Wondering if you might be a bit mental when it comes to putters. I agree that your custom options are too busy for my tastes. I like the blue color but for me, black with the simple T marker and a black shaft really help me to focus on start line. I got fitted at a local retailer (same cost as buying online) and the standard specs at 34" was the right fit for me. Went with standard shaft because it's black and I find the feel is terrific. Maybe folks should try one through a second hand outlet that is also a LAB fitter. I appreciate your honesty with this. Sorry this has tormented you so much.
Sounds like he's trying to convince himself on it being his "perfect" putter. He should just list it, get what he can out of it, and order what he wants.
The Accra shaft is the complete opposite of the tpt. One is not better than the other, he prefers the clickier feeling of the tpt than the soft feel of the Accra. Don’t want this video to make anyone think if you don’t get the tpt it won’t feel good it’s 100% subjective
That was a great video, this is the type of content that we need as consumers and buyers in Golf. Most fitters in the big box. Stores will not go into all the different options and fitting choices. Keep up the great work and happy new year. Cheers. 🍻
I did the same exact thing with my first DF3. Loved everything except my alignment marks. It was just too busy. Learned very quickly that less is more. Just got my replacement in and couldn’t be happier. It was a costly mistake but I learned so much from it.
I got the df3 in broomstick with only the LAB symbol as alignment, which is essentially a dot, and for me less is more. I use the line on the ball as a horizontal square to the dot. Otherwise I focus to much on lining everything up perfectly rather than just putting and allowing the putter to do the job.
Thank you for sharing a good video with realistic observations. My experience with indoor putter fitting has been frustrating. An 8' putt on a fast carpet is absolutely misleading towards getting fitted properly, especially if we normally play on slower greens. On my last fitting I told the fitter to squat behind the hole to catch my putts and I stroked them firmly to simulate a real putt. You may want to keep this in mind on the next fitting. 😊
Wow didn't know this. I ordered direct from states and would prefer to have the head heavier but didn't want to send back to USA. Did you just email them?
I have the OZ1i - Charcoal grey, simple T alignment, black Gears shaft, white press / pistol - Adore it. A good option for shafts is the GEARS model. Not as expensive as the TPT, but performs wonderfully :)
I'd recommend going for the fitting at Scottsdale golf. I tried the really expensive upgrade shaft and genuinely couldn't feel any difference between that and the less expensive upgrade shaft. I do 100% agree with struggling to get the ball to the hole on slow greens like we have in the UK currently, you really do feel like you have to "hit" it to get it there.
Gary when I got mine I flew over to the UK from Spain to get fitted at Scottsdale Golf that way I got what was correct and got to try before I buy. But even then it’s taken me 6 months to get, I would say 85% with it some days I’m like 100% others less. But I’ve realized that when I just let it go and do its thing and stop trying to control it I putt better!! Good luck and enjoy the winter sun of Spain or Portugal or wherever you are. Happy Christmas
Thanks Gary, I’ve taken an interest in L.A.B since they announced the OZ1, not unhappy with my Odyssey Double Wide but longer putts are my weakness, I always feel I need to hit too hard! I have specified one online with lots of alignment and now realise that I don’t need that and the hot face on the OZ1 is a must! You have certainly addressed some of my concerns! Thanks again.
I had a LAB Mezz putter and had the same issue with getting the ball to the hole, i felt like i was having to hit the ball harder than i was expecting. It messed with my distance control and was often 5 foot short or over corrected and 5 foot past. Needless to say it was shot lived and moved on pronto :)
Someone on the Facebook LAB page ordered a very similar DF3 with alignment aids similar to Gary. Had buyer’s remorse, contacted LAB and got a lot of relief when trading it back for a less busy model.
I will be getting an in person fitting in the spring for a LAB OZ! I am tired of trying to fit clubs online and having second thoughts when I get the club!
When I ordered mine, I was going to get it "custom," but during the online custom ordering process, it turned out that the only thing I would have changed from a "stock" model was the alignment markings on top. And the different alignment that I'd have chosen was not the extra $200 it would have cost for a "custom" model. Having never been a person who relies on "excessive" alignment markings, the DF3 is working OK. I have the same problem leaving putts short, because having to "let the putter do the work," my grip is much lighter, and I haven't figured out how much more backstroke I need to get the ball to the hole.
I made the same mistake with alignment marks when I ordered mine. I simply used a paint pen in the same color to “eliminate” the alignment marks. I’m sure a similar solution would be available to you. Just an idea -
I totally agree with you! I share the opinion that putter fittings, both online and in person, will get you close but never totally accurate. Only when you get to the real greens can you tune it to your personal stroke and feel. I have the PXG Allan putter and loved it during the fitting, but I found it too light when I took it to the course. Fortunately, PXG, as compared to LAB putters, allows you to modify the weighting with a putter weight kit. After finding my weight preference, I am rolling them well and making putts.
Thanks for a very informative review Gary, I have been considering buying a LAB putter and am torn between the OZ.1i and the OZ.1 but just like you having never used a LAB putter before I am just way too uncertain about the specs especially the correct lie angle and whether to choose the 2 degree forward shaft or the vertical shaft option plus with multiple different shafts and grips available I would have no idea which specs to order, when spending so much money on a putter I would definitely prefer a physical putter fitting where I could test these putters out in different specs as opposed to a remote online fitting (which is essentially a blind fitting). If you had never hit a Titleist driver would you be willing to order a £850-£900 GT3 driver with a Fujikura Ventus TR Black shaft without hitting it first, never in a zillion years and rightly so in my view.
Another area of uncertainly for me would be whether to choose the standard or heavy headweight, I do prefer a slightly heavier putter but the website doesn't detail the specific headweights for light, standard and heavier putters so how on earth are golfers expected to know which headweight specs to order, especially as these LAP putters cannot be adjusted thereafter.
