50 Words or Less

The SuperSpeed Speed Sticks Pro are the next generation of golf’s favorite speed training tool.  Adjustable weighting adds versatility.  Five levels of protocols keep training interesting and challenging.  A proven way to get faster and longer.

Introduction

Launched about a decade ago, the original SuperSpeed training system brought speed training to the golf masses.  Since then, SuperSpeed has birthed numerous imitators, but no other system is seen in the bags of as many Tour pros.

New for 2025 is the long awaited “sequel” – the SuperSpeed Speed Sticks Pro.  This new set of training tools is an grip-to-tip upgrade that includes added levels of versatility and portability.  I tested a set to see if you should consider making the switch.

Set Up & Ease of Use

The SuperSpeed Speed Sticks Pro don’t require any set up – pick them up and swing them fast.  Like the Force Board Pro [review HERE], the Speed Stick Pro don’t come with any written instruction – you need to find the training protocols in the SuperSpeed App.  The app is easy to use, and the Level 1 Protocols are included with your purchase.  You need the premium app subscription to get access to more advanced protocols (more details on this later).

There is a weight kit included with the Speed Sticks Pro.  I’ll discuss the function of this below, but I will note here that this system is very easy to use.  The wrench is included, and the weights screw in and out without hassle.  Changing the weights does take a minute because of the long threads, but that’s a safety feature – you wouldn’t want a 30 gram weight being flung from your training club at 100 MPH.

Effectiveness

At core, the SuperSpeed Speed Sticks Pro are not fundamentally different than the original training system [review HERE].  There are three training clubs of different weights, and you swing them according to the provided protocols to gain club head speed.  Thousands of golfers of every age, gender, and ability level can tell you that the system works.

With that out of the way, let’s talk about what makes the Speed Sticks Pro different.  Most importantly, they have what SuperSpeed calls the Inertia Matching System – adjustable weighting.  The set comes with ten total weight plugs – 20 grams (3), 30 grams (3), 40 grams (3), and 80 grams (1).  This allows you to personalize your training clubs based on the chart above or an assessment in the SuperSpeed app.

The other benefit of the Inertia Matching System is that it allows you to train with just one training club.  SuperSpeed refers to this as the “Integrated Travel Version.”  By using the blue club without a weight, with your standard weight, and with the 80 gram weight, you can simulate having all three training clubs.  This is a nice feature for those that want to have their SuperSpeed with them at all times or those trying to keep their luggage under the 50 pound limit.

The weighting is not the only change to the SuperSpeed Speed Sticks Pro.  They’ve made the “heads” more aerodynamic with a teardrop shape and three “air flow modulators” on the sides.  The new grips are larger and less tapered with alternating sections of texture.  I think the soft feel of these grips is great, and SuperSpeed claims that the larger grips will allow players to more effectively activate the muscles in their hands and forearms.  The grips can be replaced if you don’t like them or want something smaller.

The final change is the new shaft.  SuperSpeed training clubs have always had very stiff shafts, but the new versions are more thoughtfully tuned.  The Load Zone near the grip is very stiff to encourage an aggressive loading of the shaft.  Near the tip, there’s a softer Torque Zone which SuperSpeed says “promotes more optimal timing of club head release”.  I don’t know that this change will fix your release, but the new shaft makes the training club feel more like a normal club rather than a piece of rebar with a dumbbell on the end.

Longevity

In my original review, I stated that longevity was the one weakness of SuperSpeed.  The company has done a lot to shore that up with the SuperSpeed Speed Sticks Pro.  The SuperSpeed App has five levels of Overspeed training, so you get more variety in your workouts.  There are also notifications and badges which gamify the training and help you to stay on track.

With all that said, this is still a workout program.  You will see “beginner gains” very quickly, but then your growth will slow down.  SuperSpeed training also requires enough room to swing a driver at 100%.  I think that SuperSpeed Golf has built a tremendous system, but you need to be committed to it if you want it to work.

Value

The SuperSpeed Speed Sticks Pro retail for $199.  Please support Plugged In Golf and buy HERE.  Especially with the new additions, I think it’s a great buy for anyone looking to add club head speed and play better golf.

To get the most out of your SuperSpeed Speed Sticks Pro, you will need the SuperSpeed App.  The Premium membership is $10/month or $100/year.  This unlocks all five levels of the training protocols, the physical assessment, and much more.  Training with just Level One Protocols will work, but I think the added variety makes the Premium membership worthwhile.

Conclusion

SuperSpeed Golf took their time coming up with a sequel to their blockbuster training system, and I’m glad they did.  The SuperSpeed Speed Sticks Pro are an improvement on the original system in every way, but they maintain the core principles that have helped thousands of golfers get faster.  If you want to hit it longer with every club in your bag, start SuperSpeed training today.

Buy SuperSpeed Speed Sticks Pro HERE

The post SuperSpeed Speed Sticks Pro Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

50 Words or Less

The Garmin Approach S50 GPS Golf Smartwatch provides all the bells and whistles needed to successfully navigate any golf course inside a full color AMOLED screen.  Off the course, the Approach S50 separates itself with an impressive range of health and wellness features for those seeking more than just a golf GPS.

Introduction

Garmin is one of the most prominent names in GPS navigation and wearable technology.  In the last few years, we have seen a real emergence of wellness and health trackers and up to this point, very few have blended with a golf GPS smartwatch.  The Garmin Approach S50 does just that as it merges a high end, technologically advanced golf GPS navigation system with a substantial range of health trackers.  I put the Garmin Approach S50 to the test by wearing it 24/7 to see how both the golf navigation and the health tracking could help my game for the new season.

Set Up & Ease of Use

Out of the box, the Garmin Approach S50 Advanced GPS Golf Smartwatch came with a simplified instruction booklet, charging cable and the watch itself with a black nylon band.  There is an option for the stock white band in addition to a dozen other styles and colors which can be ordered separately.

