Gadgets – What Works & What’s Hype

[Chrimbo]

As someone who’s new to golf the number of gadgets being sold to improve your game overwhelms me. There are gadgets to help with your swing, your putting and even things to help find your balls from the cheap to the sophisticated.

I though it was only the weekend golfer who used these, so I was surprised to learn that Darren Clarke is a sucker for a gadget. According to the Sky commentators his latest is to help him with his putting.

So in your experience, and to save the rest of us from wasting our money, what works and what’s hype

 

[John_Findlay]

I just know this is gonna sound like a plug, Chrimbo, but I know Clarke uses this, as I've seen him practicing with it;-

http://www.pelzgolf.com/proshop/proshop.aspx?proshopid=ptutor

It works. Quite a lot of pros use it.

 

[Chrimbo]

http://www.pelzgolf.com/proshop/proshop.aspx?proshopid=ptutor

It works. Quite a lot of pros use it.

A bit pricey for a board and a couple of ball bearings, not very high-tech

Still the criteria is does it help, which it obviously does.

 

[Basher]

IMO many of the gadgets ofered are complete crap. There, said it!

Some may help with your game but I would suggest many are marketed to catch the golfer struggling with certain areas of their game. Let's face it, how many of us feel a bit desperate when we find an area of our game where we positively struggle? In a nutshell, we'd buy anything if we thought it would help us reduce our scores.

Many gadgets bang on about reducing strokes from our game but I doubt there are many that actually will.

Save your money and get some lessons from a good pro. Otherwise you'll end up like the New Year fitness addict who generally ends up with a garage full of brand new and underused gym gear!!!

 

[andiritchie]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/GOLF-ALIGNMENT-STI...A1%7C240%3A1318

The best by far,no need to put clubs down,can hit/putt in between them,can place to show ideal swing path and can stay in the bag

The best!

 

[Basher]

How do they work Andy?

 

[andiritchie]

they are just 2 sticks,better than putting clubs down on wet grass for alignment.

I hit balls in between both of them and also putt in between them

They are just sticks though most simple training aid in the world

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I have a few that I use all the time.

For putting I use: http://www.118golf.co.uk/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=201
although I only paid about £30 for mine in AG

For alignment I use:
http://www.prolinergolf.co.uk/default.asp

and for a 1 piece and compact swing I use:
http://www.golfonline.co.uk/longridge-power-band-p-225.html

 

[RGuk]

In the old days, I never had any money for gadgets, I just kept my rusty sticks and went for lessons when things were not good.

I have invested in a few recently, and tried some others so here is my run down.

Izzo - smooth swing. An elasticated strap which goes around the upper half of the arms to encourage them to work together. I don't like it for full swings but for warming up and pitching....I reckon it's pretty good.... 8/10, worth the £10-ish.

https://www.izzo.com/Product/tabid/97/Default.aspx?Productid=116&screen2=rateit

Speed stik. A long pole with a speed gauge. Designed for "air" swinging in the garden and to practice swinging fast. Really good for keeping warmed up over the week and certainly tempting to swing it faster and faster. The gauge is well dodgy, but you CAN tell if you are getting faster.
Coupled with specific drills, I like it. Heavier than any of the clubs in my bag, so good for wrists and, surprisingly, quite good for plane too.

At full price...it's a joke....(sorry) but they're going for at least half price. I got mine for a tenner at jjb.
9/10

http://www.thespeedstik.com/golf/index.html

Swingyde. An interesting gadget that COULD really help you, but I think it depends on your standard. I've had mine 2 days (2 sessions) and I swung the club correctly "straight out of the box" with it on......if you need to LEARN how to use it, it will probably help a great deal. If you swing too flat or don't cock your wrists, it'll drive you mad no doubt until you crack it, then it should be of significany help i.m.h.o. I shall be keeping it for pitching practice.

for me 4/10 (not my best idea ) for a beginner, I'd go 9/10....simple but actually rather ingenious.

http://www.direct-golf.co.uk/golf_access...ampaign=froogle

Indoor putting mat. Say no more....

http://www.direct-golf.co.uk/golf_accessories/dguk/putting_mats_executive_golf_putting_mat/p1825

Test your 5-10 footers, learn to roll 'em straight knowing it's not the break on your putting green that's messing things up. 10/10

Rubber tees (set)

http://www.direct-golf.co.uk/golf_accessories/dguk/tees_driving_mat_golf_tees/p1803

Unless your range has a selection, buy some today!!!

Winter golf tees. Hated by many....loved by me....

I don't know why folks take the pi$$, they spend a minute messing around with various tees and knocking them in the mat....I just put this down and off I go. (Not a gadget exactly) 9/10

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dunlop-Winter-Golf-Tees/dp/B001CFY8DW

I don't use any putting gadgets, but I practice with my head against a wall and also putt off an upside down compact disk from time to time, which acts as a mirror and forces you to "hover" ever so slightely. 10/10

Beach Ball - 99p Asda.....a must.....10/10

 

[redmike]

I have a few that I use all the time.

For putting I use: http://www.118golf.co.uk/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=201
although I only paid about £30 for mine in AG

For alignment I use:
http://www.prolinergolf.co.uk/default.asp

and for a 1 piece and compact swing I use:
http://www.golfonline.co.uk/longridge-power-band-p-225.html

How does the powerband thing work? I often collapse my left arm and end up pulling shots to the left, and think this may help when i practice.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

The powerband works by keeping everything compact and restricting the backswing. What it does is train the swing to be one piece and compact and therefore gives you a tighter and more rhythmical swing and more accuracy and power. I have found it really uesful especially as I use to come way inside and overswing.

 

[RGuk]

I forgot to add this...

I LOVE this weighted club with moulded grip. My right hand likes to work it's way to the right (stronger) and this reminds me to sit it on top. It's great for the lounge or office too. 10/10

 

[redmike]

The powerband works by keeping everything compact and restricting the backswing. What it does is train the swing to be one piece and compact and therefore gives you a tighter and more rhythmical swing and more accuracy and power. I have found it really uesful especially as I use to come way inside and overswing.

Thanks - might give it a go for less than a tenner

 

[RGuk]

It's a good gadget and replicates the old-time coaching idea of tying a belt around a pupil's arms.
It's about the right tension too.....not overpowering and tight but flexible enough to let you swing as normal, except you know it's there and can feel it.

I have often done 12 reps with it on, taken it off and kept my arms close and swung it the same with great results.

 

[theeaglehunter]

I have had one for about a week and haven't used it yet but hopefully what you guys say is true and it will help me- particularly off the tee with the big dog.

 

[Chrimbo]

I like the Proliner, as a beginner getting your positioning right at address is a must. Also you can use it in other ways - could be getting one.

Not too sure on the power band/swing strap, looks more like a bondage device, but at £8 it's got to be worth a try especially if others find it helps.

 

[USER1999]

I have got a medicus dual hinged 5 iron. Great fun to try to hit balls with, but other than that, completely useless as a training aid. Too heavy to boot.

 

[bobmac]

Has anyone heard of the V-EASY. A multi purpose training aid which helps you drive for show AND putt for dough.
It firstly shows you how to aim very accurately, therfor having more chance of hitting the fairways.
It also teaches you how to putt correctly without flicking the wrists or bobbling the putter back and through on the wrong line, and lastly, as the technique for chipping and putting is almost the same, helps you chip too

 

[Leftie]

Saw it on your site Bob. Interesting yet simple idea.

BTW, a little late, but welcome to The Forum.

 

[bobmac]

Thank you Leftie. Shall I put you down for a V-Easy? lol