L.A.B. DF3 Putters - 2024 Forum Review

[Steve F]

1 hour ago, cnosil said:

 

 

 

That's it @cnosil. The builder was locking the head down with an Allen wrench and the grip had a twist torque sleeve that locked. 
Thanks cnosil!

[MattWillGolf]

I just spoke with my fitter. It turns out that after my fitting he had a small vacation planned and was out of the office. He did answer my call even though he was still out and will be sending me the complete reports on both of the putters I tested last Wednesday. Looking forward to a closer look at the data and sharing it with everyone. 

[Cfhandyman]

MGS Tester of the Week – Chris Frederick Profile

In a continuing feature of the L.A.B. DF3 putter testing, we are introducing the MyGolfSpy Tester of the week for the L.A.B. DF3.  Each week we will highlight one of the testers. The purpose is to highlight the great work they are doing, but also to get to know them a bit better.  This weeks, tester of the week is none other than,  @CFreddie

Where he’s from:  Our mostly southerly testing, hailing from Atlanta, Georgia.

Who he is:   A very busy man with a young family.  He is also, together with @Javs, the year end tournament winner of season 2 of the VCT (virtual championship tour.  An experienced tester of the Cobra challenge, 50th anniversary special.  He is an engineer (Go Jackets), and has been drawn to the L.A.B. concept for some time, and has been a huge fan of Sam / the business    Prior to being selected, he obsessed over the idea of gaming the DF3 - a putter which he believe combines some of the best aspects of their other models, particularly the stated forgiveness of the DF2.1. 

@CFreddie – great fitting interview questions video with Calvin at L.A.B ( https://youtu.be/RegIAmzWCEY )

Current testing: 

 

More live rounds -  His goal is to reach 10-12 rounds in the next phase of testing.  This is to be supplemented with putting green & home practice setups.  He is also planning to do a second "fitting" near the end of the test to capture more data across both putters.

   Latest round with the L.A.B. DF3

 

 

 

 

Edited June 11 by Cfhandyman

[GolfSpy MPR]

OK, my wife has returned, and it looks like we might have a few days without rain in the next week. The rain has been a major issue here: our course simply doesn't drain. Even on days when we can get out now, the rough is completely uncut, because the mower wheels would tear up the course. The greens, though, are in fine shape.

Played yesterday for the first time in over a week. My full swing is still a mess; it's not that the major movements are bad, but contact has been very, very spotty.

My short game, though, is rounding into peak midseason form. Yesterday, I had 8 shots from 0–25 (you get that when you hit zero greens in regulation). On average, I hit those 8 shots to 6 feet.

This, of course, magnifies the importance of short putting. And that continues to be (kindly) mediocre for me with the DF3. Let's roll the numbers:

What you're seeing here is the damage to SG:Putting done by missing two 2-foot putts. On neither, though, can I blame the DF3. One of them I expected to slide to my left: I hit it exactly how I intended, and it just didn't move at all. The second was a putt following a 24 footer, and I was altogether too casual with it, never even settling into my stance. These two misses, both my fault and not the putter's, account for almost the entire strokes lost in the round.

The round did continue the theme of keeping my total putt count low: 15 putts for nine holes. Again, much of that is attributable to my never hitting greens and having a usable wedge game.

Let's look at my overall Arccos puttings numbers, now through 63 holes with the DF3.

The two most recent rounds haven't been great, but I'm still over a stroke better with the DF3 in my bag than I was the most recent 7 rounds without it. That's a good sign. And just as a matter of putts taken, the numbers are pretty spiffy:

Although I'm still not gaining strokes at the clip I'd like, it remains a matter almost entirely of needing to make a few short putts a round. For having an ungainly-looking, counterbalanced putter, the conventional wisdom would be that my short putting would be awesome and my lag putting and distance control might suffer. That has emphatically not be the case for me:

The further I get from the hole, the more like a scratch golfer I putt. Without having a few other DF3's to make the comparison, it is hard for me to say this conclusively, but my suspicion is that the benefits of the TPT shaft really show up here. The feel and feedback are very predictable, and currently my confidence is incredibly high on putts outside 10' that I'm going to give the putt a chance, and if not, that my next putt will be relatively stress free.

[MattWillGolf]

I was out with Nemo (Orange DF3) today for 9 holes. The greens were aerated so there was that variable to my round. I had 17 putts for the nine holes today. That total was made up of two 3-putts, four 2-putts and three 1-putts.

The fitter from my Club Champion putter session returned from his time off and has emailed me the results from my session vs. my Evnroll ER11v. I will dig into that and post the results later. 

[MattWillGolf]

22 hours ago, GolfSpy MPR said:

OK, my wife has returned, and it looks like we might have a few days without rain in the next week. The rain has been a major issue here: our course simply doesn't drain. Even on days when we can get out now, the rough is completely uncut, because the mower wheels would tear up the course. The greens, though, are in fine shape.

