Best Golf Swing Analyzer – Training Aids To Improve Your Game

The Epson M-Tracer is our Editor’s Choice for the best golf swing analyzer.

From the moment we opened the box it was clear that we were dealing with a quality product, and once we got it on the range it didn’t disappoint.

In terms of features, the M-Tracer isn’t very different from most of the mid-range swing analyzers we assessed. But where it differs is in performance. We found, on average, the M-Tracer to be faster, easier to use and more accurate than most of it’s competitors.

The M-Tracer is able to record data at a rate of 1,000 samples per second, this is significantly faster than most analyzers on the market at the moment and is the main reason why it is accurate to one-tenth of a degree.

The 3D, 360-degree view, is a very cool feature and one I found myself using a lot in conjunction with the V-Zone to analyze the finer details of my back-swing, down-swing and follow through. The M-Tracer also comes with a full library of pro swing references to compare your swing with – something that I can assure you is a little addictive. And the best part is how easy the analyzer is to setup and use.

If you are looking for the best middle-of-the range swing analyzer then we highly recommend the M-Tracer (Check prices on Amazon).

The first thing that impressed me when I got my hands on the SkyPro Swing Analyzer was just how easy it was to setup. Within a matter of minutes I had figured out the basics of how the device and app worked, which was a lot faster than some of the other analyzers I trialled in this guide.

In total, I hit 50 balls with it at the driving range, and it only missed four swings! Here are the main features that really impressed me.

The two main metrics I like to track – swing path and swing speed – are quickly and freely relayed to your phone each time you swing the club. Of course, if you want to dig deeper into the numbers you can easily do this from the main dashboard, and the insight and feedback is presented in a really easy to understand way.

My favourite feature and the one that I think differentiates the SkyGolf from an analyzer like the Golfsense 3D or Swingbyte 2 is the Groove area of the app. This feature of the analyzer helps you groove a swing in terms of speed, length, lean etc. You can really drill down on specifics with this feature and it is a great training aid.

Whether you’re a professional looking to further hone your skills or a Sunday hacker looking to level up your game, the SkyGolf really has a lot to offer.

All in all I found the SkyGolf Swing Analyzer very enjoyable and easy to use, it’s accurate, offers a wide range of features and has ample storage space! No wonder why it is a Best Seller!

I’ll be honest, the first time I used the Zepp Golf 3D Swing Analyzer, it just didn’t feel right having the device clipped to my glove. The best way I can explain the initial feeling is uncomfortable or awkward. It took a good 20 shots to trust the device wasn’t going to fly off my hand. I also failed to align it properly, so it recorded some rather weird data!

But after my initial reticence and teething problems in setup, I was very impressed with what I saw. Sure, the Zepp 3D doesn’t have the full suite of features of some of the bigger guns, like the Epson M-Tracer, but it’s clear focus on usability and the core elements of swing analysis are as good as the best players. Setting up and calibrating the device is super easy, and the dashboard reflects this simplicity.

There is some product-specific jargon to learn, but it’s not very complex.

In summary, Zepp have produced a user friendly swing analyzer at a super affordable price, and because of that we have given it ur Best Value vote.

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Here is a summary of the pros and cons. To read the full review click here.

The Blast Motion 3D Golf Swing Analyzer is a slick device. The stable slots easily and snugly onto the top of the grip of pretty much any club, and with a quick shuffle of the ‘little-man’ sensor you are good to go!

I was particularly impressed with the simplicity of the setup, particularly when it came to putting.

The Smart Video Capture gives you real-time feedback which is data rich and accurate. But, having sampled many other analyzers, it’s fair to say that the user interface leaves a bit of room for improvement.

And it isn’t as quick and straightforward to access the various bits of information that this device has to offer.

Then again, at the price that the Blast Motion 3D retails at, it is no suprise that it takes our pick for the Best Priced analyzer.

The Swingtalk Analyzer was an overall hit for us, sneaking into tied forth place in our analysis. I’m a fan of having the sensor at the butt of the grip, so on this front the Swingtalk got off to a good start.

I found it rather easy to set up, although it was a bit strange that I had to pair the device before I install the app. The app itself is easy to navigate, and it has a clean design and interface. Although the SwingTalk is not as rich in features as some of the other analyzers I reviewed, I was really impressed by the wide variety of metrics. Like most other devices, the Swingtalk works off five main data points in your swing, and you really can go to town zeroing in on specific things when doing your post-swing analysis.

One thing that did niggle me slightly was the data and its accuracy. I’ve always had issues with a closed club face, but it was telling me that it was close to double digits shut at impact, which clearly doesn’t make sense. There were one or two other fishy looking numbers, but, overall the data remained consistent throughout, so you can still make reliable and valid comparisons with your different swings.

