Testers Announced: Rapsodo MLM/The Stack Combo Test

[GolfSpy_APH]

We are seeking four golfers to test a combination of The Stack System and the Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor (MLM). The Stack System is designed to help golfers increase their swing speed through personalized training, while the Rapsodo MLM provides detailed swing data and real-time feedback. Together, these tools aim to boost speed, consistency, and accuracy. If you’re looking to take your swing to the next level, this test is for you!

Key Features:

The Stack System:

• Personalized speed training to increase swing speed.
• Real-time feedback using the companion app.
• Custom programs designed to fit your unique swing.

Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor (MLM):

• Captures essential swing metrics like distance, ball speed, and launch angle.
• Provides shot tracing and video analysis.
• Features a GPS shot map and combines swing data for post-session analysis.

What They’ll Be Testing
Testers will use The Stack System to follow a training regimen aimed at increasing swing speed, while using the Rapsodo MLM to track progress and gather detailed swing data. We’re looking for golfers to evaluate how these two products work in tandem to improve swing speed, consistency, and overall performance.

Please welcome and congratulate our testers!

@Rico_de_Gallo
@CK1over 
@sp0rtsfan86 
@Vegan_Golfer_PNW

[Rico_de_Gallo]

(Deep announcer voice) Returning for a 2nd time here in the 2024 testing season after testing out the CaddyDaddy Claw Gloves

 

A golfer who placed 12th overall while somehow finishing top 10 of the 2024 VTC Stableford Open

Coming in at 6’ 2” and a whopping 175 lbs after breakfast tacos

All the way from San Antonio, TX  …. Ricooo_de_GAAAALLLLOOOOOO!!!!!!

Alrighty …. Here we are again with just another example of how amazing the community that MGS has grown. We can not say thank you enough to the entire MGS team that helps make these opportunities happen. It won’t be the last time I say it, but thank you again to MGS, Stack System, and Rapsodo for creating this testing opportunity. 

INTRODUCTION

I’ll start this test at age 35 and I’ll finish it at 36. I have a wonderful family that includes 2 young girls that keep me busy everyday. I got to include my oldest in the CaddyDaddy test and I plan on getting her involved again on this test.

My amazing wife is actually excited about this test too (yes, you read that correctly). Her background is physical therapy. Building strength and improving speed while understanding the body mechanics required to do this WHILE AVOIDING INJURY is close to her field.

My background is Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering. I perform testing and analysis with aircraft structures for my day job. I love expanding my testing experience into my golf life …. Yeah I’m a big data and Excel guy … get excited folks because there will be charts and graphs.

I reside in San Antonio, TX where you can play pretty much year round. I try to do something once a week whether it's a round, or a night range session after kids are in bed. 

I probably started 2024 above a 15 index with new sticks, and now I’m down to 10-ish (I don’t have a formal handicap, but Arccos and Grint estimates are 9.5. Regardless, the scores have come down and even broke 80 a few times in the last 15 rounds with a career best 76 (+4). But golf is humbling. I have still managed a couple mid 90 scores in the last 10 rounds to remind me that golf is hard and that nothing is automatic. Stats from Arccos over my last 15 rounds compared to a 10 index.

================================================================================

PRE-TESTING STATUS

From the trackman data in February 2024 from my fitting for my current driver (PXG Black Ops), my club head speed sees me in the low to middle 100s  

If I go all out, I have touched 110 mph for club head speed …. But results are disastrous

Physically, I’m 6’2 and about 170 lbs. Tall and lanky with a slim build. Gym sessions come and go in waves, but I run and am currently going through another half-marathon training program for a Houston race in January. 

Speed training and race training …. Bring on the gatorade and ibuprofen!

I first heard about Stack System through the Hack it Out Golf podcast and feel like I’ve only ever heard good things. While I may start stocking up on golf balls now for the rollback, adding distance naturally is on my to do list. 

I’m excited to see how the speed training program looks like for me. Stack’s program is supposed to auto adjust to the user based on performance and progress. It seems like a data lover’s dream for doing speed training. 

The Raposodo MLM is a radar based launch monitor that we will implement to measure speed. I am stoked at this opportunity to spend devoted time with a launch monitor and its data.  I have occasionally spent time on a trackman and an About Golf simulator.  But that data isn’t always available for me to revisit. Such a shame to see data just disappear.  From Arccos, my current yardage ranges are below.

