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

[Fongle]

Finally got a chance to read all the final reviews, awesome job by all the testers. Looks like this a really fun test. Well done all!

[cnosil]

4 hours ago, GolfSpy MPR said:

Another interesting instructional video from Sam Hahn of L.A.B., just posted today:

I'd be interested in asking the other testers (and other L.A.B. users): what (if anything) are your feels/focuses when putting with a L.A.B.?

I should note here: all my work with the ExPutt confirms something I've known for years: my path is garbage. I'm regularly about 5° out to in (can be more on short putts, typically less on longer putts). I think it was @cnosil who perceptively asked how that kind of stroke would work with L.A.B.'s technology. So far, the answer has been "just fine."

The key, if I'm thinking correctly, is that the DF3 (and others) are lie angle balanced, not path balanced. So long as you maintain the lie angle of the DF3, you could in theory move the Revealer in any number of convoluted paths without making the DF3 start spinning.

yes, it was me that asked the question.   The question was related to LABs claim that:  "unlike other putters, it keeps the putter face square to the arc throughout the stroke."    This typically means that the LAB has zero rotation and zero rotation is when the putter face remains square to the arc at any given point throughout the swing. In other words, the rotation is measured at any given point on the arc and should remain perpendicular to the tangent of the arc.  This makes sense for a perfect arc but not for one that is biased left or right.

The instructional video that you posted Sam is presenting some of the concepts that Geoff Mangum teaches and shows in his content.  IMO, the interesting thing is that that is how you should be putting with any putter and if you control your hands and keep the putter on plane any putter will be "square at arc" since barely any grip pressure will keep the putter in the same orientation.  

[jbern]

17 hours ago, GolfSpy MPR said:

I'd be interested in asking the other testers (and other L.A.B. users): what (if anything) are your feels/focuses when putting with a L.A.B.?

At address, I have been feeling that the putter rests against my index and middle fingers, which helps take the thumbs out. During the stroke, I tell myself "straight back, follow through with confidence." That's been working pretty well.

I'm not sure I like the cheese slicer analogy... makes it sound like I should be putting significant effort into keeping things straight. Maybe the cheese I slice is hard or the knife I use isn't sharp enough...

[cnosil]

14 minutes ago, jbern said:

I'm not sure I like the cheese slicer analogy... makes it sound like I should be putting significant effort into keeping things straight. Maybe the cheese I slice is hard or the knife I use isn't sharp enough...

IMO, what he was really saying is not to manipulate the hands and try to keep them in the same orientation throughout the stroke.  It isn’t about effort but making a straight cut from the back or the ball to the front of the ball along the target line.  

[jbern]

12 hours ago, cnosil said:

since barely any grip pressure will keep the putter in the same orientation.  

Now that I'm so used to the DF3, I kind of disagree with this statement. Whenever I use a different putter, like my playing partner's Scotty or my brother's SeeMore, they feel extremely squirrelly throughout the stroke. There probably isn't much "actual" grip pressure required, but there's definitely something there that's smoothing out the torque with the DF3 (not sure if torque is the right word to use here, but it's the best I could come up with at the moment).

 

17 minutes ago, cnosil said:

IMO, what he was really saying is not to manipulate the hands and try to keep them in the same orientation throughout the stroke.  It isn’t about effort but making a straight cut from the back or the ball to the front of the ball along the target line.

Yes, I think I understand the sentiment he's going for. Maybe I'll think about slicing cheese next time I practice putting.

[MattWillGolf]

Greetings L.A.B. Rats,

Sam Hahn, L.A.B. Golf CEO just posted this video that I found interesting.

 

[bens197]

6 minutes ago, MattWillGolf said:

Greetings L.A.B. Rats,

Sam Hahn, L.A.B. Golf CEO just posted this video that I found interesting.

 

Mind blown. 
 

I would use the back of my left hand as a reference to keep the club moving towards my intermediate target. 
 

Putting the scorecard on the flat aspect and keeping that aspect makes a ton of sense. 
 

Sam is awesome. 

