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

[Clemsonfan]

18 hours ago, BobBC78 said:

Well, I made a serious mistake this morning. Having some time to kill while a grip was being changed at my local Golf Galaxy, I did what I usually do....checked out putters. Unfortunately, I tried a counter balanced DF3 and counter balanced Mezz. The DF3 was flat out the best balanced and most stable putter that I have tried and now, despite the $619.00 price tag, I want one badly . Needless to say, I'll now be following this thread closely, particularly @jbern and @GolfSpy MPR who are testing the counter balanced model!

I did the same thing! I went to my local GG to pull the trigger on a 35” green DF3 with a white Accra shaft and a Pistol grip, but it had been sold! Only DF3’s left were a black counterbalanced at 38”. I dislike fat grips on putters, but rolled that putter great, at least in the store! I think the lack of shaft lean really appealed to me! Have been away for a few weeks, but really eager to try again!

[Cfhandyman]

The Bottom line (Executive) Week 10 summary 

We are in the home stretch with a few days left until the final reviews get posted.  @Cfhandyman shared his mini review of SAM Puttlab versus Quintic, as well as does the L.A.B. DF3 represent good value.  @MattWillGolf tests Nemo vs the classic Ping Anser.  @GolfSpy MPR reveals his finalized indoor testing results. Our unofficial tester of the week @Rearviewmirror shares his experience with the DF3.  Only a few more days until the final reviews will be posted.  Stay tuned.

Moderator of the week – @GolfSpy SAM  

Best posts

@Rearviewmirror Hey folks, chiming in with my (unofficial) experience with the DF3. I'm now seven rounds in and I feel like I'm hitting my stride - including dropping my first >20ft putt in a long time.  I think I mentioned earlier in this thread, but I collected some data on distance of second putts before switching to the DF3 from my Mezz.

Here's second putt data for putts where the first putt is 15ft or greater (green line is DF3) - lower is better:

@GolfSpy MPR  Indoor putting data collection is complete!  Pretty early on, and consistently throughout the test, this became a two-horse race between the Evnroll and the L.A.B. Despite the Edel being my primary gamer since I tested it for the Forum back in 2021, it was just not keeping up with the others. And that's even true when excluding the HackMotion from the numbers: the Edel was last by a decent gap in every category

So this chart combines the distance control and face angle scores, but by distance:

This, I think, is enlightening. While the Evnroll still has the highest total score (an average of 73.6), the DF3 is only factionally behind (73.4). More importantly for me, though: the gap on short putts between the Evnroll and the L.A.B. is quite large. Overall, the numbers being what they are, I have to declare the Evnroll the objective winner of this portion of my testing. But if I look at that last chart, especially, I think there's a good case there for me to do what I plan to do: keep using my DF3. This data would indicate that I'll be nearly as good from medium and long-ranges with the L.A.B. as I would be with the Evnoll, but then as I get closer to the hole, I would expect to make more putts with the DF3.

@Cfhandyman  SAM Puttlab versus Quintic  

Choose based on your priorities:  Putter Fitting: Both will help you.  The key difference is that Quintic also looks at what happens to your ball after impact.  It gives you ball data as well as clubhead data.  This way you can identify how the putter moves through impact and how this affects the ball.  The other advantage, the sensor is a piece of reflective tape rather than 48 gm sensor attached to the club which can possibly change the behaviour of the club.  Quintic, is very accurate with its high speed cameras.  The data provided takes the guess work out of the process.  However, given the cost of the system, usually only high end fitters will have them.  If you are more interested in your putter mechanics and stroke, SAM is probably better, especially if your coach has one.  If you are more interested in the ball dynamics and what happens to the ball after impact, Quintic is better.

Caveats – need a skilled fitter, machine has to be calibrated properly

F 

 

@Cfhandyman Does the L.A.B. DF3 represent good value

 

 Summary:  In my mind and hands, the L.A.B. DF3 is an exceptional putter. Its high quality with a very smooth feel, weight and balance.  It provides excellent face control keeping the putts on line.  It performs exceedingly well on the golf course and this was backed up by test results on Quintic, the gold standard for putter testing/fitting.  As a result, for me, the L.A.B. DF3 represents very good value for the money and is definitely highly recommended.

@Bucky CC $958 for an increase of 0.6 in strokes gained putting.  I know everyone is different when it comes to money but this is a tough sell for me.  It would be really interesting to see is how a similar skill level golfer would do with almost $1k in lessons.  I would bet they would see a much greater improvement in their game.  That's not meant to be a knock on the DF3 at all.  I think in general people would be much better off spending money on lessons over the latest and greatest club.

Best photos

Best video post @jbern

 

 

Line of the week

@MattWillGolf  

"Who wouldn't want to be wiped down with a dab of oil from time to time?"

@ZJeb67 I've often got advice to RTFM. 

