James, looks to me like you've already adjusted to the zero torque, because you let gravity do its job, and not accelerate in the downswing. As Sam Hahn suggests. After analyzing my putting weaknesses 2.5 years ago, I figured that any putter that helped me to get the ball going on the intended line would help me, because my reads are generally quite good. I spent years cursing balls leaving the clubface offline. So that's where LAB for me is almost priceless. Need to thank Lucas Glover's back to back wins to draw my attention to the brand. Love my Mezz1 Max.
My Mezz1 has transformed my confidence and consistency, down from 6 to 2 handicap in 5 months, my regular playing mates are all thinking about having a fitting, as they have witnessed what LAB putters do
The real truth is the amount of pressure it takes to lift a putter is more than the torque a putter head imparts. It does feel different, but it’s likely that that the design helps people aim. Perhaps the center shaft gets people close to the ball resulting in a slightly less rotational stroke.
Got fit for the Mezz 18 months ago and loved it from the off. Switched to DF3 when they launched and didn’t think it possible but love it even more. Since being a “Lab Rat” (not sure I like that tittle) I have dropped 2.5 off my index and according to Shot Scope data I have gone from losing a little on 10 handicappers to actually gaining a little on scratch handicappers. Numbers don’t lie 🤷🏼♂️
I tried both Mezz and DF3 in the shop, and while I liked feel of Mezz better, I picked DF3 as I did enjoy the looks more. I bought it cause I can never get myself to train putting, and this little thing made me at lease average in it, while I can stay on driving range longer. Win win.
I’m a lab owner. And have owned much a lot of golf market is just the same stuff with a different label . You want too be better in golf .its not so called marketed aids.its about the work you put in each swing . Range and a lot of rounds is what makes you a better performer . As you can see when people do comparisons you’re paying 500+ dollars for 1 or two yards. Unless you are still playing with wooded and outdated steel clubs . Other than that they all do the same stuff unless it’s fitted for a different player.i also own a 45 inch warrior belly putter that costed me 39.99 and perform better than a 500 dollar lab putter . And even my 34 inch white hot 2 dot putter that costed me 80 bucks perform same as the lab. But that’s cuz it’s my skills that perform better with those kinds . I guess I’m a belly putter man until I find something else that suits me fitting wise and my style I like too play . Golf marketing is just like Gillette razor marketing they all do the same thing in the end lol
Putting is the most important part of golf… If uou count your putting strokes… Youd be amazed gow you van lower your acore with consistency putting… My mind kinda broke when i realized that a 250 yard drive center fairway…. Is the exact same as a 3ft missed putt..
Rather than spend £hundreds on a putter I got a Pinemeadow for about £50. Definitely feels like I put better than my old putter. Why not try it and their wedges? Also bargains
Admittedly, I am a lab rat. Been gaming the 2.1 for the past two season which I was fitted for. First year I dropped two putts per round and last year I dropped another stroke. Huge believer in lab putters as they make putting enjoyable and give you the feeling you could hole a putt at any time. The 2.1 is the most forgiving putter and most forgiving lab putters, even though it looks like a space ship. Don’t see it ever leaving my bag.
Putting is all about reading greens and distance control. It's never the arrow, always the indian. If your putter looks and feels good, don't bother wasting money on a new model. It wont help you score better.
The lab putters will help most golfers get the ball on line. It’s up to you to decide the line, set up your body to swing the club in a way that gets it in the intended line, and figure out how hard to hit the ball.
I bought a DF3 just because I wanted to test out a lab with all the hype around them and I can honestly say I dont think i will go to another brand now. Im not going to say im suddenly 1 putting everything but its a huge help especially for me when you dont quite put a good swing on it or not quite out the center etc etc you look up and expect the worse but the end result is really good! I have holed alot more putts from inside 15ft to than before.
I just recently bought the Odyssey Ai-One Square 2 Square Jailbird Broomstick Putter (really cumbersome name). Its a great putter, but I think it's the sweeping motion that is helping my putting more than the head shape and weight. but regardless, a great putter.
Last winter I decided to sort my "Gobbling" (3 putts) out. Drop my handicap to 6 from 21 in a season. Favourite putter 2 ball out of 6 I own. Not the putter it's the stroke! 1: Technique now use reverse claw, so no wrist activity. 2: Grip 5.0 superstroke. 3: Ball 60-75 Compression 2 piece. Summer 40 Compression winter.4: No urethanes! Sick of excessive side spin shots. 5: Putting stroke practised on training return mat works 50/50 strokes from 8ft. 6: Don't aling the ball, along the green. Aim point is 3 balls right, I'll stand back use the putter shaft to read the line to a spot 8" in front, that's were I look 8" no more. 7 : Tempo= factors, wet/dry, wind, cut length. ( Royal Portrush is nearby completely different tempo to a parkland top 20 course) 8: Abbs tight arms loose, elbows tucked, Grip soft, ball covered. Good luck 🤞
New putter makes, you make want to use them, In so you spend time putting. Practicing putting to lower the score. You don't need a new putter. You need to put in the work on the greens. Hell i could put well with a wedge.