The charging cable is the same as most other Garmin watches, which is beneficial if you’ve had a Garmin product in the past.  I only needed a few hours of initial charge before I was off and running.  I was impressed by how well the battery held a charge.  I went almost an entire week without needing to plug it in despite two rounds of golf and 24/7 wear.

Next, I downloaded the Garmin Golf app on my phone and customized a few settings.  This is free to use, but there is an additional subscription for some added features costing $100 annually.

Without using the online instruction manual, I had no issue getting acquainted with my new smartwatch.  The right side has two push buttons that act as a “play” and “back” button while the rest of the navigation is done right on the large, well-lit AMOLED touch screen.

Lastly, I want to mention that the Garmin Approach S50 can be setup with several additional accessories (sold separately) like club tags to measure shot distance and track stats.  While the smartwatch alone can track your last shot, it needs club tags to track your full round.

Features & Accuracy

Garmin aimed to pack the Approach S50 Advanced GPS Golf Smartwatch with as many features as possible.  Since this is a golf review, let’s start with the golf features.

The full color display provides a range of distances off the tee, including a “plays like” option with animations of each hole for easy interpretation.  For official competitions, a tournament mode setting can be turned on in order to comply with sanctioned events.  I found both the objective distance and the “plays like” metrics to be very accurate – within 1 or 2 yards of my laser rangefinder.  The only accuracy issue I ran into was one particular course that had reduced GPS signal and struggled to load the hole distances quickly.

On approach shots or a par three, the green view not only provides a front, middle, and back distance, but the pin can easily be adjusted to a more precise hole location.  Standing on a tee, the pin pointer will let you know where you’re headed, which can be helpful when playing a new course.  Another favorite feature of mine is that while it tracks your score, it also flags each hole number on the bezel according to your score.  A par is flagged green, bogeys are yellow, and birdies are blue.

Golf aside, the Garmin Approach S50 is stocked with features such as heart and respiratory rate, steps, calories, and even stress levels.  I was most intrigued by the sleep tracker which provided insights on how much recovery I get each night.  Not only did it identify factors that are affecting my sleep patterns, it also provided reminders on when to go to bed based upon my stress levels from that day.

In addition, Garmin links directly to your phone and provides real time notifications such as emails, messages, or social media alerts.  While there isn’t an option to take action on these notifications from your watch, I used this to triage alerts and prevent pulling my phone out of my pocket unnecessarily.  This, in turn helped save my phone’s battery life which was especially helpful on the course.  Additional features like weather snapshot, calendar sync, music controller, custom Garmin health coaching, and more can all be seen on their website.

Value

The Garmin Approach S50 Advanced GPS Golf Smartwatch retails for $399.  Please consider supporting Plugged In Golf sponsor PlayBetter HERE

Is the S50 worth it?  In terms of value, this is essentially two products in one.  The first is a fully functioning golf GPS system with all the bells and whistles.  The second is a health and fitness application with a full suite of wellness tracking.  If you are looking for just a golf GPS watch, Garmin offers the new S44 [review coming soon] for $299, or there’s the Voice Caddie T11 [full review HERE] at the same price point – for Plugged In Golf readers.

However, when you combine all these features together, the Garmin Approach S50 is almost in its very own category.  The only other product that can truly compare is the Apple Watch and that needs an entirely separate Golf app and annual subscription.

With that said, if you are in the market for both a golf GPS smartwatch and health and wellness tracking system, the Garmin Approach S50 has tremendous value.  Even if you add in the annual $100 upgraded Garmin golf subscription, this smartwatch truly separates itself from the competition.  And If you’re dead set on those added features the subscription brings, check out the Garmin S70 [full review HERE] which includes those and more.

Conclusion

The Garmin Approach S50 Advanced GPS Golf Smartwatch is a one of-a-kind marriage of both a high end golf GPS smartwatch and health and wellness tracking system.  All of these features are packaged in a beautiful high resolution AMOLED color touch screen that provides user-friendly navigation and course data with accurate distances for any golfer looking to step up their game for the new season.

Buy the Garmin Approach S50 GPS Watch HERE

The post Garmin Approach S50 GPS Golf Smartwatch Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

50 Words or Less

The MGI SureShot SlimPRO rangefinder is one of the smallest on the market.  Very light and easy to carry.  Solid performance but no first tier features.  Not great value.

Introduction

When it comes to rangefinders, thin is in.  Over the last few months, we’ve seen a series of tiny rangefinders enter the market, and several have a slate of impressive features to go along with their trim dimensions.  In this review, I’ll discuss the MGI SureShot SlimPRO rangefinder, one of the smallest lasers yet, and whether it’s worth considering for your bag this season.

Set Up & Ease of Use

Nothing about the MGI SureShot SlimPRO rangefinder will be unfamiliar for golfers who have used rangefinders in the past.  There are two buttons on top: Power and Mode.  The first press of the Power button turns the device on, the second gets your distance.  Turning to the Mode button, a single tap toggles the pulse function, a double tap turns slope adjustment on or off, and a 10-second hold changes the units of measurement.

The SlimPRO runs on a rechargeable battery.  When it’s plugged in, the light on the side glows red while charging and turns blue when it’s full.  MGI does not provide any information or claims about battery life, but there is a battery life indicator in the viewfinder.  I started with a full charge, performed several hundred ranges, and the battery remained full.

Accuracy & Features

The primary selling point of the MGI SureShot SlimPRO rangefinder is its size, so we’ll start there.  It’s under 4″ long and less than 2″ tall and wide.  It weighs a touch over five ounces, which is among the lightest lasers you’ll find.  The other two comparably-sized rangefinders – the Voice Caddie Laser FIT and Mileseey IONME2 – are one ounce lighter and heavier, respectively, but have slightly more traditional, rectangular shapes.  The SureShot SlimPRO is almost square, as you can see below, which makes it feel smaller in my hand.