I know you’re going to wait for a fit in person, but a few points in relation to your queries. I think the shaft lean is great if it’s paired with the press grip to match. Now I’ve experienced playing with it, I’ll definitely go down the same route with that. I understand what you’re saying, but I was very confident in the remote fitting, I saw the process and software my stroke was inputted into to calculate my specs. The lie and length married up with a fitting I’d had with seemore, so I was confident in that, I just feel like the mistakes I’ve made or more the selection of custom options, mainly alignment. If I’d got the alignment right, and I’d of putted with more freedom from the go, I’m not sure I’d of questioned anything. I’ve certainly seen enough to now make a calculated decision now, but I think in your case, if you can try some Lab Putters with different shaft options so that you can a more calculated decision on customs, I wouldn’t be put off by a remote fit for specs. I think a lot more people will have Lab putters this year ⛳️
@@garymartingolf Yes, I agree that your choice of alignment was probably your biggest mistake as multiple lines just make the putter head way too busy for me which would become a distraction, I have never had any forward press in my putting stroke so I would be very tempted to choose the vertical shaft option with a SuperStroke or Garsen grip, can I ask which golf ball you play because I play a firmer TP5x which was why I was leaning towards the softer face of the OZ.1 but your comments on the ball coming off the clubface slower with your DF3 is making me consider the OZ.1i instead.
If you don’t get it right it is easy to feel bad about yourself. I was fitted by Scottsdale and was pointed toward the Link1 and my God it’s been a journey because distance puts are so hard to judge but 20ft and under I will two putt every time. It’s maddening but I’m finally getting there. 479 pound last season I simply can’t afford to change it so I’m glad I finally got to a place I’m happy with I’d advise don’t go remote. You have to try various models in the studio imo
@@604Deanit has not been confirmed anywhere. Not sure where this assumption came from. Lab typically releases one new putter a year. With the ozi and oz that will be it other that special editions of the putters.
I play an Odyssey Ten 2 ball tour lined, so I'd like your alignment, but I'd hate your grip, as I like the lamkin deep etched grip. I wonder if you can ship it back to LAB to do a customization like Scotty Cameron can do. Good luck with finding that better fitting putter!
Have you tried the counter balanced version? Might be worth a try on those lag putts to see if the stroke feels better for you, also you can get the ss lab 3.0 on there i think.... The regular thick 17 inch for cb, it's a nice grip
I bought a totally stock df 2.1 returned, unused for $250 2 yrs ago. Changed my putting game completely and I don't think anything new has been better. They have just been trying to get the same tech into a more appealing looking package. Unless it breaks, this will be my last putter.
I got the NN head marking on my remotely custom fit DF3. Small line along top of the face and 3 small white dots perpendicular to that line. Love it. Also got the standard Accra black shaft. Nothing to compare so, feels great to me.
I’ve just ha a look, that’s nice! The feels not bad at all, I think if I’d got the alignment right, I’d of never queried anything else. It’s only now that I’m facing a re order, I’ve queried the shaft upgrade to leave no stone unturned.
@ nice ! It seems like a never ending cycle to find that perfect setup ! I’d probably do the same if I was to compare the stock Accra shaft to the upgraded one.
@ yeah, you might be right. But I’d be interested in people who have tested both the heavier and lighter head to see what they think. My thought was that force = mass x acceleration, and if you have a heavier mass while keeping the same acceleration (it’s just a putter swing after all, not a driver swing) would lead to more force production.
I made a mistake on my stock LAB. I should’ve ordered a custom counterbalance model. When I bought my stock one, I didn’t even realize they had a counterbalance one. But I don’t feel that bad about it. I’m sure I can sell it to someone that will like it. It’s certainly not the first piece of golf equipment I’ve made a mistake on. I ended up going to an Odyssey Jailbreak Cruiser at 38”. I just can’t justify spending over $700 for one club. Of course they are good putters but I’m just not doing it. I’ll stick with my $300 Jailbreak.
The TPT to ME gives a much more firmer feel to the putter. I'm thinking that's what makes you feel it's hotter than the Accra. The Accra I think is a better upgrade from the steel but imparts a much more softer and smoother feel than the steel. I've got DF2.1 and DF3 with the TPT. Had a Mezz Max with the Accra. Also have a DF2.1 with Stability. It's interesting how all the shafts despite the heads being the same really change the feel of the putters. My newest addition today is the OZi with Gears shaft. The Gears feels really in between the Accra and the TPT. Considering the OZi has a steel insert I think to ME the TPT would have gave the OZi too much of a firm feel since it's much more clickier at impact versus the rest of the normal LAB Aluminum heads. The Gears to me is less stiff than the TPT and softens the feel of the steel a tad bit. For just using it on the putting green so far, I'm really liking the feel. BUT it also makes me wonder about getting a 2.1 or DF3 with a Gears shaft too! Those both seem much more forgiving than the OZi. Just my opinion!
I’m wondering how that gears shaft is gonna compare to the tpt. I’ve heard tons of people like the tpt over the accura but hopefully that gears is a solid mid point in price shaft
I’m a convert to the LAB putters but I had the benefit of going to Scottsdale Golf in Warrington and had a fitting.. All the issues you’ve brought up would have been sorted by an in person fit.. as example I have always used a 33” length mallet putter with jumbo / supersize grip.. from the fitting I ended up with a 36” counterbalanced shaft with a 3.0 grip.. I would suggest for the cost spend a few extra pounds and go in person.. 💥💥
Your comments about the alignment aids are interesting. Since a putting stroke cannot be square to square (human anatomy doesn't allow it), it's never effective to use alignment aids during your stroke. At the end of the day, you will always stroke the putter with some degree of arc and the alignment aids will always remain at a straight angle. I can see how this would drive you mad. However, based on watching your previous fitting video for LAB, your putting did appear to improve when your set up was more consistent with the alignment aids. This would seem to suggest that it may be worth working through the growing pains with the alignment aids and viewing them as a "tool" to help you set up consistently while recognizing their lack of value in dictating your putting stroke. As you said, focus on the ball during your putting and not the alignment aids -- most pros do this, Tiger and Bryon included, so you won't be in bad company. Second regarding the shaft concerns, the TPT shaft is a more expensive upgrade and it is technically more stable. However, the TPT shaft is not necessarily the "best" option. The Accra shaft that is installed in your putter offers a softer feel at impact and many players have opted for it over the TPT shaft because of feel. Your mileage may vary, and it's quite possible the TPT is your preferred shaft, but I wouldn't view the Accra as a downgrade. The prices for the materials are more expensive on the TPT shaft, but those same materials also make the shaft more boardy, which is a turn off to many players. Finally, it probably is worth removing the SuperStroke grip. You are introducing new variables with the manual forward press. If the SuperStroke grip didn't affect the lie angle balance, there's probably a high likelihood that the oversized grip would also balance. There's also the fact that you nailed a 20 footer with the press grip on your friend's putter.