Played yesterday for the first time in over a week. My full swing is still a mess; it's not that the major movements are bad, but contact has been very, very spotty.

My short game, though, is rounding into peak midseason form. Yesterday, I had 8 shots from 0–25 (you get that when you hit zero greens in regulation). On average, I hit those 8 shots to 6 feet.

This, of course, magnifies the importance of short putting. And that continues to be (kindly) mediocre for me with the DF3. Let's roll the numbers:

What you're seeing here is the damage to SG:Putting done by missing two 2-foot putts. On neither, though, can I blame the DF3. One of them I expected to slide to my left: I hit it exactly how I intended, and it just didn't move at all. The second was a putt following a 24 footer, and I was altogether too casual with it, never even settling into my stance. These two misses, both my fault and not the putter's, account for almost the entire strokes lost in the round.

The round did continue the theme of keeping my total putt count low: 15 putts for nine holes. Again, much of that is attributable to my never hitting greens and having a usable wedge game.

Let's look at my overall Arccos puttings numbers, now through 63 holes with the DF3.

The two most recent rounds haven't been great, but I'm still over a stroke better with the DF3 in my bag than I was the most recent 7 rounds without it. That's a good sign. And just as a matter of putts taken, the numbers are pretty spiffy:

Although I'm still not gaining strokes at the clip I'd like, it remains a matter almost entirely of needing to make a few short putts a round. For having an ungainly-looking, counterbalanced putter, the conventional wisdom would be that my short putting would be awesome and my lag putting and distance control might suffer. That has emphatically not be the case for me:

The further I get from the hole, the more like a scratch golfer I putt. Without having a few other DF3's to make the comparison, it is hard for me to say this conclusively, but my suspicion is that the benefits of the TPT shaft really show up here. The feel and feedback are very predictable, and currently my confidence is incredibly high on putts outside 10' that I'm going to give the putt a chance, and if not, that my next putt will be relatively stress free.

I am finding that I am more comfortable and confident in putts that are in the 6 to 10 range. I’ve not yet adjusted to speed/distance on longer putts and I definitely feel I am missing more than I should on the shorter ones. On an unrelated note, I’m finding that Shot Scope is lacking when it comes to putting stats. 

[Cfhandyman]

Mid term Group Report card on the L.A.B. DF3

In a new feature, we asked our group of testers to provide their thoughts and comments to a series of questions in this mid term report card on the L.A.B. DF3.  Overall, the testers have been extremely pleased with L.A.B. golf, their professionalism and exceptional customer service.  All are honored and grateful to be part of the testing group.  Their was universal praise regarding the high quality of build and craftmanship of the L.A.B. DF3 putter as well as the feel and balance.  It has taken some time for some, to adjust to using the L.A.B. putter, but once done, some exceptional results.  And last but not least, the testers share their criteria for the L.A.B. DF3 going into the bag and will it go into the bag.  Here are the tester responses.  Enjoy.

Your MGS L.A.B. DF3 testing team

       

Lab Rat                                                    Dory                                       Nemo                                             Chewie

        

Black Mamba                                          Shazam                                                   Green Lantern (Moderator)

1.  Thoughts on L.A.B, the company

@Cfhandyman, aka Lab Rat.  Exceptional to deal with, great customer service. A very high quality and premium putter.  The way, they went out of their way to expedite and ship the finished build. To receive the custom putter 7-10 days after order, truly exceptional.  I greatly appreciate the opportunity and am very grateful to test the L.A.B. DF3

@jbern, aka Dory.  I'm honored to be part of this test. They way that they communicated nicely and thoroughly to get me into something we both agreed would be comfortable coming from an armlock was top notch. Overall, I like the company's social media presence and that they are just letting the product and the technology promote itself.

@MattWillGolf, aka Nemo.  The opportunity to test this putter has been fun and I am extremely grateful for the chance to do so. L.A.B Golf offers a unique take on putting and putter design. Their lineup is definitely not traditional and may be off putting to some but if you enter with an open mind, it’s easy to see why this concept can work for many. The fitting process via video is pretty cool but if you are going to look spending the extra money for an “exotic” shaft then an in-person fitting would be recommended to really dial in the build. But mostly the fitters at L.A.B. Golf were great to work with and were helpful in advising on my putter's build. 

@CFreddie, aka Chewie.  First and foremost, its been a pleasure working with Calvin and the rest of LAB team - I truly appreciate this opportunity!  Have developed cult-like following (and for good reason) - the technology speaks for itself and Sam & team have built an incredible brand.  Super professional - responsive, attentive, and willing to answer any & all questions associated with their products.  Really appreciate their approach to "remote" fittings - its not perfect, but I believe it is an excellent way to get more people fit correctly into their products.  Obviously, going to see a certified LAB fitter is probably most ideal, but that's more expensive and not accessible to all people.