[cnosil]

1 hour ago, jbern said:

Now that I'm so used to the DF3, I kind of disagree with this statement. Whenever I use a different putter, like my playing partner's Scotty or my brother's SeeMore, they feel extremely squirrelly throughout the stroke. There probably isn't much "actual" grip pressure required, but there's definitely something there that's smoothing out the torque with the DF3 (not sure if torque is the right word to use here, but it's the best I could come up with at the moment).

Torque is the right term.  It is your reaction to the movement of the putter.    That feeling you don’t like is something I do like which is why equipment works differently for everyone.   

[Cfhandyman]

 

19 hours ago, GolfSpy MPR said:

Another interesting instructional video from Sam Hahn of L.A.B., just posted today:

I'd be interested in asking the other testers (and other L.A.B. users): what (if anything) are your feels/focuses when putting with a L.A.B.?

I should note here: all my work with the ExPutt confirms something I've known for years: my path is garbage. I'm regularly about 5° out to in (can be more on short putts, typically less on longer putts). I think it was @cnosil who perceptively asked how that kind of stroke would work with L.A.B.'s technology. So far, the answer has been "just fine."

For why it works, engage with me in a bit of imaginative speculation. I think most of us on this thread know what the Revealer is. If not, you can get a quick peek here (it is essentially a frame that allows the putter to rotate freely while being swung):

The key, if I'm thinking correctly, is that the DF3 (and others) are lie angle balanced, not path balanced. So long as you maintain the lie angle of the DF3, you could in theory move the Revealer in any number of convoluted paths without making the DF3 start spinning.

So (to land this discussion) that tends to be my main "swing thought" when putting with the DF3: maintain the lie angle. My main setup thought is to try to have the feel of the my forearms being in a line with the shaft; I have a tendency to raise my arms (and thus, the lie angle).

I like this part of the video best and a great drill to do with the score card.  Makes all kinds of sense.

And there's more than one way to slice the cheese.

[MattWillGolf]

1 hour ago, bens197 said:

Mind blown. 
 

I would use the back of my left hand as a reference to keep the club moving towards my intermediate target. 
 

Putting the scorecard on the flat aspect and keeping that aspect makes a ton of sense. 
 

Sam is awesome. 

The simplicity of it

[Donn lost in San Diego]

Regarding the question of fitting the player to the putter, or vice versa:  it takes a bit of both.  The right putter and a lot of practice.  I spent and still do spend a lot of time working at it, even with a putter that I like a lot and have had for 6 months.  It is 2 inches too long, the lie is too flat.  But now that I am back for 2 months now after surgery, I will leave it alone.  I am not going to change anything until I pony up for a fitting.  Which I am beginning to think, even if I find a better fit, it will still take a lot of practice.  Since putting is not physically hard, we tend to under rate the need to spend a lot of time, and to think about what we're doing, not just hit lots of putts and hope we get better.  

[Steve F]

Good evening all! Again, my apologies for my recent absence, but I have posted my final review! I hope everyone is well! 
Hit 'em straight MGS Nation! 

[jbern]

Played 18 holes and it was an up and down round putting wise! I had 5 lip outs on the day and one was from 4 ft. I also made a nice 17 ft double breaking putt and a 15 ft putt that was dead straight and NEVER left the hole for a millisecond. I also had a run of 4 straight one-putts (all within 6 ft).

I had 33 putts overall and I found that my weakness in putting is long uphill putts. I had uphill putts of 33 ft, 35 ft, and 42 ft that I left 7-12 ft from the hole. I am most confident on putts from 10-20 feet.

 

[Syks7]

4 minutes ago, jbern said:

I found that my weakness in putting is long uphill putts. 

 

You and me both.  I struggle with the Link on  these and it's pretty much where all my three putts come from these days.

[CFreddie]

9 minutes ago, jbern said:

Played 18 holes and it was an up and down round putting wise! I had 5 lip outs on the day and one was from 4 ft. I also made a nice 17 ft double breaking putt and a 15 ft putt that was dead straight and NEVER left the hole for a millisecond. I also had a run of 4 straight one-putts (all within 6 ft).