=========================================================

TEST PLAN 

Currently, these are questions I want to answer:

1. Stack System and MLM Compatibility
   • Do these products work together?
   • Will 1 iOS device suffice or will 2 be necessary?
   • Will manual data transfer/tracking/input negatively impact the experience?
2. Stack System Speed Training
   • What will my speed training program look like compared to other testers?
   • How will the program update and adjust based on my performance?
   • How user friendly is the app?
   • What will my gains actually look like?
   • Will I see this on the course?
3. Rapsodo MLM
   • Rapsodo advertises as really easy to use, is it?
   • Rapsodo advertises it as being with 2% of Trackman, lets see it. 
   • What is all the data available and how useful will it be?
   • How is Speed Testing with this device. ?
   • How is the App interface and the R Cloud interface?
   • Are other premier membership benefits, such as the Rapsodo Combine worth it?

HYPOTHESIS

I believe the MLM will work for speed training but utilizing 2 iOS devices will improve the experience as manual data entry into the Stack App will get tedious, but not so much that it would deter me away from speed training again.

The MLM will be a great entry unit into the launch monitor world. While it’s at the same price point as the Stack radar ($300) for the unit alone, I think the additional data and opportunities with the MLM will make this a worthy product to not only speed train, but include in regular sessions as well. 

GOALS

1. DON’T GET INJURED - I’ll be honest, this is a goal every day. But in all seriousness, proper warmups and listening to my body are going to be crucial to ensure I do this properly.I do not want to end up on the injury list.
2. See noticeable speed gains that can translate to the course. 
3. Grow my understanding on how to utilize data from the MLM to improve on the course

 

Let's get to work!

Edited October 30 by Rico_de_Gallo
Updating

[CK1over]

Intro

Hi golf spies, my name is Chris.  I have been a MSG forum member a year and a half now.  This will be my first official review; with the exception a two golf ball tests (Titleist White Box Test, and Bridgestone MindSet).  I am very grateful to have the opportunity to test these two products in combination.  Thank you MyGolfSpy, Rapsodo and the Stack System.

I am supported by my wife and our two kids (daughter 4, son 2).  We are happy to make the front range of Colorado, just outside of Denver, our home.  My wife and I are both transplants from the Midwest, but our kids are considered natives to Colorado.

I have been golfing since a kid.  Never seriously or competitively.  More along the lines of golf is hard, but have fun anyways.  I’m an engineer who works in oil and gas.  As I started playing in more scramble work tournaments, I wanted to play more serious rounds trying to improve my game little by little.  I still have a long way to go.  Beginning this season, I finally corrected my grip from a baseball grip to interlocking fingers.  As a bonus, this change turned my fade into a draw.  My current game has been floating around a 20 HCP, with the goal of playing bogey golf and breaking 90 on a great day.  Driving the ball off the tee is one of my strengths.  I have a swing speed of around 105 mph, with the ability to hit the ball 300 yards thanks to Colorado’s thinner air.

I’m excited about this test as it gives me a reason to routinely work on my swing during the offseason.  It would be great to see some speed increase leading to greater distance off the tee.  But I also want to see more consistency and confidence to go with it.  What I don't want to do is break the one part of my game that has been working.

I like that the Stack system is paired with Rapsodo MLM to track the workouts and see progression, with the ability to then use the MLM to track results actually hitting the ball.

Test Plan:

• Create a baseline for swing speed using MLM
• Train according to the stack training program
• Evaluate results using MLM looking for increase in speed and distance
• See how those results translate from training to on the course in terms of distance and accuracy.

Edited November 1 by CK1over

[sp0rtsfan86]

Hello, I'm sp0rtsfan86 and MGS member for over a decade.

(Left in photo)

(Peep the MGS Tag)

I’m currently an 11ish handicap after not breaking 90 last year.

(Pinehurst #2... I'm in the sand for the hundredth time in 2023)

For context: I set a goal in December to break 90 for the first time in 2 years, by mid-year the goal became 85 as my game improved

(Donald Ross @ French Lick, shot 84 on a par 71 on a two day golf binge)

 

My goals for 2025 are to become a single digit handicap (I’ve never been under a double digit handicap), break 80 for the second time, and break 78 (previous low round). Here’s where my game is right now:  My average drive is 225 with a bombed drive around 250-260 according to GPS. The tees I play are 6300- 6750 yards depending on which two 9’s  I play. (The yearly tournament plays 7100 yards.) Distance may not be the biggest weakness, but making up some distance seems like a starting point.

 

 

(10/29/24 driver swing. Was not my best swing and ended up in a bunker approx 230 into the howling wind)

 

 

(Iron shot from the range earlier in summer)

For what it’s worth: I’ve had a handful of gadgets over the years including a very primitive launch monitor, a swingbyte system, plus game golf. 

(My headcover was free with golf balls... and rules)

I read through the reviews of the stack system and also other swing weight programs since March and made a decision to add the stack to the Christmas list… or apply for any test for it. The Rapsodo launch monitor may not have made my check-out basket if I had to purchase it myself considering the price tag for them together.