Turning to the speed of the SureShot SlimPRO, its good but not great.  There’s a small delay between letting go of the button and getting your yardage.  As I’ve stated in many rangefinder reviews, the difference between the fastest and slowest rangefinders is less than a second, but it is noticeable when testing head-to-head.  With regard to accuracy, the SlimPRO was consistently within one yard of other trusted rangefinders.

In terms of features, the SureShot SlimPRO has the basics.  It has slope adjustment, PinLoc, and Priority Loc – the ability to ignore background targets.  In 2025, these are de rigueur.  The 7X magnification is solid, and MGI claims water resistance, but doesn’t state to what standard.  One added feature I do like is that the light on the side of the unit glows blue when slope is turned off, red when it’s turned on.

The viewfinder is well organized, but the display is black-only.  As with the speed, this isn’t a problem, but it’s a missed opportunity to offer more to the customer.

Value

The MGI SureShot SlimPRO rangefinder retails for $299.  It comes with the zippered case (above), a charging cable, and a cleaning cloth.

Comparing it to the two similarly sized rangefinders I’ve reviewed recently, it’s hard to find the SureShot SlimPRO to be a great value.  The Voice Caddie Laser FIT [review HERE] is just $179, and it has Ball-to-Pin Mode.  The Mileseey IONME2 [review HERE] costs $100 more – $399 – but it has Coach Mode and PinPoint Green Mode.

Conclusion

The new MGI SureShot SlimPRO rangefinder offers an almost-incomparable form factor with solid performance.  Unfortunately for them, the competition in this space is as fierce as ever.  The combination of higher price and lack of elite features keeps this from being a great option.

Buy the MGI SureShot SlimPRO Rangefinder HERE

The post MGI SureShot SlimPRO Rangefinder Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

50 Words or Less

The Mileseey IONME2 rangefinder is a pocket-sized laser with a full suite of premium features.  PinPoint Green Mode could speed up play and improve your putting, if used correctly.

Introduction

The first Mileseey golf rangefinder that came across our radar was the tiny PF1 [review HERE].  The company is doubling down on compact lasers with their latest, the Mileseey IONME2.  This fully-featured model is small enough to fit in your pocket, but it has enough bells and whistles to stand next to the top of the line rangefinders.   

Set Up & Ease of Use

Like most rangefinders, the Mileseey IONME2 has two buttons on the top.  They’re labeled with a red triangle and a white circle, not the typical “Power” and “Mode.”  The button closer to your eye is the power button, so it’s intuitive to use despite the unusual markings.  The basic functions are also the same as other rangefinders – the first push turns the unit on, the second gets your distance.

As you can see below, there’s a USB port on the back of the IONME2 that powers the rechargeable battery.  Mileseey includes the required cable with purchase.  I could not find a specific claim about battery life, but there is a battery life indicator in the viewfinder, and it remained at “Full” after several hundred activations.

There are three modes on the Mileseey IONME2, and you cycle through them with the white circle button.  The display does an excellent job making clear which mode you’re in – there’s a flag for “normal” operations, a green for PinPoint Green Mode, and a triangular diagram for Coach Mode.

Finally, you get to the menus by holding the white circle button.  There are six settings: slope on/off, brightness, rain/fog mode, vibration, yards/meters, and your height for PinPoint Green Mode.  With the exception of competitive players turning slope on and off, most golfers will set these once and never touch them again.

Accuracy & Features

Despite its small size, the Mileseey IONME2 has a comprehensive list of features.  But before we dive into that, let’s address the basics of accuracy and speed.  This laser is on par with the fastest that I’ve tested.  The moment your finger leaves the button, the distance appears on the screen.  Its accuracy is also excellent, matching several other trusted rangefinders.

Moving to the features and modes, the standout for the pocket-size IONME2 is the PinPoint Green Mode.  This is something that we first saw on the Mileseey GenePro S1 [review HERE], but that’s a full-sized rangefinder which makes the putting feature less useful.  The IONME2 can more easily accompany you to the putting surface where the PinPoint Green Mode promises accuracy within 1 cm of distance and 1 degree of slope.  As with the GenePro S1, I wish the height inputs were more precise – they operate in 4″ increments.

This seems like a good time to discuss the size of the Mileseey IONME2.  The rangefinder is just over 1.75″ tall, 1.25″ thick, and 3.75″ long.  It weighs just over 6 ounces on its own, a bit over 8 with the holster (above).  It can easily sit in your pocket throughout the round.  While I like the clip-on holster, it sticks out too far to be wearable on either hip.  If you want to have the holster on throughout the round, it needs to be closer to your back pocket, which only works if you’re walking.

Another mode that carried over from the GenePro S1 is Coach Mode.  Other rangefinders call this Ball to Pin measurement, but, by any name, it’s the ability to stand at point A and measure the distance from point B to point C.  This is great for cart path only days, giving yardages to other players, or finding a distance if something is blocking your view.  Coach Mode is very easy to use, with clear “instructions” and distance display.

Finally, the Mileseey IONME2 is also strong in “standard” Pin-Seeking Mode.  It has 6X magnification and a flag lock range of 500 yards – both on par with the best rangefinders available.  Mileseey also states that it can differentiate the flag from background objects that are only 5 yards away – three yards better than the more expensive Bushnell X3 [review HERE].

Rounding out the features of the Mileseey IONME2 rangefinder are the brilliant red and green display, the built-in magnet, and the IP65 waterproofing.  IP65 means that this laser is safe against water jets from any direction and rain, but it’s not guaranteed against full submersion.

Value

The Mileseey IONME2 retails for $399.  Please support Plugged In Golf by buying it HERE.