I had 33 putts overall and I found that my weakness in putting is long uphill putts. I had uphill putts of 33 ft, 35 ft, and 42 ft that I left 7-12 ft from the hole. I am most confident on putts from 10-20 feet.

 

Great summary @jbern - at least you are starting to see the "trouble spots" and can focus practice on that type of putt.  Do you think it has to do with the CB setup, or something else?  I had so many issues with distance control on my Scotty, but those have seem to go away with the LAB.

[Cfhandyman]

33 minutes ago, jbern said:

Played 18 holes and it was an up and down round putting wise! I had 5 lip outs on the day and one was from 4 ft. I also made a nice 17 ft double breaking putt and a 15 ft putt that was dead straight and NEVER left the hole for a millisecond. I also had a run of 4 straight one-putts (all within 6 ft).

I had 33 putts overall and I found that my weakness in putting is long uphill putts. I had uphill putts of 33 ft, 35 ft, and 42 ft that I left 7-12 ft from the hole. I am most confident on putts from 10-20 feet.

 

I'm also still refining my approach to the long uphill putts as well as off the green putts.  I have adjusted by taking the putter back further in the back swing to account for a longer putt than expected.  But if I get too handsy or try to add a little oomph to the putt, it winds up hopping several times and coming up short.  Smooth pendulum like stroke is still best approach, but is still a work in progress. 

 

Edited July 11 by Cfhandyman

[jbern]

14 minutes ago, CFreddie said:

Great summary @jbern - at least you are starting to see the "trouble spots" and can focus practice on that type of putt.  Do you think it has to do with the CB setup, or something else?  I had so many issues with distance control on my Scotty, but those have seem to go away with the LAB.

I do not think it's the CB setup. If anything, I think the CB setup is mitigating the issue slightly. My guess is, for these longer uphill putts that I know are going to require some extra power, I will retort to my old way of turning the putting stroke into a golf swing and extend my arms, turn my hips, and even move my legs. This leads to poor strike, possible deceleration, and poor tempo.

22 minutes ago, Cfhandyman said:

I'm also still refining my approach to the long uphill putts as well as off the green putts.  I have adjusted by taking the putter back further in the back swing to account for a longer putt than expected.  But if I get too handsy or try to add a little oomph to the putt, it winds up hopping several times and coming up short.  Smooth pendulum like stroke is still best approach, but is still a work in progress. 

 

Yes, I think I need to make a smooth pendulum like stroke, even for the long uphill putts. Something that I need to put some practice into.

54 minutes ago, Syks7 said:

You and me both.  I struggle with the Link on  these and it's pretty much where all my three putts come from these days.

Do you find yourself coming up long or short? I am almost 50/50 on long vs. short for uphill putts over 30 ft. Since I don't have a standard miss, I think I'm just going to focus on form and stroke, like a mentioned above.

[Cfhandyman]

MGS Tester of the Week – Bill Sandefur Profile

In  the MyGolfSpy Tester of the week for the L.A.B. DF3, we are making a slight change.  We have highlighted all the official testers and moderators for the testing.  In a change of pace, we are now highlighting some of the unofficial testers for their outstanding contributions.  This weeks, Tester of the week is none other than,  @ole gray

Where he’s from:   He hails from Watkinsville, Georgia, about 15 minutes south of Athens, Georgia and a little over an hour east of Atlanta.

Who he is:   In addition to playing golf, he likes working out at the gym, & walking his dogs. One of our more humorous southern testers and has won Line of the week several times with the more memorable lines of

-          “This is going to be more fun watching than Uncle Rufus hunting for his upper plate after the state finals apple bobbing contest at the county fair! “

-          I have a DF3 on order and looking forward to chunking this dog in the bag!  “I was hooked like a bass in a pro tournament and I knew it was on like donkey kong!”

-          “I'd be confused like old Elmer Jenkins trying to pick out a new coon pup for his Friday night hunts.”

-           Yea I went with a simple three dot alignment aid as I like the simplicity of it.  Too much going on the top and I'd be confused like old Elmer Jenkins trying to pick out a new coon pup for his Friday night hunts. 