Read
The
F (fine? fantastic? fabulous? flawless? )
Manual

Unofficial tester of the week @Rearviewmirror

https://forum.mygolfspy.com/topic/64035-lab-df3-putters-2024-forum-review/?do=findComment&comment=1088602

https://forum.mygolfspy.com/topic/64035-lab-df3-putters-2024-forum-review/?do=findComment&comment=1090913

Links to previous weeks summary

Week 9 https://forum.mygolfspy.com/topic/64035-lab-df3-putters-2024-forum-review/?do=findComment&comment=1087911

Week 8 https://forum.mygolfspy.com/topic/64035-lab-df3-putters-2024-forum-review/?do=findComment&comment=1084845

Week 7 https://forum.mygolfspy.com/topic/64035-lab-df3-putters-2024-forum-review/?do=findComment&comment=1081343

Week 6 https://forum.mygolfspy.com/topic/64035-lab-df3-putters-2024-forum-review/?do=findComment&comment=1078830  

Week 5 https://forum.mygolfspy.com/topic/64035-lab-df3-putters-2024-forum-review/?do=findComment&comment=1074887

Week 4 https://forum.mygolfspy.com/topic/64035-lab-df3-putters-2024-forum-review/?do=findComment&comment=1071267

Week 3 https://forum.mygolfspy.com/topic/64035-lab-df3-putters-2024-forum-review/?do=findComment&comment=1067276

Week 2 https://forum.mygolfspy.com/topic/64035-lab-df3-putters-2024-forum-review/?do=findComment&comment=1063554

Week 1 https://forum.mygolfspy.com/topic/64035-lab-df3-putters-2024-forum-review/?do=findComment&comment=1058986

 

 

Edited Saturday at 03:05 PM by Cfhandyman

[MattWillGolf]

On 6/28/2024 at 12:33 PM, BobBC78 said:

Well, I made a serious mistake this morning. Having some time to kill while a grip was being changed at my local Golf Galaxy, I did what I usually do....checked out putters. Unfortunately, I tried a counter balanced DF3 and counter balanced Mezz. The DF3 was flat out the best balanced and most stable putter that I have tried and now, despite the $619.00 price tag, I want one badly . Needless to say, I'll now be following this thread closely, particularly @jbern and @GolfSpy MPR who are testing the counter balanced model!

[jbern]

Played 18 holes this morning and it was a weird day out on the course. There was quite a bit of rain overnight and early morning and that left the greens soggy. However, the greens that were open to the wind/sun were blazing fast and the greens that didn't drain/dry as quickly were some of the slowest I've ever seen. 

That being said, overall, it was a pretty good putting day. I did leave quite a few long putts/texas wedges way short or long, but it wasn't for lack of confidence or even start line.

33 putts on the day, 3 three putts, 9 two putts, 6 one putts. The putt of the day was a 9 ft putt on 17 that just barely dripped over the edge of the cup for a par save. It was beautiful as it rolled end over end!

Detailed putts below:

[Cfhandyman]

L.A.B. DF3  -  Final review (Executive summary)

This is the final review and executive summary for the L.A.B. DF3, aka Lab Rat.  It will be evaluated and scored as follows:

1.      Initial Impressions (out of 20)

2.      Mid term results (no points)

3.      The numbers (out of 40)

4.      On the Course (out of 10)

5.      The Good, the Bad, the in between (out of 20)   

6.     Play it or trade it (out of 10)             

Total score: (out of 100)

Executive Summary:  The L.A.B. DF3, aka the Lab Rat, is an exceptional and seriously good putter.  It’s a very clever design all designed to minimize twisting/torque and return the putter face to square at impact.  With its center shaft design, the center of gravity is located directly beneath the shaft, keeping the club face square to the target line throughout the stroke. L.A.B. as a company has been exceptional to deal with. They expedited the build process and all putters were shipped within a week of order.  Phenomenal performance by L.A.B.  This is a premium, very high quality and very well built putter with great balance, weight and feel.  It sits beautifully and feels very smooth.  Face control as measured by Quintic was elite and seen on course is excellent.  As a result, putts track on their intended line.  For this reason, short putts (0 to 5 feet) are now almost routine. However, its in the 10 foot and under where the L.A.B. DF3 truly shines.  Distance control is very very good.  The superb TPT shaft and pistol grip are a great combination.  After putter fitting/testing at TXG, the fitter highly recommended it go in the bag.  The biggest transformation has come in my confidence level in knowing now that I can make those 3-7 footers routinely.  To date, it is the best putter I have ever owned and my putting strokes gained increased by 0.8 strokes over 20 rounds over an excellent Evnroll.  Overall, an exceptional putter, it has gone in the bag, it's good value for the money and is highly recommended.   Score 98/100 

       

 

 Initial impressions: (20 / 20) This is a premium, very high quality and very well built putter. Great balance, weight and feel. It sits beautifully and feels very smooth.  The TPT shaft is premium and gorgeous.  Love the pistol grip. Overall, this putter is stunning and gorgeous. Very impressed with L.A.B. and this putter.  The looks of this putter are intoxicating. To get a custom hand built and balanced putter from the west coast in a week is insanely crazy and fast.