Within the Mileseey family, the IONME2 rangefinder is a great deal.  It has almost all of the features of the GenePro S1 at half the price.  Looking to the larger rangefinder landscape, the IONME2 is still a strong value, especially if you like the smaller size.  The only comparable choice is the Voice Caddie Laser FIT which you can get HERE for $179, but it lacks PinPoint Green Mode.

Conclusion

The Mileseey IONME2 rangefinder shows that good things can come in small packages.  This laser packs three useful modes into a unit roughly the size of a sleeve of golf balls.  If you’re a walker trying to cut weight from your rig or you want to get more precise on the green, the IONME2 is worth a serious look.

Buy the Mileseey IONME2 HERE

The post Mileseey IONME2 Rangefinder Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

50 Words or Less

The Vessel Player V Pro stand bag introduces useful updates to an already stellar model.  Excellent quality, premium look, feature rich.  Tremendous pocket variety and versatility.

Introduction

Vessel’s growth in the consumer golf market the past several years has been amazing to witness.  The seemingly unknown company that made bags for tour players now offers bags that are sought after by discriminating golfers who appreciate quality and aesthetics.  High-end golf brands like G/FORE and SWAG even turn to Vessel for their own branded offerings.  How has Vessel evolved during this time?  As it’s been a couple years since I reviewed a Vessel golf bag, I got my hands on one of their latest offerings – the Vessel Player V Pro – to answer that question.

Looks

As with Vessel bags I’ve tested in the past, the rich solid color and limited branding gave the Player V Pro a clean, upscale look.  This Pro version features a pebbled finish that adds to the visual appeal and gives a luxurious tactile feel.  That’s not to say that the smooth matte finish of the non-Pro (you can see HERE in Dylan’s review of the Player IV) isn’t wonderful as well.

The gray color also provided the perfect backdrop to draw my attention to the new magnetic pocket black pull loops as well as the long black pull tab on the side valuables pocket.  The Vessel Player V Pro also has one of my favorite design elements – the insulated magnetic water bottle sleeves that hug the ball pocket when not in use.

Vessel added two new colors – iridium and iron brew – to the Player V Pro lineup, which still includes black, white, navy, and DXR black as well as the grey seen here.

Features

Pockets may seem like a given in a golf bag, but Vessel raised the bar with the Player V Pro’s number, variety, and versatility.  I was thrilled to find that the magnetic pocket above the ball pocket is now split and velour lined – great for my rangefinder.  And that ball pocket now has an internal elasticized pocket that’s turned into a blessing for keeping my ball markers segregated.  I could go on and on about every well thought out pocket, but suffice it to say, the Vessel Player V Pro makes organization and protection of valuables a snap.

Another feature worthy of a shout-out is the cart strap pass-through.  Not only does it keep the upper velour lined magnetic pocket unobstructed, it also helps keep the bag securely positioned to the cart frame – whether it’s a driven cart or a push cart.  The Vessel Player V Pro also comes with a matching cart strap sleeve to limit wear.

There’s also an optional add-on for the Vessel Player V Pro – the Golf Club Organizer.  The Organizer was easy to assemble and slide into the grooves under the side lift handles.  The Organizer provides individual, rubberized slots with magnets to keep each club head safe and secure.  If you despise the noise of rattling clubs, or seek to protect finishes, the Golf Club Organizer provides a well-designed option.

Performance

Continuing with Golf Club Organizer – it definitely fulfills its purpose, but I found it to be a little weird.  That’s not a word I can recall using in a review, but hang with me.  For starters, having your irons raised from the top of the bag is odd looking – and my photos don’t include the 1.5” extenders that Vessel recommends if you plan to walk.  Those extenders raise the grip ends so the clubs remain unencumbered by the stand mechanism when the legs are fully engaged.  But for me, that made the balance point a bit top heavy when carrying.

Back in a standard set-up, I found the 14-way full length, truly divided slots easy to navigate with my standard plus-4 grips.  Although I don’t have a fat putter grip, I recognize that the dedicated putter well is a feature in demand these days.  The Vessel Player V Pro is also available in a 7-way top configuration.

Vessel’s patented Rotator Stand System once again performed flawlessly.  A simple push while tilting the bag activated the carbon composite legs.  With the legs fully extended and the base flush with the ground, the Vessel Player V Pro assumed a sturdy stance.

I was happy to see another patented feature – the Equilibrium 2.0 Double Strap.  With the straps free to pivot around the central hub, the process of putting the bag on or taking it off seemed effortless.  With the bag on my shoulders, balance was well maintained and the padding nicely comfortable.

That said, the Player V Pro is a hefty stand bag weighing in at 7.75 lbs.  And all those wonderful pockets may encourage adding weight with extra balls, beverages, and gear.  To me, the Player V Pro is perfectly suited for golfers who ride or walk with a push cart, and enjoy having their bag with them for practice sessions.  Dedicated walkers who carry their own bag should check out the Vessel Sunday III [full review HERE].

Conclusion

To answer my intro question – yes, Vessel has continued to evolve, offering improvements in both function and aesthetics.  The Vessel Player V Pro is a beautiful example of the pursuit of excellence.  The Golf Club Organizer wasn’t my cup of tea, but the design was well executed.  At $469 retail, the Vessel Player V Pro is a sizable investment, but based on the craftmanship and quality materials, it’s a golf bag that should last you for many years.

Visit Vessel Golf HERE

The post Vessel Player V Pro Stand Bag Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

50 Words or Less

The PutterCup putting trainer is a family of three putting cups designed to let you practice putting anywhere and increase the difficulty of your putting practice.  Very affordable and quite challenging.

