantly. My reason is even dumber. The DF 2.1 takes up too much room in my bag and I want something smaller, LOL. 

[pozzit]

48 minutes ago, vandyland said:

I have a DF 2.1 and I think about the Link.1 constantly. My reason is even dumber. The DF 2.1 takes up too much room in my bag and I want something smaller, LOL. 

I understand your pain... Did I leave my 58 on the last green? Nope it's in there.

[Josh Ross]

8 hours ago, ZackS said:

I can't stop thinking about the Link1. Just have to find a way to justify the money when I don't put poorly with my current putter. 

You may already know this, but keep an eye out on their outlet page, good deals can pop up on there from time to time.

[ZackS]

2 hours ago, Josh Ross said:

You may already know this, but keep an eye out on their outlet page, good deals can pop up on there from time to time.

I was not aware. Thanks 

[RoverRick]

On 7/6/2023 at 10:15 AM, vandyland said:

I have a DF 2.1 and I think about the Link.1 constantly. My reason is even dumber. The DF 2.1 takes up too much room in my bag and I want something smaller, LOL. 

i understand exactly what you mean. I have a stand bag and a cart bag and its sheer size does interfere with the smooth transition from club to club, but I can see all my clubs. I just have to maneuver around that big ole honkin’ head cover. My solution, since my cart bag is 3 years old with 2 busted zippers, is to buy a new bag with that putter in mind. 
 

Based on how well I have putted with this the last few times, I’ll buy a scabbard or sheath and strap it across my back or cart before I allow this to cause me to quit using it. 

[McGolf]

On 7/5/2023 at 8:42 PM, TSauer said:

A little bit of an upgrade to the Link today...

Cool grip however, the stock grips are designed to  put a tilt into the putter. Did you find it better or worse than the original. + for style points  

 

Edited July 12, 2023 by McGolf

[GolfSpy SAM]

2 hours ago, McGolf said:

COll grip however, the stock grips are designed to  put a tilt into the putter. Did you find it better or worse than the original. + for style points  

The Link doesn't really have the same forward-leaning shaft (pre-built shaft lean) that the Mezz/DF have, so this isn't much of an issue, if any at all.  The putter doesn't come with a Press Grip option, in fact - thought I could be wrong about that.  

From the website:

"GRIP OPTIONS

LINK.1 is available with a wide variety of grip options, including our new Simple Rubber and Simple Cord putter grips. Our new Grip Master Black Leather Grip Midsize grip is also available, as well as the Garsen Quad." 

[TSauer]

7 minutes ago, GolfSpy SAM said:

The Link doesn't really have the same forward-leaning shaft (pre-built shaft lean) that the Mezz/DF have, so this isn't much of an issue, if any at all.  The putter doesn't come with a Press Grip option, in fact - thought I could be wrong about that.  

From the website:

"GRIP OPTIONS

LINK.1 is available with a wide variety of grip options, including our new Simple Rubber and Simple Cord putter grips. Our new Grip Master Black Leather Grip Midsize grip is also available, as well as the Garsen Quad." 

100% correct.

The Link differs from the Mezz/DF in the shaft department, and you can use any ol' putter grip. When I was speaking with Sam, he actually said I didn't even have to choose one of the stock LAB options and if I had a grip I was used to (the 1.0 in this case) he would find one in his warehouse to throw on. So he sent it my way with a SuperStroke 1.0 and I just decided to throw on this limited edition one for some extra pizzazz!

 

Sorry, @McGolf I saw you quoted my message but didn't see your response.

[ZackS]

PGA SuperStore has the 20% off deal that ends today. That would be a nice deal on the Link1 and from putting with it I think the standard lie is right for me but I know the 35 inches is to long. I wonder if cutting it down an inch effects the balance? 

[TSauer]

3 minutes ago, ZackS said:

PGA SuperStore has the 20% off deal that ends today. That would be a nice deal on the Link1 and from putting with it I think the standard lie is right for me but I know the 35 inches is to long. I wonder if cutting it down an inch effects the balance? 

It will definitely change the swing weight. As for the balance, I'm not sure if it will affect it enough to notice.. if at all. From what I was gathering in this LAB group I am in, I believe you can send it in to have the weight adjusted if it feels light.

[ZackS]

5 minutes ago, TSauer said:

It will definitely change the swing weight. As for the balance, I'm not sure if it will affect it enough to notice.. if at all. From what I was gathering in this LAB group I am in, I believe you can send it in to have the weight adjusted if it feels light.

I am not to concerned on the swing wight but that's good to know. I didn't figure it would mess with the lie angle balance but with that being the whole point of them I would hate for it to. I still have to convince myself into spending the $ right now. I am trying to sell a few old clubs a new bag that I won in a tournament to go towards this but wanted to have all that first and would prefer to do the fitting but with the 20% that saves $96 so that ver enticing. Thanks for your reply.