After i had a 9 hole round with 5 three putt holes, i started a savings account to get a LAB. I’ve been gaming a custom DF3 for around six months now, the most 3 putts I’ve had in a 9 hole round now is 2. Most times it’s just one hole that gets me. I’ve had a couple of rounds with no 3 putts. The help is probably minimal for someone who is already a good putter, but if you struggle it’s a game changer.
I used to be terrible until I switched to instinct putting. I so rarely 3 putt now and I often drain 30+ footers out of nowhere. But I can't use an ugly putter. Either a blade, or maybe a mini mallet.
Yea I love blade style putters but my buddy gave me his old Taylormade spider tour and I’m not a fan of the look but man the results are so much better with the spider than the blade I switched and haven’t looked back
TBF, what's helped improve my putting the most wasn't all the bells, whistles and tech. It was changing to a center shaft putter. I play a Cleveland HB Soft 2 (about $200 brand new) and that reduced my total number of putts from 2.4 to 1.8 per hole.
for me, it definitely did! I have been gaming the DF3 for about 8-9 months and I love it! I couldn't get behind the mezz, I had a harder time squaring it. I completely agree with the only time I three putt now is distance control, it's not left/right issues.
Im going to let out a little frustration here but all you hear is LAB LAB LAB LAB LAB. I understand it is probably the best putter on the market right now. Ive putted with them some and yeah they are incredible…but why has no one come out with a face balanced putter thats half way affordable. Even used labs go for 80 percent of retail and its just not realistic for someone like me to spend on a putter what I have in my entire set of clubs.
lab putter is to ugly to put in the bag! Giant branding iron df3! Absolutely no feel off the face. Prefer traditional blade made with 1025 carbon steel, Mizuno Mcraft putter the best feel with interchangeable weights
They may be great putters but you have to pay between £80 – £120 for a fitting just to try one ! Then depending on model and shaft upgrade which every you tuber recommends in excess of £650 plus the fitting £770 up wards that is one expensive putter hard to justify wen 99% of us play for fun and could easily knock a few shots of our scores with more free practice !
Next time you test the LAB putter try it against a competitor's center shafted putter of equal value, not another zero torque, but say something like a Phantom X6 STR, I believe you would be surprised!
I just got a LAB this year. What I like is that when I miss, I still see the ball rolling true to where I aimed. So I know it’s on my read. It has removed the frustration that I potentially pulled or pushed the putt. It’s taken a variable out of the putt for me.
James, I bought a LAB MEZZ 1. Black head, 1.5degree grip lean. Accra black shaft. I have a white leather LAB head cover and they also provided a black fabric one like yours. When I played it, 15 months ago I had a claw grip. I was delighted with the putter but disappointed with my grip. I now grip with my hands fully open and gripped equally between the downward palms and fingers. My pace and strike are spot on. I found Hackmotion made a huge difference educating my wrists to remain completely static. It’s superb.
I've looked at all the new putters for years and still stick with my Titleist Dead Center from 95. Nothing, I repeat, Nothing beats practice hours on the greens. My friends have all spent thousands over the years on new putters and I still make many more putts than they do.
So, are they worth buying? For some, probably (definitely?) yes. For many of us, the price and our ability level (I'm about a 8-9 hdcp) create second thoughts. I currently us a Scotty Cameron Futura 6M (arm length) which helps promote a proper stroke. Well worth the $200 I paid for it.
50 Comments
James, looks to me like you've already adjusted to the zero torque, because you let gravity do its job, and not accelerate in the downswing. As Sam Hahn suggests. After analyzing my putting weaknesses 2.5 years ago, I figured that any putter that helped me to get the ball going on the intended line would help me, because my reads are generally quite good. I spent years cursing balls leaving the clubface offline. So that's where LAB for me is almost priceless. Need to thank Lucas Glover's back to back wins to draw my attention to the brand. Love my Mezz1 Max.
My Mezz1 has transformed my confidence and consistency, down from 6 to 2 handicap in 5 months, my regular playing mates are all thinking about having a fitting, as they have witnessed what LAB putters do
The real truth is the amount of pressure it takes to lift a putter is more than the torque a putter head imparts. It does feel different, but it’s likely that that the design helps people aim. Perhaps the center shaft gets people close to the ball resulting in a slightly less rotational stroke.