Got the White Hot Pro putter with the Callaway edge set and so glad I didn’t spend £500+ on a new putter. Nothing wrong with this one. Accuracy down to the user and the ability to read greens I feel!!
Go up and see Scottsdale......I'm sure they can put extra weights in to make it heavier and produce a better stroke, change the shaft and grip too ? Then colour the alignment in
I have had many lab putters... basically all of them and in multiple styles... I can assure you the reason you like your friends so much is the tpt shaft. It really makes that much difference. I understand the alignment is one thing for sure... but the tpt is lightyears better than the accra.. sadly the accra kinda sucks with these putters... wobbly, and way too soft... I missed almost all the putts I would miss short by a foot or so
For me personally i would want more contrast in the colors of the head/shaft and the alignment aids. Looking down at a white shaft, being the same color as the alignment stripes, as well as green head, a similar color as the putting surface, could drown out the contrast. Perhaps this is where the alignment issue is coming from. The head doesnt pop off the putting surface so your eyes have a tough time lining it up. If im looking for a putter ide like to see bright lines on a dark head so it pops and catches the eyes attention as much as possible. In any case its a beutiful piece of equipment and perhaps you just need more time looking at it on the putting surface to get a better feel for it.
You perfectly illustrated what I tell all my friends. I putt better with old blades from 40 years ago than any of the new putters. I putt by feel, and trust my mind to make the stroke. Whenever I use one of the new putters with alignment aids I stand over the putt doubting whether I aligned it properly. The problem is that very few golfers even know the correct line to putt.
Nice thing about LAB is you can choose the alignment aid - I have the T alignment marker (like the blue DF3 in the video) and it’s simple but not distracting at all. Makes intuitive putting really natural - Plus the insert makes it feel more like a blade :)
I plan to wait because most times golf clubs usually come down in price over time and also I don’t think you should ever buy a putter until you try it outside on a real putting green, mats seem to make a lot of putter’s feel good and I have made that mistake before and don’t want to do it again especially when it’s $600 Thanks for your advice and insight 👍⛳️
Does LABgolf have locations to actually go in to get fitted for a putter ? I would honestly wanna go in person to see my options and have communication with someone if I’m spending that much on a putter.
Custom fitting online that’s how you make mistakes. I spent an hour being fitted for my spider in store and it works for me removed my miss too which was left.
The simple t shape line up line that’s the width of a ball works fine for me my mate has three lines which just looks too busy for me. Should have gone and had a proper fitting on grass it was worth the effort for me. I got to try the different head styles and different shafts and had a standard lie angle 69 plus two press grip standard shaft but 1 inch shorter at 33 inches long.
@ belton park Shay Brennan golf Grantham he’s a great guy and the fitting was excellent. Highly recommended, tbh I’d never had a putter fitting and didn’t know what to expect but it was really enjoyable. Both me and my mate are well happy with the putters we got. I would never buy a putter without having an outdoor fitting ever now. I think since September I’ve had two three putts so can’t fault it. I can see it’s easy to get carried away custom wise but actually using them helps make the decision simpler.
I still use my old Ping Anser - has no alignment aids and I putt ok with it - use it for Pitch and Putt - have an Odyssey Mallet putter for golf ! I don't obsess about equipment and am happy ! Practice is improving my putting and my chipping . Good luck to people who crave new sexy equipment - good for them ! Too expensive for me ?
As soon as I saw your putter I thought the alignment aids were OTT. Looks like you were ticking the box for every possible line. Certainly does my head in, like it's clearly doing you. I'd try filling the unwanted lines with paint pen or modelling paint? Maybe LAB can repaint it? Or is it anodised? The greens a bit naff for me, reminds me of the old Nike IC putters
Hmmm, I think you’re overthinking some of this, but you know what you like. I think the alignment markers are something you adapt to, I thought you were a bit hasty changing the grip. I get what you’re saying about uk greens, years ago I bought a ping anser with their pur insert. Hopeless on the greens there as I was having to hit the ball. Funnily enough I’m in Canada now and it’d be perfect, someone I played this season was using one.
is it wrong for me to feel smug for spending £125 on a PXG hellcat putter that I love ? .. the £26 I spent with our golf pro at the club was the most important part prior to the putter purchase & subsequent improvement in my putting. But you are right Gaz, doesn't matter what it is, only YOU have to love it
You should be setting up with the shaft and not the head and if try to manipulate the stroke in anyway it's not going to work. For me my DF3 is by far the best purchase I've ever made in golf, it's crazy how many more putts i make without even trying.
Absolute headcase, Gaz your basically just convincing yourself there is something wrong with yours to get a new putter, I was fortunate to have tested them in person before buying and that TPT shaft made 0 difference to the upgraded Accra shaft, it just looks a little cooler but I didn't find any performance benefit. I get your point about the alignment aid as I NEVER look at the back of my putter so its pointless. I went with the W alignment option as I use a line on my ball and its amazing used in conjunction to that option
Green paint fill on the lines you don't need. You can end up with the same T shape alignment as Dans... use nail polish so it's easy to remove if needed
@@garymartingolf if you try covering the lines or section of the lines you don't want with whiteboard / dry-erase markers, you could try alternate colour options before actually committing to anything more permanent. Maybe blue or black in the outer lines, leaving those lines there for alignment help but making them less obvious.
Bits of acetone remove the white paint on the bits you dont want anymore. Not sure you should have changed the grip. Having to manipulate the loft wouldnt be helping with alignment.
Gary, genuine question, why on earth didnt you go for a fitting as Scottsdale isnt far from you for the lab tour fitting then you at least get to see and try alot more options before such an expensive purchase if you did pay for the lab of course. Second thing is on your testing with this while away you have the wrong grip on as you have the press loft and no press grip now, that wont help distance putts hitting it with more loft inconsistently. Third, I do think LAB need to have alot more pictures of the putter heads and alignment options if you are going to just order online with the remote fit option as its so much money as many examples as possible would be a a great help!
@@danielwarren2355 Hi Dan, I was thinking you get to test every grip out, and they should have a selection of heads with sight lines, he also would have had the chance to test the different shafts, so Gary could have got shaft, lines and grip correct surely?