@Steve F, aka Black Mamba.  First and foremost, I am humbled and honored to be included with such an incredible group of testers, and from the bottom of my heart I thank L.A.B. and MGS for this opportunity!  L.A.B. was and has been awesome to deal with from the very start. They have started building, and I think with obvious good reason, a following that is starting to get some serious notice.  Sam and his team have taken technology and deposited it squarely into the design and manufacture of these putters, and it shows. I spoke with Mike at Club Champion, and he too, had nothing but glowing reviews for the L.A.B. line. I love the concept of the "online" fitting. That being said, I also believe, especially after my visit to Club Champion, that this shouldn't be your ONLY way to set up the putter. They're responsive, informative and more than willing to get you the information that you need to get setup and moving forward!

What has impressed you the most about or you’ve liked the best about the L.A.B. DF3?

@Cfhandyman The precision and accuracy of the DF3.  The overall, feel weight and the very smooth balance of the L.A.B.  Excellent face control as demonstrated on Quintic testing.  The fact that they take into account the head, shaft and grip as a complete unit and balance it accordingly.  Novel and unique.  The technology works as the revealer doesn't lie.

@jbern I was most impressed with the build quality of the putter from the grip to the shaft to the immaculately clean and beautiful DF3 putter head. I was also impressed with how good the putter feels throughout the putting stroke.

@MattWillGolf Feel, feel and feel. This is the best feeling putter I have ever gamed. While I can putt fairly well with my Evnroll ER11v, I never fell in love with the feel. I also loved the ability to customize the putter to my taste. The many color options are cool, and the shaft options further allow one to really fine tune their build.

@CFreddieThe build quality - everything is top notch from the machining of the head down to the headcover and packaging.  After a couple putts, its obvious that this is a "different" feeling product (more on that below) and I believe the technology is functioning the way its marketed. 

@Steve F First, the quality of the putter. The moment you take it out of the box you can tell that these are built with attention to high quality materials and craftsmanship. And that includes the packaging as well. The DF3 came well protected and insulated from any damage that could possibly occur during shipping.  The feel. I am comparing the DF3 ( hereto referred to as "The Mamba") to my current gamer, a Taylor Made Spider tour. You can feel what I've been calling the "crispness" of the ball at impact: the ball reacts immediately and decisively at impact. To me, the ball literally jumps off the face of the Mamba as compared to the Spider.  It does what L.A.B. says it will do: when you pick it up, you feel.... nothing. There is no twist, no torque to overcome.

What have you liked the least?

@Cfhandyman Initially distance control, putts kept coming up short as I adjusted. After that, its all been very positive so far.

@jbern I've had to change my entire putting approach/stance/grip to get the most out of the technology, which has been taking some time to get confidence with.

@MattWillGolf Having to adjust to my putting stroke and I also learned from my Club Champion session that I consistently aimed left of target with the DF3. I also learned an in-person fitting may have slightly altered my putter’s build If I had a do over, I would alter my alignment marking a bit to include a straight line extending down the rear half of the putter. 

@CFreddie The transition from my gamer to the DF3 has been a bitttt bumpy.  I attribute this to a slight learning curve needed to properly roll this putter.  Said another way, its breaking (possible) bad habits. 

@Steve F Truthfully, nothing! Still being very new to the game and not having concentrated on putting (like I am now!) I didn't have much to go on except feel.  I could tell right away that I liked the feel of the Mamba: it is solid, sturdy and gorgeous! 

Question(s) that still need to be answered

@Cfhandyman Distance control, speed/lag drills.  How important/sensitive is setup (e.g. ball positioning) in use of DF3?  Do I have to modify my setup, alignment or stroke to get the most out of the DF3? 

@jbern How long will it take to dial in my setup?  Am I aiming the DF3 properly? This will probably be answered with a fitting.

@MattWillGolf Improving my aim given the new knowledge obtained at Club Champion. And can I more effectively "un-torque" my putting stroke.

 @CFreddie Will I become consistent enough with the DF3 to overtake my Scotty?  Initial results have been mixed, but I'm confident my decision will materialize soon enough.  Would love to understand how important specific setup items are to get the most out of my DF3 - hand & ball positions, grip strength, & ideal stroke tempo.

@Stev S. While I am becoming more comfortable and confident using the Mamba, will I be able to find the consistency that is so essential to putting? At this point in the testing, I am definitely more confident when pulling him out of the bag as compared to the Spider: I am slowly but surely dialing in the distance control, but do find myself lipping a lot of putts to the right side of the cup. This most likely due to me and not the putter: I'm putting the ball at the hole, just to the right of it. So, I have some work to continue progressing with the Mamba. 

Areas of improvement

@Cfhandyman Get more dialed in with distance control, particularly 30+ feet and just off the green, aka the Texas wedge.

@jbern I haven't been confident over putts from 12' and in. I believe this is due to thinking too much about my putting stroke and what I need to do for the technology to work. I think if I simplify things and just putt, things will improve.

@MattWillGolf I need to improve my putting in the 1-to-2-foot range. I have had some demoralizing short misses. LOL. I need to learn to “un-torque” my putting stroke. 