Got fit for the Mezz 18 months ago and loved it from the off. Switched to DF3 when they launched and didn’t think it possible but love it even more. Since being a “Lab Rat” (not sure I like that tittle) I have dropped 2.5 off my index and according to Shot Scope data I have gone from losing a little on 10 handicappers to actually gaining a little on scratch handicappers. Numbers don’t lie 🤷🏼♂️
Bought a Lab Mez 1. Didn't like the look, sound and feel and could never get the distance control right
Love my LAB DF3 putter
I tried both Mezz and DF3 in the shop, and while I liked feel of Mezz better, I picked DF3 as I did enjoy the looks more. I bought it cause I can never get myself to train putting, and this little thing made me at lease average in it, while I can stay on driving range longer. Win win.
I’m a lab owner. And have owned much a lot of golf market is just the same stuff with a different label . You want too be better in golf .its not so called marketed aids.its about the work you put in each swing . Range and a lot of rounds is what makes you a better performer . As you can see when people do comparisons you’re paying 500+ dollars for 1 or two yards. Unless you are still playing with wooded and outdated steel clubs . Other than that they all do the same stuff unless it’s fitted for a different player.i also own a 45 inch warrior belly putter that costed me 39.99 and perform better than a 500 dollar lab putter . And even my 34 inch white hot 2 dot putter that costed me 80 bucks perform same as the lab. But that’s cuz it’s my skills that perform better with those kinds . I guess I’m a belly putter man until I find something else that suits me fitting wise and my style I like too play . Golf marketing is just like Gillette razor marketing they all do the same thing in the end lol
James have you ever tested Cleveland putters?
Putting is the most important part of golf… If uou count your putting strokes… Youd be amazed gow you van lower your acore with consistency putting… My mind kinda broke when i realized that a 250 yard drive center fairway…. Is the exact same as a 3ft missed putt..
Rather than spend £hundreds on a putter I got a Pinemeadow for about £50. Definitely feels like I put better than my old putter. Why not try it and their wedges? Also bargains
Admittedly, I am a lab rat. Been gaming the 2.1 for the past two season which I was fitted for. First year I dropped two putts per round and last year I dropped another stroke. Huge believer in lab putters as they make putting enjoyable and give you the feeling you could hole a putt at any time. The 2.1 is the most forgiving putter and most forgiving lab putters, even though it looks like a space ship. Don’t see it ever leaving my bag.
Most of LAB putters are fugly imo. Definitely not worth the money.
I am a terrible putter…. but I make far more putts with my DF3 than any other putter I've had……and some over 20 feet….crazy
key is grip lightly. let the LAB do its thing.
Putting is all about reading greens and distance control. It's never the arrow, always the indian. If your putter looks and feels good, don't bother wasting money on a new model. It wont help you score better.
The lab putters will help most golfers get the ball on line. It’s up to you to decide the line, set up your body to swing the club in a way that gets it in the intended line, and figure out how hard to hit the ball.
I bought a DF3 just because I wanted to test out a lab with all the hype around them and I can honestly say I dont think i will go to another brand now. Im not going to say im suddenly 1 putting everything but its a huge help especially for me when you dont quite put a good swing on it or not quite out the center etc etc you look up and expect the worse but the end result is really good! I have holed alot more putts from inside 15ft to than before.
Get your handicap down!!!!!!! Not for most at my club 😢
If you can putt … you can putt. If you’re gullible well …..
I’m using a df3. Got it 2 months ago, feel like I’m holing more putts. Each time I use it I feel more confident with it.
Lab putters are amazing. I’m the guy the golf’s the least out of my friends but I’m the best putter with my lab.
I just recently bought the Odyssey Ai-One Square 2 Square Jailbird Broomstick Putter (really cumbersome name). Its a great putter, but I think it's the sweeping motion that is helping my putting more than the head shape and weight. but regardless, a great putter.
Well done James 👏 😊
Last winter I decided to sort my "Gobbling" (3 putts) out. Drop my handicap to 6 from 21 in a season. Favourite putter 2 ball out of 6 I own. Not the putter it's the stroke!