Introduction

While there is no shortage of great putting trainers (check out my Top 5 HERE), most golfers practice putting by simply rolling a few balls on a practice green or a mat in their house.  Rather than trying to get golfers to use some type of device, PutterCups meets them where they are.  PutterCup’s trio of putting targets allows golfers to train their line and speed control to standards that are higher than those of the course so they can have a mental edge when they tee it up.

Set Up & Ease of Use

There is no set up required to use any of the PutterCup trainers, nor any instructions.  The To Go Cup simply gets tossed on the ground wherever you want to putt.  You can use it on an indoor mat, on carpeting, or on a real putting green.

The other two trainers – the Speed Bump and Center Cup – work in conjunction with the To Go Cup or with a real golf hole.  Insert the trainer into the cup (see below), and they created an added level of difficulty.

Effectiveness

The PutterCup family of trainers includes three different aids: the To Go Cup, Center Cup, and Speed Bump.  The To Go Cup is a putting hole that you can take anywhere.  What elevates it beyond a simple putting disc is the 360 degree ramp.  This has two major benefits.  First, it gives you the satisfaction of the ball “going in” on a successful putt.  I use putting discs fairly often, but they lack the positive feeling of a real hole.  The To Go Cup puts that satisfaction back into your putting practice.  Additionally, the ramp makes the putt tougher.  Your putt must have solid pace and a true line or else the ramp will deflect it away.

The Speed Bump was my favorite of the three trainers.  It takes the things I like about the To Go Cup’s 360 degree ramp and bumps them up a notch.  As someone who putts with dying speed, the Speed Bump forced me to make a more confident, affirmative stroke.  It’s also very taxing on your line – you can’t expect putts to fall in the side door.  Adding the Speed Bump to a regular hole adds a small amount of challenge, but stacking it with the To Go Cup was really demanding.

Finally, the Center Cup can be added to a regular cup or the To Go Cup to shrink the target.  Per PutterCup, the Center Cup makes the target 25% smaller than a regulation hole.  The company touts this as their most challenging trainer, though I found the Speed Bump added more difficulty for me.  What I like about this trainer is that it doesn’t ask you to do anything with your stroke – it simply demands more focus and precision.

Having spent time with all three PutterCup training aids, I think they are all effective.  The To Go Cup allows you to practice anywhere and raises the bar slightly.  The Center Cup gives you a mental edge, making the real cup seem larger, and the Speed Bump forces you to putt with a confident pace and precise line.

Longevity

PutterCups check several longevity boxes: they’re portable, easy to use, and they work indoors and outdoors.  Additionally, with the full kit, you have the ability to ramp up the difficulty to levels that will challenge a skilled player.  Poor putters may find the To Go Cup a bit frustrating at first, but you can always reduce the difficulty by getting closer.

There’s nothing inherently gamified about PutterCup trainers, but the different difficulty levels give you plenty of opportunities to create games or personal challenges to add more interest to your putting practice.

Value

PutterCup sells their three trainers individually or as a kit.  The Pressure Putt Pack, which includes all three trainers, retails for $35 at the time of this writing.  Individually, the To Go Cup is $17, Speed Bump is $14, and the Center Cup is $11.  You can support Plugged In Golf by buying them HERE.

Individually or as a kit, they are far below the cost of the average training aid.  Given the low price and solid effectiveness and longevity, this is a very strong value.

Each of the training aids comes with a 30 day guarantee.  If you don’t sink more putts, you can get a full refund.

Conclusion

Whether you’re practicing indoors or on real grass, the trio of PutterCup putting aids gives you a quick, easy way to ramp up the difficulty and improve your focus.  Spend enough time with them, and the holes on the course will seem bigger than ever.

Visit PutterCup HERE

The post PutterCup Training Aid Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

50 Words or Less

The SuperSpeed Force Board Pro allows players to train their balance and improve their swing in a variety of ways.  Best for serious, committed players.  Scalable difficulty makes it useful for all handicap levels.

Introduction

Close your eyes and imagine the driver swing of Rory McIlroy.  Despite swinging his driver well over 120 MPH, he never looks off balance or out of control.  Now think of your 30 handicap buddy who hits it nowhere.  Does his finish look picture perfect, or is he flailing and stumbling?

The folks at SuperSpeed know that it isn’t a coincidence that fast, skilled drivers look balanced, athletic, and under control, while poor drivers…don’t.  To help more golfers develop that body awareness, they’ve developed the SuperSpeed Force Board Pro.  I tested one to see how much this trainer can help a recreational player look more like a pro on the tee.

Set Up & Ease of Use

When you unbox the SuperSpeed Force Board Pro, you’ll find the board, three pairs of attachments, eight yellow pegs, and a carrying bag.  Notably, there are no printed instructions: you need to download the SuperSpeed App to get the training protocols.  Level 1 Protocols are included with your purchase, but you need the premium app subscription to get full access (more details on this later).

Setting up the Force Board Pro is very easy.  Each attachment has a rubber nub that fits securely into the holes on the board.  The SuperSpeed App is also reasonably easy to use.  When you create your profile, you input which SuperSpeed products you have, and the app puts those training protocols at the top of the Training tab.  Once you select a training plan, you’re walked through it move by move with written explanations and videos.

Effectiveness

I think it’s important to start with a discussion of what the SuperSpeed Force Board Pro is designed for.  Unlike the SuperSpeed training clubs [review HERE], the Force Board Pro isn’t really meant to give you big, “immediate” gains in club head speed; it’s meant to allow your body to swing faster.  Our bodies are self-limiting because they don’t want us to hurt ourselves.  For example, you may have the strength to swing the club 100 MPH, but you don’t have the balance or coordination, so your body limits you to 90 MPH.

The Force Board Pro is meant to help you develop the balance, body awareness, and coordination to maximize your speed.  It can also teach you to use the ground more effectively, which is a potential source of big, short term speed gains.

