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

[GolfSpy_KFT]

Excellent round recap @Cfhandyman! So first question that bears to mind for me is how different the LAB feels during the stroke compared to a more traditional style putter? I know the goal behind the lie angle balance is that the putt will start the ball on the line you hit it to. I found when rolling it at a PGATSS, I was consistently missing left, a push for me. Maybe this signals that I compensate for that with my Scotty? Just wondering what your early impression is with how the ball reacts to the intended line, and if your intended line was as true as you expected it to be? Hopefully all that mumbo jumbo makes sense

[Cfhandyman]

6 minutes ago, CFreddie said:

Great write-up @Cfhandyman - looks like the LAB Rat started off strong.  Did you need to do any prep / practice ahead of time in terms of getting used to the stroke (such as the "thumbs off" drill)?  

I've got a couple rounds planned in a couple days, but hoping to get some putting green time between now and then so I'm not starting off cold.

PS - no sight of FedEx yet 

Chris, no warm up or thumbs off drills and I started the round with little to no warm up putting.  I am very confident that Chewie, Nemo and Dory find there forever home today. 

[CFreddie]

 Lunch time update...

 

Wow, all I can say is, WOW!  The quality of this build is incredible - sharing some quick pictures (will post unboxing video  shortly as well)!!!

Edited May 8 by CFreddie

[Cfhandyman]

Just now, GolfSpy_KFT said:

Excellent round recap @Cfhandyman! So first question that bears to mind for me is how different the LAB feels during the stroke compared to a more traditional style putter? I know the goal behind the lie angle balance is that the putt will start the ball on the line you hit it to. I found when rolling it at a PGATSS, I was consistently missing left, a push for me. Maybe this signals that I compensate for that with my Scotty? Just wondering what your early impression is with how the ball reacts to the intended line, and if your intended line was as true as you expected it to be? Hopefully all that mumbo jumbo makes sense

The LAB felt very very smooth, almost pendulum like.  I got the heavier head with the L.A.B.  With my current putter it has a BGT stability shaft so very similar to the TPT shaft, very stable, smooth and perhaps a bit less feedback, but still excellent.  I found it was really easy to align the putter with the line on my ball.  My putting style is generally straight back and straight through with minimal arc.  Grip pressure was light.  I found for me the ball almost always started on its intended line.  I had one of their training videos by Sam and in the back of my head, "take it back and let gravity do its thing".  So first round went well, however we will see how it performs over multiple rounds as well as greens with varying speeds.  The greens I played were quick, but consistent and the roll was true, so I'm sure that also contributed.  When I test it on Quintic, one of the things I will be looking at is face angle control, but also for my reference putters (Evnroll Tourstroke, Scotty Cameron Phantom X 11 and Odyssey Exo 7).  It will be a head to head test.

[Cfhandyman]

3 minutes ago, CFreddie said:

 Lunch time update...

Wow, all I can say is, WOW!  The quality of this build is incredible - sharing some quick pictures (will post unboxing video  shortly as well)!!!

Wow, that's absolutely gorgeous.  Cappuccino colour looks far better in person than online.  Love the simple and elegant alignment.

[GolfSpy_KFT]

18 minutes ago, CFreddie said:

 Lunch time update...

 

Wow, all I can say is, WOW!  The quality of this build is incredible - sharing some quick pictures (will post unboxing video  shortly as well)!!!

 

 

@CFreddie one word...STUNNING! 

Wow! I can honestly say cappuccino was not ever in my sights for colors but that thing is incredible!

[Steve F]

1 hour ago, CFreddie said:

 Lunch time update...

 

Wow, all I can say is, WOW!  The quality of this build is incredible - sharing some quick pictures (will post unboxing video  shortly as well)!!!

 

 

Wow! You all have me wondering why I always stick with "basic black". That is truly a gorgeous putter! And I love the alignment marking choice! ... now let me clear the drool....!

[jbern]

1 hour ago, CFreddie said:

 Lunch time update...

 

Wow, all I can say is, WOW!  The quality of this build is incredible - sharing some quick pictures (will post unboxing video  shortly as well)!!!

