DriverBreaker

I played the V3 again today during a round.  More issues with the scuffing.  It’s really bad.  One wedge shot still is all it takes.  I don’t think I’ll buy another box after this. 

Although the Rapsoso MLM2 Pro is just a few hundreds $$ more and it’s already proven to be extremely accurate compared to GC Quad.
Time will tell as more reviews of the Voice Caddie SC4 come in, but dang this Rapsodo looks amazing! 

Not going to do anything to give you data on your hips/body.  Best you could do is correlate when you try to do something with your hips/body, what impact does it have on your wrists?

Started another round with the V3 and same 1st hole, same full lob wedge swing for the 2nd shot, and another scuff on the ball.  I’ll say the spin issue seems to be corrected, the cover durability is way better, but still not the best, for me at least.  Still think I will buy/play them though, but for tournament rounds, gotta be a ProV1.
 
Update:  2nd ball of the round.  100yd partial sand wedge.  Scuffed…

Hello again Spies!  Tony (37yrs old) here with another review for the MGS Forum!  I have been blessed to do several reviews for the Forum in the past, however I am EXTREMELY excited to test this Hack Motion system!  It has been on my personal radar for quite some time to purchase to help my students in my own golf coaching.

I currently run Player Development and Internships as a professor in a Professional Golf Management (PGA) Program at a large university in North Carolina.  My job mostly has me helping others improve their own golf games, but I have been playing more lately.  Currently, I play off a 2.6 handicap and I still hit the ball a long way off the tee.  I currently primarily play a fade with every club, so I’m very interested in seeing how I personally hit a fade and what my wrist conditions are to achieve that.  I know my swing direction, club path, face angle, attack angle, etc. from extensive use of TrackMan, but the actual biomechanics of my wrist conditions are something TrackMan can’t measure.  TrackMan tells you the what, but not the why.  I have what most would consider a very strong grip (3.5 - 4 knuckles showing on the lead hand), so I have to play more of a body rotation/hold off release, at least that is what I feel, to hit my fade.

As much as I am looking forward to testing this for my own game, I’m most excited to help my own players out.  This seems like a very valuable training/teaching aid to help students understand what their lead wrist is doing and how it correlates to the club face at impact.  This literally could be a game changer for my coaching.  I’ve watched lots of videos on the Hack Motion system for my own education, so I am fairly familiar with the system in general.  Let me know if you have any questions before we get started!  

First Impressions (10 out of 10)
This has less to do with the physical product, but more to do with the entire experience.  I was very impressed with the onboarding call with HackMotion.  They took their time to walk through each aspect of the app, calibration, and resources.  Speaking of which, I think almost as useful as the device itself is, the online resources they give you access to are invaluable.  For the golf data/biomechanics nerds out there, this is as deep of a dive as you can ask for.  While much of it might be overkill for the recreational golfer, I do believe that if you know the why and how, you have a better chance of executing the what.  Calibration was seamless the first time out of the box and I’ve had no issues connecting it since.  Very fast.  Another thing I appreciate about HackMotion as a company is that they aren’t really making astronomical claims about a magical pill that will instantly make you a better golfer.  This is a combo training/learning aid.  You get out what you put in.
Aesthetics (18 out of 20)
The device itself is very sleek.  Looks a lot like an apple watch or something with the matte black finish.  It is light weight and does not really inhibit your swinging motion like some other wearable devices can.  I have very small wrists, and the band seems to be sufficient for me.  They might be wise to include a few different size options though for smaller bodies.  It is super small and you could easily store it in your golf bag without any issue or added weight. 
 

The Numbers (18 out of 20)
This one is a bit tough for me.  I’m a 1.1 handicap right now and a golf coach/professor.  So I know my swing.  I will say that this device has helped me reduce practice time and allows me to maintain my swing with less time/effort than before.  Hitting those green “in range” numbers every swing lets me know I’m within my tolerances.  Then I can focus on whether or not it is my alignment that is off, low point control, tempo, etc.  I will say this, you MUST ensure that your device is calibrated correctly first.  Make a few swings and check to see if things are drastically out of whack.  Do a live test where you move your wrist into extension and flexion to see if it matches the screen’s avatar. Save yourself some wasted energy first. 
The numbers in the pro version are phenomenal.  Flexion, extension, radial and ulnar deviation, rotation, and tempo.  This data is now measurable in real time, swing after swing.  No more looking and guessing where you’re at.   You can measure directly.  From a coaches’ perspective, this is superb.  When a player is dialed and swinging lights out, I can now go back and compare data to see where they are doing their best.  Then on days when it is out of whack, where are we losing it?  I also like how HackMotion acknowledges different grips and how the numbers need to change for each one accordingly (see example below):

Practice makes … ? (14 out of 20)
As I said in other posts, the device is only as good as the user’s understanding of the data interpretation and then decisions related to.  If the user is not willing to invest in coaching alongside of the device, or do a deep dive into understanding exactly how A leads to B for each part of the data, it is a rabbit hole device like no other.  Same for Launch Monitors.  The tool is only as good as the user’s understanding and interpretation of the data and how to adjust it.  See the video below where I show how it could be fools gold, as you can still hit green numbers even with a stall flip, thus why understanding the graph data is very important.
https://youtu.be/FAt5KrA5s2w
The good, the bad, the in-between (13 out of 20)
I love this device for full swing data.  Putting……..  it’s practically useless until they fix the issues with it.  I do think they could add in a way to change clubs during a session, so that you can hit multiple clubs and see where you struggle or where you do better.  I found the pitching/chipping to be ok, still not as good as the full swing for reading each shot (I got some miss-reads like I did with the putting).

