SwingTip ($129 online) promises to improve your golf swing. There’s no shortage of such claims out there and an equally large number of (often bizarre) devices and contraptions that if you believe the marketing copy would turn you into the next Tiger Woods… overnight.
So we cast a skeptical eye when we read about the SwingTip app and the small sensor that attaches to a club. Does the app actually make a difference in your game? We took the gadget out to the local golf club, drove, and swung like mad for several day, and here’s the results.
Hardware
The SwingTip hardware consists of a small sensor that easily and quickly attaches to the shaft of the club of your choice an inch or so below the grip. The sensor is aligned with the grooves on the clubface using a built in sight. SwingTip is powered by a rechargeable battery and sends data via Bluetooth to your portable iOS or Android device. I used an Apple iPod Touch. Pairing was painless, and in no time I was ready to setup the app.
Software
The free SwingTip app installs on your smartphone (Android, iPhone) and collects the data for review after each swing. After your swing session or golf round you can sync the data with your computer to store and review your swings. The SwingTip web site provides an easy account set-up and stores and displays your data by date and club type. The data is summarized in attractive and informative graphs.
SwingTip in Action
The app indicated that it was “searching for sensor” before changing to “ready for next swing.” Within three to four seconds of each swing I could see feedback displayed on the screen. I especially like the way SwingTip provides a replay of the swing with the back-swing in blue and the downswing in yellow. Three views are available, and data graphically displayed for each swing includes:
- Club speed in mph – also shows variance from your average
- Impact zone – heel, sweet spot, or toe
- Swing path – outside in, square, or inside out
- Face angle – open, square, closed
- Swing tempo – back swing timing numerically compared to downswing
The app permits you to overlay a “professionally correct swing” so you can compare that with your effort. Also built into the app are tips by Ray Leach.
The Experience
The device worked as advertised for setup and performance. The SwingTip consistently sensed two common problems with my swing – outside in swing path and open clubface. The Ray Leach tips provided some good suggestions but I think it will be more effective in combination with lessons from a professional instructor who can detect which aspect of your swing to adjust to correct the fault. Then you can use the SwingTip on your own to practice the lessons and obtain feedback on your progress.
Conclusion
Combining informative graphics and rich analysis, the SwingTip provided an enjoyable learning experience. I highly recommend it for golfers interested in improving their swings. It should add value to the money you spend on golf lessons and increase the effectiveness of your practice sessions. Fore!
SwingTIP Wireless Golf Swing Analysis Tool
5 out of 5 stars – Highly Recommended
$129 (find it online)
IN PHOTOS: SwingTIP Wireless Golf Club Swing Analysis Tool
Club Statistics:
Club Speed:
Tempo:
Face Angle:
Impact Zone:
Swing Path:
