Edit: contrary to what I say below, a flashing number on display indicates a reading at same value as last swing. E.g. two readings of 80mph in a row…
After two months of use, I can say that this is hands-down the best golf training aid I have ever purchased, and probably the best $110 I have spent in over four decades playing this silly game. I have seen a dramatic increase in my swing speed for almost all my clubs, with a significant improvement in both distance and trajectory at range practice and on the course.
First off, this thing is incredibly easy to use. Turn it on, verify it is in correct mode, and swing away. If it gets enough data to process, it will instantly display your swing speed. If not, you will see your last valid speed flashing. The unit will automatically turn itself off after several minutes of inactivity. I have not changed the batteries yet, so power consumption appears very good.
Now for the results. When I first purchased, I spent the afternoon at my home hitting station (a home-built frame with a net and a mat) baselining all my clubs PW through driver. My initial numbers were... less than impressive. My PW was in the mid 60s. My 7i was low-to-mid 70s. Ouch. Driver was mid 80s. I have no idea whether these are accurate speeds, as I have not compared against a Trackman or other high-end launch monitor. However, given a little internet research, my known distances seemed to match the numbers I was getting, e.g. 135-140 yards for 7i. My game distances should have given me a clue, but it was still a kick in the front of my pants to see these kind of numbers.
So I spent the next several weeks experimenting with different aspects of my swing... relaxed grip, wide full backswing, coil against stable lower body, feeling club load at the top, improved timing of weight shift through transition, etc. I saw incremental improvement. My most recent numbers are vastly improved, in some cases 25% or more. My PW is now registering an average 80mph. My 7i average is now high 80s, and will sometimes stay in the 90+ range for extended periods when I am hitting well. I will reiterate that these may not be absolute numbers, but I believe they are a good relative indicator of progress. I am far from perfect, and will sometimes see my speeds regress significantly. But never to the point that they were, and I am always able to recover to my averages by systematically working through the checklist of things I believe through trial-and-error are contributing to higher club head speed.
One thing I noticed: I seemed to get a dramatic increase in speed (10% or more) almost instantly at some point during my swing evolution with each of my clubs, but at different times. My theory is that that is where I was able to improve my technique to the point where I was able to get each shaft past its working threshold, where it was finally able to really contribute to my swing speed. Until then, I might as well have been swinging a lead pipe for all the help I got from the shaft. Just a theory.
The one exception to my success story has been my driver, where I still feel I am unable to isolate key factors to help me improve. My average has risen to 92, so still close to a 10% increase. Just not what I believe I am really capable of, and seemingly very low relative to my iron numbers. Oh well. Something to continue working on. Maybe I just haven't gotten to the point where I am working the shaft.
On the range and course, my distances have gone up significantly, and my trajectories are far more piercing than the symmetrical ballistic arcs I used to hit. If anything, my accuracy has improved. So no downside that I can see.
For consistency and apples-to-apples comparisons from one day to the next, be sure to set the unit up the same way every time. I set it up at a 45 degree angle to target line, directly opposite and 10" outside of the ball. I seem to get larger/smaller numbers if I move the unit significantly closer to or further away from the ball.
You will occasionally get a flashing display after a swing, which means the unit knew a swing event occurred, but did not have enough data to process into a swing speed. This happens to me about 10-15% of the time. More than I would like, but a small price to pay for such technology in a very affordable unit.
I rarely see what I consider to be rogue numbers that others have mentioned. E.g. a 158 for a driver, or something else obviously incorrect. Even the highest (and lowest) numbers I see are well within the realm of possibility. Still, I typically take 12-14 swings when I am capturing averages, and throw out the highest and lowest one or two to get an even 10 swings.
Not sure if my results are typical. I am in good shape and very flexible for my age, but have struggled with horrid mechanics. So I may just be in the small population that can most benefit from the type of empirical feedback that a tool like this provides. If you already have a fairly sound swing, you may already be tapping more of your potential, and will likely not see the same improvement.
| Brand | swing speed radar |
|---|---|
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 7.3 x 5.4 x 3.6 inches |
| Material | Plastic |
| Item Weight | 0.64 Pounds |
| Style | Swing Speed Radar w/Tempo Timer |
| Mounting Type | Flange Mount |
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 7.2 x 5.39 x 3.7 inches |
| Package Weight | 0.31 Kilograms |
| Brand Name | swing speed radar |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Warranty Description | 4 Year Manufacturer |
| Model Name | Swing Speed With Tempo Timer |
| Color | White/red |
| Suggested Users | unisex-adult |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Manufacturer | Sports Sensors |
| Part Number | SSRTT364 |
| Model Year | 2023 |
| Included Components | Drawstring Pouch and Swing Speed Radar with Tempo Timer |
| Size | Pack of 1 |
| Sport Type | Tennis, Golf, Baseball, Lacrosse |