@CFreddie Overall consistency during a round - this comes with more practice & nailing my setup each time 

@Steve F Back to consistency. Again, this is me, not the Mamba. My visit to Club Champion was an eye opener for me: there is a lot I need to do to allow the Mamba to do it's thing properly. My setup, if it could be called that, needs to be better and consistent. That visit has encouraged me to look into the MGS archives and research putting improvement equipment, several of which are currently on order! 

What’s next in testing?

@Cfhandyman More on course data, to be reported in 3 round increments.  Next milestone is 12, then 15 and then 20 rounds of data.

@jbern For me it's going to be really getting going with on-course testing. To help with this, I've been working on my simple mirror/ruler putting drill to help dial in setup and tempo from about 15' and in.  I will also continue doing Exputt tests and challenges.

@MattWillGolf Getting more comfortable with using the putter and working on my aim. I will continue to practice green testing sessions from 5, 10 and 20 feet as I have done previously. This will improve my comfort with the putter as well track improvements in my putting. 

@CFreddie More live rounds - goal is to reach 10-12 rounds in the next phase of testing.  Supplementing my rounds with putting green & home practice setups  Planning to do a second "fitting" near the end of the test to capture more data across both putters.

@Steve F Once I'm able to get back onto the course, more data and time with the Mamba during live rounds.  Continued greens work with what I'm calling my "ring of fire." I set up markers in circles around the pin at 3', 5', 7' and 10'. First, I putt from those areas to the pin and collect the data. Then, I set up at 20' and at 40' and putt towards the pin and collect the data where the ball rests inside which circle.  Continued work with indoor practice and data collection.  I would also like to get back to Club Champion and do another fitting towards the end of the testing to do further comparison and see if there has been any notable improvement.

What have you liked the most about the testing?

@Cfhandyman The ability to focus just on my putting and to do a deep dive into how to improve my putting. i.e. What does really good look like, what I need to do to get there and then build a plan and action steps.  The opportunity to test the L.A.B. DF3 on Quintic against my reference putters at TXG and correlate the results to what I see on course via my Arccos data. To get input and feedback from other testers and users.  They all bring different strengths to the table.

@jbern I've really enjoyed putting a focus and microscope on my putting. I've also enjoyed getting out of my comfort zone with taking videos and interacting with all the other testers and forum members. Additionally, I felt pretty darn special getting the special treatment from the L.A.B. crew by getting expedited builds and shipping!

@MattWillGolf I enjoyed the fact that this process really “forces” to concentrate on my putting. I also enjoyed the process of testing the putter with the SAM Lab device. It offered insights that I would not have gotten on any practice green.  I can understand why it was requested for this test. Lastly and certainly not least getting feedback from those in the testing group everyone has been so engaged and supportive. 

@CFreddie I have REALLY enjoyed this group of testers - I think each tester is bringing a different element / way of testing that has been fun to track  Getting really deep in my putting practice - its always been an area that I've slacked in so its been fun to turn my focus to the flat stick.

@Steve F Being associated with an incredible and diverse group of people. Each and every one of the individuals in this group has helped me either directly or indirectly with advice, opinions and knowledge that I simply did not have due to my inexperience in the game. For this, I am eternally grateful and humbled!  Like @CFreddie mentioned, I am going deep into the putting aspect of the game, and I am thoroughly enjoying the journey! I have garnered so much information... I never began to imagine that there was so much involved in the putting aspect of the game!

What are your Criteria for the L.A.B. DF3 to go in the bag?

@Cfhandyman Performance and consistency, specifically, within 10 feet, number of one putts versus, two and three putts.  Less putts per round and/or improvement in strokes gained.

@jbern It's all about performance and confidence for me. If the L.A.B. putter continues to progress on the Exputt and starts to execute on-course, it's going to be in the bag for a LONG time.

@MattWillGolf I am not an overly competitive golfer. If the DF3 can perform on par with my current gamer and not necessarily outperform the ER11v then I will remain in the bag because of the feel, the design and the build quality. And given more time with the putter I would expect to see my putting with it improve. 

@CFreddie Consistency as measured by Arccos (S.G., # of putts per round, 3 putts, etc) & practice rounds (make %). 

@Steve F Consistency. I have data going back to 2022 for the Spider, so I have the average putts/hole, putts per round and putt counts to review and compare. As of this writing, the two clubs statistically are pretty darned close, but I have to say, the Mamba is starting to make moves toward being the one. 

Will the L.A.B. DF3 go in the bag?

@Cfhandyman In my case, I made an early call and it has gone in the bag.  This was based on impressive on course results over 10 rounds, exceptional testing results on Quintic, particularly its exceptional face control as well as my TXG fitters strong recommendation.

@jbern If I'm being honest with everyone, it's pretty much already in the bag because of the significant changes that I've made by going from armlock to the DF3. I can't imagine switching back and forth is going to be good for my game. If performance does start to fade instead of progress, I'll definitely be switching it out though.

