Hank Haney PlaneFinder

[McD]

Looking for opinions on the PlaneFinder (http://theplanefinder.com) and hopefully a review on The PlaneFinder and Hank Haney's instruction for keeping the golf swing on plane. Since it is on the Golf Channel I'm hoping one of the Spys are going to review as part of the Gadget week.

[Matt Saternus]

I can tell you that I have seen this in the shop, but I have no plans (at the moment) to test it. It strikes me that the device is trying to teach a one-plane swing, and that is not me at all. I might be off-base with that assessment, but that's how it looks to me.

[McD]

I can tell you that I have seen this in the shop, but I have no plans (at the moment) to test it. It strikes me that the device is trying to teach a one-plane swing, and that is not me at all. I might be off-base with that assessment, but that's how it looks to me.

 

Matt, unless I misundersand you I don't think it is a one plane swing as the device is adjustable and the DVD instructions show the use of all clubs from wedges to Driver (different planes for each length but essentially a single correct plane if that makes sense....) Anyway I did a review modeling after what I've seen here and elsewhere.

 

OK here is my first review post on mygolfspy.com of Hank Haney's PlaneFinder. I have posted it at Click here to view my Review. I'm interested in feedback on both the product and the review itself.

 

Here is the text but I was unable to get the photos and video into this post.

 

Golf Swing and Training Aid Reviews

 

Reviewing Golf Game Improvement Tools

25 Aug 2011

Hank Haney PlaneFinder Review and Video

 

This is a review of the Hank Haney Planefinder a Golf Swing Trainer that helps a golfer develop a golf swing that is "on plane". The review has two parts.

 

Part one is the assembly and part two is a video showing actual use of the product.

 

Part 1

 

I received the PlaneFinder which is packaged in a box with lots of nice color photos of the product and product parts. The box should be used as a visual aid when assembling the product.

 

What I found in the box was a clean package of parts in a sealed bag and some instructions. I opened up the bag and laid out the parts to begin the assembly process.

 

1 of 2

 

 

 

All parts look a little intimidating at first but I went ahead and began the process of putting things together, making note of my watch as I began with instructions in hand. The first step was laying out the base of the product as per the instructions.

 

Then I went about connecting each of the individual parts continuing to follow the instructions which are pretty well written. It all came together pretty quickly. (click through my photos below to see the progression).

 

 

 

1 of 3

 

 

 

With the base complete, the last few steps involve adjustments for the proper swing angle and the adjustment of the width of the path. The width adjustment is simple, it is color coded with a flip lock that is widest when it is at or in the green position and narrow when at or near the red position (from the right of the device). To properly adjust open the flip lock slide the base parts apart to the desired width (again I recommend starting in the "green position), then lock into place. As explained in the DVD and instructions, you want to start swing with a wider path opening until you hone in your swing with the device.

 

1 of 6

 

The next step is to adjust the angle so that your club rests naturally into the swing path without hitting the plastic pennants.

 

There is an optional hitting board that you can use that provides some feedback when practicing as explained by Hank Haney in the DVD. See the final assembled PlaneFinder below. All told it took me 15 minutes to assemble, even while taking pictures as I went. It is not a difficult process.

 

 

 

Here is a quick video of the PlaneFinder in my backyard and a bit about how it works and why.

 

(download)

 

I really like that I can use it in my backyard and get instant feedback on my swing. I'm guessing that most things that are wrong with the swing have to do with not swinging on plane and this device helps hone in the proper swing if you use it frequently.

 

The cost is $119, which is less than the cost of most clubs and can potentially lower your score by much more than buying a bunch of new clubs with crazy claims of more distance and accuracy. It also comes with an instructional DVD with Hank Haney who provides some basic fundamental instruction and tips on using the PlaneFinder.

 

You can get more info and buy one at the Planefinder Web site http://www.theplanefinder.com

[Matt Saternus]

Very nice review, and thank you for sharing it with us.

 

Just to clarify what I meant about one plane swing vs. two plane swing:

 

A one-plane swing goes back and through on the same plane. It would work well on the Plane Finder.

 

A two plane swing (see Sergio here:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMlRNJxQ0dY

 

goes back and through on two different planes, and probably would not be good with the Plane Finder because you would have to set the "alley" wide enough to accommodate both the back and through planes.

[sparta32]

I have used this product with some success. I wish I had more time to practice with it, but so far so good