Two training aid questions.

[Sherpat]

I've resigned myself to never seeing my lawn again. Another Nor'easter is heading our way tonight, and by the time we dig out of this one it'll probably be August - just in time for the start of NEXT winter here.

In the meantime, rather than just sitting around pouring tears into my Ogio's waterproof valuables pocket, I've decided to get some kind of training aid that doesn't involve putting on a rug. My garage has a high enough ceiling to make a full swing (although it's too small to hang a net, if anyone was going to suggest that).

Has anyone here tried:

1. That "SKLZ Gyro Swing Trainer"? Just about everyone has it for around a hundred bucks these days, less than half the release price ( just like a real driver after two months ! ). Waddaya think? Is the swing that thing promotes a good one?

2. An impact bag. I almost feel ridiculous asking about this one. It's a product that's been around for so long, you'd think I knew what the hell it was for. But...what the hell is it for? How can you tell by slamming your club into a mound of wrapped sand if your swing is sound or not? (By the way, I see TGW has one on sale for 18 buck, far less than the Hank Haney water filled impact bag for 40 over at Golfsmith, if anyone's interested.)

Thanks for any thoughts, shared experiences, or sympathy you guys care to extend!

Tom

[parplease]

I haven't used either, but I can tell you what training aids I've used just as an FYI. I had the medicus 5 iron for a year. It really slowed down my tempo and forced me to stop coming of the top of the ball. Just sold it on ebay for 60 bucks. I also practiced with and still do, the elastic band that slides over both of your arms. Golfsmith has them for like ten bucks. I make the best ball contact when I have that thing wrapped around my arms. I wish I could use it on the course. It really helped me and for the price, you should give it a try.

Either way you go, good luck and get ready for the snow. I'm in central jersey and everyone is beginning to panic already. I'll be playing Tiger Woods on xbox till the snow melts!

[Sherpat]

Thanks very much, Parplease!

Great to hear about the positive experience(s) you've had with other products. I'll keep them both in mind, particularly the arm bands if you think it's a good value. I know at Golfsmith I've seen that dense foam ball with the two indentations that I think is meant to do the same thing (you nestle your forearms in the indentations and swing without letting the ball drop), but I'm not paying 40 dollars for a foam ball. I'll steal a balloon or a nerf soccer ball from a clown somewhere and use that. Anyway, I appreciate you letting me know about those!

Ah, video games. Between that and beer, we'll get through this weather. (Although seriously - does this suck, or what? Even for us, who are used to getting slammed, this is bad. I'm not looking forward to the commute tomorrow, especially the drive HOME.)

Hang in there!

Tom

[Gioguy21]

never used an impact bag but do yourself a favor and hit up a home depot for some 'snow plow markers' and use them as alignment guides. can use them for your putting stroke, swing path, stance alignment, etc....i have 3, two orange and one yellow and spent all of 4 bucks. heard the impact bag is good but you could do just about the same if you got yourself a chunk of 2X6 or even 2X12 from a wood section of HD or Lowes or lumber yard, put it 12 inches behind the ball and 'press' the hands...will focus on hitting down on the ball...if you're indoors puta strip of duct tape down and focus on hitting the tape where 1" infront of the ball would be....easy things to do and def cheaper than that bag lol ;)

[Sherpat]

Thank you also, Gioguy!

Great ideas, all. I actually have some long dowels that I use as alignment aids at the range (and btw, that was a terrific post on the front page a few days ago about pros who use them, wasn't it?) The 2X6 (or 12) I hadn't even thought of, but sounds like a nifty practice drill. Thanks much!

Tom

[parplease]

Here is a link to the item I was talking about. Mine isn't by Haney, but 10 bucks is a good deal. You won't be the coolest looking person at the driving range with this thing on, but it really works.

http://www.golfsmith.com/products/23..._Swing_Trainer

[Gioguy21]

Thank you also, Gioguy!

Yea I thought it was definitely a good post...As for the wood, I'd take it slow a few times and instill some of the movement before givin it a full whack lol. less you hate your clubs.

[Sherpat]

Here is a link to the item I was talking about. Mine isn't by Haney, but 10 bucks is a good deal. You won't be the coolest looking person at the driving range with this thing on, but it really works.

Thanks for taking the time to find and post the link, Parplease. Looks like a lot of guys like it, from reading the 16 reviews. But a few of them noted that the thing doesn't come with any instructions. Are they just being idiots, or is that a reasonable gripe?

....and trust me, I'm never the coolest looking person on the driving range Tom

[parplease]

No problem at all. Instructions aren't necessary, you'll be fine.

[Sherpat]

Great, thank you again for your help. Gotta hit the sack now (I leave for work at 3am...sheesh....). Have a good night - and good luck tomorrow if you have to venture out!

Tom