    

Unboxing video : https://youtu.be/nCm3L3IGF-k?si=ahRYKtoJpxSFFa1y

First round and highlights https://forum.mygolfspy.com/topic/64035-lab-df3-putters-2024-forum-review/?do=findComment&comment=1065661

Mid term results https://forum.mygolfspy.com/topic/64035-lab-df3-putters-2024-forum-review/?do=findComment&comment=1077648

Numbers (39.3 / 40)      L.A.B. DF3/TPT/pistol grip versus Evnroll Tourstroke/Stability/Gravity grip

I compared, contrasted and scored the L.A.B. DF3 against my gamer, the Evnroll Tourstroke with BGT stability shaft and Evnroll gravity grip.  The performance of both, both on and off the course were very good.  However, the L.A.B. was slightly better in almost all categories.  Biggest difference was in face control.  The Evnroll was excellent as measured by Quintic, the L.A.B. was exceptional with even better face control. Putts tracked along there intended line like a heat seeking missile.  It is truly a potential long range bomber in that I’ve nearly holed out 40, 50 and 60 footers leaving a tap in for a two putt which given the length of those putts are prime three putt territory.  On testing on Quintic, what the LAB did exceptionally well was face angle control giving elite tour level readings. Also launch, roll and spin were all very good. It consistently resulted in an almost square face at impact, highlighted by the following with the DF3 demonstrating a tour level face angle of 0.17.  This would equate to me making a 30 foot putt.

Putter fitting/testing On Quintic at TXG

 On course performance (9.7 / 10)

 

  Performance metrics

After 20 rounds of play with the L.A.B. DF3 and compared to a 0 handicap, I give up 5.9 strokes per round (-2.1 from driving, -4.4 from approach, but make it up in short game +0.2 and putting +0.4).   

20 round data with L.A.B. DF3 – Strokes gained data compared to a 0 handicap (Arccos)

20 round data with L.A.B. DF3 - Average putts per round compared to a 0 handicap (Arccos)

On course testing at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley – North course, site of 2025 Canadian Open

20 round data with L.A.B. DF3 – Scoring breakdown / round compared to a 0 handicap (Arccos)

Strokes gained, 20 rounds with L.A.B. DF3 versus 20 previous rounds with Evnroll all compared to a 0 handicap golfer (Arccos)

The Good: High quality putter with excellent build quality.  Service and support from L.A.B. has been exemplary.  Sits perfectly and very easy to align with the ball.  Great balance, weight, and feels very smooth.  The ball rolls beautifully along its intended line owing to its exceptional face control. Where it’s been lights out is from 10 feet and in as 3-6 footers are almost routine.  It has given me huge confidence that I can make that 10 footer or even a 20 footer provided I get the line and speed right.  It’s a potential long range threat from anywhere on the green.  Overall, it resulted in a +0.8 strokes gained over a very good Evnroll putter over 20 rounds of play.  Below are on course first putt make percentages by distance with the L.A.B. DF3 (20 rounds of data, Arccos).  Performed exceptionally well from 6-7 feet and in, dropped to about 40% at 8 feet and approximately 30% at 10 feet.  If I missed the initial putt, all were two putts, with the second usually a tap in.

The In between: There is a learning curve associated with the putter.  Essentially light pressure grip, ball slightly forward of center in stance, keep the hands quiet with a pendulum like stroke for best results.   Use gravity, with a smooth long stroke and let the putter do its thing and use gravity to manage rather than acceleration.  Where it lost a mark was in long distance putting/off the green in that initially came up well short until I adjusted the length of backswing and didn’t try to force the ball or get too handsy. 

The Bad:. They are pricey and at the upper end of the price spectrum of putters.  Customization can get expensive, however,  you are getting a high quality premium putter that performs well. It is advisable to try them either in a fitting or store.   For me, the other “ bad” is that the new headcovers (Lab rat) sold out within hours, so I patiently wait for them to be restocked in the future

 

 Play it or trade it. (10/10)  This was an easy one, play it and the L.A.B. went into the bag early and its going to be staying there for a long time.  This was based on 10 round data, testing on Quintic, head to head comparison with comparators and my fitters strong recommendation to put it int the bag and leave it there.  After 20 rounds of data strongly supports this as well.

Overall Evaluation scoring and comments

  Pro tip: Get fit for your putter, at the very least do the online fitting video with L.A.B. to get your correct measurements.  If the stock lengths of 34 and 35” with a lie angle of 69 degrees work for you and you like black, the standard model offers very good value for the money.  For the more budget conscious, consider either the L.A.B. DF2.1 ($50 cheaper) or go to their outlet store (www.labgolfoutlet.com)   There are several discount codes available (Use WELCOME10, COGORNO or BUSTAJACK10 to take 10% off your putter order, but only orders through L.A.B.).  Customization takes the price to $559, but allows you to really get the right length and lie putter with a choice of 4 shafts , 7 grip options and head weights (heavier, standard and lighter).  You can select from standard, counterbalanced, armlock and broomstick options with a choice of 8 colours and over 45 different alignment aids.  You can even combine alignment aid options for the ultimate in customization so for the extra $110 you’re getting a lot.

Summary:  In my mind and hands, the L.A.B. DF3 is an exceptional putter.  Its high quality with a very smooth feel, weight and balance.  It provides excellent face control allowing the ball to track on its intended line.  It performs exceedingly well on the golf course, especially from 10 feet and in and this was backed up by test results on Quintic, the gold standard for putter testing/fitting.  Distance control is very very good.  The superb TPT shaft and pistol grip are a great combination.  The biggest transformation has come in my confidence level in knowing now that I can make those 3-7 footers routinely.  To date, it is the best putter I have ever owned and my putting strokes gained increased by 0.8 strokes over 20 rounds.   Overall, an exceptional putter, it has  gone in the bag, it is good value for the money and is highly recommended.   Score 98/100  

 

Additional information and links

Which L.A.B. should I get?