 

 

Wow, wow wow! Chewie looks great! Your photos are giving me second thoughts on weather or not I should've went with cappuccino! The three dots gives a simple, confident look, to me. Especially in the picture where you're addressing the ball! Great stuff and great photos!

[jbern]

2 hours ago, Cfhandyman said:

First round with DF3 the LAB rat, aka the gimme getter

Overall:  An excellent opening start to the testing of the L.A.B. DF3.  This is a seriously good putter.  Great weight, feel and balance.  Alignment and distance control were outstanding. Precision and accuracy are the two words that keep coming up when I think of this putter and the results convey that.  Very similar putting stats versus my historical 50 round average, although with subtle and slight differences. Is it ready to replace my Evnroll in the bag?  Ah, not so fast. We’re still a long way, many more rounds and much testing from there.  However, an intriguing and impressive opening start.

Looks:  the DF3 is noticeably sleeker and significantly smaller than the DF2.1  In person, the putter, while still unique looking, is gorgeous.  You grow to love its unique and intoxicating looks.  However, the DF3 is still a large putter.   It didn’t take long (first hole) for someone to say, what the hell is that. It’s a L.A.B.  A what?  But of course, they had to try it.

Sound: Soft, but firm muted feel little higher in pitch than the Evnroll.

Alignment: Exceptional alignment, very easy to align with line on my ball, Callaway Chrome soft X LS triple track 

Feel, weight and balance:  Great feel, weight and balance. Love how it’s sits and lies. The stroke is very very smooth.  It provided great feedback and was very consistent, precise

Shaft/grip: Impressed by the feedback provided by LAB / TPT shaft. Very stable and instant feedback. Pistol grip felt super comfortable and felt great in my hands

Distance control:  excellent, almost made a 60’ missed by 3 inches, phenomenal feel and control. Impressed from long distance.  It was very consistent, no 3 putts, 5 one putts in a round where I had 4 putts of 50’ or more longish putts, which normally is prime three putt territory.  The lone birdie in the round was a 23' putt.

Stats:   Puttings stats (Arccos data) for round. Played TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley on the newly and extensively renovated North course.  In short, this is now a championship level course.  Overall, 31 putts, 5 single putts and 13 two putts.  No 3 putts.  In terms of putts/round, it was very similar to historical values (see below).

Round Summary (Arccos) compared to a 0 handicap

VERSUS  (Evnroll/Stability/Gravity grip combination) - Historical Control

My putting statistics from Arccos over the last 50 rounds compared to a 0 handicap

Comments:   Inside 5’ felt almost automatic,  within 10’ also very good.  As the round progressed, I felt more and more confident I could consistently make putts 10’ and less.  I made several long putts.  Another nice little touch, the hole in the putter makes it easy to pick up the ball, also known as the gimme getter.

The first few holes, I left putts uncharacteristically short by 3-4’. At this point, my wife commented you putt better with the Evnroll. Well the LAB heard that and then began to show its mettle.  I felt that once you get the proper read, set your alignment and then all you need to do is just get the ball rolling along its intended line.  Basically, take it back with your usual stroke and then let the putter do its thing.  Nice start to the testing of the DF3.

TPC Toronto North course – this is now a championship course. Every hole has been renovated and improved.  Lengthened, fairways narrowed, bunkers rebuilt and added and now come into play on every hole. They now have PGA level sand, beautiful and predictable.  The rough is very lush and thick.  The biggest improvement has been made in its green complexes, re-sloped and graded with lots of run off areas.  It is now a much tougher course and places a premium on shot making.   Yet, it’s fair, but requires a lot more thought and thinking as you play each hole. With putts you need to get speed and break correct.   Absolutely loved the redesign by Ian Andrew.  It will be a worthy test for the pros, but yet equally and thoroughly enjoyable for the public.   They are hosting the final qualifier for this year’s Canadian Open on the North course.  In my opinion, this is now a venue worthy of a future Canadian open.  

 

Great first impressions write-up @Cfhandyman! Reading about no three-putts really speaks to me!  Do you think material or unfamiliarity are reasons why you left the first few putts short by 3-4'? 

