Impact bags and swing sticks?

[RainmanP]

Can someone describe to me how an impact bag or swing stick helps one's golf swing? What is the theory behind them? What is the feedback that let's you know what your swing is doing? It just seems like you could flail away at will but not be able to tell what your swing is actually doing. I can see how it might help develop power, but couldn't you be practicing bad habits without realizing it?

[PowerXSwing]

Can someone describe to me how an impact bag or swing stick helps one's golf swing? What is the theory behind them? What is the feedback that let's you know what your swing is doing? It just seems like you could flail away at will but not be able to tell what your swing is actually doing. I can see how it might help develop power, but couldn't you be practicing bad habits without realizing it?

BINGO!

[iacas]

I dunno about "bingo."

The impact bag is designed to show you your position at impact: where your arms, club, and body are in relation to each other. It's important especially for those who try to scoop the ball, have an early release, that sort of thing.

[Ole_Tom_Morris]

Can someone describe to me how an impact bag or swing stick helps one's golf swing? ... I can see how it might help develop power, but couldn't you be practicing bad habits without realizing it?

I've heard stories about old pro golfers striking an old uninflated tire with a 5-iron in their younger days to build up strength, in the days before impact bags. Today, we would be worried about damage to the wrists and elbows from the shock of the impact. Of course, tires have gotten a lot larger, heavier and stiffer in the past 40 years. A tire from a '46 Hudson is one thing; a 15" steel-belted radial is something else. You can tear ligaments and break bones!
I agree with your last concern. I've done a lot of swing exercises, trying to build up clubhead speed, and however powerful or fast I think my swing is getting, my ability to hit a golf ball suffers. The best single exercise for hitting a ball is hitting a ball and seeing the result. Too much of any swing drill or device probably hurts, IMHO.
I like to use a club with a heavy swing weight to hit balls--like my old Top Flite wedge, or old heavy steel-head drivers with the small faces.