DO I NEED A SWING SPEED RADAR?
Is a swing speed radar required to see amazing swing speed gains? The short answer is no. We've had golfers gain as much as 10 mph without using one while training. However, we do recommend getting a baseline speed before training and then every six weeks in order to keep up with your gains and to know whether you should be pushing yourself harder and faster in your speed training sessions. Getting a baseline and ongoing speed measurements can be done in a myriad of ways. Perhaps the easiest option is to visit a golf shop or course and use their launch monitor to get your initial driver swing speed. There are of course other ways to get this done for free or at a very low cost. Use your imagination!
So, what are the pros of tracking your swing speed with a device? First, it can serve as a great motivator while you're actually in a training session. Immediate feedback on your speed has a great effect on pushing people to go even faster. Second, it gives you the chance to track speeds over time, both with your driver and during training. This has the added benefit of allowing you to start to understand when your body may or may not be ready for training. Third, many of our recommended devices can actually serve dual purposes. As you'll see below, many of these devices can do much more than just track speed and provide some great information that can also help your game.
Keep in mind when researching swing speed measuring devices, not all devices are able to pick up swing speeds without contact. However, all of the devices we've listed below ARE able to pick up swing speeds without contact.
We've organized the devices below in order from most affordable to most expensive. Note: we may receive a commission from some of the links below.
RECOMMENDED SWING SPEED RADARS
SPORTS SENSORS
SWING SPEED RADAR
The Swing Speed Radar from Sports Sensors Inc. is a small, light weight and affordable microwave Doppler radar velocity sensor that measures the club head swing speed for golfers of all skill-sets.
No bells and whistles on this one, just pure speed measurement. If you're looking for a device that is simple and straightforward, this is it.
PRGR BLACK POCKETLAUNCH MONITOR
The PRGR Black Pocket Launch Monitor is a step up from the Sports Sensor Swing Speed radar as it adds the ability to get some key data while practicing. In addition to swing speed, you'll be able to see ball speed, smash factor, and carry/total distance when hitting balls.
The PRGR will measure swing speeds without hitting a ball as well, which makes it a great fit for speed training. Additionally, the PRGR will save your most recent 500 swings and measurements.
SWING CADDIE SC200 PLUS
The Voice Caddie SC200 Plus is an amazing tool for speed training and much more. It is a truly portable and affordable launch monitor that provides ball speed, and estimated carry distance data in addition to swing speed.
The SC200 Plus is exactly the same as the SC200 model, with the addition (hence the "plus") of "Practice Swing Mode". Practice Swing Mode allows golfers the ability to get their swing speed numbers without hitting a ball, making it perfect for speed training.
GARMIN APPROACH G80
The Approach G80 combines the features of Garmin's golf handhelds with radar that tracks and analyzes your swing for improved performance. Outside of speed training, you'll be able to measure ball speed, swing tempo, smash factor, and estimated distance.
For speed training purposes, the Approach G80 offers "warm-up mode" which doesn't require hitting a ball.
The G80 comes pre-loaded with over 41,000 courses for on course use as well, serving as your very own caddie.