The most obvious choice is to get fit or at least try the models before purchasing.  I had the opportunity to test all of them at TXG (Club Champion Canada).  I personally liked the DF3 the best with respect to weight, balance, feel and ball roll as I kept coming back to this one after trying the other models.  The DF2.1 is very similar in performance to its sibling, but it’s a huge putter and its looks are not for everyone, but it does perform well.  I also liked the Mezz and Mezz Max and then finally the Link.1.   I did not have the opportunity to try counterbalanced, armlock or broomstick styles. For more information MGS testing reviews were done with the DF2.1 as well as Mezz/Mezz Max/Link.1 (see the links at the below).

L.A.B. Mezz, Mezz Max, Link.1 MGS testing  L.A.B. Putters - 2023 Forum Review - Forum Testing Reviews - MyGolfSpy Forum

https://forum.mygolfspy.com/topic/59030-lab-putters-2023-forum-review/

 L.A.B. DF2.1 MGS testing  L.A.B. DF2.1 Putter - MyGolfSpy Forum

https://forum.mygolfspy.com/tests/40-lab-df21=putter/

Mini Reviews

1.  Putter testing protocol https://forum.mygolfspy.com/topic/64035-lab-df3-putters-2024-forum-review/?do=findComment&comment=1070340

2.    L.A.B. DF3, Is there a learning curve to using it https://forum.mygolfspy.com/topic/64035-lab-df3-putters-2024-forum-review/?do=findComment&comment=1077089

3.    Quintic ball roll system  Part 1 – overview https://forum.mygolfspy.com/topic/64035-lab-df3-putters-2024-forum-review/?do=findComment&comment=1074492

Quintic Part 2 – The importance of face angle https://forum.mygolfspy.com/topic/64035-lab-df3-putters-2024-forum-review/?do=findComment&comment=1075673

Quintic, Part 3 – https://forum.mygolfspy.com/topic/64035-lab-df3-putters-2024-forum-review/?do=findComment&comment=1076101  

4.     Putter fitting/testing On Quintic at TXG https://forum.mygolfspy.com/topic/64035-lab-df3-putters-2024-forum-review/?do=findComment&comment=1078131 Mike’s (TXG fitter) recommendation: “Chris after watching you, seeing and evaluating the results, it is very clear and as a friend just put the L.A.B. in the bag and leave it there. It is so good for you.”

5.      Mid term group report card https://forum.mygolfspy.com/topic/64035-lab-df3-putters-2024-forum-review/?do=findComment&comment=1083705

6.    SAM Puttlab https://forum.mygolfspy.com/topic/64035-lab-df3-putters-2024-forum-review/?do=findComment&comment=1085355

 

SAM Puttlab Vs. Quintic https://forum.mygolfspy.com/topic/64035-lab-df3-putters-2024-forum-review/?do=findComment&comment=1089023

7.      Does the L.A.B. DF3 represent good value https://forum.mygolfspy.com/topic/64035-lab-df3-putters-2024-forum-review/?do=findComment&comment=1090355

 

Edited 4 hours ago by Cfhandyman

[MattWillGolf]

My final review of the L.A.B. Golf DF3 named Nemo is now live. It was such a privilege to take part in this test. I would like to express my gratitude to L.A.B. Golf, My Golf Spy, @GolfSpy_APH and @GolfSpy SAM for their guidance throughout the process, to my fellow testers @jbern @CFreddie @Steve F @GolfSpy MPR.

I want to especially recognize our fellow tester @Cfhandyman for absolutely going above and beyond. He genuinely added to whole testing process with his time and talent. Chris created a testing experience unmatched by any test I have been blessed to take part. Thank you, Sir! 

P.S. I do have a spreadsheet of my Strokes Gained data is anyone is interested. I could not manage to find a way to attach it to my review.

Edited yesterday at 02:33 PM by MattWillGolf

[jbern]

My final review is posted! This has been an awesome test to be a part of! Big thanks and shout out to the MGS Forum Staff and to LAB golf for selecting me and making this test awesome and encouraging us along the way!

Below is the conclusion from my review, but I think you all should go read my and all of the testers full reviews to get a complete picture of the experiences!

 Conclusion (TL;DR) [89 out of 100]:

Facts: Putts per 18 holes went from 34.1 to 31.54. One putts per 18 holes went from 4.26 to 6.34. Three putts per 18 holes went down from 2.28 to 1.89. My overall handicap decreased from 7.4 to 6.9. Confidence is up. Swagger is up (well hopefully, there’s not real data around that one! ).

It’s not lost on me that these numbers could be from the fact that I’ve put a significant focus on putting during this testing period and a multitude of other factors can contribute to better putting statistics.

The looks, feel, design and build quality are all top notch (so is the ball picker upper)!

The general golfing population that talked to me about the putter gawked at the price, but praised the easy, smooth feel.

It took me a lot of putting changes and practice to get used to the DF3 and L.A.B. putting style.

