[Smart sensors like Arccos or golf pad tags -- what would you recommend?]

16 hours ago, mbjusa said:

I have the Arccos and it work pretty well.  Out of the box, I didn’t like the fact that you had to keep your phone in your front pocket for it to identify your shots.

 I added the Arccos Caddie adapter for another $130 and it’s much better.  It’s a adapter that you connect to your phone via Bluetooth and clip onto your belt. The clip is in need of  a redesign as it’s too tight and will either break if you force it on your belt or it will fall off because you can not position it securely to your belt and you will lose it.  Another potential issue that you may have is attaching the sensor to your putter if you don’t have a standard putter grip. Think about grips like the Flat Cat or other grips that don’t have an opening on the top of the grip.

The Arccos app is great, it’s intuitive and easy to use.  The gps course mapping and course selection seems pretty comprehensive.  Great application for understanding your game and improving.

 

Here is how I fixed the "Link falls off" issue

 

 

[Arccos User Group]

I've used (and still us) both Arccos and Shotscope.

Here are my learnings:

1) no tech is 100%

2) data will need to be adjusted depending on your desired level of data accuracy

3) trends and patterns over absolutes are a good strategy vs pure correct data

4) Arccos sensor batteries CAN be replaced for the current versions - maybe not for the faint of heart but its actually easy - if I can do it, I'm sure most can CR2032 is your friend

5) Arccos can get confused on a course - for example if you expect it to figure out that you started on the tenth hole, for example, you will be disappointed and will probably get some crazy shot data for some holes

6) in my view, the shotscope sensors are an easier proposition, need no batteries and are very image easy, light weight etc and my non scientific sense is that they miss fewer shots - but that gaps has closed and both solutions for me now are much higher data quality 

7) despite improvements in data (Strokes gained etc) by Shotscope, may perfect world would be if Arccos and Shotscope made a baby together, that would be ideal the ideal solution for me - Arccos data is just plain easier for me to use, but Shotscope is catching up

8)Link, for me HAS improved shot detection considerably and doesn't need phone proximity in use but DOES. as mentioned above, need good line of sight/sound "view" so can't be hidden under a shirt or jacket and still be expected to respond well.  So I added a lanyard to mine (see attached pic) so I can clip it to a jacket or whatever when needed - why? because if I simply clipped it to a jacket pocket I spent considerable time using the "find my link" function to figure out when I last had it effectively joined to me

9) Support from Arccos and Shotscope has been great in my multi year experience

10) if the green sensors on Arccos drive you crazy, you can Sharpie them to stealth black quite effectively - just sayin'

11) Oh, one last thing and a benefit for Shotscope over Arccos.  I am lucky to have a membership at a private course, but I sometimes play other courses.  I found it easier to have a second set of clubs for those course events.  Shotscope is happy to have you link a large number of clubs to "your bag" - you just need more sensors, which they will gladly sell you. Whereas Arccos cannot recognize separate sensors for same clubs - like a second bag or a test club - see below.  So Arccos requires me to move sensors and to adjust the bag composition if they are different etc. Shotscope is just a "drag the right clubs to the bag" situation - easy peasy.  The Shotscope bag setup also allows you to "test" different clubs. like drivers to see the stats for different clubs since it will see two D tags as different clubs, with a different colour in the dashboard.  Arccos has a solution which involves setting up a new account for the separate bag, but this means data never gets connected across the bags - separate is separate.

So if you recognize the limitations and set the right expectations, the either solution is a very helpful tool to better understand how to approach this crazy thing called golf - its very cool for me to REALLY know how far my clubs go vs. what I used to think they go.  I used to think i was a crappy putter - both solutions now show it as a strength in my game - go figure.  I also learned that the data says I should avoid bunkers AT ALL COST  So if you think data can help you then pursue any of the solutions. It seems like Arccos and Shotscope are very committed to continued investment - not sure about Garmin or GolfTags.

 

And lastly, whatever helps you to get out and play more golf - well that has to be a good thing - hope this helps - PLAY MORE GOLF

 

[The Still Aceless Thread]

I came soooo close last week - par three, flew a 6 iron that hit the left edge of the hole (ripping it apart in the process), then caught the actual metal cup edge, ball bounces 16 feet away and of course I three putt  Ridiculously close and that probably my proxy for a lifetime hole in one, given the odds shared above by @Tom the Golf Nut - from that my probability is 0.015% - so I guess I've achieved that 

[.370 tip in a .355 hosel]

A hosel reamer is also an option which helps to retain shaft integrity - but it is a change that cannot be undone - its easy, I've done it and to produces a beautiful .370 shaft fit in a .355 hosel - by making that hosel .370 forever

[Arccos Putting Sensor Screw]

I've been using for over two years and never had a putter sensor detach - the superstroke adaptor is very good for anyone using those grips - nice elegant approach I think

[PXG 2021 0211 Price Drop.... ALREADY?]

