50 Words or Less
The Slingshot allows golfers to gain club head speed. Four weight settings per club make it very versatile. Timing trainer adds further value.
Check out the new Rypstick and RypRadar speed trainers HERE
Introduction
With golf’s increased focus on distance and speed, plus the success of SuperSpeed [review HERE], we’re seeing more and more training aids focused on speed training. Slingshot is one such speed trainer but with a couple key differences that elevate it above the rest.
Set Up & Ease of Use
The Slingshot is a single club that offers the ability to train at four different weights. At the “head” of the club is a CNC-milled steel cap that can be unscrewed. Inside the carbon fiber shaft there are two weights which can be used individually or together. These weights, plus the cap, create four unique training weights. Changing weights is easy and only takes a few seconds.
Slingshot offers more than just weight training. There’s also a “shot” inside that’s designed to help you work on your timing. It’s a fairly intuitive mechanism, but Slingshot provides a short training video HERE.
There are three different models of Slingshot available. The Ace is 40″ and has weight settings of 235, 285, 360, and 435 grams. This is advertised as being best for juniors or players focused on their iron game. The Pro and Tour are both 45″ and have weight settings of 265, 315, 390, and 465 grams. The difference between the two is that the magnet in the Tour is stronger and will only release at higher swing speeds.
Effectiveness
At this point, there can be no question about the benefits of speed training in golf. If you use Slingshot, or any speed trainer, regularly, you will get faster. I’m going to focus on what’s unique to Slingshot compared to other speed trainers.
First, I love the ability to train at multiple weights with one stick. This makes speed training more convenient which means you’ll be more likely to do it. One stick takes up less space than three, and the total weight of Slingshot is less than a three stick set. Also, the mechanism for changing weights on Slingshot is well designed and well executed. Slingshot can easily live in your golf bag.
My one complaint with the speed training side of Slingshot is that the company does not provide a training protocol. This leaves golfers to figure out how often they should swing Slingshot, at what weights, and how many times. Adding training protocols to Slingshot would dramatically increase its effectiveness and value for the average golfer.
Finally, Slingshot’s namesake feature – the “shot” inside the stick – is a useful addition to speed training. A quick explanation: the shot is a metal ball inside the stick. Before the swing, you tilt the stick up to attach the ball to a magnet near the grip. Getting the shot to release and hit the tip at “impact” tells you that you have a well-timed release and aren’t “casting” the club. Because it’s hard to tell exactly when the shot hits the end of the stick, this is better for diagnosing major issues than fine-tuning your release.
I’m sure that fear of “ruining” their swing keeps a lot of golfers away from speed training. With Slingshot, you can train speed while maintaining or improving your swing’s efficiency. Or, if you don’t find it helpful, you can simply ignore it.
Longevity
Everything about the Slingshot is extremely well made and should last for years.
As for how much you will use it, I’ll repeat what I’ve said about many trainers: this is like gym equipment. It’s not gamified, and it’s not going to turn you into Bryson overnight. If you put in the time, the results will come.
Value
Slingshot retails for between $149 and $189, depending on the model [support our sponsor GolfPal and buy Slingshot HERE]. This is slightly less expensive than other speed training systems and offers more weight options. I think Slingshot is a strong value for those looking to get serious about their pursuit of distance.
Conclusion
If you want to become the big hitter in your group, you need to start training for speed. I’ve yet to find a more convenient system for doing that than Slingshot. The speed training alone makes it worth buying, and the release trainer is a great bonus.
Buy Slingshot HERE
Matt Saternus
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Thanks PIG…Another product I’m going to buy because of your reviews
Hi Matt,
Thanks again for your great work. What I like about your tests is that they are useful for all level golfers. Can you add please description and comments about how secure the weights stay in place when you swing the device.
Keep on informing us!
Guy,
Thanks.
I saw no issue with the weights. The thread on the cap is plenty long to lock the weights securely in place.
-Matt
If I am actually pleased with my distance at this point but have some significant issues with timing especially at impact do you think the slingshot is still a good option based on its unique sling and shot features?
Donald,
When you say that you have issues with timing, what does that mean to you? What are the issues you’re seeing in the swing?
Sling Shot’s tempo feature is good for identifying very early or late release, but there are other things people may call “timing.”
Best,
Matt
It looks like there’s a fourth option for purchase. I clicked on the purchase link you provided and I saw the PRO / ACE Set. Sadly there’s no description for this item. Do you know what the differences are between the three options you described in your article and the PRO / ACE Set.
I found your article very informative and interesting.
Thank you.
Dan,
The Ace/Pro set will give you the 40″ Ace and the 45″ Pro, which is also heavier.
Best,
Matt
Early release. Thanks Matt. Without knowing my issue you answer the question well.