I would encourage anyone to give the DF3 a try, and if you’re struggling with it, reach out to this forum thread or LAB for assistance and questions. Their responses were concise and helpful when we were going through the fitting process and they have a desire to help you perform at your best.

Not to mention, it passed the pontoon putt test on the first try :

 

Edited 9 hours ago by jbern
typos

[Ian Toynbee]

Thanks for that succinct (executive) summary on your LAB testing. The bottom line is you are a better player with it in the bag

[CFreddie]

Great final reviews @Cfhandyman, @jbern, and @MattWillGolf - my final review has been posted as well ("final" being relative - this thread will definitely remain active for sometime ).

First off, I want to thank MGS & LAB for their trust & support - it was an honor to test the DF3 with the incredible group of testers.  Second, I want to thank all of the testers for their dedication (especially our friend to the north, @Cfhandyman) - every one of you is truly first class.

To conclude - I think we all know who won the battle between the Wookie & the Scotty...

[No3PuttLaLa]

After reading the reviews and positive feedback, I am really looking forward to my DF3 arriving now! Great work to the testers and absolutely amazing write ups! 

[Cfhandyman]

21 hours ago, jbern said:

 Not to mention, it passed the pontoon putt test on the first try :

 

What an epic test.  Wish I thought of that.  Well done.  Thank goodness you didn't perform the "Stadler test"

[Cfhandyman]

22 hours ago, MattWillGolf said:

My final review of the L.A.B. Golf DF3 named Nemo is now live. It was such a privilege to take part in this test. I would like to express my gratitude to L.A.B. Golf, My Golf Spy, @GolfSpy_APH and @GolfSpy SAM for their guidance throughout the process, to my fellow testers @jbern @CFreddie @Steve F @GolfSpy MPR.

I want to especially recognize our fellow tester @Cfhandyman for absolutely going above and beyond. He genuinely added to whole testing process with his time and talent. Chris created a testing experience unmatched by any test I have been blessed to take part. Thank you, Sir! 

P.S. I do have a spreadsheet of my Strokes Gained data is anyone is interested. I could not manage to find a way to attach it to my review.

Matt, thank you for the very kind words.  I couldn't have done it without the help, input and collaboration of all the great testers, @jbern, @CFreddie, @Steve F, @GolfSpy MPR and of course yourself @MattWillGolf.   A special thanks to @GolfSpy_APH and @GolfSpy SAM for their ongoing help, support and guidance and all their behind the scenes work.  An extra big thank you to L.A.B. for their support and help and for making this test a reality.  The L.A.B. DF3 is an exceptional putter.

10 hours ago, CFreddie said:

Great final reviews @Cfhandyman, @jbern, and @MattWillGolf - my final review has been posted as well ("final" being relative - this thread will definitely remain active for sometime ).

First off, I want to thank MGS & LAB for their trust & support - it was an honor to test the DF3 with the incredible group of testers.  Second, I want to thank all of the testers for their dedication (especially our friend to the north, @Cfhandyman) - every one of you is truly first class.

To conclude - I think we all know who won the battle between the Wookie & the Scotty...

Chris, thank you for the very kind words.  Everyone was exceptional in this testing opportunity.

[Cfhandyman]

Week 10 regular summary and highlights

In the excitement of the final reviews being posted, we haven't forgotten about the weekly highlights.  So without further ado.

@Ian ToynbeeFor me, how a putter performs from 4 to 15 feet is the key. Success in this range avoids the pesky 3 putts and rewards good chips for up and downs and full shots in, whether for birdies or pars

@arodrig29 Completely agree my friend 

@jbern As seen in several of my on-course putting posts, I am tracking every on-course putt with a lot of detail. I was going to save this little chart for the final review, but since you mentioned it, here's where my stats are since using the DF3:

@Cfhandyman  Wow @jbern outstanding information.  It looks like Dory is up to the task.  Well done.

@Cfhandyman You have a valid point.  When we look to evaluate putters some of the key metrics are number of overall putts, one putts, vs. two vs. three putts as well as make percentage from 5 feet and in and 10 feet and in.  One of the things you will want to know is what does the data actually show and is there a reason why make percentage might be better.  We know from the Quintic data, that face angle of the putter dictates approximately 90% of the start direction of a putt.  Path accounts for the remainder.  Putting this into practical terms, if your face angle is 2 degrees or more open or closed at impact, you will always miss that 5 foot putt every single time.

For an 8 foot, putt it’s 1degree.  For a 15 foot putt it shrinks to 0.5 degrees.   We have been diligently recording our data and we will share this with you as well as the why it may or may not be better.  One of our roles is to take all this data and put it into meaningful terms that everyone can understand and relate to as well as explain why we see this.  Thank you for your diligence in following us. As we get closer to the end, we will share our make percentages with you.  @jbern in another post has already given you a sneak preview.  One of the key metrics is from 10 feet and in.  We know from the PGA tour data the make percentage for the pros at 5, 10 and 15 to 20 feet are 82%, 41% and 19% respectively.  i.e. To make a 20 foot putt, the face angle of the putter would need to be 0.25 degrees or less at impact and this also presumes you get the read of the green correct.