There are two types of workouts for the Force Board Pro: balance exercise and golf swings.  The balance workouts are quick and fun.  Set the board to your chosen difficulty level and run through three or four movements.  You’ll be done in ten minutes or less, and you can do them anywhere.  As with any type of exercise, you aren’t going to see huge changes overnight, but you will see improvement with consistent effort.  There are four levels of protocols, so you get a nice amount of variety.

The golf swing exercises require a bit more set up and are geared more toward learning, enhancing awareness, and improving your swing.  There are four protocols: Lateral Force, Torque, Vertical Force, and Ground Force Training.  Each one has a video that walks you through different board set ups and exercises.  If you’re that player who is consistently unbalanced after a swing or if you feel like you have a ton of latent speed, these are the videos for you.  These exercises are best done in a place where you can make a full swing, but you can do them with a shortened club, too.

Overall, I think the SuperSpeed Force Board Pro offers a unique combination of exercise and learning.  This is an excellent complement or precursor to SuperSpeed training.  Regardless of your fitness level, swing speed, or handicap, you’ll find things in this program that will challenge and teach you.

Longevity

As I’ve said about many fitness or speed trainers, the SuperSpeed Force Board Pro is not something you’re ever going to outgrow.  Just as no one outgrows going to the gym, you’ll never be done working on your balance and coordination.  The Force Board Pro takes that even further because every exercise can be scaled.  Using the red attachments makes every exercise fairly easy.  Using a single grey oval will challenge anyone who doesn’t work for Cirque du Soleil.  Additionally, you can use the Force Board Pro just about anywhere, and the workouts are quick.

The longevity negatives are that there’s nothing fun or gamified about using the SuperSpeed Force Board Pro.  There are leaderboards in the app that can help you stay motivated, but you need to be serious about your golf and fitness to use this regularly.

Value

The SuperSpeed Force Board Pro retails for $180 HERE.  This is a bit above average in terms of price, and it’s not the first tool I’d recommend for speed training [that would be the SuperSpeed training clubs HERE].  I think that for a coach, this is a no-brainer to buy.  The other target customer is the very serious player.

Also, to get the most out of the Force Board Pro, you will need the SuperSpeed App.  The Premium membership is $10/month or $100/year.  This unlocks all of the training protocols, the physical assessment, and much more.  If you’re going to invest in the Force Board Pro, you need to have the Premium version of the app for at least a short time to learn all its functionality.

Conclusion

A complete speed training regimen needs to include balance, coordination, and golf swing improvements, and all of those elements are unlocked with the SuperSpeed Force Board Pro.  If you’re serious about fully maximizing your potential on the course, this is a worthy addition to your practice set up.

Buy SuperSpeed Force Board Pro HERE

The post SuperSpeed Force Board Pro Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

50 Words or Less

The RevCore LT Lightweight stand bag has classic looks and premium materials.  Smart, well-executed features.  Light enough to carry.  Upgraded base and quality stand.

Save 15% with code PLUGGEDIN when you shop HERE

Introduction

In their short time in the golf bag space, RevCore has shown that they’re committed to consistently improving their products and offering golfers a more diverse array of choices.  Their stand bag line up now consists of two distinct options: the Lux Hybrid [review HERE] and the subject of today’s review, the RevCore LT Lightweight stand bag.  I tested it to see if this is truly walker-friendly and how it stacks up to other premium golf bags.

Looks

Like all of the RevCore golf bags that we’ve reviewed, the RevCore LT Lightweight stand bag has a clean, timeless look.  The branding is limited to moderately sized “RevCore” logos on the bag’s sides and small engravings on the zippers.  Both sides feature diagonal stitching across the large pockets to give the bag some visual interest.

The lack of graphics and branding puts the visual emphasis on the quality of the materials.  Everything on this bag looks premium and built to last.  The synthetic leather stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the materials on golf’s most expensive stand bags, and the hardware has a great look and feel.  Overall, this is a golf bag that you’ll be able to carry for years without it looking dated or worn.

The RevCore LT Lightweight stand bag is available in three colors: Winter White, Deep Grey, and Matte Black.  In Matte Black, the bag is monochromatic.  The Winter White and Deep Grey versions have black trim, zippers, top, and branding.

Features

Despite being branded as light, the RevCore LT Lightweight stand bag is not short on important features.  On the bag’s right side, there’s a full-length apparel pocket, felt-lined, waterproof valuables pocket, and an open-ended cooler pocket with drains.  Above all this storage hangs a towel ring and glove holder.

The back of the bag features a magnetic, felt-lined pocket that’s ideal for a rangefinder.  The magnet is very strong, which is great for keeping your stuff secure, but it does make me wish the pull tab was a little bigger.  This sits above a large, zippered ball pocket that holds two dozen balls easily.

On the left side of the bag, there’s another zippered pocket that’s sized for a small piece of apparel, a few snacks, another dozen balls, or whatever else you can’t live without.

While none of these features are particularly novel, they’re all done in a smart, elevated way.  The placement of the cooler pocket, for example, makes it very accessible, and the drains are a smart touch.  Similarly, I don’t really need every pocket to be waterproof, but I do want my valuables to stay dry if there’s rain.

Performance

The biggest differentiator between the RevCore LT Lightweight stand bag and the Lux Hybrid [review HERE] is the weight.  At 5.5 pounds, some will say that the LT is on the heavy side for a carry bag, but I found the bag well-balanced.  The dual shoulder strap is heavily padded, soft, and easily adjusted to make it a very comfortable carry.

Another positive for the RevCore LT is the top.  It’s a 5-way top, and every section has a full-length divider.  While it will be a little tight with fourteen midsized or oversized grips, it’s certainly capable of holding a “full” set.  With eleven or twelve clubs, everything slides in and out easily.