1: Technique now use reverse claw, so no wrist activity. 2: Grip 5.0 superstroke. 3: Ball 60-75 Compression 2 piece. Summer 40 Compression winter.4: No urethanes! Sick of excessive side spin shots. 5: Putting stroke practised on training return mat works 50/50 strokes from 8ft. 6: Don't aling the ball, along the green. Aim point is 3 balls right, I'll stand back use the putter shaft to read the line to a spot 8" in front, that's were I look 8" no more. 7 : Tempo= factors, wet/dry, wind, cut length. ( Royal Portrush is nearby completely different tempo to a parkland top 20 course) 8: Abbs tight arms loose, elbows tucked, Grip soft, ball covered. Good luck 🤞
Lots more LAB rats about now plenty at my club….if it give you more confidence then perfect itll help anyone
I’m am a proud LAB rat! I have a custom fit and built LINK1.
New putter makes, you make want to use them, In so you spend time putting. Practicing putting to lower the score. You don't need a new putter. You need to put in the work on the greens. Hell i could put well with a wedge.
After i had a 9 hole round with 5 three putt holes, i started a savings account to get a LAB. I’ve been gaming a custom DF3 for around six months now, the most 3 putts I’ve had in a 9 hole round now is 2. Most times it’s just one hole that gets me. I’ve had a couple of rounds with no 3 putts. The help is probably minimal for someone who is already a good putter, but if you struggle it’s a game changer.
I used to be terrible until I switched to instinct putting. I so rarely 3 putt now and I often drain 30+ footers out of nowhere. But I can't use an ugly putter. Either a blade, or maybe a mini mallet.
Yea I love blade style putters but my buddy gave me his old Taylormade spider tour and I’m not a fan of the look but man the results are so much better with the spider than the blade I switched and haven’t looked back
TBF, what's helped improve my putting the most wasn't all the bells, whistles and tech. It was changing to a center shaft putter. I play a Cleveland HB Soft 2 (about $200 brand new) and that reduced my total number of putts from 2.4 to 1.8 per hole.
for me, it definitely did! I have been gaming the DF3 for about 8-9 months and I love it! I couldn't get behind the mezz, I had a harder time squaring it. I completely agree with the only time I three putt now is distance control, it's not left/right issues.
Love the putter but the price holds me back
A lab putter is no better than any other putter because it’s the arms and shoulders that makes the putt and don’t forget the eyes.
Im going to let out a little frustration here but all you hear is LAB LAB LAB LAB LAB. I understand it is probably the best putter on the market right now. Ive putted with them some and yeah they are incredible…but why has no one come out with a face balanced putter thats half way affordable. Even used labs go for 80 percent of retail and its just not realistic for someone like me to spend on a putter what I have in my entire set of clubs.
lab putter is to ugly to put in the bag! Giant branding iron df3! Absolutely no feel off the face. Prefer traditional blade made with 1025 carbon steel, Mizuno Mcraft putter the best feel with interchangeable weights
LAB seems to be making a big splash, but how many tour players play one, maybe a handful full?
Im in love with the shape of you ❤
They may be great putters but you have to pay between £80 – £120 for a fitting just to try one ! Then depending on model and shaft upgrade which every you tuber recommends in excess of £650 plus the fitting £770 up wards that is one expensive putter hard to justify wen 99% of us play for fun and could easily knock a few shots of our scores with more free practice !
I could not, in all honesty, justify spending £500+ on a putter.
Next time you test the LAB putter try it against a competitor's center shafted putter of equal value, not another zero torque, but say something like a Phantom X6 STR, I believe you would be surprised!
I just got a LAB this year. What I like is that when I miss, I still see the ball rolling true to where I aimed. So I know it’s on my read. It has removed the frustration that I potentially pulled or pushed the putt. It’s taken a variable out of the putt for me.
I’m an Allan guy. I really like that PXG putter and am putting better with it. I especially like the alignment guide on the top of the putter head.
James, I bought a LAB MEZZ 1. Black head, 1.5degree grip lean. Accra black shaft. I have a white leather LAB head cover and they also provided a black fabric one like yours. When I played it, 15 months ago I had a claw grip. I was delighted with the putter but disappointed with my grip. I now grip with my hands fully open and gripped equally between the downward palms and fingers. My pace and strike are spot on. I found Hackmotion made a huge difference educating my wrists to remain completely static. It’s superb.
Simple answer NO
I've looked at all the new putters for years and still stick with my Titleist Dead Center from 95. Nothing, I repeat, Nothing beats practice hours on the greens. My friends have all spent thousands over the years on new putters and I still make many more putts than they do.
So, are they worth buying? For some, probably (definitely?) yes. For many of us, the price and our ability level (I'm about a 8-9 hdcp) create second thoughts. I currently us a Scotty Cameron Futura 6M (arm length) which helps promote a proper stroke. Well worth the $200 I paid for it.
Skip the video. They are worth buying if they work for you. You need to try them to know