Ant,

Great question. The consumer-grade swing analyzer was one of the hottest “gadgets” about 8 years ago, and it seems to have really died. I think the cause is the greater prevalence of launch monitors and the growth of consumer-grade launch monitors. I haven’t seen a new swing analyzer in a few years, but it’s possible I missed one.

My current thinking is that they’re not a great idea for most golfers. There are some functions that I think have merit, particularly tempo, but I think that golfers do themselves A LOT more harm than good when they start worrying about swing plane rather than where the ball is going.

Best,

Matt

But it would be great if there was one acquire enough to draw you 3D swing plane so you could analyse after the range and make adjustments.

Do you have a view and have you seen any later devices that you think are worth a look ? Technology os coming on leaps and bounds, with all these motion sensors and smart watches

Thanks
Ant

Ant,

Thanks for your question.

A) I don’t think there’s any reason to favor the 48″ over the 40″, especially if your concern is tempo more than speed. I have used the Orange Whip and the Power Flex [ https://pluggedingolf.com/power-flex-swing-trainer-review/ ] which looks identical to the SKLZ. The Power Flex is much heavier in the head which so I can understand the idea that it’s better for strength than tempo because it’s too far from your actual clubs. I prefer the Orange Whip for pure tempo, though I don’t use either product regularly.

B) I haven’t reviewed the Structure Ball, but the concept is nothing new. It’s not dissimilar from the Smart Ball: https://pluggedingolf.com/tour-striker-smart-ball-review/

Best,

Matt

Following on about warming up there are two products I want to use before a round.

Im 5”9 , 11 1/2 Stone and a swing spin of about 90 (MPH) for my driver. I’d like to get to 100 one day. I do goto the gym quite a bit so I’m ok for fitness.

a) The SKLZ strength and Tempo Trainer. I bought the 40” one last week and having read reviews a lot of people seem to go with the 48” length one. The 40” seems more like my 4 iron and a good length for indoors. Thoughts vs the 48” given my aim is more tempo training than fitness

The other option is the Orange Whip (more expensive). Reviews say this is better for tempo training and the SKLZ is more for fitness ? Have you tried them both ?

b) Smart Ball. I saw the Tourstriker smart ball and this gets great reviews everywhere. A new product is the Watson structureball …. do you have a view ?

Thanks so much

Ant

I do also have a golf-specific set of warmups that my PT guy .. who golfs and plays tennis .. showed me; but now I’m gonna add in some of the things in yours’ and Tyler’s posts. Thx!