2 Training Aids That Have Really Helped Me

[Wedge]

I'm currently a 7.6 hcp. 59Yo.; Swing speed about 92mph. Average driver distance was about 220-230yds.

Good short game, good putter, streaky ball striker, have a tendency to sway off the ball, not finish in balance and struggle to get to my left side consistently.

 

That's the background info.

 

Started consistently using the following two training aids over the past two months after work when I'm not playing and before I play on weekends.

 

1. Orange Whip Trainer. Has improved my footwork and transition immensely. It has made me realize how important it is to create a solid base with my feet, use the ground to push off my right foot and has helped me synchronize my body and arms so much better. Helped my turn also. Great warmup tool.

 

2. Speedstik. You've seen it on TV...getspeedstik.com. Works. Swing that rascal some every day. Great with transistion, helps increase swing speed. I have gained a club on my irons and my driver distance has increased over the past couple of months because I'm using my feet and the ground so much better and these two training aids have been a huge help.

 

For the first time I feel like I'm swinging the clubhead instead of hitting the ball. Swinging faster, but not harder. Hope that makes sense.

Swing speed has easily increased because I'm swinging the club so much more efficiently now.

 

If you're struggling to finish in balance and on your left side....try one or the other...or both. They have absolutely helped me.

[EKELLY]

Glad to hear you're having success.......I'm an AVID user of the Orange Whip.......Might pull the plug on the Stik......

[new2g0lf]

I'm currently a 7.6 hcp. 59Yo.; Swing speed about 92mph. Average driver distance was about 220-230yds.

Good short game, good putter, streaky ball striker, have a tendency to sway off the ball, not finish in balance and struggle to get to my left side consistently.

 

That's the background info.

 

Started consistently using the following two training aids over the past two months after work when I'm not playing and before I play on weekends.

 

1. Orange Whip Trainer. Has improved my footwork and transition immensely. It has made me realize how important it is to create a solid base with my feet, use the ground to push off my right foot and has helped me synchronize my body and arms so much better. Helped my turn also. Great warmup tool.

 

2. Speedstik. You've seen it on TV...getspeedstik.com. Works. Swing that rascal some every day. Great with transistion, helps increase swing speed. I have gained a club on my irons and my driver distance has increased over the past couple of months because I'm using my feet and the ground so much better and these two training aids have been a huge help.

 

For the first time I feel like I'm swinging the clubhead instead of hitting the ball. Swinging faster, but not harder. Hope that makes sense.

Swing speed has easily increased because I'm swinging the club so much more efficiently now.

 

If you're struggling to finish in balance and on your left side....try one or the other...or both. They have absolutely helped me.

 

I could have written your post, I've been working with both aids as well and have improved my swing speed by over 5mph with all clubs and gained at least 20 yards on my drive. The Speed Stik has helped me learn the difference between swinging fast and swinging hard.

[Hateto3Putt]

I'm just a few years behind the OP, but I could have written his first paragraph.

 

I have Orange Whip's ugly cousin, the Skilz swing trainer.

 

I'll swing it a dozen times before a round (I hate whacking balls), and in the off season, swing it several times a day to keep the golf muscles lubed. It does what it says it does.

 

Might have to look into this speed stick....

[Cwing]

In to read more reviews.

[Saskwatch]

I just bought the orange whip today. I swung it a few times. It feels excellent and I intend on using it long term and whippin' it good!

[ZA206]

I also use the orange whip... Very very good training tool. I may also have to look up the speed stick.

[aiyyer]

I do agree the Whip has helped my driving swing a lot.

But my Iron game has suffered - crazy fat shots out of nowhere. Need to figure it out as this had also been mentioned in other threads.

Great trainer though

[raynorfan1]

Any idea how the Speed Stik is different from the Ledbetter Swing Setter?

 

From what I can discern, same concept, but the Speed Stik is driver length and the Swing Setter is much shorter (hence easier to swing indoors). I can see some merit to getting used to swinging a 45" club...but otherwise same concept, no?

[JackieMoon2]

For those of you using the orange whip, which size are you using? Also, which speed stik? the newer model or the older one that measures your swing speed?

[theWISEman]

Love my orange whip. I ordered it in the midsize version. Really helps me with my tempo.

[cgasucks]

I'm a big Kelvin Miyahira fan and he doesn't think too highly of the Orange Whip as he thinks it promotes flipping the club through impact.

 

 

For me...the best training aid is one I recently rediscovered a few weeks ago as it was collecting dust in my basement..

 

A Swing Fan

 

Although I had a lot more compression of the ball at impact with my irons and woods but struggled to get the correct sequence of my body movements of the downswing...sometimes I don't quite get it and sometimes I nailed it. One day I was bored and dusted off the swing fan and took a few swings with it and it overexaggerated the correct movements of my body on the downswing and when I transfered it to my clubs, I got compression and accuracy. Instead of gathering dust I now swing it around 10-20 times a day to give my body the muscle memory it needs when I transfer it to the driving range or before a round.