1 hour ago, blackngold_blood said:

Not to try to push you over the edge but they do offer international shipping you just have to call and talk to a representative. 
 

I called them from Canada and they said they only deal through local partners - and the sales advisor told me explicitly that they don’t ship internationally to regular folks like me - I was bummed given the club deals - you can’t believe how much it can cost to get those clubs in my grubby hands here when going though the local channels ....

[Best putter shaft?]

4 hours ago, cnosil said:

Stroke lab and stability shaft are really two different animals. The stability shaft is designed for heavier heads to reduce shaft deflection and twisting. Stroke lab was designed to move weight from the shaft to the head and grip ends to control total weight.

Thanks - good clarification 

[Best putter shaft?]

I really like the stroke lab shafts - was able to pick up a couple shafts as well as a few donor putters that gave up their shafts - I find it to be an interesting  feeling - probably similar to stability - nice head weight feeling and smooth balance for me 

[Shotscope V3]

8 hours ago, golfish! said:

On it now! I wonder if it takes your past data and analyzes or only for new data after the update?

I haven’t played since November - winter in Toronto - and it shows SG stats  for me going back a full year so it seems like it’s applied to previous shot  data - I’m very happy to see this addition as it was the big gap for me 

[Best Value Drivers of 2021]

6 hours ago, GolfSpy MPR said:

Not at all being sarcastic: right now, PXG should be in that mix of value drivers.

For sure 

[Pulling graphite shaft disaster]

when I last ruined a shaft with too much heat, once I got it out of the head, it had this weird "bloomed" appearance in which finer and things were clearly visible and it was clear I cooked any binding glues etc beyond function - basically too much heat seems to magically re-engineer a graphite shaft back to its natural fiber mode of being

[Best push cart for limited storage space]

Compact and light are a bit conflicted in my experience  The most compact in terms of storage and transport has been Clic Gear - but they aren't light and not necessarily the easiest rollers around (from my experiences). But the Clic Gear was one of my favourites - I think its nearly indestructible.

The easiest roller, lightest in use I have owned has been the Sun Mountain SpeedCart - rolls easily and felt quite effortless in use BUT it has a large storage and transport footprint.  Had a Bagboy quad an it was compact but also not a great roller.  My current cart, a Walker Trolley (https://walkertrolleys.com),  is the best compromise of weight, size and usability I've ever owned.  Easy roller, light enough, small enough, quiet well engineered and designed, very retro cool vibe - but it isn't inexpensive, in terms of typical push carts.  And the lack of an umbrella holder (at this time but Im told they are working on it and Im sure there are after market options if really required) may make it problematic given the UK weather normal state

 

Not sure if this helps or not ....

[Putter rotation]

A friend of mine played around with adding some weight to the putter head to clean up his rotation a bit - helped him keep his putter and have it working toward a more neutral flow and presentation at impact - but it did reveal he was pulling a bit as I recall so than chased that for a bit which he tracked to alignment  - seems quite happy now though so this path could be an option since it is possible on DIY basis if you have data to measure the changes/trends - which it sounds like you do

 

Stay safe

[Push Cart vs Electric Push Cart?]

I’ve done all variants and the electric cart - motocaddy S 1 DHC in my case- was a great addition to my walking game - I now do a blend of walking, push cart and electric cart but the motocaddy days were a great way to enjoy golf and still get walking benefits 

[Best Bags for Pushcarts]

My friend had a ClicGear and the Sync and fit wasn't perfect BUT it seems to have nailed the angle that club are presented while in the bag on the cart.  I've had similar experience with Ping Traverse bags.  But some standard Cart bags don't have the right angles for a bag sitting on a cart (on an angle) vs standing upright on a power cart.  I didn't realize this could be an issue, but it for sure was with an older BagBoy cart bag.

I've never really found any stand bags that work well on carts although my Jones classic stand bag strangely comes closer than most for me.