@MattWillGolf There is a high degree of probability that this will remain in my bag. I was able to build something that looks great to my eye and feels great. 

@CFreddie To be seen, but I'm starting to see some positive trends that will lead to it staying in my bag 

@Steve F Right now, it's hard to say. The session at Club Champion has raised some questions that I need to look into and hopefully rectify, but that will be revealed in further work with some new practice tools and repetition.

Suggestions for L.A.B.

@Cfhandyman Please reorder of new headcovers or option to select another for a slight upcharge (Lab rat sold out in hours), so please bring back Lab rat or Lab rat and Pimento cheese for DF3. Pretty please or take pre orders?   Consider, revising the custom option to include the Accra shaft.

@jbern Have color matched stitching on headcovers that matches the color of the putter heads. I would also recommend having a fitting FAQ that includes reason why people would choose the various options they have available (e.g. If you are comfortable with armlock, the counterbalance option could help with the transition to L.A.B. Another example would be what kinds of putters typically choose the various types of grips). I think this would help people be more confident about their purchase.

@MattWillGolf Honestly, it’s little things. More headcover options like with the MEZZ putters and a custom alignment marking option as well. I really didn’t realize that was available at the time of the build for this test. I love the press pistol grip, but a blacked-out color option would have been cool. The Stability ONE shaft has a blacked-out look that I like. 

@CFreddie More "stock" headcover options - would have loved a couple different options to choose from.  Deeper dive on how stock & head options contribute to a "feel" that a customer would be looking for (right now they are marketed as separate things but I'd argue the combination of both will drive overall feel & success). 

@Steve F While I am a fan of the online fitting, I would also STRONGLY suggest an in person fitting prior to ordering. While it may be cost prohibitive for some, there are things and data points that you simply cannot get with an online fitting. 

Overall consensus at mid term:

@Cfhandyman Extremely impressive performance and a very high quality and premium putter.  The very smooth feel, weight, balance and the face control of the DF3 is outstanding.  I have been blown away by the performance so far.  This is an exceptional putter.  I have thoroughly enjoyed the testing opportunity, to work with such a great group of individuals and testers.  More importantly, it has allowed me to focus on my putting with significant improvement.

@jbern I've been impressed with the feel of the putter during the stroke. It seems so natural. I was underwhelmed at the beginning because the performance wasn't immediately better than my AL-6, but performance has been steadily increasing and I'm excited to see how good I can be with the DF3.

@MattWillGolf I may have expressed how much I love the feel of this putter. I also feel that with time I will get even more used to the best putting stroke to go with this putter. I recently read that practicing putting with a “thumbs off” grip can help with adjusting to letting the putter do the work approach to this unique putter design and really “un-torque” my putting stroke. 

@CFreddie Have thoroughly enjoyed this test & truly appreciate this community & L.A.B. for this opportunity. 

@Steve F Overall, I am tickled that we are associated with L.A.B. as they deliver on everything that they propose! The technology, craftsmanship and customer support are everything as advertised and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been chosen to participate in this test! I am clearly more confident with my putting and as I continue to learn the L.A.B. style, I feel that confidence level will continue to grow!

 

[Cfhandyman]

23 hours ago, GolfSpy MPR said:

OK, my wife has returned, and it looks like we might have a few days without rain in the next week. The rain has been a major issue here: our course simply doesn't drain. Even on days when we can get out now, the rough is completely uncut, because the mower wheels would tear up the course. The greens, though, are in fine shape.

Played yesterday for the first time in over a week. My full swing is still a mess; it's not that the major movements are bad, but contact has been very, very spotty.

My short game, though, is rounding into peak midseason form. Yesterday, I had 8 shots from 0–25 (you get that when you hit zero greens in regulation). On average, I hit those 8 shots to 6 feet.

This, of course, magnifies the importance of short putting. And that continues to be (kindly) mediocre for me with the DF3. Let's roll the numbers:

What you're seeing here is the damage to SG:Putting done by missing two 2-foot putts. On neither, though, can I blame the DF3. One of them I expected to slide to my left: I hit it exactly how I intended, and it just didn't move at all. The second was a putt following a 24 footer, and I was altogether too casual with it, never even settling into my stance. These two misses, both my fault and not the putter's, account for almost the entire strokes lost in the round.

The round did continue the theme of keeping my total putt count low: 15 putts for nine holes. Again, much of that is attributable to my never hitting greens and having a usable wedge game.

Let's look at my overall Arccos puttings numbers, now through 63 holes with the DF3.

The two most recent rounds haven't been great, but I'm still over a stroke better with the DF3 in my bag than I was the most recent 7 rounds without it. That's a good sign. And just as a matter of putts taken, the numbers are pretty spiffy:

Although I'm still not gaining strokes at the clip I'd like, it remains a matter almost entirely of needing to make a few short putts a round. For having an ungainly-looking, counterbalanced putter, the conventional wisdom would be that my short putting would be awesome and my lag putting and distance control might suffer. That has emphatically not be the case for me:

The further I get from the hole, the more like a scratch golfer I putt. Without having a few other DF3's to make the comparison, it is hard for me to say this conclusively, but my suspicion is that the benefits of the TPT shaft really show up here. The feel and feedback are very predictable, and currently my confidence is incredibly high on putts outside 10' that I'm going to give the putt a chance, and if not, that my next putt will be relatively stress free.