-          You better join the party hoss!  Mine should be arriving soon and I'm as excited as a fat hog on a dropped watermelon

-          Guys I ordered my DF3 on May 15th and received an email today May 30th that it was shipped!  Heck that makes me happier than a hawg drowning in a slop bucket

Current Testing:  He has a L.A.B. Mezz max broom, but now has a DF3 in the bag.  Well folks my DF3 is in the bag and the way I'm rolling the rock I see some closet time for my Mezz Max Broom! Let me tell ya'll what happened today as I was at my course practicing. A guy looked over and said, "ain't that the putter everybody is making a fuss about on the internet"! I said hell yea as sure as grits are groceries. 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.

      

Update:  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.

[CFreddie]

30 minutes ago, Cfhandyman said:

MGS Tester of the Week – Bill Sandefur Profile

In  the MyGolfSpy Tester of the week for the L.A.B. DF3, we are making a slight change.  We have highlighted all the official testers and moderators for the testing.  In a change of pace, we are now highlighting some of the unofficial testers for their outstanding contributions.  This weeks, Tester of the week is none other than,  @ole gray

 

Where he’s from:   He hails from Watkinsville, Georgia, about 15 minutes south of Athens, Georgia and a little over an hour east of Atlanta.

 

Who he is:   In addition to playing golf, he likes working out at the gym, & walking his dogs. One of our more humorous southern testers and has won Line of the week several times with the more memorable lines of

-          “This is going to be more fun watching than Uncle Rufus hunting for his upper plate after the state finals apple bobbing contest at the county fair! “

-          I have a DF3 on order and looking forward to chunking this dog in the bag!  “I was hooked like a bass in a pro tournament and I knew it was on like donkey kong!”

-          “I'd be confused like old Elmer Jenkins trying to pick out a new coon pup for his Friday night hunts.”

-           Yea I went with a simple three dot alignment aid as I like the simplicity of it.  Too much going on the top and I'd be confused like old Elmer Jenkins trying to pick out a new coon pup for his Friday night hunts. 

-          You better join the party hoss!  Mine should be arriving soon and I'm as excited as a fat hog on a dropped watermelon

-          Guys I ordered my DF3 on May 15th and received an email today May 30th that it was shipped!  Heck that makes me happier than a hawg drowning in a slop bucket

Current Testing:  He has a L.A.B. Mezz max broom, but now has a DF3 in the bag.  Well folks my DF3 is in the bag and the way I'm rolling the rock I see some closet time for my Mezz Max Broom! Let me tell ya'll what happened today as I was at my course practicing. A guy looked over and said, "ain't that the putter everybody is making a fuss about on the internet"! I said hell yea as sure as grits are groceries. 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.

      

Update:  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.

One of my favorite follows on here - shoutout to @ole gray!!!

[Rearviewmirror]

Well, it finally happened, I finally had one of those "LAB Rat" rounds. I honestly don't think putting has ever felt easier or more natural. I didn't make a crazy amount of foot-age (my short game was also on today) but it's still one for the ages!

 

Edited July 11 by Rearviewmirror

[CFreddie]

Great round @Rearviewmirror!  Love seeing that 3 putt number specifically  
 

[Rearviewmirror]

1 hour ago, CFreddie said:

Great round @Rearviewmirror!  Love seeing that 3 putt number specifically  
 

The only 3 putt was a 4 footer that I just hit too hard!

[Cfhandyman]

Shaft options for the L.A.B. DF3 – Which one should I choose

Now that most of the testers have spent considerable time with the L.A.B. DF3 and have a much better sense and feel of its performance, I wanted to come back to the various shaft options available.  Most of the testers opted for the TPT shaft (+$399) or the BGT Stability One shaft (+$330).

