HackMotion Golf Training Aid Review

The current version of the HackMotion golf training aid is a small device with two connected sensors with one sitting on your wrist, usually on your leading one, and the other on the back of the hand.

Refreshed in 2024, HackMotion is now smaller, lighter and with more data points. As a result it continues to push boundaries in the golf training aid market. 

What is HackMotion?

The sensors measure the wrist angles at address, top of swing and at impact and cleverly trains players to achieve the optimal positions.

All results are fed into the accompanying app for instant analysis and comprehensive tips for corrections and improvement are provided.

Get the wrist angles correct and you are well on the way to achieving perfect club face control - the Holy Grail of golf club tuition.

There are three versions of the accompanying software; Core aimed at the individual player, Plus which adds a putting training programme and Pro aimed primarily at teaching professionals.

How Does it Work?

The Core level device measures the two most important wrist positions known as extension and flexion, while the Pro version adds a couple of other metrics known as ulnar and radial deviation. A good golf swing requires a flat or slightly flexed lead wrist at the top and impact positions, anything in extension causes the dreaded flip and a whole range of swing errors.

Correct wrist angles can stop slicing, give better compression, more confidence and greater distance.

While this might sound like basic stuff, achieving these positions consistently is not easy for most players as it’s difficult to feel and control the correct positions. This is where HackMotion comes into its own - with its connected app the device provides visual and audible feedback via Bluetooth connection to smartphones and tablets, instantly revealing the key positions that cannot be seen with the naked eye.

The device comes with a huge library of graphical and video feedback, tips and advice which is personalised to each player’s individual swing.

On Test

The sensors come in a smart-looking case, complete with USB charging cable and a clip to use if you prefer to wear a glove during practice.

First thing you need to do is download the HackMotion app to your smart phone or/and tablet.

Via the app you are given instruction on how to wear the device correctly and then how to calibrate it, which is very easy.

I tested the Core model. Players initially go through a short diagnostic programme where they hit 10 balls on the range, into a net or swing studio. It does work with an impact bag or divot mat, but hitting balls is preferred.

This records swing characteristics in order to provide an individual training programme.

My first session with HackMotion was so revealing. I seemed occasionally to be able to achieve a reasonably flat lead wrist at impact (good), but was more often too extended at the top (bad!). This appeared to be a main cause of inconsistency, as  being extended open at the top meant I was always trying to get back to square in a fraction of second during the downswing, often causing the dreaded flip and the ball flying left. The feedback from HackMotion was simply immense. I quickly understood what I needed to do to correct this fault and I’m able to measure my attempts at improvement.

I also learned from trying to achieve a flat wrist at the top that my backswing was too upright and not deep enough, so already HackMotion was teaching me much more about my swing faults than just the wrist angles.

The App 

Once the device spots a player’s swing deficiencies the app offers training programmes and drills.There is a fantastic array of information available within the app and accompanying videos giving a personal path to improvement.

Verdict

This is a most impressive piece of kit, it’s like having your own personal swing coach on the back of your hand. It teaches so much about swing mechanics from the huge library of coaching material available through the app, its YouTube channels and other social media.

HackMotion will not suit everybody; there is no silver bullet to perfect the golf swing, so it offers no quick fix. It is perhaps better suited to players who are dedicated to improving their swing and committed to putting in the practice. 

The Bottom Line

There are three versions; Core (RRP €250) Plus (€495) and Pro (€995). HackMotion say the Core entry level is more than adequate for most people and software upgrades are available. Core measures wrist extension and flexion (the most important data) and offers a huge range of support and training programmes; The Plus version has a putting mode, while the Pro level gives more data than you can shake a stick at and is really aimed at professionals for teaching. These are obviously not cheap, but HackMotion points out there are no ongoing subscriptions and the software is continually upgraded and refined. With the price of a new driver hovering around the €600 mark it’s all down to individual perspective of where your money is likely to be better spent if you are seeking long term and lasting improvement to your game.

For more information, please visit https://hackmotion.com/golfshake and take advantage of our unique offer, granting you a 5% discount when you make a purchase.

Coupon Code: golfshake