@GolfSpy MPR

@cnosil The AVERAGE make percentage is about 50%. Over the entire 23/23 season Maverick McNealry made 70.45% of his 8 footers.  James Hahn made 35.14%.   For the current  partial season the best is 73.68 and the worst is 23.08. 

@GolfSpy SAM Fun update: 28 putts on Friday, including 9 1-putts.  One 3-putt, which was honestly just a case of me being greedy on a par 5 where'd I'd hit the stick chipping up to the back pin, and tried to ram in the birdie putt from 8 feet, and then missed a 6-foot slider coming back.  My playing partner commented multiple times on how fun it was to watch the end-over-end roll of the ball off the DF3.  "You must really like that putter" he said after 9 holes. I do indeed

@Rearviewmirror Hey folks, chiming in with my (unofficial) experience with the DF3. I'm now seven rounds in and I feel like I'm hitting my stride - including dropping my first >20ft putt in a long time.  I think I mentioned earlier in this thread, but I collected some data on distance of second putts before switching to the DF3 from my Mezz. Long lag putting had been my nemesis with the Mezz, in spite of everything inside of 10ft feeling pretty automatic.

Here's second putt data for all putts (green line is DF3) - lower is better:

Here's second putt data for putts where the first putt is 15ft or greater (green line is DF3) - lower is better:

On Arccos, the club stats for the DF3 are 0.03 strokes lost, the Mezz was -0.07.  This bad boy is definitely a keeper for me! I feel like it has really started to shine recently and I played on what I would consider the fastest greens I've ever played on - probably around a 12.5 stimp. Not only did the DF3 keep up, but putting was one of my best attributes that round. I feel like it'll only continue to improve as I get even more dialled.

@Cfhandyman Great recap and overview. Glad to see your finding your stride with the DF3. Thanks for sharing. 

@MattWillGolfGreat detail on your putting stats. Arccos definitely offers a lot more that Shot Scope when it comes to putting. You indeed do get what you pay for. Thanks for adding on the thread.

@Rearviewmirror I think the biggest change has been comfort level on different speeds of greens. I've played four different courses in four days and been rolling it well across all of them. Now that I feel like I have my DF3 putting grooved, I'll be interested to see how I go on my home course!

@jbern I don't have a "home course" and have been playing several different courses and have found the transition between green speeds to be fairly smooth. That being said, I don't think I've ever played on a course that's running at 12.5! What do you think your home course typically runs at? Hopefully your transition back to your home course will be easy peasy! 

@Cfhandyman Sam puttlab vs quintichttps://forum.mygolfspy.com/topic/64035-lab-df3-putters-2024-forum-review/?do=findComment&comment=1089023

@GolfSpy MPR Indoor putting data collection is complete!

Pretty early on, and consistently throughout the test, this became a two-horse race between the Evnroll and the L.A.B. Despite the Edel being my primary gamer since I tested it for the Forum back in 2021, it was just not keeping up with the others. And that's even true when excluding the HackMotion from the numbers: the Edel was last by a decent gap in every category.  So this chart combines the distance control and face angle scores, but by distance:

This, I think, is enlightening. While the Evnroll still has the highest total score (an average of 73.6), the DF3 is only factionally behind (73.4). More importantly for me, though: the gap on short putts between the Evnroll and the L.A.B. is quite large. Overall, the numbers being what they are, I have to declare the Evnroll the objective winner of this portion of my testing. But if I look at that last chart, especially, I think there's a good case there for me to do what I plan to do: keep using my DF3. This data would indicate that I'll be nearly as good from medium and long-ranges with the L.A.B. as I would be with the Evnoll, but then as I get closer to the hole, I would expect to make more putts with the DF3.

@CFreddie Excellent summary @GolfSpy MPR- it looks like you are going to have a hard decision at the end of testing.  Regardless, VERY impressive performance across all three putters!!!

@Cfhandyman Michael, superb job and a lot of great data here and lots of work.  The one thing the armlock method does very well is dramatically reduce face rotation and hence better control of face angle, so no surprise that it performed well.  The Ex putt data was very interesting in that essentially the Evnroll and L.A.B. are neck and neck, where the biggest differentiator is on short putts.  What would be fascinating to know, does this experience mirror what you see on the course and from ten feet an in, which of the two putters would be your go to?  Great job and well done.

@GolfSpy MPR So this is a great question.

@Rearviewmirror really wish Arccos allowed user generated reports for this exact reason!  Your experience is very similar to mine. I'm not making many putts outside of 13ft with the DF3, but I feel like everything inside 13ft has a chance, and most putts from 20-25 are kick ins. The stress reduction and the ability to jar almost everything inside 6ft is well worth the lack of bombs dropping!

@Cfhandyman @GolfSpy MPR, very nice overview and comparison.  I'm assuming strokes gained information is in comparison to a 0 handicap?  What jumped out for me is the significant increase you saw in the 3-5 foot putts as well as 6-9 foot range putts.  Those 10 to 14 footers will start dropping soon.  Well done.

@jbern Great collection of data from your putting "lab" with all of your gamer putters! I do like your conclusion about having an objectively better "short" (5-15ft) putting game and being marginally worse for putts over 15ft. That sounds like a good way to lower scores, in my opinion

@G-Ram Ordered a DF3 2 weeks ago, sadly be about 4 more before it ships, I was told   Bummer, it's going to miss my trip to Cabot Cliffs!