Up until the last few years, there has been no real change in the steel putter shafts for the last 50 years.  So how do you improve putter performance?  There have been significant improvements in driver specific shafts, then iron, hybrid and wood shafts, then wedge specific shafts, but what about the putter?  All putter shafts flex, but historically golfers don’t use XXXX stiff shafts (aka rebar) because the feel is terrible.  Many of us are very particular about our driver shafts, but putter shafts until recently have largely been neglected.  That’s changing.  After all, that 300 yard drive counts the same as that 1 foot putt.  Especially on off center strikes, heel or toe strikes, you want to prevent twisting and minimize torque.  The new shafts are incredibly stiff, yet provide good feedback. All are designed to reduce torque and improve consistency and feel.  Carbon fibre/Graphite will do that.

Shaft options for the L.A.B. DF3 – Which one should you choose

Steel – stock option, majority of putters have steel shafts

 Steel  

 Accra – an excellent shaft, softest feel and reasonable upgrade option  

   Accra   

BGT Stability One– an excellent shaft, stiff, responsive, great feel, as my friends at TXG told me, you can never go wrong with a Stability shaft. Excellent but pricey. Or in my experience. Once you’ve tried it's very hard to go back to steel.  The differences are like night and day.  The analogy is its like using a faster computer, you can’t go back to the slower model.  Downside, it’s expensive ($198-$330)

  BGT Stability One  

TPT – this is a superb shaft, ultra stiff, very low torque, yet great feel and responsiveness.  Precise.  Combined with the DF3 head, an unbelievable combination.  Talking to TXG, if you have the budget, TPT all day long.  The downside, the price is not for the faint of heart.  It’s $399.

I then talked to my friends at TXG (Club Champion Canada) about what they saw as some of the best putter shafts based on their testing and experience.  Here are some of their insights with the obvious recommendation of, get fit:

TPT – If you have the budget, TPT all day long.  It’s one of the best, providing maximum stability with immediate feedback.  Feel and performance are superb.   But is it better than Stability I asked?  

BGT Stability – an excellent shaft, also one of the best, in their words, you can never go wrong with a Stability

Accra – excellent shaft, offering a softer feel  

Other excellent putter shafts are from Mitsubishi – Diamana  and LA golf to mention a few.

So the conundrum, which way do you go.  Stock or custom? An absolute must is the online fitting with L.A.B. and/or in person putter fitting at a reputable fitter to ensure length, lie, etc. are correct.  In person fitting allows you the ability to try different head, shaft and grip combinations and determine which you like best and what's best for you and your game.

Now to put my feet to the fire:  If its my money, what would you do.  The stock option gives you an excellent putter.  Yes its expensive, but so is a Scotty, but you are getting a very good putter that performs well.  There is a learning curve to using a L.A.B.   Personally, I would customize to ensure length, lie are spot on.  I tried the various models and always kept coming back to the DF3.  I tried almost all the grips offered and hands down preferred the pistol grip. It just felt right.

TPT vs BGT Stability – If you need or demand performance, and/or are a competitive golfer, then these are both excellent shafts and perform very well. Both are expensive. The TPT($399) is a little more expensive than the Stability($330) and has a slightly firmer feel, but is also more responsive with great feedback.  It’s like option 1a vs option 1b.  You can’t go wrong with either option.  Of the two, I would select TPT, then Stability as a very close second.  The Stability is $69 cheaper and has a softer feel than the TPT. 

Option 1 – Budget conscious – Stock DF3, especially if a 34” or 35” black putter with 69 degree lie work for you.  You can always consider upgrading the shaft/grip through L.A.B. at a later date.

Option 2  – Best value, Accra putter shaft.  Bonus is that it comes in white or black.  I really like the white option.  Softest feel of the group.  Suggestion for L.A.B. Consider package option for custom which includes the Accra shaft.

Option 3 – Best and ultimate performance TPT, if you prefer a bit of a softer feel, then BGT Stability One

For a more detailed review of the TPT shaft - Is it the creme de la creme or simply just a very good and expensive putter shaft, see the link below

https://forum.mygolfspy.com/topic/65536-tpt-putter-shaft-for-lab- –-is-it-the-crème-de-la-crème-or-simply-just-a-very-good-and-expensive-putter-shaft/

This is not an inexpensive putter.  I would highly recommend, in person fitting at a reputable fitter to try the various options.  Try it with the Stability or TPT shaft if possible and compare to stock option steel.  If a friend has one, ask to try it.  I get that question all the time.  Is that a L.A.B.?  You want to try it?  People can't say yes fast enough.  In the end, you want to make sure it works for you. Choose wisely. 