It's also interesting to read about your course renovations at TPC Toronto North! Thanks for sharing and it sounds awesome!

[MattWillGolf]

The FedEx delivery window has come and gone.

 

I’m going for a run.

[SirPrised]

3 hours ago, GolfSpy_KFT said:

Excellent round recap @Cfhandyman! So first question that bears to mind for me is how different the LAB feels during the stroke compared to a more traditional style putter? I know the goal behind the lie angle balance is that the putt will start the ball on the line you hit it to. I found when rolling it at a PGATSS, I was consistently missing left, a push for me. Maybe this signals that I compensate for that with my Scotty? Just wondering what your early impression is with how the ball reacts to the intended line, and if your intended line was as true as you expected it to be? Hopefully all that mumbo jumbo makes sense

I had the same experience. I think I must be so used to closing the face of my current putter that it almost feels like this putter is trying to hold itself open as I swing it. It's an interesting experience in feel vs real. 

[GolfSpy_KFT]

27 minutes ago, SirPrised said:

I had the same experience. I think I must be so used to closing the face of my current putter that it almost feels like this putter is trying to hold itself open as I swing it. It's an interesting experience in feel vs real. 

For sure. I have no doubt with enough practice, it would make a difference in my putting game. That said, it's not necessarily a weak point for me, but I will be super intrigued as to what the testers find!

The feel during the stroke was quite different than the Scotty, that's for sure!

[ole gray]

5 hours ago, Cfhandyman said:

Wow, that's absolutely gorgeous.  Cappuccino colour looks far better in person than online.  Love the simple and elegant alignment.

 

Yea I love the three dot alignment aid too! 

[MattWillGolf]

I am pleased to announce the arrival of Nemo. 34.5” long and a bit heavier. For reasons not entirely clear to me I went with an orange putter.

Edited May 7 by MattWillGolf

[Josh Parker]

The color choices have been on fire!  I will say, the green is prob still my top choice but everyone did well!

[Cfhandyman]

21 minutes ago, MattWillGolf said:

I am pleased to announce the arrival of Nemo. 34.5” long and a bit heavier. For reasons not entirely clear to me I went with an orange putter.

Matt, absolutely fabulous introduction and unboxing. Personally, the orange colour is a perfect match for the SF Giants uniform, the Goldfish bag, the orange balls, the orange Puttout and the Syracuse colours. Nice touch. How can Nemo possibly go wrong with all that support. Well done. 

[Northern Monkey]

6 hours ago, CFreddie said:

 Lunch time update...

 

Wow, all I can say is, WOW!  The quality of this build is incredible - sharing some quick pictures (will post unboxing video  shortly as well)!!!

 

 

I do believe we have a fight on our hands for the best looking LAB putter. This is absolutely gorgeous! I have to admit I didn’t think I’d like the cappuccino colour but it looks so much better in these pics. Great choice

[TJ Hall]

41 minutes ago, MattWillGolf said:

I am pleased to announce the arrival of Nemo. 34.5” long and a bit heavier. For reasons not entirely clear to me I went with an orange putter.

I must say, the bag of goldfish in the background is a nice touch!

[Syks7]

2 hours ago, MattWillGolf said:

I am pleased to announce the arrival of Nemo. 34.5” long and a bit heavier. For reasons not entirely clear to me I went with an orange putter.

I've been a fan of the red from the get go, but man does that look good.  Good enough to maybe change my mind, and it might grease the wheels with my wife if I went with her Clemson colors....  

[CFreddie]

Still on a high from the unboxing video, but I was able to hit a couple putts on my practice green. 
 

Overall, very impressed with the feel - very stable and crisp, but with a muted sound. I can def feel a marked difference with the TPT, as compared to the stock shaft. While I do love the feel of the grip, the visual will take a bit to get to used to - it’s quite jarring (it has 2 degrees of tilt, which I believe is in the middle). 
 

As @Cfhandyman put it earlier, you truly just have to let the putter do the work. I found myself pulling / pushing putts initially but adjusted my grip to be much lighter and I started to see the end over end roll I expected. I can’t wait to put this through some paces later this week!