15 putts for 9 holes is very good.  Everything is trending in a positive direction compared to a 0 handicap and its only a matter of time and repetition and those short putts will be going in routinely.  

[GolfSpy MPR]

Played another 9 with my son this morning. The putting line:

Hit a lovely shot out of a wet bunker on 12 that went in the hole. That always helps keep the total putts down. On all the other holes, until 18, I kept having really good looks at one-putts, and they kept not falling for me. Ironically, the putt I made on 18 was a pretty wicked downhill slider, and that one went in.

All told, another pretty solid putting round: Arccos had me losing 1.6 shots to scratch (doubling its .8 to get to an 18-hole standard number).

The place that needs improvement is obvious: I just need one to two putts from 6–14' to drop per round:

The overall putting, though, remains solid:

Some updates:

• Hoping to wrap up all my indoor putting data by early next week.
• Unfortunately, we're looking at more rain here, not only tonight, but most of next week. Our course remains a waterlogged swamp. I'm way behind on collecting the Stack putting data I hoped to get. I'm still going to do it before this summer ends, but it likely won't be complete soon.
• The on-course performance, though, has given me zero reason to consider swapping the DF3 out of my bag any time soon.
• I've acquired materials to work on my own custom headcover for Shazam. Please stay tuned...

[MattWillGolf]

I went out this afternoon for a putting session at my home course's practice green. It was a putter comparison between Nemo, the orange DF3 vs. my Evnroll ER7 this time. I will have to reserve putting too much weight onto this test as the greens were just aerated. I watched several putts track nicely to the hole only to be diverted at the end by an aeration hole. But both putters had to contend with this issue and it seemed to have more impact on the putts from longer distances. On this go round the ER7 edged out the DF3. 

        

 

Edited June 12 by MattWillGolf

[GolfSpy MPR]

48 minutes ago, MattWillGolf said:

I went out this afternoon for a putting session at my home course's practice green. It was a putter comparison between Nemo, the orange DF3 vs. my Evnroll ER7 this time. I will have to reserve putting too much weight onto this test as the greens were just aerated. I watched several putts track nicely to the hole only to be diverted at the end by an aeration hole. But both putters had to contend with this issue and it seemed to have more impact on the putts from longer distances. On this go round the ER7 edged out the DF3. 

        

 

Love this data. As you yourself mentioned: this is a small sample size with some aeration variability built in, so you wouldn't want to make major decisions based on it. But let's suppose this data holds as a pattern, with the DF3 holding a slight edge on short putts and the Evnroll on the mid- and longer-range. Do you have on-course data that would tell you where you need your putter to help you most?

[MattWillGolf]

On Wednesday June 5, 2024, I had a SAM Golf putting session with John the Master Fitter at Club Champion in Victor, NY. Below are the results of that session. The session covered measurements of both the L.A.B. Golf DF3 and the Evnroll ER11v. Based off of the results John recommended a mallet putter with a length of 34 inches, a 68 degree lie angle, 4 degrees of loft and based on my putting stroke a putter that offered some toe hang. The ER11v provided the best results for my putting style. I am squarer at impact and my putts are closer to the center of the putter face than with the DF3.

DF3                                                                                                                               

 

ER11v

DF3

   

ER11v

DF3

   

ER11v

DF3

   

ER11v

DF3

   

ER11v

DF3

 

ER11v

 

 

Edited June 12 by MattWillGolf
Formatting issue

[MattWillGolf]

3 minutes ago, GolfSpy MPR said:

Love this data. As you yourself mentioned: this is a small sample size with some aeration variability built in, so you wouldn't want to make major decisions based on it. But let's suppose this data holds as a pattern, with the DF3 holding a slight edge on short putts and the Evnroll on the mid- and longer-range. Do you have on-course data that would tell you where you need your putter to help you most?

Unfortunately, I don't have good on course data. Putting stats with Shot Scope don't appear to be as detailed as what Arccos provides. And for some reason Shot Scope does have issues around the green at my home course. I have never been able to sort that out. Shot Scope tech support has made several attempts to correct this including updating the course map which they sent pictures asking me to verify some greens.

[GolfSpy MPR]

4 minutes ago, MattWillGolf said:

Unfortunately, I don't have good on course data. Putting stats with Shot Scope don't appear to be as detailed as what Arccos provides. And for some reason Shot Scope does have issues around the green at my home course. I have never been able to sort that out. Shot Scope tech support has made several attempts to correct this including updating the course map which they sent pictures asking me to verify some greens.

