I'm a passionate amateur golfer with a mid-high handicap and I have an inconsistent swing. One shot is pro level, the next is a hook into the water. I've lost balls and I'm losing my mind with all the swing thoughts swirling around my head on each swing.
Therefore, I see the HackMotion swing analyser as a beacon of hope in a world of frustration. So let's put it to the test.
How I've Used It?
I've been using a HackMotion Plus wrist angle trainer for over 4 months now. I take it to the range with me every week and use the HackMotion to get insights into my swing and a numbers from a FlightScope Mevo Gen2 Launch Monitor to check the results and monitor my progress. To see how these products combined can help lower your scores, have a read of our Fix Your Swing article.
The Plus features the same functionality as the very popular HackMotion Core and adds the Putting mode which checks for wrist control and timing - more on this below.
I mainly use it at the range, however you can use it at home to, either in the garden or inside. You can use it without a ball but only for the drills, as it won't pick up a shot without the impact provided from hitting a ball. For an analysis of your swing, you will need to hit a real golf ball or range ball here, so no airflows/jelly/foam balls here I'm afraid and please make sure you have enough space if hitting inside.
How Does It Work?
I found the setup easy and intuitive. You take it out the carry case, pop it on your wrist and hand, and follow the instruction on the app. For first time setup you may need to download an update as well.
Once connected, it starts by calibrating the sensor which again is very straightforward. The app will guide you to place your forearm horizontally across your chest and then raise it up from your elbow without bending your wrist. The app will show a green calibration complete message. You'll need to do this each time you turn the device on, but it takes 5 seconds so no bother here.
Next it will ask you to hit 5 shots so it can assess your wrist position at various points. Now it gets interesting.. What's wrong with my swing?! The app will show you three areas: address, backswing and downswing and apply a red/amber/green status to each to show you which part is off. Your data is compared to tour player ranges which will effectively show you where your wrist is either too extended (bent back) or flexed (bent forward) at various points.
Not only does it point out where you're going wrong, but it also then provides personalised drills to help you get into the right position. It breaks down the swing into different phases and will recommend specific drills for you, getting you repeat the movement until you can achieve a streak of greens.
What I Found?
I was expecting some issues, but it turns out at first use every aspect was either amber or red, including at address, top of the swing, downswing and at impact. Lots to work on then..
As you can see the app highlights different issues including casting, flipping, pulling the handle, inside takeaway, and extended positions. After my first session, I thought I only had one issue in the downswing, however this is where my inconsistency comes in and it will show you more issues and how to fix them as well. As you can see, I've improved from 83% Red casting in the first image, to 40% Amber casting in the second from following the drills and consistent, regular practice sessions. At this point, I'm less bothered about where and how far the ball is going and much more interested in trying to groove in these feels and drills the app is recommending.
How To Improve Your Swing Consistency?
I found the drills to be very helpful in getting the right feelings (even if it felt very wrong for me!) throughout the swing. The audio and vibration feedback lets you know in real time if you're in the right position.
My biggest area of weakness (or need for improvement) is Casting in the downswing and controlling the clubface through impact whilst maintaining the lag in the club. Too often I am releasing the club too early which means I'm often early extending and not holding a flexed position through impact which effectively is producing shorter distances and poorer strikes from low compression.
As you can see the app has highlighted the issue, explained what's happening in the downswing and has provided a drill to help. It also has helpful videos to help you achieve the correct feels.
Let's Talk Putting Mode
One of the questions we get asked most about HackMotion is about Putting mode, and should you buy the Core see how it goes and plan to upgrade to the Plus at a later date, or just go for the Plus now. When we get asked this question, we usually say it depends on what your main focus is. If it's general swing consistency and improving ball striking then go for the Core. If you're a struggling on the green and not sure what's going wrong then go for the Plus.
I must admit as a mid-high handicapper, I'm unusually good around and on the green so I thought the Putting Mode wouldn't be as useful for me. However, whilst my wrist position on the putting stroke was green, it highlighted that my tempo was consistently red. So whilst I was controlling the putt direction well enough, the tempo issue was causing inconsistent contact and difficulty with distance control - particularly on longer putts.
As you can see below, it identifies issues (in this case Stroke Time), explains what's causing it and why it's an issue, and provides a drill to help resolve it. You can then repeat the drill as many times as you like and it sets a target of achieving five greens in a row. This is when the audio and vibration feedback come into play.
What Doesn't HackMotion Do?
HackMotion is a wrist position trainer for the golf swing, and it does not provide a full analysis of the swing. It purely measures what your wrists are doing at various points through the golf swing. Therefore, it is not going to specifically help with weight transfer to the lead side, head position, dropping hips back, grip pressure, or anything else.
It also doesn't track distances, swing speeds or club data. For the most complete training set up, we would recommend using a launch monitor as well to track these metrics and measure your progress.
The difference between the Core, Plus and Pro is essentially the analysis levels provided as the physical units themselves are the same. The Core is the standard version which provides wrist position analysis, drills, and audio and vibration feedback. The Plus adds Putting Mode. The Pro adds a larger set of data metrics, comparisons and allows multiple profiles, making it most useful for elite amateurs or coaches.
Conclusion - Does HackMotion Actually Work?
Absolutely, and it is fantastic value for money. For the first time ever I'm hitting draws instead of slices and weak fades, and HackMotion really helped me feel what I should be doing to control the clubface and understand why it's happening.
It's not just about identifying issues and fixing them. It keeps you on track. Anyone who has ever had a golf lesson will know that when you go back to the range the following week you've forgotten most of what was taught and you're already slipping back into old habits. HackMotion can be your trusted partner to keep you on track between coaching sessions. Use it with a launch monitor and there's nothing to hold you back.
Use HackMotion. Improve your consistency. Play better golf.