Its complicated Dan, but it wasn’t really an option as our contact wasn’t within the UK. Obviously, yes, in an ideal world, if you’re near a stockiest, that would be the first point of call 🤟🏼
@@DanB- true, but Gary loved it at first, it's only after some proper testing that he realised it wasn't great, so there's nothing to say he wouldn't have just gone down the same route with a quick indoor fitting at Scottsdale
@@garymartingolf On a side note Gary, I know you didnt see any difference in the revealer when you changed the grip but Sam Hahn talking to Mygolfspy says if you change the grip the putter is now no longer lie angle balanced. I wonder how much that could have changed the putter to?
Stick with my Odyssey Stroke Lab putters, can't go wrong with them imo and a fraction of the cost of a LAB. Can't lie... I was tempted when Scotsdale Golf had their BF sale on LAB just to see how they feel 😂
There is very little force applied to a putter shaft, so it’s really hard to believe that a $200 putter shaft upgrade is even close to being worth that cost.
In terms of feel, I can confidently now say that’s it’s better, especially on longer putts. That’s all can answer. I understand your point, if you’re looking for value for money.
Fax Merry Christmas. You were just putting great with that odessy. You change putters like you change underwear. You will never be consistent through constant change. If you are using a firm ball, like the PXG, it will be firm regardless of putter. If you are changing putters for content it makes sense. You got fit for drivers from PXG and the custom fitter with your TaylorMade. Why.
I would never spend that sort of money on a club I was unable to try, remote fitting is no substitute for trying. I have bought PXG clubs that way but much lower price and I knew I could sell it on and get my money back if needed.
Maybe Gaz you just need to go to belton park GC and get a proper fitting as most pros say get it done professionally You have already found out it’s an expensive mistake to make
The ball track in the dew showed it as not being a good fit for you Gaz. Too much launch and bounce before the roll. Go get another fitting but on a long putt and with S.A.M. Putt Lab where you can see just what the ball is doing 👍
You definitely went to busy with lines on top In my opinion. There is also a break in period with any new putter and probably even more with LAB bc ur trying to remove hands and wrists from stroke. Keep at it!
Stop moaning and get used to it ! I got the df4 Accra white shaft in blue anodised with the t alignment. It was good when I got it but better after 2 months. I went for a fitting. I have several other putters (Scottie’s etc) this putter has definitely improved my game. Must be tried to believed
Gaz sell your putter, get the money and re-order the new one. Learn from your mistakes. Are you might have to bite off 100 or £200 a loss however you can still get your dream putter in the future. Can see Robo giving you pelters for this.
Tinker man! You chop n change depending on the day. You ordered what you liked, we can all make excuses for bad putting lol once aligned it should all be about your process. Grass is not always greener so stop looking over fence. When you talk about this it’s like a kid in a candy shop lol always want something else. Try thinking before buying lol so in your case think but don’t buy!
Gaz, you have the luxury of “wealth”, which a lot of golfers (including myself) can suffer from. When most of us started out we worked with what we could afford, buying adequate gear for value and typically used. Now with some spare cash, we don’t settle with adequate and go looking for tech & nirvana at any cost. The test you can’t do is if you didn’t have Dan’s putter to test for comparison, would you have got used to it… We’ll never know… The Gaz I know is a very good putter, which was clearly on display when you went to Pakistan and holed almost everything in sight with your Odyssey…😂 Hope you get comfortable with your next putter of choice… 🤔 Thanks for sharing your feelings with this experience. 😎
I don’t disagree with what you’re saying, but with Lab being hot topic, it’s just a product I’ve got to try, as this isn’t just about me anymore, these new products need to be tested and shared in a honest light. If I genuinely like something, it will stay in the bag, and if I don’t, then the previous product will remain in play. I do really genuinely feel enough good in the lab putter that I can justify ordering again.
Gary, you are guilty of paralysis, by analysis, over thinking things. Just focus on the centre line, rather than the outer 2 as well. Stop messing around, to the point you go backwards in confidence. Nothing new, you really are a golf perve, but tinker way too much IMHO.
Wondering if you might be a bit mental when it comes to putters. I agree that your custom options are too busy for my tastes. I like the blue color but for me, black with the simple T marker and a black shaft really help me to focus on start line. I got fitted at a local retailer (same cost as buying online) and the standard specs at 34" was the right fit for me. Went with standard shaft because it's black and I find the feel is terrific. Maybe folks should try one through a second hand outlet that is also a LAB fitter. I appreciate your honesty with this. Sorry this has tormented you so much.
I love everything about my new putter, except the shaft, alignment, the feel, the grip. Other than that it’s perfect. Yeeesh!
Sounds like he's trying to convince himself on it being his "perfect" putter. He should just list it, get what he can out of it, and order what he wants.
The Accra shaft is the complete opposite of the tpt. One is not better than the other, he prefers the clickier feeling of the tpt than the soft feel of the Accra. Don’t want this video to make anyone think if you don’t get the tpt it won’t feel good it’s 100% subjective
That was a great video, this is the type of content that we need as consumers and buyers in Golf. Most fitters in the big box. Stores will not go into all the different options and fitting choices. Keep up the great work and happy new year. Cheers. 🍻
Cheers Jason, appreciated 🤟🏼
I did the same exact thing with my first DF3. Loved everything except my alignment marks. It was just too busy. Learned very quickly that less is more. Just got my replacement in and couldn’t be happier. It was a costly mistake but I learned so much from it.
Tight yorkshire man comes to mind !!
I replicated the simple alignment marks of a current putter I’m most comfortable with. I can see how your Picasso can be overwhelming.
I got the df3 in broomstick with only the LAB symbol as alignment, which is essentially a dot, and for me less is more. I use the line on the ball as a horizontal square to the dot. Otherwise I focus to much on lining everything up perfectly rather than just putting and allowing the putter to do the job.
Thank you for sharing a good video with realistic observations. My experience with indoor putter fitting has been frustrating. An 8' putt on a fast carpet is absolutely misleading towards getting fitted properly, especially if we normally play on slower greens. On my last fitting I told the fitter to squat behind the hole to catch my putts and I stroked them firmly to simulate a real putt. You may want to keep this in mind on the next fitting. 😊
Scottsdale will upgrade it - I got the shaft and grip changed. I ordered mine from the States with a remote fitting too
Wow didn't know this. I ordered direct from states and would prefer to have the head heavier but didn't want to send back to USA. Did you just email them?