When I was a public player (20-30 rounds per year) I didn't notice the impacts very much, but when I became a member at a club (50-80) rounds per year, I started to better notice these details - for what it's worth

 

Also, the sunmountain speedcarts seem to take any bag quite well since they simply cradle on the cart - even stand bags seem OK enough on those carts - and they are decent carts - a bit big when folded etc, but super easy in practical use

[Dropping back a club]

I don't recall the actual numbers, but Arccos and Shotscope data both confirm that players using those systems are short far more than 50% of the time - as a result the standard recommendation is hit one more club unless the risk of penalties etc outweigh the benefit. My data is below - my improvement in "short pin/green" performance was addressed more recently in Arccos (bottom graphic).

 

The other thing for me was, at my course, long tends to be deadly for score on eight holes so my short approach tendencies were learned responses.  That said, my conservative approach was (and is) still holding me back as my iron distances have become more consistent.

 

[Shotscope V3 Problems]

10 hours ago, BON said:

Hi has anyone had 'button problems on the Shotcope V3.  On my new watch they just dont work, even after re-connecting several times, updating firmware and reloading app. Or is this some simple like GPS availaibility to start the round ?

Shotscope support has been awesome for me - reach out to them and I’d expect a response in hours 

[Does swing weight/ shaft weight makes it more difficult to release the club?]

My coach helped me get rid of the dreaded chicken wing by working with weighted clubs, so weight can/ will have an impact on swing dynamics - even if it’s only to experience the right feeling in a dramatic manner as my coach introduced 

[A ShotScope look at 2020]

Hey @toehold57 this is awesome. I’m also a shotscope user and it’s clear the patterns they talk about in their blogs are relevant since you called out most of them. My only beef with Shotscope is the lack of strokes gained - my sense is that it would get us to the level below what you shared and lead to further granularity of focus.

and yes the web dashboard is far more useful for understanding trends and opportunities. One thing I’d like to see is impact of penalties- I don’t recall any such information nugget within Shotscope but I know I bleed more than my fair share on penalties.

 

good luck in ‘21

[Wedge Gapping]

@Scooby456 thanks - that describes me as well.  I once made the mistake of trying a friends 64 degree lob in a golf dome - full swing - not recommended as the guy in the swing bay above me saw a ball go nearly vertical .... there are better ways to make friends I must say

[Wedge Gapping]

I have 45 PW, 50 GW, and an assortment of sizes with more loft.  Was gaming 54/58 to Karl 4 degree loft gaps BUT my yardage gaps are too wide.  So I hope to do some wedge fitting to smooth out those gaps. For me the gaps I mention are full swing.

a related question - what is your max loft full swing club? I use full swing up to 58 but have been  reading quite a bit about people using partial swings for 58 territory distances to get better trajectory and control.  What’s your strategy?

[Launch Monitors: Which one will provide clubhead speed WITHOUT hitting the ball....]

Voice caddie sc200 doesn’t require a ball I think.  Also the prgr launch monitor and the “blue” golf radar device that can be found on the big internet auction site also don’t require a ball I think - in fact I think the superspeed site sells the prgr for exactly that purpose

[Non-Main Brand Bags]

I have a couple of Jones bags - like them a lot - one is stand and one is large-ish sunday bag

I've also been looking for some cool retro touch and have found a few older "light enough" 40s/50s/60s leather sunday+ type bags

 

So even though I've been a fan of ping bags through the years, I'm finding fun in non club brand and off/no brand vintage

[What do you consider a good drive?]

15 hours ago, Micah T said:

Any tee shot where I execute the shot I saw in my head: the start line, the shot shape, and me able to hold my finish...


Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

I'm with Micah - when it happens more or less like I planned its a success.  If it flies 240-250 in still air on level ground, even better.

 

My driving goals this year are

1) have a plan, stick to the plan, hit the plan ....

2) swing for the fences ONLY when the risk of lost shots is low, very low

3) swing on control with a focus on balance and solid strike

 

If I do this then my answer next year to this question will be 

 

1) I had a plan and executed it

2) I reduced my number of lost stroke due to unnecessary risk off the tee

3) I hit the ball well while I was in control

[Luxury Headcovers?]

I'm always in this dilemma - I'm not a fan of the branded head covers that come with my clubs - I find them to be extra, unnecessary weight when i carry clubs and a buddy a few years back lost his bag full of shiny new Taylor-made clubs (and TM bag) that had the OEM covers on them.  I've gone cheap and cheerful but was dismayed by how many folks commented on the crap quality head covers :-) So I've been getting some of the brands mentioned and it has seemed like a solution to the (first world) problems I've had with head covers.  Luckily I've been able to find good leather at reasonable prices in simple designs (Sunfish for example).  Recently I've found some super light, waterproof tech material covers offered by a local supplier here in Canada (Hathaway) and they have been a great experience - seems like I've spent TOOOOO long thinking about head covers overall though