L.A.B. Golf Mezz.1 Max Stock Putter

The Mezz.1 Max is L.A.B. Golf’s big winged mallet with Lie Angle Balance, a design that keeps the face from twisting so it returns square more often.

Why it made the list

L.A.B. Golf built its name on Lie Angle Balance, a patented way of balancing a putter so the head has no torque during the stroke. On a normal putter, the face wants to rotate open or closed as you swing. On a Lie Angle Balanced putter it stays square to the arc, so you have less to manage with your hands. The Mezz.1 Max is the model most golfers picture when they think of a L.A.B. putter.

It looks like a regular winged mallet at address, but it does not play like one. The stock version comes in the build options L.A.B. says most golfers use, at a lower price than a full custom order.

What it does well

• Keeps the face from twisting during the stroke with Lie Angle Balance
• Adds forgiveness on off center hits with a body machined from 6061 aircraft aluminum
• Improves feel through a midsection machined from 303 stainless steel
• Lets L.A.B. tune each head with eight weights in the sole

The head is 20 percent larger than the standard Mezz.1, which adds stability. L.A.B. builds and balances every stock putter by hand in Oregon, and the putter is made in the USA.

Who it’s for

It suits golfers who miss short putts because the face opens or shuts at impact. If you push and pull putts you thought you started on line, a zero torque design is worth a try. It is also a good fit for golfers who like a large, stable head and a single line to aim with.

Who should skip it

Skip it if you like to feel the toe release through the ball, or you want a classic blade look. Lie Angle Balanced putters feel different at first, and some golfers never warm to them. If your stroke already works well with a standard mallet, the change may not be worth the price.

Key specs, explained

The stock build has a 69 degree lie angle and 2.5 degrees of static loft. With the Press II 1.5 degree grip, L.A.B. says that works out to about 1 degree of effective loft. Lie angle matters more on this putter than most, because the balance is set around it. You can order 33, 34 or 35 inches, right or left handed, with a matte black steel shaft, a single alignment line and a headcover.

How it compares

The Odyssey Ai-DUAL Square 2 Square Jailbird Putter is another zero torque mallet, with a built in forward press, and Callaway had it at $299.99 today. The Odyssey Ai-DUAL #7 DB Putter is a face balanced fang that costs less and feels more traditional. Choose the Mezz.1 Max if you want the brand that started the zero torque trend and a fully machined head.

Good to know

L.A.B. builds each stock putter after you order and says to expect delivery in one to two weeks. The Mezz.1 Max Custom costs $390 and adds more shaft, grip and alignment choices. If you are not sure of your lie angle, L.A.B. offers remote fitting from a video of your stroke, or you can see a fitter in person.

Questions about the Mezz.1 Max

What is Lie Angle Balance?

It is L.A.B. Golf’s patented way of balancing a putter so it has no torque during the stroke. The face stays square to the arc instead of rotating open or closed.

How long does a stock Mezz.1 Max take to arrive?

L.A.B. says to expect delivery one to two weeks after you order. Lead times can change.

Is the Mezz.1 Max available left handed?

Yes, the stock Mezz.1 Max comes in right and left hand. Both are offered in 33, 34 and 35 inches.