 

[GolfSpy_KFT]

3 hours ago, MattWillGolf said:

I am pleased to announce the arrival of Nemo. 34.5” long and a bit heavier. For reasons not entirely clear to me I went with an orange putter.

LOVE this combo!!! My high school colors were orange, black and white and this thing is absolutely sick!

[TSauer]

10 hours ago, CFreddie said:

 Lunch time update...

 

Wow, all I can say is, WOW!  The quality of this build is incredible - sharing some quick pictures (will post unboxing video  shortly as well)!!!

 

I was really, really hoping the cappuccino didn't look SO DANG GOOD, because now I have to add one to my wishlist. I am digging your setup, that simple three dot alignment is clean.

Looking forward to hearing how you and Chewie get along!

[TSauer]

4 hours ago, Josh Parker said:

The color choices have been on fire!

Couldn't agree more! You honestly can't go wrong with any color, they all look so nice.

My question is, did anyone ever think they'd be gaming a colorful putter? Before LAB, I would have scoffed at the idea... but now, that's a different story.

[Missus]

11 hours ago, MattWillGolf said:

I am pleased to announce the arrival of Nemo. 34.5” long and a bit heavier. For reasons not entirely clear to me I went with an orange putter.

Such an awesome choice of color  

Congratz to all the testers! Can’t wait to hear it from you all! Sitting here drooling looking at the pic

[Rob Person]

Wow!  Did I ever miss alot in one day!  Love the color choices and the unboxings!!

[TJ Hall]

This is one of my favorite test threads…you guys are rocking it!

[MattWillGolf]

9 hours ago, TSauer said:

Couldn't agree more! You honestly can't go wrong with any color, they all look so nice.

My question is, did anyone ever think they'd be gaming a colorful putter? Before LAB, I would have scoffed at the idea... but now, that's a different story.

I certainly never thought about gaming a color other than silver or black for a putter. On occasion I’d pop into TaylorMade’s MySpider tool and play around with different colors but that was more for fun. But with L.A.B. Golf it seems like they encourage “colorful” expression. And in the group section for this test everyone was embracing the idea of the different color options which further encouraged me to go with orange. Not gonna lie, I’m still disappointed @Cfhandyman didn’t go with pink as he initially hinted.

[jbern]

15 hours ago, MattWillGolf said:

I am pleased to announce the arrival of Nemo. 34.5” long and a bit heavier. For reasons not entirely clear to me I went with an orange putter.

Wow, I did not expect Nemo to be camo, but at your house he is!  Great unboxing video and I think you made the proper color choice! Anyone who has orange colors in there history is going to want that beautiful thing! Please tell me your gamer golf ball is orange? 

[jbern]

12 hours ago, CFreddie said:

Still on a high from the unboxing video, but I was able to hit a couple putts on my practice green. 
 

Overall, very impressed with the feel - very stable and crisp, but with a muted sound. I can def feel a marked difference with the TPT, as compared to the stock shaft. While I do love the feel of the grip, the visual will take a bit to get to used to - it’s quite jarring (it has 2 degrees of tilt, which I believe is in the middle). 
 

As @Cfhandyman put it earlier, you truly just have to let the putter do the work. I found myself pulling / pushing putts initially but adjusted my grip to be much lighter and I started to see the end over end roll I expected. I can’t wait to put this through some paces later this week!

 

Great unboxing video! The cap color just keeps getting better and better! I'm very impressed! The simple 3-dot alignment is stellar and I'm hoping that my combo alignments don't look too busy for me, but I guess we will find out! 

Did you do any of the practice tips from the LAB videos (e.g. "no thumbs")?

[jbern]

10 hours ago, TSauer said:

Couldn't agree more! You honestly can't go wrong with any color, they all look so nice.

My question is, did anyone ever think they'd be gaming a colorful putter? Before LAB, I would have scoffed at the idea... but now, that's a different story.

I used a bronze blade putter in HS (I don't know if that counts as colorful), but the resale market is pretty much exclusively black and grey. So no, I did not expect to be gaming a solid blue putter, but I love that LAB promotes and supports personality with their bold color choices. It is interesting that none of us went with the grey-ish colors!