@@richardmews7485I spoke to the team at Lab and they made the suggestion.
You can drop them an email - but prob best just giving them a call.
I have the OZ1i - Charcoal grey, simple T alignment, black Gears shaft, white press / pistol - Adore it.
A good option for shafts is the GEARS model. Not as expensive as the TPT, but performs wonderfully :)
Very nice! Sounds like an amazing setup 😍
I'd recommend going for the fitting at Scottsdale golf. I tried the really expensive upgrade shaft and genuinely couldn't feel any difference between that and the less expensive upgrade shaft. I do 100% agree with struggling to get the ball to the hole on slow greens like we have in the UK currently, you really do feel like you have to "hit" it to get it there.
Gary when I got mine I flew over to the UK from Spain to get fitted at Scottsdale Golf that way I got what was correct and got to try before I buy. But even then it’s taken me 6 months to get, I would say 85% with it some days I’m like 100% others less.
But I’ve realized that when I just let it go and do its thing and stop trying to control it I putt better!! Good luck and enjoy the winter sun of Spain or Portugal or wherever you are. Happy Christmas
I liked that color green. But I agree the top of the putter is too busy
Thanks Gary, I’ve taken an interest in L.A.B since they announced the OZ1, not unhappy with my Odyssey Double Wide but longer putts are my weakness, I always feel I need to hit too hard! I have specified one online with lots of alignment and now realise that I don’t need that and the hot face on the OZ1 is a must! You have certainly addressed some of my concerns! Thanks again.
Great video Gary, thanks for the honesty. This will definitely help me when I order my new putter.
I had a LAB Mezz putter and had the same issue with getting the ball to the hole, i felt like i was having to hit the ball harder than i was expecting. It messed with my distance control and was often 5 foot short or over corrected and 5 foot past. Needless to say it was shot lived and moved on pronto :)
Me 2. Hard lesson
P. S. What about a respray/powder?
Someone on the Facebook LAB page ordered a very similar DF3 with alignment aids similar to Gary. Had buyer’s remorse, contacted LAB and got a lot of relief when trading it back for a less busy model.
I will be getting an in person fitting in the spring for a LAB OZ! I am tired of trying to fit clubs online and having second thoughts when I get the club!
Fantastic honest video Gaz with great advice, I feel sorry for you though mate
When I ordered mine, I was going to get it "custom," but during the online custom ordering process, it turned out that the only thing I would have changed from a "stock" model was the alignment markings on top. And the different alignment that I'd have chosen was not the extra $200 it would have cost for a "custom" model. Having never been a person who relies on "excessive" alignment markings, the DF3 is working OK.
I have the same problem leaving putts short, because having to "let the putter do the work," my grip is much lighter, and I haven't figured out how much more backstroke I need to get the ball to the hole.
You might have made the best choice ever! I mean, Lab must of done a lot of testing before applying their stock alignment! 👌🏼
Bro I have been there. My 2 Labs on the eBays...losing big $$, so happy you made this video. I felt like as was the only one Lagging like a dog.
Come off it Gaz- you just want the Sheffield Wednesday Blue 🔵 🤣
Wawaw
I made the same mistake with alignment marks when I ordered mine. I simply used a paint pen in the same color to “eliminate” the alignment marks. I’m sure a similar solution would be available to you. Just an idea -
I never thought about that, great idea!
I totally agree with you! I share the opinion that putter fittings, both online and in person, will get you close but never totally accurate. Only when you get to the real greens can you tune it to your personal stroke and feel.
I have the PXG Allan putter and loved it during the fitting, but I found it too light when I took it to the course. Fortunately, PXG, as compared to LAB putters, allows you to modify the weighting with a putter weight kit. After finding my weight preference, I am rolling them well and making putts.
Thanks for a very informative review Gary, I have been considering buying a LAB putter and am torn between the OZ.1i and the OZ.1 but just like you having never used a LAB putter before I am just way too uncertain about the specs especially the correct lie angle and whether to choose the 2 degree forward shaft or the vertical shaft option plus with multiple different shafts and grips available I would have no idea which specs to order, when spending so much money on a putter I would definitely prefer a physical putter fitting where I could test these putters out in different specs as opposed to a remote online fitting (which is essentially a blind fitting). If you had never hit a Titleist driver would you be willing to order a £850-£900 GT3 driver with a Fujikura Ventus TR Black shaft without hitting it first, never in a zillion years and rightly so in my view.
Another area of uncertainly for me would be whether to choose the standard or heavy headweight, I do prefer a slightly heavier putter but the website doesn't detail the specific headweights for light, standard and heavier putters so how on earth are golfers expected to know which headweight specs to order, especially as these LAP putters cannot be adjusted thereafter.
I know you’re going to wait for a fit in person, but a few points in relation to your queries.
I think the shaft lean is great if it’s paired with the press grip to match. Now I’ve experienced playing with it, I’ll definitely go down the same route with that.
I understand what you’re saying, but I was very confident in the remote fitting, I saw the process and software my stroke was inputted into to calculate my specs. The lie and length married up with a fitting I’d had with seemore, so I was confident in that, I just feel like the mistakes I’ve made or more the selection of custom options, mainly alignment.
If I’d got the alignment right, and I’d of putted with more freedom from the go, I’m not sure I’d of questioned anything.
I’ve certainly seen enough to now make a calculated decision now, but I think in your case, if you can try some Lab Putters with different shaft options so that you can a more calculated decision on customs, I wouldn’t be put off by a remote fit for specs.
I think a lot more people will have Lab putters this year ⛳️
@@garymartingolf Yes, I agree that your choice of alignment was probably your biggest mistake as multiple lines just make the putter head way too busy for me which would become a distraction, I have never had any forward press in my putting stroke so I would be very tempted to choose the vertical shaft option with a SuperStroke or Garsen grip, can I ask which golf ball you play because I play a firmer TP5x which was why I was leaning towards the softer face of the OZ.1 but your comments on the ball coming off the clubface slower with your DF3 is making me consider the OZ.1i instead.