[Cfhandyman]

The Bottom line (Executive) Week 12 summary

Summary: All of the final reviews have now been posted.   Sam Hahn of L.A.B. dropped a new video on the use of the L.A.B. and his cheese slicer analogy. lots of discussion ensued on that.  Our unofficial tester of the week is @ole gray and he continues to shares his experience with the DF3.   The L.A.B. DF3 forum recap and summaries are coming soon.  Stay tuned.

MGS Tester of the week: @ole gray https://forum.mygolfspy.com/topic/64035-lab-df3-putters-2024-forum-review/?do=findComment&comment=1096088

Best photos

  

 Lab rat in action

Best posts

@GolfSpy MPR 

 

 During the round, I believe I had a first for my DF3: the first time I finished a round gaining strokes putting on a scratch golfer.

@Rearviewmirror Well, it finally happened, I finally had one of those "LAB Rat" rounds. I honestly don't think putting has ever felt easier or more natural. I didn't make a crazy amount of foot-age (my short game was also on today) but it's still one for the ages!

@cnosil yes, it was me that asked the question.   The question was related to LABs claim that:  "unlike other putters, it keeps the putter face square to the arc throughout the stroke."    This typically means that the LAB has zero rotation and zero rotation is when the putter face remains square to the arc at any given point throughout the swing. In other words, the rotation is measured at any given point on the arc and should remain perpendicular to the tangent of the arc.  This makes sense for a perfect arc but not for one that is biased left or right.

The instructional video that you posted Sam is presenting some of the concepts that Geoff Mangum teaches and shows in his content.  IMO, the interesting thing is that that is how you should be putting with any putter and if you control your hands and keep the putter on plane any putter will be "square at arc" since barely any grip pressure will keep the putter in the same orientation. 

@GolfSpy MPR I should note here: all my work with the ExPutt confirms something I've known for years: my path is garbage. I'm regularly about 5° out to in (can be more on short putts, typically less on longer putts). I think it was @cnosil who perceptively asked how that kind of stroke would work with L.A.B.'s technology. So far, the answer has been "just fine."

For why it works, engage with me in a bit of imaginative speculation. I think most of us on this thread know what the Revealer is. If not, you can get a quick peek here (it is essentially a frame that allows the putter to rotate freely while being swung)

Best videos

– video of the week, Sam Hahn

Courtesy of Wesley Bryan and Bryan Bros golf. - Long distance bomb with a L.A.B.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8agiBBOvyX/?igsh=MWFtM211cjRlNWU3bA==  

@Cfhandyman When your wife “borrows” your L.A.B. Putter and then asks, does it come in pink?

Best Line(s) of the week

@jbern "Why are you making so many in the cup this time daddy?"

Links to previous weeks summary

Week 11 https://forum.mygolfspy.com/topic/64035-lab-df3-putters-2024-forum-review/?do=findComment&comment=1093989

Week 10 https://forum.mygolfspy.com/topic/64035-lab-df3-putters-2024-forum-review/?do=findComment&comment=1091085

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

 

[jbern]

On 7/14/2024 at 9:19 AM, Cfhandyman said:

Shaft options for the L.A.B. DF3 – Which one should I choose

Now that most of the testers have spent considerable time with the L.A.B. DF3 and have a much better sense and feel of its performance, I wanted to come back to the various shaft options available.  Most of the testers opted for the TPT shaft (+$399) or the BGT Stability One shaft (+$330).