Here's my biggest questions going into the test in order of importance:

Will the products lead to more distance? (Duh)

If yes, how much do results with the launch monitor on the range translate to on the course? 

Will I find the progress too slow even if it’s working? *I will follow the program to completion for testing purposes even if I would have bailed on the program  if I wasn’t a part of the test

 

Will this ruin my swing by throwing everything out of whack?  *I may decide to do lessons in tandem and get a professional take on whether it’s having a desired impact or whether it’s causing other issues.

 

What is the ease of use of each/ both as a group?

How long does it take to set up each device and do I dread having to set it up?  

Does it distract me from my practice by having to configure them?

If the course is closed can I still use it?

 

Would Rapsodo and/or stack  be an essential component for me? Or if I was looking for a MLM would it be one that I’d want to purchase?  

In essence it would be 3 tests in one so I’m ready to get going unless this happens again:

(Helene dumped 4-5 inches of rain the weekend of a tournament. I hit into the new fairway lake on #1. No ducks were harmed)

FIRST IMPRESSIONS:

 

 

Edited November 20 by sp0rtsfan86

[Vegan_Golfer_PNW]

Introduction

 

Hey spies. My name is Randy and I am coming to you from the PNW (Portland Metro). I am honored to be selected for this unique test and this is my first game improvement test. I’d like to thank the MGS Forum, Rapsodo and The Stack for the opportunity. I have a wonderful family, a supportive wife of 13 years (been together 18+), an amazing 5 year old daughter and my MIL that lives with us and helps us be the best parents we can be. I am an industrial engineer and mostly enjoy the work that I do.

 

 I have been golfing on and off casually since 6 with a larger amount of playing the game coming in 2019 and a greater commitment to improving my game in 2021. My handicap is currently around 18. I am an early riser golfer, usually teeing off before sunrise. I try to get out twice a week in the summer along with a range session. I am currently in offseason mode due to the later sunrises and cooler weather. I started my 3rd year of Fit for Golf (FFG) and am currently on the Mass program (~5 weeks in as the end of October). I also take lessons through Skillest. 

 

Comparison to 15 Handicap in ShotScope

 I have used overspeed protocols in the past but it ended up messing with my technique. I ended up maxing out at 120 MPH driver swings. I am hopeful that having the MLM along with The Stack and the AI personalized programs will keep me on the right track with minimal technique degradation. Basically, I want to gain some speed and improve on these distances in hopes I can keep the technique improvements I am working on with a coach.

 

Testing Plan:

• Baselining gapping of clubs and dispersion with MLM: Hit 10 shots with Driver, 7w, 5i, 7i, 9i, GW, 54 Wedge looking at distance and dispersion
• Use the MLM in conjunction with Stack swings for recording data.             
• Once every 2-3 weeks doing another dispersion checks along with final checks.              
• Using only one iOS device and challenging this from The Stack website

              

 

How accurate does the data seem to be (misreads)? I had issues with my PRGR in the past.

MLM Specific:

Test out any new features that are released and test accuracy

Stack Specific:

Utilize Stack putting once a week (likely may be every 2 weeks)

Test on course if weather permits and compare SG changes from earlier in season. (2024 SG below)

Overall body health after doing the stack, testing the AI programing and variation of swings.

 

I will keep this if…:

These are very subjective but how one gauges the effectiveness of these has some subjectivity:

• Allow for improvement without sacrificing technique (Pushing the AI program and the MLM data).
• Provide challenge to my practice that allows actual improvement
• If my speed potential is not exceeded from the past, is it worth it to keep?
• Will I see a SG improvement by having LM data for better target selection?

 I am very excited to test both of these products. I am a fan of Sasho and I really believe his work in this field will ultimately help golfers. As an 18 handicap, I could use that help and hope it does work for me. The AI functionality of the app as well as the additional putting work (which is my worst SG metric) in theory should vastly help improve my game and I fully want to test that out. On the MLM front, this product has been reviewed plenty here on MGS, so I don’t know how much I can add to the stellar reviews. I do hope the MLM can lend more insight into my game, help me make smarter decisions on strategy, and hopefully work well with The Stack training.

I am also willing to take any requests from other forum members on things I should test or any questions they may have.

LETS ROLL AND I HAVE A NEED FOR SPEED!! I WANNA GO FAST!

Stack First Impressions

MLM First Impression

Edited November 23 by Vegan_Golfer_PNW

[Rico_de_Gallo]

Wooooo!!!

2 products in 1 test !!!!!

As if MGS wasn’t already an amazing place. 

thank you to MGS, Rapsodo, and Stack System for this amazing opportunity. 

This will be a long one so buckle in a follow along cause I’m really exciting to start a swing speed journey and get a bit deeper into the launch monitor world 

 

[CK1over]

Very excited to be entering the offseason with the Stack System workout regime to improve my game and the Rapsodo MLM to track the progress.

