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PuttOut makes two versions of its AirBreak mat: the original AirBreak and the AirBreak Max. I chose the Max and I'm putting on it daily. So which one should you buy?

Well, I'll tell you up front what I know and what I don't. I've putted on the Max a lot. I haven't putted on the original on camera, so for that one I'm going on PuttOut's published specs. Take my word or not, but that's the honest version of AirBreak vs AirBreak Max.

Two sizes, same idea: putts that actually break in your living room.

Two mats, one big idea

Both mats work the same way. Pumps inflate airbags under a flexible base, and release buttons let the air out, so you can raise and lower sections of the green to build real breaks. Whether you get the small one or the big one, you can hit putts that you just can't hit on any flat mat.

PuttOut says both of them also have:

• a real 4.25-inch hole, with proper lip-outs and lip-ins
• an automatic, battery-powered ball return
• a rubber-backed mat that runs at 10 on the stimp
• a stand-on podium with risers, so you're level with the putt
• the free Green Reading App
• full assembly out of the box, with a base that folds and a mat that rolls up

So you're not choosing between a good mat and a bad mat. You're choosing a size.

AirBreak vs AirBreak Max at a glance

Here are PuttOut's own specs side by side:

A note on that side slope figure. PuttOut's feature copy says 7.5% for the original and its FAQ says 8%, so I've given you the range. You can compare both models here.

PuttOut also sells a Wheeled Carry Bag, but it's listed as not compatible with the Max. If you'll be moving your mat a lot, that might matter.

Why the Max suits how I practise

So why does the Max work for me? Three reasons.

Number one: the putts that hurt me. The putts that cost me strokes in a tournament this summer were uphill five to seven footers breaking right to left. That's right in the Max's range, and the extra length gives me room to run the full 3-6-9 drill, including the 9-footers.

Why I wanted the extra length: uphill 5–7 footers.

Number two: the second hole. The Max's two offset holes mean going to the other hole gives you a different break without changing a single pump. PuttOut says the offset also gives you room to aim naturally on big breakers without rolling off the mat.

Number three: pace. PuttOut puts the Max's ball-stop 1 foot past the hole. I want my putts finishing at or just past the hole, so it's a built-in pace check.

This has got to be one of the best purchases I've made for golf. But again, I haven't putted on the original on camera, so I can't tell you how it feels compared with mine.

When the original AirBreak makes more sense

The original isn't the lesser mat. It's a different fit. It makes more sense if:

• your room is smaller. The Max is 358 cm long unfolded, plus the podium. Measure before you buy, not after.
• your budget is tighter. Prices vary by region, so check the current price of each with my link.
• you mainly want short-putt reps. If your misses are inside six feet, an 8-foot mat covers them.
• you want the wheeled carry bag, since PuttOut lists it as not compatible with the Max.

Who is the Max not for? If you're short on space or you'll be packing it into a car, don't force it. Buy the one that fits your room.

Questions to ask before you buy

Choosing a mat is a bit like choosing a set makeup for your irons. You buy for the gaps you actually have, not the ones you wish you had (4-PW, 5-PW or 6-PW?). Here's my list.

1. Where will it live? Measure the length plus the podium, and leave room to swing.
2. What putts do you miss? Inside six feet, either mat works. If you want 7 to 10 footers too, that's the Max.
3. How often will you put it away? Both fold, and PuttOut lists the folded sizes above. If it's living in the basement for the winter, it matters less.
4. Is your floor level? In my review, the first putt broke more than I'd set it, and I think my floor actually breaks a little right to left. Find your flattest spot.
5. Do you have batteries? The ball returners run on them. After two days of steady use, mine started going low and the ball came back slower.

And one more rule I live by: don't stand on the platform. PuttOut designed it to flex, so stand on the podium.

Either way, pair it with a system

Here's the deal. Either mat will sharpen your short and breaking putts, and that's huge. But neither one gives you 40-footers, and 3-putts usually start with that first long putt.

That's why I pair the mat with the Step System from Stop 3-Putting in 7 Days. You walk off your distance like a yardage, pick your stroke length, and know how hard to hit it before you take the putter back. The mat handles inside 10 feet. The system handles everything else.

For the full review of mine, read The Best Indoor Putting Mat?. For the drills I run on it, read How to Practise Breaking Putts at Home.

Use my link or promo code SWINGKING at checkout for 15% off, whichever mat you choose.

Practise breaking putts at home. I'm using my AirBreak Max daily. Use my link or code SWINGKING at checkout for 15% off. Check out PuttOut AirBreak →

Stop 3-Putting in 7 Days. Here's the deal: the mat makes your short game sharp, but 3-putts usually start with the first putt. My Step System has you walk off your distance like a yardage and pick your stroke length, so you know how hard to hit it before you take the putter back. Three practice sessions, seven days. Get Stop 3-Putting →

Learn to hit it where you want it to go. All of my courses, from ball striking to chipping, putting and bunkers, are in the Big Swing Kings store →