Yeah, Arccos gives good stats on putting, but I don't know how good (if at all) it is about recording putts. I don't even have the Arccos sensor in my putter: I tag all putts manually after pacing them off. I want good putting data, and that's going to be the best way for me to get it.

[jbern]

Was able to get out for a quick 9 holes at a course nearby my house and I almost had the entire back nine to myself, so I decided to video the putts again. After two stellar rounds with Dory, this round brought me back down to earth a little bit. 20 total putts with 3 three putts, 5 two putts and 1 one putt. My proximity to the hole was very poor and some of the putts I had were breaking 10+ feet. I'll have to remember that I need to leave myself in better spots next time I play this course. Below are my detailed stats and the video.

 

[jbern]

I also took the MGS Forum Red Rooster glove for a spin! The fit is snug, but I hear that's how it's supposed to be at first and the feel is fantastic!

[Steve F]

8 minutes ago, jbern said:

Was able to get out for a quick 9 holes at a course nearby my house and I almost had the entire back nine to myself, so I decided to video the putts again. After two stellar rounds with Dory, this round brought me back down to earth a little bit. 20 total putts with 3 three putts, 5 two putts and 1 one putt. My proximity to the hole was very poor and some of the putts I had were breaking 10+ feet. I'll have to remember that I need to leave myself in better spots next time I play this course. Below are my detailed stats and the video.

 

Great stuff @jbern! I'm impressed that you have enough time to setup the video and break it back down without anyone hollering at you in the background! 

[jbern]

4 minutes ago, Steve F said:

Great stuff @jbern! I'm impressed that you have enough time to setup the video and break it back down without anyone hollering at you in the background! 

I was playing as a single, which helps that cause. The course was also almost vacant because rain was looming that never came. There were only 6 cars in the parking lot when I arrived and I only saw 2 groups from afar the entire 9 holes. I couldn't believe it either. 

[Cfhandyman]

20 hours ago, MattWillGolf said:

I went out this afternoon for a putting session at my home course's practice green. It was a putter comparison between Nemo, the orange DF3 vs. my Evnroll ER7 this time. I will have to reserve putting too much weight onto this test as the greens were just aerated. I watched several putts track nicely to the hole only to be diverted at the end by an aeration hole. But both putters had to contend with this issue and it seemed to have more impact on the putts from longer distances. On this go round the ER7 edged out the DF3. 

        

 

Impressive collection of data on aerated greens no less.  Well done.

3 hours ago, jbern said:

Was able to get out for a quick 9 holes at a course nearby my house and I almost had the entire back nine to myself, so I decided to video the putts again. After two stellar rounds with Dory, this round brought me back down to earth a little bit. 20 total putts with 3 three putts, 5 two putts and 1 one putt. My proximity to the hole was very poor and some of the putts I had were breaking 10+ feet. I'll have to remember that I need to leave myself in better spots next time I play this course. Below are my detailed stats and the video.

 

Great video.  Excellent foresight on your part to video this and take us on your putting journey with the L.A.B.  Well done and thanks for sharing.

[CFreddie]

For all of those Tar Heel fans out there (looking at you @unccross).   

https://labgolf.com/products/goin-to-carolina?utm_source=klaviyo&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20240613_usopenputter_labrats&_kx=9LYt-Flidb8rB6-kVwU9uIj963UkZL00VBo5zQ0uCVw.WtQZpN

[TSauer]

10 minutes ago, CFreddie said:

For all of those Tar Heel fans out there (looking at you @unccross).   

https://labgolf.com/products/goin-to-carolina?utm_source=klaviyo&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20240613_usopenputter_labrats&_kx=9LYt-Flidb8rB6-kVwU9uIj963UkZL00VBo5zQ0uCVw.WtQZpN

Man, oh man I want this! 

[CFreddie]

6 minutes ago, TSauer said:

Man, oh man I want this! 

Edited June 13 by CFreddie

[GolfSpy_KFT]

4 hours ago, jbern said:

I also took the MGS Forum Red Rooster glove for a spin! The fit is snug, but I hear that's how it's supposed to be at first and the feel is fantastic!

GREAT photo! Agree on the fit as it started out very snug, but once you break it in it feels soooooo good. I don’t think I’ll be able to play another glove anymore lol

[gavinski91]

On 6/10/2024 at 9:08 AM, cnosil said:

 

 

 

Someone was actually selling one of these on Facebook in my local area a couple of months back.

[MattWillGolf]

Today’s 9 holes was a struggle all around really with the exception of one club, my Ping G410 Crossover. Oh well. Nemo, my orange DF3 wasn’t having it today. But that’s reality. Today saw 22 putts for nine. There was one 4-putt, three 3-putts, four 2-putts and one 1-putt. Lots putts just kissing the edge of the cup. The 4-putt was the result of a really bad first putt on a long putt. The putter caught the turf well behind the ball. That’s a first with the DF3. Tomorrow is another day.