If you don’t get it right it is easy to feel bad about yourself.
I was fitted by Scottsdale and was pointed toward the Link1 and my God it’s been a journey because distance puts are so hard to judge but 20ft and under I will two putt every time. It’s maddening but I’m finally getting there.
479 pound last season
I simply can’t afford to change it so I’m glad I finally got to a place I’m happy with
I’d advise don’t go remote. You have to try various models in the studio imo
Df3i (insert) will be released 2025…holding off myself for that one!
That would be a dream!
This is 1000% confirmed? Any idea when in 2025? I was planning on ordering a custom DF3 in the near future.
@@604Deanit has not been confirmed anywhere. Not sure where this assumption came from. Lab typically releases one new putter a year. With the ozi and oz that will be it other that special editions of the putters.
Had a real putter fitting a few years ago and they spent a while getting my alignment aid on the outer, a single white line worked best for me
I play an Odyssey Ten 2 ball tour lined, so I'd like your alignment, but I'd hate your grip, as I like the lamkin deep etched grip. I wonder if you can ship it back to LAB to do a customization like Scotty Cameron can do. Good luck with finding that better fitting putter!
Have you tried the counter balanced version? Might be worth a try on those lag putts to see if the stroke feels better for you, also you can get the ss lab 3.0 on there i think.... The regular thick 17 inch for cb, it's a nice grip
Yours is exactly the alignment markings i would have chosen.
I got the JJ alignment design and love it and highly recommend it.
I bought a totally stock df 2.1 returned, unused for $250 2 yrs ago. Changed my putting game completely and I don't think anything new has been better. They have just been trying to get the same tech into a more appealing looking package. Unless it breaks, this will be my last putter.
I got the NN head marking on my remotely custom fit DF3. Small line along top of the face and 3 small white dots perpendicular to that line. Love it.
Also got the standard Accra black shaft. Nothing to compare so, feels great to me.
I’ve just ha a look, that’s nice!
The feels not bad at all, I think if I’d got the alignment right, I’d of never queried anything else. It’s only now that I’m facing a re order, I’ve queried the shaft upgrade to leave no stone unturned.
@ nice ! It seems like a never ending cycle to find that perfect setup ! I’d probably do the same if I was to compare the stock Accra shaft to the upgraded one.
Did you get the “normal” or “heavy” weighted head? I wonder whether a lighter head leads to less ball speed off the face.
Heavy head, it comes down to the aluminum face, it's just slower.
@ yeah, you might be right. But I’d be interested in people who have tested both the heavier and lighter head to see what they think. My thought was that force = mass x acceleration, and if you have a heavier mass while keeping the same acceleration (it’s just a putter swing after all, not a driver swing) would lead to more force production.
I made a mistake on my stock LAB. I should’ve ordered a custom counterbalance model. When I bought my stock one, I didn’t even realize they had a counterbalance one. But I don’t feel that bad about it. I’m sure I can sell it to someone that will like it. It’s certainly not the first piece of golf equipment I’ve made a mistake on. I ended up going to an Odyssey Jailbreak Cruiser at 38”. I just can’t justify spending over $700 for one club. Of course they are good putters but I’m just not doing it. I’ll stick with my $300 Jailbreak.
The TPT to ME gives a much more firmer feel to the putter. I'm thinking that's what makes you feel it's hotter than the Accra. The Accra I think is a better upgrade from the steel but imparts a much more softer and smoother feel than the steel. I've got DF2.1 and DF3 with the TPT. Had a Mezz Max with the Accra. Also have a DF2.1 with Stability. It's interesting how all the shafts despite the heads being the same really change the feel of the putters. My newest addition today is the OZi with Gears shaft. The Gears feels really in between the Accra and the TPT. Considering the OZi has a steel insert I think to ME the TPT would have gave the OZi too much of a firm feel since it's much more clickier at impact versus the rest of the normal LAB Aluminum heads. The Gears to me is less stiff than the TPT and softens the feel of the steel a tad bit. For just using it on the putting green so far, I'm really liking the feel. BUT it also makes me wonder about getting a 2.1 or DF3 with a Gears shaft too! Those both seem much more forgiving than the OZi. Just my opinion!
thnx. Making the choice not easier, but good info!
I’m wondering how that gears shaft is gonna compare to the tpt. I’ve heard tons of people like the tpt over the accura but hopefully that gears is a solid mid point in price shaft
I’m a convert to the LAB putters but I had the benefit of going to Scottsdale Golf in Warrington and had a fitting.. All the issues you’ve brought up would have been sorted by an in person fit.. as example I have always used a 33” length mallet putter with jumbo / supersize grip.. from the fitting I ended up with a 36” counterbalanced shaft with a 3.0 grip.. I would suggest for the cost spend a few extra pounds and go in person.. 💥💥
Your comments about the alignment aids are interesting. Since a putting stroke cannot be square to square (human anatomy doesn't allow it), it's never effective to use alignment aids during your stroke. At the end of the day, you will always stroke the putter with some degree of arc and the alignment aids will always remain at a straight angle. I can see how this would drive you mad. However, based on watching your previous fitting video for LAB, your putting did appear to improve when your set up was more consistent with the alignment aids. This would seem to suggest that it may be worth working through the growing pains with the alignment aids and viewing them as a "tool" to help you set up consistently while recognizing their lack of value in dictating your putting stroke. As you said, focus on the ball during your putting and not the alignment aids -- most pros do this, Tiger and Bryon included, so you won't be in bad company.
Second regarding the shaft concerns, the TPT shaft is a more expensive upgrade and it is technically more stable. However, the TPT shaft is not necessarily the "best" option. The Accra shaft that is installed in your putter offers a softer feel at impact and many players have opted for it over the TPT shaft because of feel. Your mileage may vary, and it's quite possible the TPT is your preferred shaft, but I wouldn't view the Accra as a downgrade. The prices for the materials are more expensive on the TPT shaft, but those same materials also make the shaft more boardy, which is a turn off to many players.
Finally, it probably is worth removing the SuperStroke grip. You are introducing new variables with the manual forward press. If the SuperStroke grip didn't affect the lie angle balance, there's probably a high likelihood that the oversized grip would also balance. There's also the fact that you nailed a 20 footer with the press grip on your friend's putter.
