Testing a Fake LAB Putter: Is a £90 Copy Worth It?

Testing a Fake LAB Putter: Is a £90 Copy Worth It?

When it comes to putters, golfers can be fiercely loyal. Many of us have that one trusty flat stick we’ve used for years — even decades — that we swear by. For me, it’s a 15–20-year-old Ping that has never left the bag.

But when a friend messaged me to say he had a “new golf toy” for me to review, I couldn’t resist. I turned up at Derby Golf Club with no idea what awaited me — and found myself holding a £90 zero torque “LAB-style” putter from Temu.

Could a cheap imitation really deliver the same feel and results as the original LAB putters that retail for £300+? I had to find out.

✅ Watch the full video review here: 

Chapter 1: First Impressions

Straight out of the headcover, this thing looked the part. It’s branded as a DF3, and the design mimics the LAB Golf putters that have been making waves on YouTube and tour greens.

  • Grip: Big, chunky, and comfortable (right up my street).

  • Looks: Surprisingly sharp, with clean lines and alignment markers that make it easy to aim.

  • Feel in hand: Light but stable.

  • Price tag: £90 — a huge contrast to the £300–£400 LAB originals.

At first glance, I was impressed.

The question was: would it actually perform?

Chapter 2: Understanding Zero Torque & Auto-Balance

The whole point of LAB putters is their “zero torque” or “auto-balance” design. Instead of the face opening and closing (like with traditional putters), these are built to stay more square through impact.

In theory, this makes your stroke more repeatable and less reliant on manipulation — which means better start lines and fewer missed putts.

Did this £90 Temu version manage to replicate that tech? Time to roll some putts.

 

Chapter 3: Feel and Roll

The very first putt shocked me.

  • Feel off the face: Soft. Softer than my old Ping, and instantly confidence-inspiring.

  • Roll: End-over-end, with no noticeable sidespin.

  • Forgiveness: Even when I didn’t strike the middle perfectly, the ball still travelled the right distance.

That last point really stood out. With my older putter, off-centre hits always came up short. With this one, the distance control held up even on mis-hits.

Chapter 4: Testing Start Line and Short Putts

Next, I wanted to check if it could keep the ball on line. Using my usual drills:

  • Short putts (3–4 feet): Upright setup took a few strokes to adjust to, but alignment was easy thanks to the long white sight line.

  • Start line drills: The putter passed with flying colours, sending the ball through my gate markers with confidence.

Visually, the centre-shafted design took some getting used to. At first it looked slightly closed to my eye, but once I adjusted, it wasn’t an issue.

Chapter 5: Distance Control with the Clock Face Drill

I rely on a clock face system for my lag putting:

  • Inside thigh = 20 feet

  • Mid-thigh = 30 feet

  • Outside thigh = 40 feet

When I tested the Temu putter at those distances, I was stunned:

  • 20 feet? Spot on.

  • 30 feet? Bang on.

  • 40 feet? Even with a poor strike, the ball still rolled the correct distance.

For me, that’s massive. Distance control is the real key to avoiding three-putts, and this cheap imitation held up better than I expected.

Chapter 6: Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Soft, responsive feel

  • Forgiving on mis-hits

  • Easy alignment

  • Incredibly cheap compared to LAB originals

  • Lightweight and confidence-boosting

Cons:

  • Centre-shaft look may take adjustment

  • Build quality? While it looked decent, time will tell if it lasts

  • It’s a copy — no escaping that fact

Conclusion: Would I Buy One?

After a full test session on the putting green (dodging the rain at Derby Golf Club), I have to admit: I was impressed.

This £90 Temu “LAB-style” putter did everything I wanted:

  • Started the ball on line

  • Rolled true without side spin

  • Gave me consistent distance control

  • Felt soft and forgiving

For someone who isn’t competing in tournaments or putting for prize money, it raises a serious question: why pay £300+ when this performs so well?

I’m not here to get political about copies and brands, but from a pure performance standpoint, this flat stick did the job — and then some.

Will it end up in my bag? You’ll have to check my upcoming videos to find out… but let’s just say, the temptation is real.

 


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