[new2g0lf]

Any idea how the Speed Stik is different from the Ledbetter Swing Setter?

 

From what I can discern, same concept, but the Speed Stik is driver length and the Swing Setter is much shorter (hence easier to swing indoors). I can see some merit to getting used to swinging a 45" club...but otherwise same concept, no?

 

I have the Ledbetter Swing Setter too, it provides more feedback in that one of the balls clicks if you perform your back swing properly and the other on your downswing. I like the Speed Stik a little more because it really focuses on the downswing and is more adjustable in terms of settings.

[thomz0_]

Thanks guys.. Now I have to buy a speedstik.

 

My checking account hates wrx lol

[SunkTheBirdie]

The Speedstik was reviewed recently.

http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/topic/1383104-review-of-speed-stik-xccelerator-training-aid/

[DevilDog]

The Leadbetter swing setter was a similar concept and there is another training aid called the Swing Rite that is quite similar too. Idea is using an adjustable tensioning device that you have to release at the proper point in your swing. As you improve, adjust it to the harder to release settings. Works on speed and timing.

[pingeye]

Keep up the work Wedge! Glad both devices are working for you. Swing aids are not the fix all for everyone and it sounds like you have two that are working well for you!

 

Everyone has their opinions obviously but in your case, what works for you...works.

 

I will try the Orange Whip and see if it can finally defeat by feet not working properly.

[Warrick]

I use the SKLZ one, and have been happy. It does help to get the lower half involved, almost forces you to start the downswing with the lower half.

[EntourageLife]

I'm a big Kelvin Miyahira fan and he doesn't think too highly of the Orange Whip as he thinks it promotes flipping the club through impact.

 

 

For me...the best training aid is one I recently rediscovered a few weeks ago as it was collecting dust in my basement..

 

A Swing Fan

 

Although I had a lot more compression of the ball at impact with my irons and woods and struggled to get the correct sequence of my body movements of the downswing...sometimes I don't quite get it and sometimes I nailed it. One day I was bored and dusted off the swing fan and took a few swings with it and it overexaggerated the correct movements of my body on the downswing and when I transfered it to my clubs, I got compression and accuracy. Instead of gathering dust I now swing it around 10-20 times a day to give my body the muscle memory it needs when I transfer it to the driving range or before a round.

 

I totally agree. I think the Orange Whip is a great aid for flexibility and getting loose but horrible for full swing mechanics. Maybe would help those who tend to slice or struggle with outside to in swing path but FOR GOLFERS WHO DRAW THE BALL NATURALLY, I think the Orange Whip does more harm than good.

 

The SpeedStik is fine and can definitely help...But I'd rather use a Swing Speed Radar for feedback while swinging a driver with a few extra pieces of lead tape to build speed. Also, be aware of the thick grip. It won't translate exact to how you actually grip a golf club.

 

Swing aids are very tricky. Trust me, I own every swing aid available. You have to know how to use them correctly and know exactly what you want to achieve from them. Thanks "cgasucks", I'll now have to find my fan and dust it off for another go. I remember is working well but didn't fit into bag or car for that matter.

[cgasucks]

I'm a big Kelvin Miyahira fan and he doesn't think too highly of the Orange Whip as he thinks it promotes flipping the club through impact.

 

 

For me...the best training aid is one I recently rediscovered a few weeks ago as it was collecting dust in my basement..

 

A Swing Fan

 

Although I had a lot more compression of the ball at impact with my irons and woods and struggled to get the correct sequence of my body movements of the downswing...sometimes I don't quite get it and sometimes I nailed it. One day I was bored and dusted off the swing fan and took a few swings with it and it overexaggerated the correct movements of my body on the downswing and when I transfered it to my clubs, I got compression and accuracy. Instead of gathering dust I now swing it around 10-20 times a day to give my body the muscle memory it needs when I transfer it to the driving range or before a round.

 

I totally agree. I think the Orange Whip is a great aid for flexibility and getting loose but horrible for full swing mechanics. Maybe would help those who tend to slice or struggle with outside to in swing path but FOR GOLFERS WHO DRAW THE BALL NATURALLY, I think the Orange Whip does more harm than good.

 

The SpeedStik is fine and can definitely help...But I'd rather use a Swing Speed Radar for feedback while swinging a driver with a few extra pieces of lead tape to build speed. Also, be aware of the thick grip. It won't translate exact to how you actually grip a golf club.

 

Swing aids are very tricky. Trust me, I own every swing aid available. You have to know how to use them correctly and know exactly what you want to achieve from them. Thanks "cgasucks", I'll now have to find my fan and dust it off for another go. I remember is working well but didn't fit into bag or car for that matter.