Buyer's remorse and putter envy. Wow, that was a painful watch! Back to that expensive drawing board, Gaz! 😁
Got the White Hot Pro putter with the Callaway edge set and so glad I didn’t spend £500+ on a new putter. Nothing wrong with this one. Accuracy down to the user and the ability to read greens I feel!!
Can you not paint over some of the alignment lines ?
Go up and see Scottsdale......I'm sure they can put extra weights in to make it heavier and produce a better stroke, change the shaft and grip too ?
Then colour the alignment in
I have had many lab putters... basically all of them and in multiple styles... I can assure you the reason you like your friends so much is the tpt shaft. It really makes that much difference. I understand the alignment is one thing for sure... but the tpt is lightyears better than the accra.. sadly the accra kinda sucks with these putters... wobbly, and way too soft... I missed almost all the putts I would miss short by a foot or so
For me personally i would want more contrast in the colors of the head/shaft and the alignment aids. Looking down at a white shaft, being the same color as the alignment stripes, as well as green head, a similar color as the putting surface, could drown out the contrast. Perhaps this is where the alignment issue is coming from. The head doesnt pop off the putting surface so your eyes have a tough time lining it up. If im looking for a putter ide like to see bright lines on a dark head so it pops and catches the eyes attention as much as possible. In any case its a beutiful piece of equipment and perhaps you just need more time looking at it on the putting surface to get a better feel for it.
Not sure I would have gone with the green
That's why I stick with my old tpa putter it works for me so why change 😊well done gaz if I was you get a blade putter
Dang Gary you overthought the process. Haha
You perfectly illustrated what I tell all my friends. I putt better with old blades from 40 years ago than any of the new putters. I putt by feel, and trust my mind to make the stroke. Whenever I use one of the new putters with alignment aids I stand over the putt doubting whether I aligned it properly. The problem is that very few golfers even know the correct line to putt.
Nice thing about LAB is you can choose the alignment aid - I have the T alignment marker (like the blue DF3 in the video) and it’s simple but not distracting at all. Makes intuitive putting really natural - Plus the insert makes it feel more like a blade :)
I plan to wait because most times golf clubs usually come down in price over time and also I don’t think you should ever buy a putter until you try it outside on a real putting green, mats seem to make a lot of putter’s feel good and I have made that mistake before and don’t want to do it again especially when it’s $600
Thanks for your advice and insight 👍⛳️
Does LABgolf have locations to actually go in to get fitted for a putter ? I would honestly wanna go in person to see my options and have communication with someone if I’m spending that much on a putter.
Custom fitting online that’s how you make mistakes.
I spent an hour being fitted for my spider in store and it works for me removed my miss too which was left.
The simple t shape line up line that’s the width of a ball works fine for me my mate has three lines which just looks too busy for me. Should have gone and had a proper fitting on grass it was worth the effort for me. I got to try the different head styles and different shafts and had a standard lie angle 69 plus two press grip standard shaft but 1 inch shorter at 33 inches long.
Where did you go? I don’t know of anyone that fits outdoors in the UK?
@ belton park Shay Brennan golf Grantham he’s a great guy and the fitting was excellent. Highly recommended, tbh I’d never had a putter fitting and didn’t know what to expect but it was really enjoyable. Both me and my mate are well happy with the putters we got. I would never buy a putter without having an outdoor fitting ever now. I think since September I’ve had two three putts so can’t fault it. I can see it’s easy to get carried away custom wise but actually using them helps make the decision simpler.
I still use my old Ping Anser - has no alignment aids and I putt ok with it - use it for Pitch and Putt - have an Odyssey Mallet putter for golf !
I don't obsess about equipment and am happy !
Practice is improving my putting and my chipping .
Good luck to people who crave new sexy equipment - good for them !
Too expensive for me ?
Got Mezz 1 Max . Absolutely love this putter !!!
Remember I said to let me know when you were selling the LAB Gary?
As soon as I saw your putter I thought the alignment aids were OTT. Looks like you were ticking the box for every possible line. Certainly does my head in, like it's clearly doing you.
I'd try filling the unwanted lines with paint pen or modelling paint?
Maybe LAB can repaint it? Or is it anodised?
The greens a bit naff for me, reminds me of the old Nike IC putters
Hmmm, I think you’re overthinking some of this, but you know what you like. I think the alignment markers are something you adapt to, I thought you were a bit hasty changing the grip. I get what you’re saying about uk greens, years ago I bought a ping anser with their pur insert. Hopeless on the greens there as I was having to hit the ball. Funnily enough I’m in Canada now and it’d be perfect, someone I played this season was using one.
I’ll be honest Gaz the blue looks nicer than the green for me too 🤦🏼♂️
is it wrong for me to feel smug for spending £125 on a PXG hellcat putter that I love ? .. the £26 I spent with our golf pro at the club was the most important part prior to the putter purchase & subsequent improvement in my putting. But you are right Gaz, doesn't matter what it is, only YOU have to love it
Great discussion 👍
You should be setting up with the shaft and not the head and if try to manipulate the stroke in anyway it's not going to work. For me my DF3 is by far the best purchase I've ever made in golf, it's crazy how many more putts i make without even trying.
This is why i watch this channel no BS
So… what you’re saying is go in person to get fit by a lab fitter and try everything first?
I paid £170 for my putter and I’ve had it 12 years. Can’t see me ever changing.
Absolute headcase, Gaz your basically just convincing yourself there is something wrong with yours to get a new putter, I was fortunate to have tested them in person before buying and that TPT shaft made 0 difference to the upgraded Accra shaft, it just looks a little cooler but I didn't find any performance benefit. I get your point about the alignment aid as I NEVER look at the back of my putter so its pointless. I went with the W alignment option as I use a line on my ball and its amazing used in conjunction to that option
8:30 Taking a longer back swing, it's fine? You can still stroke it with a longer back swing. I think you're thinking about it too much.
Green paint fill on the lines you don't need. You can end up with the same T shape alignment as Dans... use nail polish so it's easy to remove if needed
That’s a tremendous idea!💡
@garymartingolf 👍
@@garymartingolf if you try covering the lines or section of the lines you don't want with whiteboard / dry-erase markers, you could try alternate colour options before actually committing to anything more permanent. Maybe blue or black in the outer lines, leaving those lines there for alignment help but making them less obvious.
