With a name like “Laze,” one might think this MK1 release was a bit of a slouch. While it may have a laid back feel, this yo-yo is anything but. Combining a rounded and angular shape, the Laze manages to walk the middle path between performance and comfort. It’s on the lighter side, isn’t overly wide, has a wonderfully smooth catch zone, and chunky, rounded, slightly flared rims.
I’ve played a good amount of MK1’s releases. I’ve got my favorites, like the Spyglass and Ring Bearer, and ones that weren’t for me, like the RBC. One thing you can always say about their designs is that they’re solid, professional, and have intention. The intention of the Laze leans towards slow and flow, while still being able to be a competent technical throw. It excels at repeaters, can handle multiple string wraps, and floats through combinations. The rounded rims snuggle comfortably in hand, and their thickness add an excellent amount of stability.
The best part of the Laze is how much control you have over it, which goes back to how great this yo-yo is for slower, deliberate play. This isn’t a throw that gets away from you, swinging where you don’t expect it to go. It moves with purpose, and responds well to gradual directional changes and sweeping motions. If for some reason (read: user-error) it does get away from you, you can be sure it’ll be safe, being made from 7075 aluminum.
The one thing I had a bit of trouble with was rejections. Of course, this could just be me, but the more angular shape seems run the Laze at a disadvantage here.
Overall the Laze is a throw after my own heart, as I’m not a speed demon or power combo-type player. It’s definitely up there as one of my favorite MK1 releases, and is a yo-yo I’ll be keeping in my regular rotation.