Mezz Ec7 W6

[Blanchefle Strycker]

IntroductionThis review initially started as a Mezz Max review, but as I wrote it, I became increasingly curious about trying a L.A.B broomstick. As a result, it ended up differently from what I originally intended. I ordered a Broomstick, and here we are, a review of the broomstick. I received my Mezz Max (standard/non-broomstick) in August 2023. The Mezz Max Broomstick arrived in January 2024 for some context.

In comparing the white and black grips from a usability and quality perspective, the ridge on the back of the white grip isn't something I liked. The original Winn grip has a slightly better design with worse aesthetics. As a result, if L.A.B can remove the ridge, I think they'd have a better design.

The coating on the Mezz Max head itself is also durable. After 6 months of use on my non-broomstick, I've seen almost no marks or scratches, and I would expect the broomstick to be the same. I am not someone who is very careful with my gear so it's good to know it can take knocks without issue..

Off the face, the putter has a soft feel, like you're putting with a softer ball. This is no different to the Mezz Max and reminds me a little of the softer feel you get with an EVRoll putter over a Scotty Cameron. The distance was easy to get used to although I was already using a Mezz Max non-broomstick so that would influence it.

As mentioned in the construction area, I opted for the stock configuration. In hindsight, after a month of use, I would recommend considering the TPT, if you can afford the extra cost. With the stock Accra, you can feel a tiny bit of flex. If the TPT offers increased stiffness, it'll help reduce this. I'll be clear and say the flex is only noticeable when you're holding it in a non-putting position, I haven't noticed it while putting.

I'm not sure if this is only noticeable on the longer shafts as mine is a 46. I haven't tried the TPT, so I can't comment emphatically on whether the TPT is noticeably better or whether this is simply what longer putters feel like. I'd still rather get the L.A.B in Accra than not have a broomstick, so it isn't a make or break issue.

There was talk that a grip would feel natural immediately. Two felt naturalish, and I bounced between those two grips before settling on the cigar grip. The elbow towards the target thing worked best for me.

What does it mean in real terms? My first outing with the putter was a Saturday club comp. It arrived midday on the Friday, so I had an hour or two and then decided to give it a go. 32 putts on the day, not a bad outing for a first day.

My putting straightness had previously improved with the arrival of the L.A.B non-broomstick. But distance control was a challenge, and I would bounce between 28 and 35 putts depending on the green speed. The broomstick has filled the gap in my distance control. I can easily shift between varying green speeds and maintain my distance control, provided the practice greens are similar to the course. As someone who plays regularly on a public course, we occasionally find our greenkeepers mowing the practice greens and playing greens on different days, making practice before comps a nightmare. We've even had them mowing greens midway through a comp, believe it or not.

I'll note that for monthly medals at our course, it's back tees with the pins are tucked away in pretty difficult spots. The greens are cut much shorter than normal, so 28 putts on the day is really good. We had some greens where the balls rolled backwards if you didn't reach the hole. I also won the monthly medal with a net 68 in tough conditions.

The key is to look at average putts over multiple rounds, not expecting the putter to miraculously solve the days where you sunk 16 beers the night before, and your breath smells like jet fuel, or just slept badly. My average putts are now down to around 30 putts or less a round.

My wife may disagree with my sentiments for financial reasons, but I consider my L.A.B purchases a worthwhile golf investment. I don't feel nervous when I stand over longer putts in comp, and I have greater confidence in my ability to drop putts in the 8-10 foot range. Now I expect them to drop, even if they don't.

The next thing on my radar will be to test with the TPT shaft. That's probably the only change I would consider right now. On a side note, I would love to see a collapsible broomstick for travel because I feel like I couldn't use a rental short putter anymore if I travel for business and rent clubs. That's really starting to get into first-world problems.

I used to think broomsticks were only for people who had the yips, but I've realised it's just another tool, and different tools suit different people. Much like the difference between an iron, a hybrid, and a wood, they're all just different ways of getting to the same hole, and some golfers are different than others. Some PGA players can't use hybrids because they hook them. I put this in the same territory.

My only question is what will happen when I arrive at the Team Titleist Golf Day with my broomstick. Will I be shunned and treated like an outcast? Will the other players even talk to me? I've already converted a friend to a broomstick, so I won't be alone.

The Mezz Max doesn't take too long to get used to. They recommend a drill of putting with the thumbs off, and that definitely helps with any muscle memory trying to open or shut the face depending on what putter you came from.

The DF3 would be an interesting option in the broom when it arrives. i'd be interested to hear from someone who tries both the DF3 and Mezz Max in broomstick, it might tempt me to that if I end up going with a TPT shaft later

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