50 Words or Less
The PuttOUT AirBreak is an adjustable putting green with a size and price that most golfers can handle. Great for OCD grinders or players looking to have more fun when they practice. Smooth, quick putting surface. Easy set up.
Introduction
In the last few years, adjustable putting greens have become more common in high end teaching and club fitting studios. Unfortunately, they’re typically enormous and very expensive.
The PuttOUT AirBreak is neither. At less than $400 and roughly sixteen square feet, it’s an adjustable putting green that’s accessible to the vast majority of golfers. It easily won our Best of Show at the 2024 PGA Show [read more HERE], and I recently got one in hand to see if the in-home experience lived up to the first impression.
Set Up & Ease of Use
The phrase “adjustable putting green” could conjure up thoughts of a long, complicated set up process, but that’s not the PuttOUT way. After I unboxed the AirBreak, I had all the pieces seen above. The instruction manual is excellent, but it’s more of a confidence booster than a necessity – the PuttOUT AirBreak sets up intuitively.
You start by unfolding the platform, which is all one piece. Unpack the pumps – they’re already put together and neatly tucked into the platform – and lay the putting mat on top. There are grommets on the putting mat that fit over adjustable plastic pegs to keep it in place. Turn on the ball return, and you’re ready to putt.
Adjusting the PuttOUT AirBreak is as simple as stepping on the pump to raise that section of the green or holding the button to lower it. In a perfect world, the button would be further from the pump – it’s not hard to unintentionally hit the button if you’re pumping with your foot – but that’s picking nits.
Just like setting it up, breaking down the AirBreak takes only a couple minutes. PuttOUT includes a wheeled carrying case that allows you to keep your green neat and out of the way if you can’t devote the space to a permanent set up. The AirBreak and all its components weigh approximately 24 pounds.
Effectiveness
Starting with the basics, the PuttOUT AirBreak is approximately eight feet long and two feet wide. The putting surface is the same as PuttOUT’s putting mats [review HERE] which is a very good thing. PuttOUT states that it rolls at a 10 on the Stimpmeter, and I found it to be quick and true. For those calculating exact space requirements, the adjustable-height stand (below) adds another sixteen inches of width.
Turning to what makes the PuttOUT AirBreak unique, there are eight independent points of adjustment. This lets you create a huge variety of putts – uphill, downhill, right-to-left, left-to-right, double breaking, and more. According to PuttOUT, you can create a side slope of up to 7.5% and a continuous up or downhill putt of 3%.
With many training aids, I’ll say something along the lines of, “This is a good trainer for the serious practicer.” While that’s true of the PuttOUT AirBreak, it’s also the best green for those that want more fun. For me – someone who’s a little OCD – I can get the mat perfectly flat and true for flawless feedback on my stroke. If you just want to have fun, you can spend hours concocting and perfecting rollercoaster putts. I can imagine playing H-O-R-S-E with different types of putts. So whether you’re grinding on technique with the PuttOUT Mirror [review HERE] or having a laugh, it’s hard to beat the AirBreak.
Additionally, like all of PuttOUT’s products, the user experience has been thoroughly considered and made as good as possible. The inclusion of an automatic ball return and a barrier behind the cup remove two of the normal aggravations of putting practice, making you more likely to practice longer and more often.
Another thing that comes with the PuttOUT AirBreak is the PuttOUT green reading app. This essentially turns your phone into a level, showing the break left or right as well as the up or downhill grade. I think this is a quality add on, and the ability to take it to the course makes your practice more transferable.
While I do love the PuttOUT AirBreak – it’s the best at home putting green I’ve tested – I do have one suggestion. Given my aforementioned OCD, I’d love it if the mat had some markings. Something as simple as a stripe down the middle would be great for people like me who want precise feedback on their stroke.
Longevity
Longevity is the area where the PuttOUT AirBreak puts other putting mats to shame. The ability to alter the green quickly and easily means every practice session can be different. Also, the thoughtfulness of the design – the ball-stop barrier and the auto-return cup – make the AirBreak more fun to use.
I will note that, despite being easy to set up, the longevity of the AirBreak will be hampered if you need to break it down every time you use it. If you can’t leave this set up, think carefully about how dedicated you are to your putting before buying it.
Value
The PuttOUT AirBreak will carry a regular retail price of $369. You can pre-order before September 15 for $339. It includes the adjustable base, the putting surface, and the automatic ball return. The wheeled carrying case (above) will be sold separately in the near future. This is the best, most fun putting green I’ve tested, so I think it’s definitely worth the money if you have the space to dedicate to it.
If you don’t have enough space, or you need something you can pack up more quickly, check out PuttOUT’s putting mats HERE.
Conclusion
When PuttOUT released their smash hit Pressure Trainer [review HERE], the smart money was on them being a one-hit wonder. Numerous successful products later, they may have eclipsed their original hit with the new PuttOUT AirBreak. This is the best, most fun putting green that you can easily and affordably fit into your home.
Buy PuttOUT AirBreak HERE
Editor In Chief at Plugged In Golf
He founded Plugged In Golf in 2013 with the goal of helping all golfers play better and enjoy the game more.
Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.