L.A.B. Golf DF3i Putter Review

Can 2% Really Make You A Better Putter?

Ryan Heiman

Founder and Head Author of Independent Golf Reviews

How much better would you like to get at putting? 5%, 25% 50% 100%? I

‘m sure it depends on your starting point, but if you currently hit 36 putts a round, getting to 32 putts a round would drop you score by 4 strokes and might bring that 90 into the 80s. That is an 11% change.

What if you could get only a 2% change. That is less than 1 stroke per round. Is it worth it?

The new L.A.B. Golf DF3i Putter is the same putter as the original DF3 but now with an insert. The stainless steel insert makes the putter 2% faster.

It creates a firm feel and a faster roll. Is it noticeable for amateur golfers?

This review is going to dive into that 2% difference and see if it improves putting results on the green.

This is my official L.A.B. Golf DF3i Putter Review.

See the price online here

i Is For Insert

If you are reading this review, you already know about L.A.B. Golf’s popularity and rise to significance in the golf world wit their zero-torque putters.

The L.A.B Golf DF3i Putter is their most popular model, now with an insert.

The stainless steel insert has been seen in other models for over a year. It is simply the next evolution for the DF3 model.

The firmer faster face offers a 2% speed increase on putts.

I don’t have robots to test this, but I’m pretty comfortable taking their word for it since the number is pretty small.

From the top looking down there isn’t much difference between DF3 and DF3i putters.

The face insert is noticeably firmer on putts and I like how it wraps around the bottom so that there are no “weird” edges of the insert to accidentally hit your putt off of.

The sole weighting is slightly different to accommodate the face insert, but the lie angle balance remains the same.

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Think Less, Make More

The L.A.B. Golf DF3i Putter has the same “think less, make more” motto since this large mallet lines up behind the ball easily and then with the zero-torque technology resists twisting while putting so that the putts go straighter on their intended line.

The only difference now is that they go a little faster than the DF3.

I think statistically most golfers come up short on all shots and especially putts.

So adding 2% is just enough to get the ball to the hole instead of leaving it an inch or two short.

The increased speed made it easier and actually required less thought than I expected.

I was concerned I was going to need to “hold back” this putter, but it was actually the opposite.

I felt more free to stroke the ball naturally with the DF3i putter.

I could commit to the line and putt naturally and the speed was almost always perfect.

I suppose the faster the greens the potential of this putter being too fast could happen, but again 2% isn’t such a large speed increase that requires big changes.

Are Upgrades Worth It?

The L.A.B. Golf DF3i Putter has custom upgrade options like colors, alignment markings, shafts and grips.

While I’m generally a “stock” kind of guy, I did get the opportunity this time to try the GEARS x L.A.B. Golf seamless shaft.

I’m guessing the percentage is pretty small how much better this shaft is, but my on-course success says that even a small percentage increase was noticeable on the green.

I think thought the feel was better as was the consistency.

I know there are numerous levels of upgrades at a cost so it can be a financial as much as a performance decision.

I will say that the shaft upgrade was one that I certainly enjoyed to my surprise.

The smooth consistent firm feel that the shaft and face offered was noticeable even for an amateur.

If you are investing in this putter and really want to see the best performance possible, I think a shaft upgrade is worth it for even tighter, firmer and a more consistent roll.

Zero-Torque Performance

I’ve gotten to a place now that zero-torque putters take no adjustment time in my bag.

The L.A.B. Golf DF3i Putter rolled the ball on the green exactly like the regular DF3 but I could notice the firmness and the 2% faster roll.

I was so consistent on speed and so close to the cup if not in. I’ve been testing so many putters lately, but the DF3i certainly rose to the top with consistent results.

The technology and design behind this putter is real. It works for those who prefer the firmer feel and slightly faster roll.

It is interesting that I liked the softer feel in the OZ1 putter while I like the firmer feel in the L.A.B. Golf DF3i Putter.

I don’t think golfers will be disappointed with either model, but in the DF3i I found a little more firm and fast that helped me make more putts.

Summary

The L.A.B. Golf DF3i Putter is firmer and faster. While this 2% difference doesn’t sound like much on paper, it is noticeable on the greens.

The difference is just as much about performance as it is about preference.

If you like the softer feel and more muted sound, the the regular DF3 putter is best, but if you want firm and fast, then the DF3i is your choice.

The shaft, color and alignment upgrades might be worth it too.

You simply can’t go wrong with the most stable zero-torque mallet putter you can roll. It is only 2%, but for me the results were even better on the green.

For more information: L.A.B. Golf Website

About The Author

Ryan Heiman – Founder and Head Author of Independent Golf Reviews

Founder of Independent Golf Reviews, Ryan plays to about a 3 handicap and writes most of the articles about the equipment, accessories and travel. Now living in Tucson, AZ he enjoys year round golf. He’s been writing reviews here and for other websites for over 10 years now. He has worked with every brand over that time.

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