Up until the last few years, there has been no real change in the steel putter shafts for the last 50 years.  So how do you improve putter performance?  There have been significant improvements in driver specific shafts, then iron, hybrid and wood shafts, then wedge specific shafts, but what about the putter?  All putter shafts flex, but historically golfers don’t use XXXX stiff shafts (aka rebar) because the feel is terrible.  Many of us are very particular about our driver shafts, but putter shafts until recently have largely been neglected.  That’s changing.  After all, that 300 yard drive counts the same as that 1 foot putt.  Especially on off center strikes, heel or toe strikes, you want to prevent twisting and minimize torque.  The new shafts are incredibly stiff, yet provide good feedback. All are designed to reduce torque and improve consistency and feel.  Carbon fibre/Graphite will do that.

Shaft options for the L.A.B. DF3 – Which one should you choose

Steel – stock option, majority of putters have steel shafts

 Steel  

 Accra – an excellent shaft, softest feel and reasonable upgrade option  

   Accra   

BGT Stability One– an excellent shaft, stiff, responsive, great feel, as my friends at TXG told me, you can never go wrong with a Stability shaft. Excellent but pricey. Or in my experience. Once you’ve tried it's very hard to go back to steel.  The differences are like night and day.  The analogy is its like using a faster computer, you can’t go back to the slower model.  Downside, it’s expensive ($198-$330)

  BGT Stability One  

TPT – this is a superb shaft, ultra stiff, very low torque, yet great feel and responsiveness.  Precise.  Combined with the DF3 head, an unbelievable combination.  Talking to TXG, if you have the budget, TPT all day long.  The downside, the price is not for the faint of heart.  It’s $399.

I then talked to my friends at TXG (Club Champion Canada) about what they saw as some of the best putter shafts based on their testing and experience.  Here are some of their insights with the obvious recommendation of, get fit:

TPT – If you have the budget, TPT all day long.  It’s one of the best, providing maximum stability with immediate feedback.  Feel and performance are superb.   But is it better than Stability I asked?  

BGT Stability – an excellent shaft, also one of the best, in their words, you can never go wrong with a Stability

Accra – excellent shaft, offering a softer feel  

Other excellent putter shafts are from Mitsubishi – Diamana  and LA golf to mention a few.

So the conundrum, which way do you go.  Stock or custom? An absolute must is the online fitting with L.A.B. and/or in person putter fitting at a reputable fitter to ensure length, lie, etc. are correct.  In person fitting allows you the ability to try different head, shaft and grip combinations and determine which you like best and what's best for you and your game.

Now to put my feet to the fire:  If its my money, what would you do.  The stock option gives you an excellent putter.  Yes its expensive, but so is a Scotty, but you are getting a very good putter that performs well.  There is a learning curve to using a L.A.B.   Personally, I would customize to ensure length, lie are spot on.  I tried the various models and always kept coming back to the DF3.  I tried almost all the grips offered and hands down preferred the pistol grip. It just felt right.

TPT vs BGT Stability – If you need or demand performance, and/or are a competitive golfer, then these are both excellent shafts and perform very well. Both are expensive. The TPT($399) is a little more expensive than the Stability($330) and has a slightly firmer feel, but is also more responsive with great feedback.  It’s like option 1a vs option 1b.  You can’t go wrong with either option.  Of the two, I would select TPT, then Stability as a very close second.  The Stability is $69 cheaper and has a softer feel than the TPT. 

Option 1 – Budget conscious – Stock DF3, especially if a 34” or 35” black putter with 69 degree lie work for you.  You can always consider upgrading the shaft/grip through L.A.B. at a later date.

Option 2  – Best value, Accra putter shaft.  Bonus is that it comes in white or black.  I really like the white option.  Softest feel of the group.  Suggestion for L.A.B. Consider package option for custom which includes the Accra shaft.

Option 3 – Best and ultimate performance TPT, if you prefer a bit of a softer feel, then BGT Stability One

For a more detailed review of the TPT shaft - Is it the creme de la creme or simply just a very good and expensive putter shaft, see the link below

https://forum.mygolfspy.com/topic/65536-tpt-putter-shaft-for-lab- –-is-it-the-crème-de-la-crème-or-simply-just-a-very-good-and-expensive-putter-shaft/

This is not an inexpensive putter.  I would highly recommend, in person fitting at a reputable fitter to try the various options.  Try it with the Stability or TPT shaft if possible and compare to stock option steel.  If a friend has one, ask to try it.  I get that question all the time.  Is that a L.A.B.?  You want to try it?  People can't say yes fast enough.  In the end, you want to make sure it works for you. Choose wisely. 

