Hands-On First Look: How L.A.B.’s DF3i Putter Actually Feels
We tested L.A.B.’s newest insert putter to see how much actually changed.
The long-anticipated L.A.B. DF3i is officially here.
Think of it as a DF3 with a firmer handshake. By marrying L.A.B.’s most successful putter head with a stainless steel insert, the DF3i takes everything golfers love about the DF3 and makes it playable for a larger audience.
After initial testing and a thorough first look, here’s what we know about the new L.A.B. DF3i.
L.A.B. DF3i: Details at a Glance
- Release Date: Jan. 23, 2026
- Price: $499 stock / $599+ custom
- Online Availability: Now (labgolf.com)
- Retail Availability: Feb. 27, 2026
- Style Options: Standard / Counterbalanced (+$70)
Who's It For?
L.A.B. Golf founder Sam Hahn got straight to the point in the DF3i’s announcement.
“The only real criticism we ever get about it is that to some it feels like the ball comes off a bit soft and slow,” he said. “Adding the stainless insert for a firmer feel and slightly faster ball speeds will hopefully appeal to an even greater number of golfers looking for a couple extra long ones to fall.”
Players who prefer a softer feel should opt for the original DF3, while players who like the firmer feel can now pick the DF3i.
L.A.B., however, will not be doing head-swaps for DF3 users who want to switch to the DF3i.
DF3i Initial Testing Impressions
This isn’t a full review of the DF3i, but I did run it through a 50-putt trial to gauge accuracy, distance control, and yes, that new feel.
The insert does exactly what’s advertised: firmer feel and slightly faster ball speeds. It’s not wildly different, but it’s noticeably different.
Performance-wise, my experience once again backed up L.A.B.’s claims. I made 27 of 30 from six feet and 14 of 20 from 10 feet. On a flat, indoor putting mat, those aren’t superhuman numbers, but they do illustrate how easy it is to make a repeatable stroke with this putter.
I was particularly impressed with how easy it was to repeat consistent speed.
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L.A.B. DF3i: Our Early Take
The DF3i officially dropped on the last day of the 2026 PGA Show, a week when much of the industry worked overtime to convince golfers that this year’s tech beats last year’s tech.
Hello OPTM, Quantum and Lightning.
Goodbye Darkspeed, Elyte and Black Ops.
L.A.B., per usual, ran its own playbook.
Their message is simple: We took our best product and made it work for more golfers.
That’s been L.A.B.’s MO for a while.
Rather than constantly replacing perfectly good products just to stick to a predetermined product-cycle, L.A.B. introduces new technologies and folds them into existing products. Neither the DF3 nor the stainless steel insert are new, but the marriage is.
With rare exceptions like the B.2, you don't see L.A.B. discontinue putters very often.
It’s not constant reinvention. It’s constant expansion.
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Where to Buy the L.A.B. DF3i
Stock and custom DF3i putters are available now at labgolf.com. Retail availability begins Feb. 27, 2026.