A big upgrade over the original RevCore Stand Bag [review HERE] is the Stay Flat Base.  RevCore listened to their customers (and me) and ditched the kickstand for a hinged base.  This is not only more durable, it makes the bag more stable when the legs are deployed.

Finally, the RevCore LT Lightweight stand bag comes with two premium add-ons.  The rain hood is made of the same synthetic leather as the bag, and it has great structure.  This makes it easier to find your clubs when the hood is on rather than wrestling with saggy material.  Also, RevCore provides a neoprene sleeve to put over the cart strap which protects your bag from scuffs and scrapes.  For those that like to keep their gear pristine, this is a nice bonus.

If you ride or push exclusively, check out the RevCore Cart Bag HERE

Conclusion

On RevCore’s website, they make it clear what brands they’re targeting with the RevCore LT Lightweight stand bag.  A graphic lists the LT next to Vessel VLS Lux [VLS review HERE] and the Stitch SL2.  Despite a price tag that is $100 lower (even less with the code below), the RevCore LT compares favorably in almost every way.  If you value quality and performance over brand name, RevCore is the easy choice.

Save 15% with code PLUGGEDIN when you shop HERE

The post RevCore LT Lightweight Stand Bag Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

50 Words or Less

The Garmin Approach R50 launch monitor raises the bar on fun and ease of use with a built-in color touchscreen.  An unrivaled amount of simulator courses.  Pro-level ball data.

Buy the Garmin Approach R50 Launch Monitor HERE

Introduction

In 2021, Garmin completely changed the conversation around launch monitors with their Approach R10 [review HERE].  By bringing the price down to the consumer level, they made launch monitors something everyone can own.

They’re aiming to change the game again with the new Garmin Approach R50 launch monitor.  With a giant, built-in, color touchscreen, the R50 can do things no other launch monitor or golf simulator can.  I tested one to see if this should be your next major golf purchase.

Set Up & Ease of Use

Launch monitor companies are waking up to the fact that connecting a device to your LM can be a hassle by offering more onboard displays.  The Garmin Approach R50 launch monitor takes this to a whole new level with a 10″ full-color touchscreen.  This is a major boost for the ease of use because, with the exception of turning on the R50, everything is done through the touchscreen.

There are three ports on the back of the Garmin Approach R50 launch monitor – HDMI, USB-C, and a charging port.  Garmin has included a clever sliding door to keep all of them clean and protected when they’re not in use.  You can also connect the R50 via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth which is great for updating the R50’s software without plugging it in.

Per Garmin, the R50 can go up to 4 hours between charges.  I saw similar battery life during my testing, but I will note that there is a fairly small window between getting a low battery warning and the R50 shutting itself off.  If you’re going to take the Approach R50 outdoors, make sure it has a solid charge.

Using the Garmin Approach R50 launch monitor is incredibly easy.  Power it up, choose your options from the touchscreen, and hit away.  The screen shows you whether or not the ball is in the hitting area, and there is a green light (above) when you’re approved to hit, a red light if you’re not.

My one major complaint with the R50 is that the hitting area is fairly small.  Garmin does not provide the exact size, but I’d guess it’s around 70 square inches like the Bushnell Launch Pro.  This will likely require you to move the R50 to accommodate tee shots and shots off the turf.  While not a deal breaker, this is annoying when you’re playing simulator golf.

Finally, a cool feature of the Garmin R50 that boosts ease of use is the ability to create profiles.  Each profile has its own name, handedness, and preferred units of measurement.  This also keeps each players’ data separate, which is great if you have multiple serious golfers sharing one device.

Accuracy

To test the accuracy of the Garmin Approach R50 launch monitor, I ran it head to head with my Foresight GCQuad [review HERE].  As an aside, the R50 dwarfs the GCQuad, as you can see above.

The ball data from the Garmin R50 was outstanding.  The ball metrics that the R50 offers are ball speed, launch angle, spin, spin axis, launch direction, carry and total distance, apex, and distance offline.  Across the board, I found these to be almost perfectly in line with my GCQuad.

Moving to the club data, the Garmin Approach R50 launch monitor requires users to put a reflective sticker on their club face, just like the GCQuad.  The data that this produces is club speed, face angle, club path, angle of attack, and smash factor.  I found the club data to be hit and miss.  There were numerous shots where the club data was not captured and many more where it was far from the numbers produced by the GCQuad.  Angle of attack, in particular, was a problem for the R50.  If club data is a high priority for you, the Full Swing KIT [review HERE] is a better choice in this price range.

Features

The Garmin Approach R50 launch monitor has two modes of operation: Practice and Play.  In Practice mode, you can choose from several different driving ranges.  Garmin also gives you a wealth of options for customizing the data display.

You can set your screen with graphics, data, or a mix of the two.  Being able to pick the data that’s displayed is a feature that I think is essential.  Especially now that almost all launch monitors produce 10+ data points, golfers need to see only what they’re focused on, lest they go chasing every squirrelly number that pops up.

While not a “feature,” I want to reiterate that one of the greatest strengths of the Garmin Approach R50 is the fact that you will be seeing “ball flight” within seconds of turning it on.  This makes it so much more pleasant to use which makes it more likely that you will use it.

Golf Simulation

Now we get to the headline feature, the thing that sets the Garmin Approach R50 launch monitor apart in this category: standalone golf simulation.  By selecting the Play mode, you’ll open Garmin’s Home Tee Hero simulator.  This gives you the ability to play over 43,000 real golf courses.  I want to stay on that number for a minute.  A lot of simulators have five or ten courses.  The R50 has over 43,000 real courses. You can play your home course, prep for an upcoming trip, or play dream courses like Cypress Point.  When it comes to offering golfers variety, no one else comes close.