Play it or Trade it? (10 out of 10)
For my needs as a coach, I’m definitely keeping this.  It is another data point that I can add to build the full image of a golfer’s swing and game.  But it is just that, data.  The real work comes with what to do with the data.  That is where a machine/device loses to a human.  The diagnosis and practice plan needed to address the issues found are, in my view, best addressed with a good coach.   HackMotion, to their credit, provides all the resources you need to work on your game after you get the data, so there is no fault to them there.  I just wonder how much a recreational golfer will be willing to invest in their own education to know how to maximize the use of this device.  If you aren't going to learn how to interpret the charts/graphs (see below), what's the point.  The potential is massive, but at the end of the day, what is the user willing to do?  That’s something each buyer has to decide for themselves.  

Conclusion (TLDR)
In short, this is a very powerful device that is easy to set up and use.  The data it provides is extremely valuable in the right hands.  At the end of the day, it is a useful as the user is knowledgeable on how to maximize and utilize it.  Either invest in education around the device and biomechanics of the wrists in golf, or get a coach you trust to use it with and let them build a practice plan around using it.  Do not just beat balls with this device without a sound plan, because, like any piece of good technology, it could be wasted time if you do so.
Final Score (83 out of 100)
 

Just got an email from Hack Motion saying they’ve released an update that will allow specific shot tagging during a practice session.  More data than just what club was hit as well. 
 

Yeah I notice some exaggerated flight issues after it scuffs too much. I can literally rip pieces of cover off it is so tattered after a wedge shot.  And my wedges are old.  They are SM7’s I got used back in 2019...  
Compared to the ProV1 I played for like 54 straight holes that had barely a hint of a scuff on it, I just don’t see myself playing it after I go through this box.

I took a break from playing the V3 because I had some tournament prep and then a two day tournament.  I play ProV1 for tournaments.
I have played the same ProV1 ball for over 36 holes since the tournament and the wear/tear is still minimal.  I’m not sure how Titleist does it, but the durability of their covers is just phenomenal.
If Kirklands would last as long without the scuffing I think it would be hands down the best ball for the money in the game.  This isn’t to say that it isn’t that already.  For people who lose balls frequently, it could very well be the best ball for the money.  I just keep noticing those scuffs after one or two wedges.  If I was to play that ball in a tournament, I’d be rotating it out every few holes for a fresh one, which at that point I’m not getting the cost savings benefit.  If I go through one sleeve of Kirkland balls each round but a ProV1 lasts more than two rounds, the price per hit/round doesn’t add up. 
 
I was curious to read in the MGS ball lab study that they said the Kirkland V3 doesn’t appear to be a drastically different ball than the V2.  Having played the ball a bunch, I would have to disagree.  Cover durability is better, it doesn’t appear to spin near as much off the driver, and it is much longer, for my swing/game, than the V2 was.  The V2 spun so much I couldn’t play it at all.  The V3 goes exactly the numbers I expect it to, it stops quickly on full iron shots. It spins on wedges and chips.  With driver it penetrates the air nicely and doesn’t balloon.  The V2 did not do that.
Does anyone else agree that the V3 is not the V2, and is better off the driver?

Played nine more holes with the same V3 ball today.  Made it through 6 holes before more scuffs happened.  One wedge shot got the cover pretty good.  Other than that, I’m still very impressed with the ball tee to green. 

I’ve seen some reviews on YouTube and people seem to think it is lower spinning and the cover is more durable.  Time will tell. If they fixed those issues I’d consider playing it.  The cover durability is the big one for me.  I can’t justify buying a ball that you have to replace each hole you hit a wedge shot. Not saving much money, if any, at that point. 

It may just be me, but doesn't the Rapsodo MLM2 Pro look a lot like the Men in Back Neuralyzer on a stand?  
     
I guess you shouldn't look directly into it just in case.

Update time:
The Cobalt is still working flawlessly. The battery life is still showing 100%. 1 month shy of a year in use and roughly 75 rounds. That is incredible. My other laser would go through 2 or 3 batteries a season.
Grip is good, paint is good, optics are still clear, display is crystal clear. What else can you ask for. Oh the important question. Accurate yardage confirmed to be spot on.
 

Still loving mine as well!  However my battery did randomly die one day, seemingly overnight. I wonder if it somehow got locked into the button being depressed in the case.  Or if I laid my bag on the case in the car and it stayed depressed.  But like others have said, it’s a great unit.  Always spot on with Bushnell’s in my experience. 