@Jim ShawI'm sure you know this but the "Cabot" group is building a course in Revelstoke, a lot closer than than the Cabot Trail for you... I should be able to take a look at the Revelstoke property as I am heading to Revelstoke for the BC seniors in July.

@jbern I completed my final Exputt Analysis session and Dory, the L.A.B. DF3 showed up! Once again, I obtained my personal best with a score of 79.2

@MattWillGolf Nemo and I hit course this morning. It was a pretty good day of it. We played nine holes. I carded 17 putts in total. It consisted of two 3-putts, four 2-putts and three 1-putts. One of the 1-putts was a 25-footer. I was definitely pleased. Nemo is continuing to perform well as a "Texas wedge". 

@MattWillGolfI had another session today on the practice green with the DF3. Today Nemo took on a blast from the past. A bronze Ping Anser with a sound slot. This is a putter that just strikes an aesthetic note with me.

I must say that I have gotten so used to a heavier putter and the Anser felt so light. There is a definite difference between the performance of the two putters. I am definitely a mallet putter. The Ping Anser will always have a place in my heart but not in my bag.  (Testing note: Pink Floyd is my go-to listen during testing. For today's session it was Animals)

@ole gray I ordered a DF3 Armlock recently and looking forward to it splitting bag time with my Mezz Max broom!  I had some some good moments with the standard DF3 however I found for me, distance control works better with my broom and hopefully the armlock can do the same.

@CfhandymanYou will have to let us know how the Armlock and the Broom compare to each other.  Many people will be interested in this.

@Cfhandyman Does the L.A.B. DF3 represent good value?  We are in the final stretch of testing with the final reviews coming within the week.  The results so far have been very encouraging, yet people will want to know, does the L.A.B. DF3 represent good value for the money?  Well, how do you define value in a putter.  With respect to the price, I look at quality, brand/design, alignment, feel, weight, balance, stability, forgiveness, smoothness of stroke, face angle control as well as overall performance. The definition of value will also differ for people.

   Versus

  When we look at the current Club Champion data, three of the L.A.B. putters are in the top 5 in terms of sales, for Q1/Q2, 2024 along with the Odyssey A1 #7 and TM Spider Tour. 

On course results: L.A.B. DF3 versus Evnroll after 4, 9 and 15 rounds using 0 handicap as a comparator (Arccos data)

@Cfhandyman Pro tip: Get fit for your putter, at the very least do the online fitting video with L.A.B. to get your correct measurements.  If the stock lengths of 34 and 35” with a lie angle of 69 degrees work for you and you like black, the standard model offers very good value for the money.  For the more budget conscious, consider either the L.A.B. DF2.1 ($50 cheaper) or go to their outlet store ( https://labgolfoutlet.com )   There are several discount codes available (Use WELCOME10, or COGORNO or BUSTAJACK10 to take 10% off your putter order, but only orders through L.A.B.).  Customization takes the price to $559, but allows you to really get the right length and lie putter with a choice of 4 shafts , 7 grip options and head weights (heavier, standard and lighter).  You can select from a choice of 8 colours and over 45 different alignment aids.  You can even combine alignment aid options for the ultimate in customization so for the extra $110 you’re getting a lot. Summary:  In my mind and hands, the L.A.B. DF3 is an exceptional putter. Its high quality with a very smooth feel, weight and balance.  It provides excellent face control keeping the putts on line.  It performs exceedingly well on the golf course and this was backed up by test results on Quintic, the gold standard for putter testing/fitting.  As a result, for me, the L.A.B. DF3 represents very good value for the money and is definitely highly recommended.

@Bucky CC $958 for an increase of 0.6 in strokes gained putting.  I know everyone is different when it comes to money but this is a tough sell for me.  It would be really interesting to see is how a similar skill level golfer would do with almost $1k in lessons.  I would bet they would see a much greater improvement in their game.  That's not meant to be a knock on the DF3 at all.  I think in general people would be much better off spending money on lessons over the latest and greatest club.

@GolfSpy SAM While your point is valid and understood, I think the idea that 90% of golfers would be wise enough to spend 1k in lessons vs. buying a new club, we just know for a fact that's not happening.  If this WAS true, there would be almost no market for new clubs at all, lol, considering an embarrassingly high percentage of 'us' (lumping myself in here, even though lessons are what changed my game two years ago) buy new equipment hoping for 'the fix.'

I can tell you, without a shadow of a doubt, that putting a L.A.B. into my bag legitimately changed my game (this is after the lessons, mind you Having confidence that I'm hitting my line, every time, allowed me to focus more on reading putts (I genuinely hated putting - I never knew why I was missing (pull? push? bad read? All three?).  Gaining confidence in my putting then allowed me to focus more on my chipping, because I knew if I could put it within 8-ish feet I'd have a REALLY good chance at a one-putt.  Gaining confidence in my chipping has freed up my longer irons, knowing if I can just get it up near the green, I've got a really good chance at putting it close (and, again, therefore a chance at 1-putt).  

It's snowballed, and all because of one club.  