Great write-up on the different shaft options @Cfhandyman! This is something that I have talked with most people about when they ask about the putter at the course. It is hard to justify spending $399 for the shaft upgrade, but in my opinion, it is definitely that, an upgrade! 

I also like that you mentioned upgrading the shaft at a later date. That's not something that I thought of or talked with anyone about, but L.A.B. would probably be more than willing to accommodate a shaft upgrade down the road!

[G-Ram]

Mine came in while I was away for a week, unfortunately!

However, gave it a test run Saturday evening for a few mins, and then played the first round with it yesterday.

Initial impressions are this is going to help a fair amount. Commensurate with the price tag? Hard to say at this early juncture, but damn, it does look good!!

First green was a three putt from 45 feet. Still obviously massively early in the feeling out stages, so speed on the first roll was decidedly short, then missed the second one.

After that, directional control was fantastic, was just a speed issue, I'll give it 10-12 rounds before I get too worked up about any performance related metrics, more interested to see what patterns develop. Always left/right, short/long etc. 

Practicing tho, the R to L breakers are almost automatic, for whatever reason, that putt fits my eye and this putter. Looking forward to logging some miles with it!!

 

[CFreddie]

Great looking putter @G-Ram.  On distance control, I think most of us struggled during testing on pace and it should come with time.  Glad to hear you have a good approach / plan to figuring out if it will work for you (I have a feeling it will  ).  

[G-Ram]

1 hour ago, CFreddie said:

Great looking putter @G-Ram.  On distance control, I think most of us struggled during testing on pace and it should come with time.  Glad to hear you have a good approach / plan to figuring out if it will work for you (I have a feeling it will  ).  

Thanks! ya super happy with how it turned out. Man, I counted 4 birdie putts that were in the jar but stopped from 2-6" short, so once I get the speed part figured, it should become a weapon! Just want to abandon work and head to the course again, but after being gone on an epic golf trip for a week, I need to buckle down to pay for all the new equipment 

[Rearviewmirror]

5 hours ago, G-Ram said:

Thanks! ya super happy with how it turned out. Man, I counted 4 birdie putts that were in the jar but stopped from 2-6" short, so once I get the speed part figured, it should become a weapon! Just want to abandon work and head to the course again, but after being gone on an epic golf trip for a week, I need to buckle down to pay for all the new equipment 

Resharing this in case it's helpful - 

 

[jbern]

19 hours ago, G-Ram said:

Mine came in while I was away for a week, unfortunately!

However, gave it a test run Saturday evening for a few mins, and then played the first round with it yesterday.

Initial impressions are this is going to help a fair amount. Commensurate with the price tag? Hard to say at this early juncture, but damn, it does look good!!

First green was a three putt from 45 feet. Still obviously massively early in the feeling out stages, so speed on the first roll was decidedly short, then missed the second one.

After that, directional control was fantastic, was just a speed issue, I'll give it 10-12 rounds before I get too worked up about any performance related metrics, more interested to see what patterns develop. Always left/right, short/long etc. 

Practicing tho, the R to L breakers are almost automatic, for whatever reason, that putt fits my eye and this putter. Looking forward to logging some miles with it!!

 

Love the photo with the Master's flag in the DF3 window! Great looking putter!

18 hours ago, G-Ram said:

Thanks! ya super happy with how it turned out. Man, I counted 4 birdie putts that were in the jar but stopped from 2-6" short, so once I get the speed part figured, it should become a weapon! Just want to abandon work and head to the course again, but after being gone on an epic golf trip for a week, I need to buckle down to pay for all the new equipment 

Glad things went well for you! Always a little learning curve when it comes to speed and a new putter. Speed has always been my issue, so a lot of my problems come from misreading green speeds/slope as it relates to speed. I'm in the same situation where work is getting in the way of getting out to golf and enjoy the DF3 more!