The first thing you’ll notice is that LAB Golf flatsticks sure don’t look like the putters you’re used to. But there’s no question that LAB putters (an acronym for Lie Angle Balance) are capturing a lot of attention.
So what’s the key to these often odd-looking putters? They don’t have the same issues with the putter face twisting during the stroke, as the putter face remains square to the path throughout.
The concept suggests you’ll be more consistent, accurate, and make more putts. It is a compelling concept. With a LAB putter, you’ll bring the face back square, and by removing torque, you’re not manipulating the putter to square it at the strike.
LAB Golf argues that they look at the putter in a holistic way—not as a head, shaft, and grip. These are putters that are hand-balanced by skilled fitters, and unlike practically anything else on the market.
LAB Golf DF3
The DF stands for “directed force,” and any golfer is going to immediately notice the aggressive shape of this putter, with its ring and centre-shafted look. This is a variation on LAB Golf’s first putter, which even the company admits looked pretty eccentric next to even the weirdest mainstream putters on the market. The company “took a chisel” to the original LAB putter, making it smaller and sexier, while keeping the elements golfers loved about the first version.
Key technology
You don’t have to square this center-shafted putter; it does that all by itself, and offers a high MOI, meaning you’ll stay on target even when you don’t make a great strike. LAB says there are no compromises in the DF3, with no limits to performance despite the changes in aesthetics.
Putts hit on the heel and toe will roll a lot like those hit off the center. There’s just less to think about on the golfer side with DF3.
Mezz 1 and Mezz. 1 Max
The Mezz hit the market two years ago, and its wing-look immediately caught the attention of many in the golf business. The new Mezz. 1 Max is a version of the original, but is 20 percent larger, offering even more stability on off-centre strikes. As is the case with LAB putters in general, these centre-shafted putters are completely lie angle balanced, which provides more consistency and forgiveness.
Key technology
Using CNC machined 6061 aircraft aluminum for the body and 303 stainless steel for the midsection, there are 10 weights that can be customized to an individual’s putting stroke. Easily aligned, you’ll get immediate feedback.