So while I don't disagree that .6 SG per round doesn't sound all that impressive (even though it genuinely is, statistically), it's the confidence the putter has brought to my game that has made me better - and I 100% think 1k (in this case, for me, mind you - others are obviously different) would be worth it.

@Cfhandyman @Bucky CC you bring up a valid and very good point.  I wanted to be totally transparent and that's why I included the caveat.  Most of us if not all, would definitely benefit from lessons, especially putting and short game lessons.  I know I have.  Sadly, most have not taken lessons, let alone putting lessons.  

1K for a putter (or driver) is an absolute no go for many.  I perfectly understand that and get it.  With the L.A.B. putter I have and tested, L.A.B. very graciously allowed the testers to customize and for that I'm very thankful and grateful.  This is an exceptional putter.  Having played with an upgraded putter shaft (BGT Stability) for many years, I know the difference it can make.  So I was rather intrigued by the TPT shaft.  It is, as described, an exceptionally good shaft, responsive with great feel and feedback.  The cost of the TPT shaft alone is $399, almost the cost of the stock putter.  It's, analogous to putting in the Autoflex shaft into your driver. i.e. very expensive.  Is it worth it? That depends.  For many no, in that they will not be able to readily discern the difference or see little difference.  But for some, they will see and feel a big difference.  The one thing the L.A.B. DF3 has given me is tremendous confidence in that I can make those short putts routinely.  i.e. if I miss the green, I can chip it to 5 or 6 feet, make the putt and still walk away with par.  The other is that if I get the line and speed right, I can make putts from long distance (>20 feet).  The putts really hold there line and this is attributable to the excellent face control of the L.A.B.   The point I wanted to make is that the L.A.B. is a really good putter.  I hope that. helps, but I totally understand and get your point.

@Jim Shaw@Cfhandyman, I have been tuned into the LAB putter since your team started testing. Keeping an eye out (as you know) for competitive golfers that use it. My takeaway is, some golfers look really really comfortable using it, some look really really uncomfortable using it, so what that tells me is it isn't for the masses, and just to quantify the ones I have seen are the broomstick style, so to @Bucky CC's point and to yours, go and test drive one, if you are the one that really really feels comfortable using this style of putter it will make a difference to your game. Just my take on it..

@MattWillGolfWith the test winding down, I decided to get one last test session in. I went back to testing Nemo against my Evnroll ER7 as that putter seems to offer the stiffest competition.

@MattWillGolf Taking care of your LAB putter - Instructions

"Who wouldn't want to be wiped down with a dab of oil from time to time?" – Line of the week

@ZJeb67 I've often got advice to RTFM. - Line of the week

Read
The
F (fine? fantastic? fabulous? flawless? )
Manual

@BobBC78 Well, I made a serious mistake this morning. Having some time to kill while a grip was being changed at my local Golf Galaxy, I did what I usually do....checked out putters. Unfortunately, I tried a counter balanced DF3 and counter balanced Mezz. The DF3 was flat out the best balanced and most stable putter that I have tried and now, despite the $619.00 price tag,   I want one badly Needless to say, I'll now be following this thread closely, particularly @jbern and @GolfSpy MPR who are testing the counter balanced model!

@yungkory So I uhhhh did a thing earlier this month.  The Link.1 experiment was a fail and I ended up selling it to fund my journey back to a DF. Unfortunate that I won't have it in time for my round on Sunday but I'm glad the wait is over finally. DF3 SQUAD

@Clemsonfan I did the same thing! I went to my local GG to pull the trigger on a 35” green DF3 with a white Accra shaft and a Pistol grip, but it had been sold! Only DF3’s left were a black counterbalanced at 38”. I dislike fat grips on putters, but rolled that putter great, at least in the store! I think the lack of shaft lean really appealed to me! Have been away for a few weeks, but really eager to try again

@jbern Welcome to the DF3 squad! You're going to love the blue color and it seems like the testers with the press pistol 2 degree really like it also! What did you have on your LINK and what went wrong with it? I've had a few strangers who talk to me about my DF3 ask about the LINK and I'm not always sure what to tell them. I usually say something along the lines of "I don't know about the LINK, but the DF series is their most touted anti-torque model, so I would start there.

@yungkory I went from DF 2.1 to Link and now DF3. Link was built to my 2.1 specs with the exception of the shaft. I have a stability tour in the 2.1, the Link had their Accra. So, my DF3 is pretty much the same build as my Link was, with the exception of the grip.

I wanted something smaller than my 2.1 and felt like going Mezz would be too similar. Which sounds funny now that I've ordered a DF3, but I found in the process of the Link test that I'm just not a blade person. Maybe I'm just not good enough for a blade, even one loaded with tech. I could really feel when I didn't hit the middle, or hit it low/high in the grooves. Granted some of them went in, it just felt less automatic than the 2.1.

On the 2.1, it is just too big man. Like it works, but if you're near the collar of the green you can get affected by the sheer mass of the head. The results I've read in this test helped me pull the trigger on the DF3, that and the fact that I think I just putt better with a mallet.

@Rearviewmirror @yungkory you'll be a happy man.

I continue to feel exceedingly confident that I have found my gamer putter. Sunk a nice 12 footer today too