2nd Swing Golf
Master fitters, Trackman-heavy testing
“The DF3i is going to be a great option in 2026 to dive into”
L.A.B. put a steel insert in its best-selling DF3 mallet by consumer demand, and the hosts expect it to be a great, successful option for players who found the original too soft.
+ the facts · 4 pros · 1 cons− the facts
- +Adds a firmer, more responsive steel insert to the DF3, the brand's number one seller
- +Insert engineered specifically for the DF3 head, not a copy of the OZ.1 insert, with weighting redesigned to preserve lie angle balance
- +Hand-built and hand-balanced with L.A.B.'s zero-torque lie angle balance philosophy
- −Zero-torque style is not a fit for every stroke, particularly players with more arc
For: Golfers who like the DF3 shape but want a firmer, poppier feel than the all-aluminum original
Golf Monthly
UK magazine, season-long testing
“that is the design that I absolutely love”
His favourite zero torque putter of 2026, the famous DF3 head now with a livelier insert face he prefers to the aluminium milled original.
+ the facts · 3 pros · 1 cons− the facts
- +Insert face comes off livelier than the standard milled DF3
- +Large lie-angle-balanced head is very stable on off-centre hits
- +Proven head shape used to win on tour
- −Very large head some will hate at first
For: Golfers wanting maximum zero torque stability who can adjust to the look
James Robinson Golf
Mid-handicap everyman reviews
“So far, I must admit, I'm really enjoying this.”
The firmer, more responsive insert version of the DF3 that the L.A.B. faithful asked for; he really enjoyed it, nailed his distance control on slow greens, and may put it straight in the bag.
+ the facts · 5 pros · 2 cons− the facts
- +Firmer, more responsive feel fixes the standard DF3's weakness on slow greens
- +Identical look to the DF3, so existing fans lose nothing
- +Internal weighting properly reworked around the insert, not just stuck on
- −Feel preference is entirely subjective; not automatically for everyone
- −Premium DTC ordering with lots of options to navigate
For: L.A.B. fans (or converts) who found the standard DF3 too soft, especially on slower greens
Michael Newton Golf
On-course, season-long club tests
“I'd be much more inclined to recommend that face over this face.”
The stainless steel insert version won the fitting because the firmer, faster face gave him the feedback and extra roll-out his pace control was missing.
+ the facts · 4 pros · 1 cons− the facts
- +303 stainless face comes off around half to a mile an hour faster, helping short putts get to the hole
- +More audible feedback than his soft urethane-faced gamer, which aids distance control
- +Felt heavier and better balanced, he looked more in control of the head
- −Clickier and louder than the aluminium face, which not everyone will like
For: Players leaving putts short with a soft face and soft ball who need more feedback and ball speed.