On the whole, I found the Swingtalk to be a very tidy, solid device which does exactly what you’d expect from it. It has plenty to give, is really simple to use and is good value for money (check prices)

I can confirm this least… the GSA-Zone very light indeed, and plugs perfectly into the top of one’s grip. There really is no interference with your swing when using it. I also found it really easy to set up, and there definitely aren’t any of the connectivity issues that plagued it’s predecessor, the GSA Pro. It literally starts talking to you from the moment you turn it on and pair it up with the app.

It also comes with an impressive dashboard that allows you to view your swing in 3D from all the angles and perspectives you could ever want. In fact, it has one of the better simulation playbacks I have ever sampled.

Moreover, the data that is presented back at you is in-depth to say the least, if you are a data geek or student of the game, the GSA-Zone will keep you busy a good long while. However, if you’re not one for detail then some of the information may not be much use to you unless you’re working directly with a golf coach. Nonetheless, the swing data was very accurate, and I had a lot of confidence in what it was telling me.

All in all, I don’t want to sell the GSA-Zone short, because it’s a very effective, clean, powerful and smart device, and there is no doubting its quality. It’s also a marked improvement on the GSA Pro. However, for something that costs 200 bones, I just wasn’t convinced that there were any memorable features, and you’d expect a swing analyzer like the GSA-Zone to include putting analysis. Perhaps that’s okay, and you might not really mind. It’s thus a difficult one to rate overall – it really depends on what’s important to you.

While this is not necessarily a swing analyzer as such, there is no doubt this shot tracker is going to help you lower your scores and handicap efficiently.

The award winning second generation system from Arccos has 14 sensors that fit into the butt of each club in the bag.

The benefits are threefold. The first is the live shot tracking system relaying shot shape, trajectory and distance on your phone. The second is the GPS system showing exact measurements to the front, center and back of each green you are playing to. Lastly the Tour Analytics provides a concise summary of your entire round played and is sub-divided into 5 separate components. These 5 areas are assessed by providing a handicap for each and making it easier to see where you are going wrong.

It seems simple – it is simple! But it’s absolutely fantastic! I am most certainly a data and stats driven golfer and often do a post round manual break down with pen and paper in order to establish where I went wrong. With the Arccos 360 in hand, those days are gone!

The previous Arccos sensors were fairly big and protruded slightly from the butt end of the club, but in the 360 version they are very small and hardly ever need to be nudged back into place. The Arccos 360 is compatible with Android and iOS, but we’ve heard a few complain that the Android app has had issues. All of our testing team had the iOS apps and they worked like a bomb.

Exceptionally convenient with merely a one touch start at the beginning of your round and you can forget about everything else until the end. The battery life is said to last 5 years, but they are guaranteed to last 2 years…so rather go on the two year period!

Customer service is what sets Arccos apart though. Absolutely phenomenal service and they will contact or text you in order to rectify something – sometimes even before you’ve realized anything was wrong! If anything happens to be faulty with the sensors in particular (which is VERY unlikely) soon after purchasing, they will happily rectify and replace in order for you to be satisfied.

A household name worldwide in the satellite navigation sphere and are exceptionally accurate and trustworthy. Now they’re really starting to make their mark in the golf niche. The Garmin Approach has been hugely successful worldwide and their aim is to help you establish how your mechanics are affecting ball flight and shot results.

Everything from swing speed, tempo, swing path to club and arm angles. The TruSwing is fully compatible with any of the Garmin Approach watches and will help analyze your at-a-glance swing data. Have a look through the Garmin Approach options in our Best Golf GPS Watches.

The piece is very small and lightweight and fits to the club just below the grip. After having a range session you can upload your swing data to the Garmin Online Golf Community and discuss them with your mates or golf instructors. You can even compare results to your previous data uploaded to the database.

One of the best features is that you can get instantaneous comparative 3D animations between two swings in order to establish what you have done incorrectly and where you need to improve.

One of the minor issues is the rubber isn’t quite tacky enough to stay put on the shaft and needs to be shifted back into place every 15 swings or so. And the trouble is the Garmin relies on your human eye and judgement to make sure it’s aligned directly with the square clubface.

A very simple and user friendly experience right from the minute you take it out the box. A small black plastic piece that snugly grips to the shaft of your golf club.

Once attached all you need to do is visit the SwingTIP website and download the android or iOS app (compatible with iPhone 4S right through to iPhone 7) and you’re almost there.