 

I appreciate the complement. I'm not saying that the Orange Whip is a bad training aid. It has its place (I guess). The SpeedStik only gives you pure clubhead speed readings and doesn't really teach you mechanics. I am a huge proponent of the "Drive and Hold (the release)" swing advocated by Kelvin Miyahira which has been validated by a young kid named Victor Rodriguez who started out from driving the ball 240-260 to a Re-Max long drive competitor in a few short years (Youtube his name) and some guy named DJ on the big tour.

 

The swing fan works for me. I'm not sure it will be the final piece of the puzzle for others. Although the original swing fan is too big to fit in one's bag, there are clones out there that are foldable that you can put in your bag and can attach to any club.

[JohnnyNight]

Hi Cga...

 

U have the Paragon Golf Swing Fan Warm-up Trainer that's on Amazon or another one...

 

Thanks

[trilerian]

I have the Orange Whip. It is great for tempo and stretching before a round. But believe me, you can still make a bad swing with it and have good tempo. I have the driver length version.

[cgasucks]

Hi Cga...

 

U have the Paragon Golf Swing Fan Warm-up Trainer that's on Amazon or another one...

 

Thanks

 

I have something like that...but mine doesn't have a training grip.

[JohnnyNight]

I have the Orange Whip. It is great for tempo and stretching before a round. But believe me, you can still make a bad swing with it and have good tempo. I have the driver length version.

 

I agree with that.. You still need to be in the correct positions.. You can have great tempo but if you're all over the place with your swing it won't do much for you..

[EntourageLife]

I could literally complete a dissertation on golf training aids. I have everyone every made, including the The Golf Coach (no lie).

 

Training aids are a funny complement to a golf swing. Use them correctly and they can really help. Use them too much (even correctly) and they can become a hindrance.

 

After years of trial and error I gravitate towards aids that you can actually hit balls with. The Tour Striker (Pro) with the small quarter-sized sweet spot is a great aid.

 

Another great aid is no aid at all. Simply hold a 5 iron in one hand and a 6 iron in the other and make one-armed swings at same time without letting the shafts touch each other, and keeping them parallel to one another. Best aid there is to keeping the club in front of body during swing.

 

Always interested in training aid feedback and discussion.

 

 

[Wedge]

I don't use the Orange Whip or the Speed Stik for swing positions. Where they have helped me the most is my footwork, transition and finish. They have helped me start the downswing from the ground up, getting to my left side and finishing in balance. Swing speed has naturally increased because I'm swinging much more efficiently.

 

My swing path is pretty good and consistent but my finish has historically been really bad, leaning, falling back...couldn't get to my left side and stick the finish. That's where they have really helped me.

[EntourageLife]

I don't use the Orange Whip or the Speed Stik for swing positions. Where they have helped me the most is my footwork, transition and finish. They have helped me start the downswing from the ground up, getting to my left side and finishing in balance. Swing speed has naturally increased because I'm swinging much more efficiently.

 

My swing path is pretty good and consistent but my finish has historically been really bad, leaning, falling back...couldn't get to my left side and stick the finish. That's where they have really helped me.

 

That's great. Footwork and getting to left side (for right-handed) are huge. Balance alone is a secret to the swing. You should watch George Knudson's video. Footwork pivot and balance are his biggest keys.

 

Also, have you tried the step-drill or baseball drill while hitting balls? That's a good drill/aid for you too.

[trilerian]

I could literally complete a dissertation on golf training aids. I have everyone every made, including the The Golf Coach (no lie).

 

Training aids are a funny complement to a golf swing. Use them correctly and they can really help. Use them too much (even correctly) and they can become a hindrance.

 

After years of trial and error I gravitate towards aids that you can actually hit balls with. The Tour Striker (Pro) with the small quarter-sized sweet spot is a great aid.

 

Another great aid is no aid at all. Simply hold a 5 iron in one hand and a 6 iron in the other and make one-armed swings at same time without letting the shafts touch each other, and keeping them parallel to one another. Best aid there is to keeping the club in front of body during swing.

 

Always interested in training aid feedback and discussion.

 

My last lesson my instructor had me do the swing two clubs at a time drill. He said this may take a bit for you to be able to do without hitting the clubs together. First swing and on no issues. Guess both my arms are doing the same thing wrong at the same time

[Bsgolf53]

Speed stick...haha

[Wedge]

I could literally complete a dissertation on golf training aids. I have everyone every made, including the The Golf Coach (no lie).

 

Training aids are a funny complement to a golf swing. Use them correctly and they can really help. Use them too much (even correctly) and they can become a hindrance.

 

After years of trial and error I gravitate towards aids that you can actually hit balls with. The Tour Striker (Pro) with the small quarter-sized sweet spot is a great aid.

 

Another great aid is no aid at all. Simply hold a 5 iron in one hand and a 6 iron in the other and make one-armed swings at same time without letting the shafts touch each other, and keeping them parallel to one another. Best aid there is to keeping the club in front of body during swing.

 

Always interested in training aid feedback and discussion.

 

The Tour Striker Pro is a great training aid. I bought one about 5-6 years ago....still have it....found out my impact was better than I thought. Great aid.