For the past year, I’ve heard countless stories about how a L.A.B. (Lie Angle Balanced) Putter is a cheat code for golf.
Every single person I know who plays with one swears by it, and has said it’s made a night and day difference in their golf game.
But it wasn’t until recently that I was actually able to pick one up and put it through its paces. The result?
The hype for this new type of putter may just be real.
In this review I’m going to give a full review of the new LAB Golf DF3 putter, tell you what makes the tech different from a traditional putter, and help you decide if it’s worth investing in one of the most expensive putters on the market.
Let’s do this thing.
First, a Big Thanks to Golf Galaxy
Golf Galaxy recently came to me and said “we’d like to give you a few gift cards to go and buy whatever product you want to review.”
Um, ok!
So I surveyed you, my audience, and said “what products would you like to see me review the most?”
The overwhelming winner in this was a L.A.B. Putter.
I went to Golf Galaxy, ordered a stock DF3, and it literally showed up on my doorstep within 24 hours.
To make it even better, I got a code after signing up for text alerts that saved me 15% – knocking the price of the DF3 from $449 down to $382 – pretty killer deal.
So if you’re ok with a DF3 without all the customizations that ordering directly through LAB can provide, Golf Galaxy is definitely a solid route.
Ok now, into the review.
The hype is real when it comes to LAB Golf. Once you dial it in, this putter really will help you hole more putts. If it's in your budget, it's absolutely a product you should consider.
What is Lie Angle Balanced Technology?
The essence of Lie Angle Balanced Technology is to create a putter that minimizes torque during the putting stroke, ensuring that the face remains square at impact.
This means that no matter how inconsistent your stroke may be, the putter is designed to keep the ball on the intended line. For those who struggle with putting consistency (like me), this is a game-changer, especially when it comes to actually holing shorter putts.
First Impressions of the LAB DF3 Putter
At first glance, the LAB DF3 is a significant evolution from its predecessor, the DF 2.1. While the original design was often deemed “weird,” the DF3 offers a more refined and user-friendly aesthetic.
The putter is a larger mallet style with a sleek black shaft and white accents, which not only looks appealing but also feels premium in hand. One standout feature is the ball pickup mechanism, which is surprisingly effective and adds to the overall functionality of the putter.
Build Quality and Materials
The LAB DF3 is crafted with precision, being CNC milled from 6061 aircraft aluminum. This choice of material ensures that the putter is both durable and well-balanced.
The quality reflects its price point of $449, and all of their putters are handmade and balanced in Creswell, Oregon.
Additionally, the head cover is robust and well-designed, adding an extra touch of luxury to the overall package.
Overall, this thing feels every bit of its price point, and is one of the most premium feeling clubs I’ve used to date.
Does it Actually Work?
The first thing I noticed when starting to roll putts with the DF3 is just how easy the setup is. Despite golfing for the last 20 years, I still feel inconsistent with many aspects of my setup over putts.
Sometimes I’m more bent over than others, sometimes I’m closer to the ball – I’m always trying to find the perfect setup.
With the DF3, this is all done for you. You get the putter flush to the green and then stand in a natural position from there. Just getting consistent with my setup, has made a big difference in my confidence.
So the theory is that no matter what you do with the stroke, the putter face is square at impact.
Meaning, as long as you’re setup with the right line, it should go exactly where you want it to. Make sure to watch the video above to see the DF3 in action.
This is the fundamental difference between a LAB and say a Stix Compete, a Scotty Cameron, or essentially any other putter released in the last 50 years.
And you know what? That’s actually what it does.
It takes a little bit of getting used to the unique design of the putter, but after 3 rounds with it, I’m holing significantly more putts from 10 feet and shorter.
That’s where the quick magic of this thing lies. Short, straight putts that you often might push or pull due to nerves, now go where you want them to.
It’s pretty insane, actually.
Where I’ve struggled a bit more is with longer putts and distance control. I still haven’t fully dialed that in yet. But this isn’t a fault of the putter itself, this is just me needing to get used to a new club after predominantly using the same putter for the past 10 years.
Final Thoughts on the LAB DF3
I expected to like the DF3, simply because so many friends have raved about it.
But it’s one of those clubs. you kind of need to experience for yourself.
Honestly? It won’t be for everyone. It’s a unique look and setup, and while I adjusted pretty quickly – it may take longer for others.
There’s also no doubt, that most golfers aren’t looking to spend upwards of $500 on a putter. That’s a lot of money, and will be a turn-off for the majority of golfers.
But if you’re looking for what might be the most significant evolution in golf club technology and ideology – the LAB DF3 may be exactly what you’re looking for.
I’ll be keeping this in my bag for the foreseeable future, and I’ll update this review as I get more acquainted with it, and after I review other L.A.B. putters for comparisons.
But so far? The hype is real.
The hype is real when it comes to LAB Golf. Once you dial it in, this putter really will help you hole more putts. If it's in your budget, it's absolutely a product you should consider.
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A revolutionary putter that's worthy of all the hype.
The LAB Golf DF3 putter is one of the first putters to truly bring something different to the table. It looks a little odd, but once you adjust to it, the performance is undeniable. Don't be surprised to see this technolgoy work its way into putters from every major brand in the years to come.
The Good
- Looks and feels like a putter worthy of it's $449 price point
- Truly revolutionnary technology that makes a massive distance in putting consistency
The Bad
- It's expensive
- Many will be putt off by it's unique look
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Presentation
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Performance
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Features and Quality
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Price
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Personal Affinity