The simulator golf experience on the R50 is very good.  It accurately captures data from the driver through the putter, though I will again note that the small hitting area can be annoying.  There are also numerous ways to customize the simulator experience, including setting the Gimme Distance or turning off putting altogether.  You can even connect a Bluetooth speaker to get in-game sounds.

Finally, if you’re wedded to another golf simulation system, the Garmin Approach R50 launch monitor can power that, too.  The R50 is compatible with E6 Connect, E6 Apex, Awesome Golf, and GSPro.  The Garmin Home Tee Hero is all I want in a simulator, but if you already have a home sim setup with a screen, projector, and computer, you may feel different.

Value

The Garmin Approach R50 launch monitor retails for $4,999.  Please consider supporting Plugged In Golf sponsor Play Better by buying it HERE.  Included with your purchase is the excellent carrying case (above), a charging cable, and the stickers required to get club data.

This price tag puts the R50 in the vast middle space between the $500 consumer launch monitors and the likes of Trackman and Foresight at closer to $20,000.  The R50 shares this space with the Bushnell Launch Pro [review HERE] and the Full Swing KIT [review HERE].  These three devices cover a fairly wide price range and are diverse in terms of what they offer, so there’s no easy apples-to-apples comparison.  All three offer good value for the right player.  I’m happy to answer specific questions in the comments section.

Finally, the Garmin Approach R50 does have an annual fee for the simulator feature.  A subscription to Garmin Golf costs $10 per month or $100 per year.  This is comparable to the annual fees of other launch monitors above and below the R50 in price.

Conclusion

The Garmin Approach R50 launch monitor is the most fun-to-use launch monitor I’ve ever tested, but that fun doesn’t come at the expense of accuracy.  This launch monitor has pro-level accuracy when it comes to ball data.  If you want to enjoy golf simulation without the headache of connecting other devices and screens, the Garmin Approach R50 is perfect for you.

Buy the Garmin Approach R50 Launch Monitor HERE

The post Garmin Approach R50 Launch Monitor Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

50 Words or Less

The WhyGolf Putting Thing is an effective putting trainer that allows you to dial in your start line and putter path.  Wide range of difficulty settings.  Intuitive.  Alignment rail is a smart addition and a built-in Stimpmeter.

Buy the WhyGolf Putting Thing HERE

Introduction

Winter has fully set in for much of the country, meaning that many golfers are reduced to rolling putts indoors.  And while any golf is better than no golf, you should be aiming to get the most out of your practice time so you can putt better than ever in the spring.  The WhyGolf Putting Thing is an intuitive, easy to use trainer that can help you do just that.

Check out our other Blue Ribbon Gear putting trainers HERE

Set Up & Ease of Use

Right out of the box, the WhyGolf Putting Thing is ready to use.  There is no assembly required, and this is one of the more intuitive trainers, so the instructional videos are not essential*.  Adjusting the difficulty and adding or removing the alignment rail are easily accomplished without any tools.  The WhyGolf Putting Thing sets up as fast or faster than any of its peers.

*The instructional videos are useful for fully understanding the purpose of the alignment rail and its Stimpmeter function.  These videos are clear and right to the point – very well done.

Effectiveness

The purpose behind the WhyGolf Putting Thing is simple: passing the putter head and golf ball through the gates.  As you can see above, the putter head gates have six levels of difficulty.  The highest difficulty is actually too tight for my LAB Mezz.1 Max [review HERE], so you can get really stringent with yourself.

There are four settings of difficulty for the ball gate.  Above, you can see them on their tightest setting.  There is virtually no room for error.  If you can consistently succeed on this setting, you are an unbelievable putter.  Below is the zero setting (which WhyGolf doesn’t even count).  This gives you a pretty wide margin for error, but that may be enough for new players.

Both gates are highly effective trainers because they provide clear, instant feedback.  If your putter or golf ball hits one of the gates, you know immediately that you need to do better.

The WhyGolf Putting Thing could have stopped there and earned my seal of approval, but it has more up its sleeve.  Included is the alignment rail, which snaps on top of the Putting Thing (below).  This forces the ball onto a perfect path which allows you to see exactly where you’re aimed.  This has value for at least three reasons.  First, passing the ball through the gate is a lot more fun if the ball also goes in the cup, which you can guarantee with the alignment rail.  Second, it can help you work on your reads if you use the Putting Thing on a breaking putt.  Third, it can help you work on speed control, especially if your putt has some break in it.

WhyGolf has also made the alignment rail into a Stimpmeter.  You can gently roll the ball out of the notch on the backside, then use the built-in ruler to get the green’s speed.  For serious, competitive players, knowing the exact speed of the green can be a competitive advantage.

Finally, the construction of the WhyGolf Putting Thing tells me that this was designed by real golfers.  It’s only 1/16″ thick, so you feel like you’re making a natural putting motion.  There are several alignment aids around the ball to help you see your line and square your putter face.  Finally, four holes around the edges allow you to secure the Putting Thing to the ground with tees so you don’t need to adjust it after every mistake.

Longevity

With indoor and outdoor usability, a wide range of difficulty settings, and compact size, the WhyGolf Putting Thing gets very high marks on longevity.  As always, you need to be honest with yourself about whether or not you actually want to practice, but, if you do, the Putting Thing will become a regular part of your routine.

Value

The WhyGolf Putting Thing retails for $99, though it’s on sale for $79 at the time of this writing.  You can buy it HERE.

Stacking the high effectiveness, longevity, and ease of use against the average price shows us that the Putting Thing is an excellent training aid value.

Conclusion

If you’re ready to switch from “just rolling some putts” to “dialing in my putting to lower my handicap,” you should seriously consider adding the WhyGolf Putting Thing to your kit.  This trainer can go anywhere, works for golfers of all levels, and takes virtually no time to set up.

Buy the WhyGolf Putting Thing HERE

The post WhyGolf Putting Thing Training Aid Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.