Thank you MGS, Rapsodo, and the Stack System for the opportunity to take part in this test.

Edited October 29 by CK1over

[sp0rtsfan86]

I'm excited to see results and also nervous that my swing will be ruined. That's the fun of these tests, I have no idea what to expect and want to give it a full go.

Edit: Forgot to thank all those for the chance to test things out. One of the reasons, I love the site and golf community at large.

Edited October 29 by sp0rtsfan86

[Vegan_Golfer_PNW]

Super pumped for this opportunity. Will explain more in my intro but as a past overspeed trainer I am excited for this pairing of products. Thanks forum for the opportunity and MLM and The stack for the products. Hoping they become a match made in heaven for this golfer. 

Edited October 29 by Vegan_Golfer_PNW
Typo. Silly phone of course I’m excited!

[sp0rtsfan86]

14 minutes ago, Vegan_Golfer_PNW said:

Super pumped for this opportunity. Will explain more in my intro but as a past overspeed trainer I am not excited for this pairing of products. 

Interesting. I'm excited but worried I'll get thrown out of whack by trying to overswing.

[rkj427]

Congratulations to this group of testers, and I hope that you enjoy and reap the benefits of this test. 

I have these products, use them regularly, and especially in the "off season" here and they do work provided you do the work they require!

Looking forward to seeing the comments and reviews from this group. 

[Rico_de_Gallo]

Before we even really get the testing going, there is 1 thing I know that's gonna happen ..... I gotta go get some more ibuprofen

[Rob Person]

Congratulations testers!!!  This seems to be an excellent, multi-faceted, opportunity!

[fixyurdivot]

Congratulations spies!   This looks like a really nice unit and it will be a fun review to follow.  

[TK2HOUSE]

Good luck everyone. This will be a good one. 

[Josh Parker]

Congrats testers!  Looking forward to seeing some speed increases and seeing it translated to longer drives!

[Vegan_Golfer_PNW]

My intro is posted.

 

Edited October 30 by Vegan_Golfer_PNW

[Rico_de_Gallo]

Equipment hasn't even shipped and already found inconsistencies between websites....

Stack System:

 

Rapsodo MLM and the FAQs:

Rapsodo MLM Premium access info:

==============================

I don't think there will be an issue, but I do wish companies would do a self-check on their website to ensure consistency with information and capabilities

 

[Shrek74]

On 10/29/2024 at 6:03 AM, GolfSpy_APH said:

Please welcome and congratulate our testers!

@Rico_de_Gallo
@CK1over 
@sp0rtsfan86 
@Vegan_Golfer_PNW

Congrats testers!! Best of luck getting all that swing speed increase!!

[TJ Hall]

Congratulations testers!

[poprocksncoke]

This is awesome, congrats testers!

[Coulter]

Congratulations testers! Looking forward to those 300 yard drives! 

[Rico_de_Gallo]

Intro version 1.5 up now. Let's get to work guys!

[Rico_de_Gallo]

On 10/29/2024 at 6:05 AM, Vegan_Golfer_PNW said:

Is that at Mt. Hood?

Went that way for spring break this past year to visit friends in McMinnville and did a day trip to Mt. Hood. 

Did the Snow Bunny area for some sledding for the kids and then pizza/beer at Mt. Hood Brewing spot. Great trip overall

[Vegan_Golfer_PNW]

6 minutes ago, Rico_de_Gallo said:

Is that at Mt. Hood?

Went that way for spring break this past year to visit friends in McMinnville and did a day trip to Mt. Hood. 

Did the Snow Bunny area for some sledding for the kids and then pizza/beer at Mt. Hood Brewing spot. Great trip overall

Rainier actually. This one is hood. Somehow it’s loading upside down. Lol

[Rico_de_Gallo]

9 minutes ago, Vegan_Golfer_PNW said:

Rainier actually. This one is hood. Somehow it’s loading upside down. Lol

ha. Nice though. Impressive to do the hikes with the kiddo on the back

[Shankster]

I want to see you guys giving Bryson a run for his money at the end of this op. 

[Vegan_Golfer_PNW]

9 minutes ago, Shankster said:

I want to see you guys giving Bryson a run for his money at the end of this op. 

will give it a run. I am already hitting the gym hardcore and taking in roughly 110-130g of protein daily to gain.

[Shankster]

9 minutes ago, Vegan_Golfer_PNW said:

will give it a run. I am already hitting the gym hardcore and taking in roughly 110-130g of protein daily to gain.

Beast mode engage.

[Vegan_Golfer_PNW]

9 minutes ago, Shankster said:

Beast mode engage.

https://tenor.com/view/-gif-5308542 

 

 

Edited October 31 by Vegan_Golfer_PNW