What is the single most important thing you look for in a putter?
We think it should be results. That sounds obvious enough, but we know that lower scores aren’t always at the top of every golfer’s list. That spot is usually reserved for feel, sound, and even looks.
At MGS we’re all about performance. We believe in data, we believe in technology. And most of all we believe in real-world results – the kind of things that actually lead to lower scores.
Unfortunately, for every technology or product that actually works, we find hundreds, maybe even thousands that offer a little bit of paint and lot of marketing hype. You might even call it BS.
At this year’s PGA Show we were reminded of one of those products where performance far exceeds the hype. In fact, there really isn’t any hype at all. While it’s safe to say that MLA Putters didn’t have the most trafficked booth on the show floor (I don’t have hard data, but I suggest that award goes to Callaway), we did observe plenty of showgoers crowding its space to find out more about what MLA claims is its difference maker.
Alignment Matters
We’ve learned a lot through putter testing over the last several years. One of them is that alignment aids on putters absolutely make a HUGE difference. Case in point, the alignment aid on PING’s now famous Ketsch putter. A well-conceived alignment aid – one that works for you – can improve your putting…instantly. Seriously.
Last summer, we tested 28 putters, and to our surprise a putter almost no one had heard of almost beat the most accurate putter of all-time. Test results posted by the MLA Tour Classic putter don’t happen every day, so we wanted to dig a little deeper to see why the unheralded MLA performed so well. What we found is a secret weapon of sorts. It’s an alignment aid that could revolutionize the way you putt. MLA claims its technology actually speaks directly to your brain.
It’s based on 20 years of research from a PhD Graduate Professor based on the field of visual perception.
According to MLA, here’s how it works:
“An alignment system that acts upon multiple line detectors is a key to obtain veridical motion perception and a perfect in-line stroke surface.
The brain consists of 100,000 line detectors that are divided into a number of groups that help us decide what is straight. A simple line, for example, activates a group of detectors. When several groups of detectors are activated, these help the brain to make correct judgments.
However, the more line detectors that are stimulated will not automatically lead to a better line judgment. On the contrary, this can create a “competition” between the line detectors that will lead to different degrees of (so called) optical illusions, as shown in the illustrations below (front and perspective views).”
Sound complex?
We’re not sure we completely understand it either, but our test results suggest it actually works.
In a field of 28, a putter almost no one had heard of finished #2 overall. Only the Ping Ketsch beat the MLA. That is saying a helluva lot.
Try It For Yourself
Part of our job is to find the equipment world’s hidden gems. We want you to put the best equipment in your bag at the best price you can get. We think MLA’s Line of Putters qualifies. It’s not every day that a product from Switzerland gets the coverage it deserves in the golf industry. We’re trying to change that.
If you are planning on buying a putter in the near future, we think this putter should be near the top of your demo list. Since we know that most of you won’t be able to find an MLA putter at your local shop, we worked with MLA to put together a 30-Day #MostWanted Guarantee for all our readers.
Go test it out, tell us if you notice a difference, if you don’t make more puts, send it back.
Steve
8 years ago
I noticed that in the DF video demonstrating the “revealer” on youtube that none of the other brands of putters were center shafted. Would have liked to see a number of center shafted putters tested. Not that I would spend $400 on any club.