[unccross]

18 hours ago, CFreddie said:

For all of those Tar Heel fans out there (looking at you @unccross).   

https://labgolf.com/products/goin-to-carolina?utm_source=klaviyo&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20240613_usopenputter_labrats&_kx=9LYt-Flidb8rB6-kVwU9uIj963UkZL00VBo5zQ0uCVw.WtQZpN

I love it! Couldn’t afford it, but looks like someone could since it’s sold out. 

[MattWillGolf]

1 hour ago, unccross said:

I love it! Couldn’t afford it, but looks like someone could since it’s sold out. 

It appears that a segment of our golf community, cost is no barrier. Especially when it comes to putters.
 

[Cfhandyman]

The Bottom line (Executive) Week 8 summary -  Jun 14/2024

Another busy week. @Steve F took the Black Mamba to Club Champion for his meet and greet putter fitting on SAM  @MattWillGolf shared his Club Champion fitting results  @Cfhandyman reports on his first 10 rounds with the L.A.B. DF3 and @CFreddie putting Chewie through the gauntlet.  We added another feature and released the mid term report card on testing of the L.A.B. DF3.  Our unofficial tester/reviewer of the week is @ole gray and his testing results with the DF3.  The Lab rat and great outdoors headcover for the DF3 as well as the limited edition NC DF3  sold out quickly, some within minutes.  @GolfSpy MPR has the materials and is building his own custom headcover for the DF3. Wonderful stuff.

MGS tester of the week – Chris Frederick

Best posts

@CFreddie  As you can see, Chewie is currently outperforming my gamer across each distance, which is reassuring.  I'll continue updating this spreadsheet for each session and share weekly updates going forward.   

@Cfhandyman

Arccos data after 10 rounds with L.A.B. DF3 compared to a 0 handicap

    

Compared to my previous 50 round average with the Evnroll, birdies have increased from 1.5 to 2.0 per round, bogies have decreased from 6.7 to 5.7 per round, one putts have increased from 5.4 to 6.5, but so have 3 putts to 1.1 per round.  All are compared to a 0 handicap golfer (Arccos).

 

@Steve F visits Club Champion and his SAM Puttlab experience.

 

 He had the shaft length down to 33" from the 35" I have on the Mamba and the lie angle at 77deg as compared to the 67deg I have on the Mamba. The results?

   

 Note the lie angles as well. So, this was a complete eye opener for me and the reason I said in an earlier comment that I recommend highly having not only the online fitting done, but get to your local fitter so they can view and analyze in person everything about your stroke and your address. My takeaway from my fitting? I'm going to have to shorten the shaft by lowering my grip, which I have already started practicing. This will give me the angle (or lack thereof) between my forearm and the putter shaft that I need. I also need to address the ball more closely so that I am more over top of the ball than I am currently doing. The drawback? This is going to leave me with a slight toe down angle. 

@MattWillGolf Matt’s follow up report from Club Champion – SAM results – DF3

 

Mid term report card

In a new feature, we asked our group of testers to provide their thoughts and comments to a series of questions in this mid term report card on the L.A.B. DF3.  Overall, the testers have been extremely pleased with L.A.B. golf, their professionalism and exceptional customer service.  All are honored and grateful to be part of the testing group.  Their was universal praise regarding the high quality of build and craftmanship of the L.A.B. DF3 putter as well as the feel and balance.  It has taken some time for some, to adjust to using the L.A.B. putter, but once done, some exceptional results.  And last but not least, the testers share their criteria for the L.A.B. DF3 going into the bag and will it go into the bag.  Here are the tester responses.  Enjoy.

 Best photos

    

  

   

 Limited edition NC DF3, sold out within minutes

Best video posts

@jbern

@Steve F https://forum.mygolfspy.com/uploads/monthly_2024_06/10ftDF3in.mp4.8ae3506cf7e09c99977b080d143ab377.mp4 

Line of the week

@ole gray He spit out a chew and asked if he could roll one. I handed him my putter and said be careful hoss, these things are highly addicting. He was about 20 feet from the cup and drained that sucker like a water bug in a breams mouth. His eyes got big and he started slobbing and I could only tell a little bit about what he was saying. I could make out some of it where he said take this damn thing back before my wife whups my arse for buying one

@GolfSpy MPR  The two most recent rounds haven't been great, but I'm still over a stroke better with the DF3 in my bag than I was the most recent 7 rounds without it. That's a good sign.  The on-course performance, though, has given me zero reason to consider swapping the DF3 out of my bag any time soon.  I've acquired materials to work on my own custom headcover for Shazam.  

Unofficial tester of the week

@ole gray

See you next week for week 9 Bottom line summary

Links to previous weeks summary

Week 7

Week 6

Week 5  

 

Week 4

Week 3  

 

Week 2

Week 1  

 

 

 

 

[Rob Person]

This is exciting to just read the recaps and review posts!

Great job everyone!

[jbern]

I added a First Impressions write-up section to my main post. I wrote the post a couple of weeks ago after my first few rounds (that were pretty lackluster) and forgot to add it. So there's no mention of my recent on course putting that's been much better.