Bits of acetone remove the white paint on the bits you dont want anymore. Not sure you should have changed the grip. Having to manipulate the loft wouldnt be helping with alignment.
ive got the identical one and its superb
Gary, genuine question, why on earth didnt you go for a fitting as Scottsdale isnt far from you for the lab tour fitting then you at least get to see and try alot more options before such an expensive purchase if you did pay for the lab of course. Second thing is on your testing with this while away you have the wrong grip on as you have the press loft and no press grip now, that wont help distance putts hitting it with more loft inconsistently. Third, I do think LAB need to have alot more pictures of the putter heads and alignment options if you are going to just order online with the remote fit option as its so much money as many examples as possible would be a a great help!
I don't think an in person fitting would have changed much from the spec he went for.
@@danielwarren2355 Hi Dan, I was thinking you get to test every grip out, and they should have a selection of heads with sight lines, he also would have had the chance to test the different shafts, so Gary could have got shaft, lines and grip correct surely?
Its complicated Dan, but it wasn’t really an option as our contact wasn’t within the UK. Obviously, yes, in an ideal world, if you’re near a stockiest, that would be the first point of call 🤟🏼
@@DanB- true, but Gary loved it at first, it's only after some proper testing that he realised it wasn't great, so there's nothing to say he wouldn't have just gone down the same route with a quick indoor fitting at Scottsdale
@@garymartingolf On a side note Gary, I know you didnt see any difference in the revealer when you changed the grip but Sam Hahn talking to Mygolfspy says if you change the grip the putter is now no longer lie angle balanced. I wonder how much that could have changed the putter to?
Stick with my Odyssey Stroke Lab putters, can't go wrong with them imo and a fraction of the cost of a LAB. Can't lie... I was tempted when Scotsdale Golf had their BF sale on LAB just to see how they feel 😂
There is very little force applied to a putter shaft, so it’s really hard to believe that a $200 putter shaft upgrade is even close to being worth that cost.
In terms of feel, I can confidently now say that’s it’s better, especially on longer putts. That’s all can answer.
I understand your point, if you’re looking for value for money.
Fax Merry Christmas. You were just putting great with that odessy. You change putters like you change underwear. You will never be consistent through constant change. If you are using a firm ball, like the PXG, it will be firm regardless of putter. If you are changing putters for content it makes sense. You got fit for drivers from PXG and the custom fitter with your TaylorMade. Why.
Thanks for that Gaz just saved me £600+ I'll stick with Scotty 😮
If I was spending that much I would of travelled and had a proper fitting
your putter doesnt have the torque grip from LAB. Your putts came up short. That's the main difference, I'd think .
I'd only spend that much by doing an actual fitting where you could feel differences in shafts, grips, & alignment aids.
I would never spend that sort of money on a club I was unable to try, remote fitting is no substitute for trying. I have bought PXG clubs that way but much lower price and I knew I could sell it on and get my money back if needed.
Maybe Gaz you just need to go to belton park GC and get a proper fitting as most pros say get it done professionally
You have already found out it’s an expensive mistake to make
The ball track in the dew showed it as not being a good fit for you Gaz. Too much launch and bounce before the roll.
Go get another fitting but on a long putt and with S.A.M. Putt Lab where you can see just what the ball is doing 👍
You definitely went to busy with lines on top In my opinion. There is also a break in period with any new putter and probably even more with LAB bc ur trying to remove hands and wrists from stroke. Keep at it!
Stop moaning and get used to it !
I got the df4 Accra white shaft in blue anodised with the t alignment. It was good when I got it but better after 2 months.
I went for a fitting. I have several other putters (Scottie’s etc) this putter has definitely improved my game. Must be tried to believed
DF3 even 🤭
You can putt with a $50 putter, secret to putting is practice, if you play once a week $800 is not going to solve your putting problems.
Getting a white shaft is a huge mistake
Hi mate surely lab themselves will change this and you pay for upgraded shaft it must have returns policy 😂
Gaz sell your putter, get the money and re-order the new one. Learn from your mistakes. Are you might have to bite off 100 or £200 a loss however you can still get your dream putter in the future. Can see Robo giving you pelters for this.
Well for $700 I expect to hole every putt first time 😅
Gaz try Chris Dennis new putter before you by the oz
So I wouldn’t pay £500+ on a product without feeling it .. online buying 🤔🤔not for me …
Send it back and reorder
seriously the greens got dew on it
Welcome to golf in England 6 months of year.
Tinker man! You chop n change depending on the day. You ordered what you liked, we can all make excuses for bad putting lol once aligned it should all be about your process. Grass is not always greener so stop looking over fence. When you talk about this it’s like a kid in a candy shop lol always want something else. Try thinking before buying lol so in your case think but don’t buy!
Gaz, you have the luxury of “wealth”, which a lot of golfers (including myself) can suffer from.
When most of us started out we worked with what we could afford, buying adequate gear for value and typically used. Now with some spare cash, we don’t settle with adequate and go looking for tech & nirvana at any cost.
The test you can’t do is if you didn’t have Dan’s putter to test for comparison, would you have got used to it… We’ll never know…
The Gaz I know is a very good putter, which was clearly on display when you went to Pakistan and holed almost everything in sight with your Odyssey…😂
Hope you get comfortable with your next putter of choice… 🤔
Thanks for sharing your feelings with this experience. 😎
I don’t disagree with what you’re saying, but with Lab being hot topic, it’s just a product I’ve got to try, as this isn’t just about me anymore, these new products need to be tested and shared in a honest light. If I genuinely like something, it will stay in the bag, and if I don’t, then the previous product will remain in play.
I do really genuinely feel enough good in the lab putter that I can justify ordering again.
This seems a bit more a user mistake than putter mistake
just cover up the alignment marks you don't want
Yeah , I appreciate that, I’m going to have too. The video is more a heads up for anybody else who unsure about the alignment options.
Gary, you are guilty of paralysis, by analysis, over thinking things. Just focus on the centre line, rather than the outer 2 as well. Stop messing around, to the point you go backwards in confidence. Nothing new, you really are a golf perve, but tinker way too much IMHO.
Everything is for sale Gaz, drop me a message.
lol 😂
Piss funny Dan...why not just rub it in 😂😂😂