Shot Shape has been spot on for me, both indoors and outdoors.  It's remarkably accurate outdoors from tracking a soft fade, to a big slice and even a low non intentional stinger...ha   I hit a fade 98% of the time but occasionally I will come up with a draw, and it will get that one down as well.  Very impressed.  There were some early bugs with the tracer looking like it was landing on the tee box, vs down range but that was corrected many updates ago and is very good now.
I put it next to Trackman a few times early on outdoors.  it was identical in ball speed and within 1 or 2 yards of carry on most irons.   With faster swinging clubs driver from my friends that swing over 110 the ball speed was still spot on but the carry distances began to show a bit more variance.  But on my meager driver speed of 85 or so, it was within a couple yards carry.

Cold here today.
Still got a chance to go to the range, this wind was whipping hard.
A new feature unlocked on the MLM2Pro, I got the swing vision, since now I can set my phone front facing camera to film me.
I love the side by side video feedback, I absolutely enjoy that you can get more metrics on that view, I just wish I could export the swing vision videos.
Cool to see my set up.

I did change the loft of my driver mid session, I'm trying to improve that launch angle.

I think it helped a bit.

I had to use the screen recording on my phone to be able to show the swing vision video.

RPReplay_Final1696793631.mov   Despite being cold, it was gorgeous out there.

 
 
 

Sometimes I get the spin just right…

#spyapproved
I have a lot more to say, but one thing I wanted to mention is just how awesome it is to have the two camera setup on the MLM Pro 2 versus the original unit using your phone or tablets front camera.   This is worlds better and the impact vision may be this unit best feature as I head into the fall and winter season. I’ll be able to practice much more effectively being able to see my impact patterns than if I was just guessing. 

I’ve always had questions about using range balls for dialing in distances.  On a tour, they get to use the same model of balls they play with in actual real golf on the practice range.  If you’re a ProV1 player, you get your TrackMan or your GC Quad and hit real golf balls.  Then you can adjust based on altitude, temperature, etc. 
With range balls, I’d venture that it’s just not the same one to one ratio for carry distance.  Would need to test though.  I think MGS HQ wrote an article about using range balls for fitting a while back.  
 
Does the Rapsodo track full flight outdoors? If so, at least you’d know how far range balls go.  But for 50yds and in, I’d save your scuffed up balls that are the same model you play with and find a park where you can laser a bucket and pitch balls to it to dial those carry distances in. 

Not an official tester, but a private owner. I bought a set of the stick ons, and they work great

I’ve always had questions about using range balls for dialing in distances.  On a tour, they get to use the same model of balls they play with in actual real golf on the practice range.  If you’re a ProV1 player, you get your TrackMan or your GC Quad and hit real golf balls.  Then you can adjust based on altitude, temperature, etc. 
With range balls, I’d venture that it’s just not the same one to one ratio for carry distance.  Would need to test though.  I think MGS HQ wrote an article about using range balls for fitting a while back.  
 
Does the Rapsodo track full flight outdoors? If so, at least you’d know how far range balls go.  But for 50yds and in, I’d save your scuffed up balls that are the same model you play with and find a park where you can laser a bucket and pitch balls to it to dial those carry distances in. 

I’ve always had questions about using range balls for dialing in distances.  On a tour, they get to use the same model of balls they play with in actual real golf on the practice range.  If you’re a ProV1 player, you get your TrackMan or your GC Quad and hit real golf balls.  Then you can adjust based on altitude, temperature, etc. 
With range balls, I’d venture that it’s just not the same one to one ratio for carry distance.  Would need to test though.  I think MGS HQ wrote an article about using range balls for fitting a while back.  
 
Does the Rapsodo track full flight outdoors? If so, at least you’d know how far range balls go.  But for 50yds and in, I’d save your scuffed up balls that are the same model you play with and find a park where you can laser a bucket and pitch balls to it to dial those carry distances in. 

Coming soon to a penalty area near you! 

For the testers who know their ball striking well:  are you finding that the shot shape on the app matching what you expect when you are hitting into a net?  If you felt you hit a hook or a push fade, is that the shape you’re seeing on the app? 
 
Also, for those who have done the dot templates and markers, still seeing good results with that method?  Any tips or advice for marker type and durability or stuff like that?

Anyone planning on comparing it side by side simultaneously with a GC Quad?  I’ve seen a few videos where they’ve tried it and the ball data as far as spin and launch angle and speed were spot on if I remember correctly.  Carry was very very close as well from my memory.

For the testers who know their ball striking well:  are you finding that the shot shape on the app matching what you expect when you are hitting into a net?  If you felt you hit a hook or a push fade, is that the shape you’re seeing on the app? 
 
Also, for those who have done the dot templates and markers, still seeing good results with that method?  Any tips or advice for marker type and durability or stuff like that?

I have used the launch monitor inside more than I have outside and it has produced very accurate numbers. I like to play a fade and typically know what a bad shot looks like after hitting it. The response in the practice mode and the simulation modes have been very consistent with my typical shot shapes and distances.