It’s important to charge the analyzer first prior to using it and you can do that by plugging the cable into the bottom of the analyzer where the port is housed. When ready to go you’ll switch the analyzer on by pushing the button on the ‘top’ of the device. Pair it up with your phone and you’re ready to go!

The video and stats delivered are fantastic, clear cut and even displays a 3D analysis of your golf swing providing tutor style analysis for each and every swing. You’re also able to upload videos online and discuss with friends – much like the Garmin TruSwing.

The only issues we had was that the device did seem to shift ever so slightly after numerous shots and it’s important to keep an eye on if it is moving or not during your practice session.

Another issue we’ve heard of (although didn’t experience it ourselves) is that some of the SwingTIP devices seem to have a temperamental battery life. Some of them turn off after a handful of swings and the rest of the practice period seems to be a waste of time.

It’s always tough to try establish yourself what you are doing wrong, but the SwingTIP does give good feedback on a number of swing factors that will help you along the right path in terms of improvement.

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Here is a summary of the pros and cons.

I had read up on the Swingbyte fairly extensively beforehand, and battery life – among other things – had been a common complaint with users of the previous version. The latest update, the Swingbyte 2, was intended to take care of it’s predecessor’s shortcomings – better battery life, better connectivity and better software!

So how did it fair?

Undoubtedly, the issues with the battery and connectivity have been resolved. Moreover, the new dashboard on the Swingbyte 2 is very slick-looking, and comes with an impressive set of features and analytics. I found it easy to navigate my way around the app, while, in terms of ease of calibration, the Swingbyte was literally unrivalled. I also liked the video instruction, which compliments well with the stored data.

But for all it’s improvements I was still a little disappointed. In particular, the stability of the device was a constant issue whilst practicing with it on the range. It literally shifts on the club! Why they didn’t opt for a grip attachment instead, one can only wonder.

I also have concerns about durability of the device.

All in all, I’d describe the Swingbyte 2 as a mid-range device in terms of quality, which is priced in the mid-to-upper region of the market. So you can work out why we aren’t going to shout from the rooftops about it.

Not surprisingly, Zepp have for the past few years focused on promoting the Zepp Golf 3D device, but even five years later, the GolfSense 3D still seems to occupy a decent share of the limelight.

Initially, I could see why. It’s light and fits pretty seamlessly onto one’s glove. Although I prefer having sensors at the top of the grip, there was no bother swinging with the Golfsense device – I probably had to re-adjust it twice over the course of a bucket of 30 balls.

Again, I had read about platform connectivity issues beforehand, but I found it all to be quite straightforward and instant. Granted you need to have at least an iPhone 5 with iOS 8 (or Android Lollipop) for it to work properly, but, these days, that is likely to preclude only a precious few. The app is very cool too – no doubt due to its fair share of modifications over the years. I found the colour-coded dashboard easy to read and use, and the SwingScore feature, which is the core metric on this device, is also a great feature. It gives you a very clear idea of what you’re doing right, and what you’re doing, well, wrong!

Nevertheless, after the rise comes the fall. I couldn’t help feeling there was a bit of a shortage of meaningful metrics on the Golfsense. And then there is the battery issue – not only did the sensor look dead beat after the hour that we used it, but it drilled the battery on my iPhone.

On the whole, I think the Golfsense is a decent swing analyzer, which will still be influential in the lower reaches of the market. But it’s basically bridesmaid to the Zepp 3D, so if you have a budget of over $150, I doubt you’ll be giving this much of a second look.

Noitom have delivered the first wireless full body motion capture tool developed specifically for the golf swing. And you can be sure there are going to be a heap of manufacturers following suit in terms of the wireless aspect.

Noitom have offered a sensational tool that can be used by the avid golfer. They’ve also developed the MySwing Professional that can be used by teaching professionals in order to enhance their golf lesson(s) using the power of biomechanics.

The MySwing is said to be the fastest swing analyzer available on the market and there is no delay at all after completing your swing. It even provides the acoustic reward after hitting the ‘perfect’ shot which always pleasant! It is exceptionally lightweight at just 17 grams and conveniently hooks up to any club using the hook and loop strap design.

In all honesty it’s not as reliable as a trackman, but it is a fraction of the cost and a lot more convenient in terms of lugging around with you to the range or golf course. The battery life is stated to be two and a half hours and we were getting just over two hours use each time we had fully charged it before hitting balls.

The data it provides is also a tad complex and if you’re just starting the game or you aren’t tech oriented then you’ll likely going to stare at the swing results and data not knowing where to begin. It would have helped a touch if there was some sort of average data derived from tour professionals in order to measure your results against.

But all in all it is a decent offering that serves up a number of pros and all at a good price too.