50 Words or Less
The Swing Jacket will force you to use your body in your swing. Eliminates unconventional arm movements.
Introduction
There are many training aids on the market that you can use without being noticed. The Swing Jacket is not one of them. When you strap yourself into this green bustier, you’ll be announcing to the range that you’re working hard on your game. Is this worth the, possibly unwanted, attention? I put it to the test to find out.
Ease of Use & Setup
Before you use the Swing Jacket, you need to invest a fair amount of time. First, you’ll want to watch the two movies to understand how it works. I have some issues with the films- their ball flight information is incorrect, and some of the claims are hyperbolic – but they’re still worthwhile for understanding the product.
After that, you’ll need to get the Swing Jacket sized for you. Once the jacket is fit for you, getting it on takes only a minute. There is one additional element you can add – the “Tour Stops.” They’re not required, and the videos do a good job explaining their use.
Effectiveness
The primary thing that the Swing Jacket is designed to do is limit the ways in which you can move, and it’s very effective in doing that. When you’re strapped in, you won’t be able to lift your arms away from your chest or rotate them too far independent of your torso turning. This eliminates the “arms-y” swing and forces you to rotate your body.
To be clear, the Swing Jacket is not a cure-all. It will not stop you from having a weird grip or doing crazy things with your elbows, hands, or wrists. You can strap into the Swing Jacket and still hit the ball all over creation. I also disagree with the assertions in the videos that this “one-plane, connected swing” is better, easier, simpler, etc. Whether it’s better than what you’re currently doing is for you and/or your coach to decide.
My bottom line is this: the Swing Jacket is very effective at forcing you to turn your body and get your arms into fairly conventional positions. For a large percentage of golfers, these two things will be big upgrades. I just don’t want anyone to buy this on my recommendation thinking it will instantly give them Adam Scott’s swing.
One additional note of praise for the Swing Jacket: they provide very good customer support. Once you buy a Swing Jacket, you receive a number to call with any questions about how to use it.
Longevity
With the Swing Jacket, there are two things to consider when it comes to longevity. First is the effectiveness of the device and how likely your problems are to recur. On this metric the Swing Jacket does very well: the issues it seeks to fix are difficult to overcome and require regular fine tuning.
The other, perhaps more important, issue is whether or not you’ll be willing to use this at the range. When my wife first saw me in the Swing Jacket, she asked, “What the hell are you wearing?” Whether they say it out loud or not, you can bet other golfers will have the same question for you. On top of that, the Swing Jacket will cause you to hit some really bad shots early on. Be honest with yourself about your willingness to be the object of odd looks before you buy this.
Value
Selling for $150, the Swing Jacket is more expensive than the average training aid, but not ridiculously so. It is very effective at teaching what it aims to teach, which is a strong mark in its favor. The biggest issue is knowing whether or not you will be willing to wear the Swing Jacket at the range.
Conclusion
Outside considerations aside, the Swing Jacket is very effective at getting rid of the “arms only” swing that so many amateur golfers practice. With regular use, I believe it can help you to use your body in sync with your arms to create a more powerful swing.
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Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.
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Check out the Golf Swing Shirt, Same concept but much simpler execution.
I am XXXXL size in some arenas. Is this swing jacket that adjustable??
Bill,
I would suggest contacting Swing Jacket with your measurements to get a definite answer.
Best,
Matt
Good morning. I purchased a swing jacket and receivef no instructions and no videos with it whenever I try to go to the customer service I just get their ads. I tried calling them anf the answering device doesn’t even mention swing jacket. Any suggestions?
Jim,
I’m sorry to hear that. I haven’t been in contact with the company since this review went up almost 2 years ago, so I don’t know what’s going on there. One thing you might consider is contacting the Better Business Bureau if you can’t get them to respond.
Best,
Matt
So far a little disappointed, am a 5 handicap and a former PGA professional. (1976-1980) But I agree that it does help to keep the arms limited in the swing and more use of the bigger muscles (core). Will keep working with it to see if long term it will benefit and older golfer.
Can it be used by a right and left handed person?
Claire,
It’s been a while since I reviewed this, but my recollection is that it’s built for RH use.
Best,
Matt
Just purchased & tried the swing jacket. My left arm has bruises all around the elbow and above. I’m pretty sure I have it fitted correct. It actually pinches my left arm.
What sizes do they come in have one and just lit is set up and after a couple years found out that it is to small.
Whatg sizes do they come in ? Unable to see the sizes on the computer. Is it to l;ate to exchange this to a larger
size ? I am 42 in the waist
John,
PIG is not a retail site and thus can not answer those questions.
– Meeks