After using the stack system for a handful of months, my “easy swing” driver clubhead speed increased by 7mph. That equates to about 20 yards of distance off the tee! In this Stack System Review, I share my personal experience, detail who should and should not use the Stack, and provide some tips to help you get the most out of the Stack System.
I have always been a sucker for hitting the long ball, determined to prove all of the “swing easy” naysayers wrong! What I’ve found is – there is a balance.
I used to swing harder than I probably should have – as evidenced by a driver wear pattern covering the club’s entire face. In my quest to improve accuracy, I had to slow things down. This certainly helped, but I lost a lot of distance.
At first, this was fine because I was hitting more fairways and scoring better…but as I said, I’ve always been a sucker for hitting the long ball. So I picked up the Stack System and got to work.
Now I’ve got both the distance and significantly improved accuracy to go with it. I’m swinging around 112 mph comfortably…
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Benefits of Speed Training
On the PGA tour, the ShotLink system collects scoring and statistical data on every shot by every player. Once it became clear to players like Bryson DeChambeau that more distance absolutely equaled fewer strokes, we started seeing the best players in the world doing more to increase their swing speed.
But what about us amateur golfers?
Arccos, golf’s #1 tracking system, has data from tens of thousands of amateur golfers. Players who gained 10 or more yards of distance from one season to the next saw incredible results in their scores. 65% gained at least 1 stroke each round, while 29% gained at least 3 strokes per round (Arccos Golf).
Bottom line – Speed training will help you hit the golf ball further.
Related – Get the most distance out of your golf ball
What is the Stack System
The Stack System is a revolutionary swing speed training system designed to help golfers of all skill levels unlock their speed potential on the golf course. Developed by Dr. Sasho MacKenzie, a renowned biomechanist in the world of golf.
Dr. MacKenzie is an engineering consultant for Ping and a Biomechanics Advisor and Software Developer for Footjoy. He has over 20 scientific peer-reviewed golf research articles and regularly speaks to PGA golf instructors around the world.
The Stack System is more than a swing speed training device – it’s a full-blown training program that dynamically adjusts to your performance as you go.
At its core, the Stack System combines precision hardware with cutting-edge technology to create a dynamic and personalized training experience. Here’s a closer look at what the Stack System entails:
Precision Hardware: The Stack System incorporates five CNC-milled Stack weights, a custom-engineered shaft, and hardware, resulting in an impressive array of 30 unique combinations. These combinations are specifically designed to unlock dynamic variable inertia speed training, making it adaptable to golfers at different stages of their journey.
The Stack App: The Stack System offers an award-winning app to make your training journey effortless and effective. This app provides guided programs, timers, easy data-entry features, a Learning Library, and the ability to track key metrics related to your speed training progress. It acts as your personal trainer, ensuring you stay on the right track.
Dynamic Training: The Stack System’s training programs are not static; they adapt as you progress in your speed journey. These programs are designed in the lab and proven on the Tour, ensuring their effectiveness. A.I. powered algorithms are used to optimize your training, regardless of where you currently stand in your golf journey.
Programs and Training: The Stack is essentially a personal swing-speed trainer for golfers. It all starts with a series of swing speed tests that generate a force-velocity profile of your current swing. Additionally, qualitative data is gathered to identify your strengths and weaknesses in generating clubhead speed.
The Stack System is Not For Everyone!
Don’t get me wrong, I love the stack speed training system. But…
If you are NOT willing to
Stick to the workouts
Commit to a long(ish)-term approach
Understand you may face setbacks along the way
DO THE WARMUPS
This probably isn’t for you.
On the other hand – If you go into it with commitment and dedication, and you follow the system, you’ll absolutely see the results! There is no question it takes work. The workouts are not hard by any means, but you need to be consistent and actually do them. You’ll need to commit about 30 minutes per session, 3-times per week while you’re active in a program. You can absolutely take longer breaks and come back to it while still seeing long-term benefits.
It is on the higher-end for price, but if you consistently use it, I think it is absolutely worth it! The Stack System costs about $150 more than their biggest competitor (SuperSpeed), but the Stack gives you the full workout programs and hardware that is, in my opinion, significantly higher quality with tons of weight combination options. You’d need 30 SuperSpeed sticks to give you the same weight combinations that the Stack delivers out of the box.
Does The Stack System work for Older Golfers
Because Stack System programs are done through an app that is constantly tracking progress, we have access to data and progress that golfers in various age groups have made.
The kind folks behind the system have shared this chart, outlining speed gains by golfers in every age group. As you can see, golfers age 60+ are absolutely seeing tremendous benefits from their training.
These gains are also after completing just one program, gains will certainly taper over time, but no matter your age, I am confident anyone who puts the time in will benefit.
My Personal Experience & Results
After speed training with the stack system for about 5 weeks, I hit a personal best drive on the simulator with a carry distance of 318 yards, 346 yards total. My swing speed was 116mph.
Although I don’t have an exact distance on the course, I have absolutely had them going further than “my normal” and estimated to be around 330 yards at best. I was usually getting between 285-300, but now I am getting between 295-315 consistently.
I typically play the same course about 4 days per week, then usually throw in a random local course at least a couple of times per month. I know exactly how far I’m usually hitting on the course I usually play week to week. We only have 1 par 5 (9-hole course) and I can absolutely get there in 2 (if I hit the fairway 🙄)
Since using the stack system, I’ve gone from needing a 5-iron for my second shot, to a 7-iron…consistently (again, if I hit the fairway).
And full disclosure – I have not stuck to the program as originally planned. I went full-on for about 6-weeks, then took a few weeks off. Then started back up and fell off the wagon. Honestly, I was playing a ton…men’s league 2-3 times per week, couples league once a week, scrambles pretty much every week, then rounds with my son on the weekends.
Plus some practice in the sim during the week…it got to be too much. As the golf season winds down, I’m ready to get after it with the Stack System and see how much faster I can get through the winter.
The benefits really come from the full package, which includes the dynamic workouts. They don’t just sell you a club and give you a few videos to follow along with. The app walks you through the workouts step-by-step, dynamically updating weights and reps based on your performance.
The Stack System isn’t just another golf aid; it’s a transformative experience. After months of use, I’ve seen its power first hand. It blends cutting-edge AI technology with biomechanical expertise. It delivers results!
The Stack System Discount Code
The kind folks at The Stack System have provided our readers with an exclusive 10% off discount.
Code: BIGTEESGOLF
Bottom line – I cannot argue with the results. My distances with both driver and irons have increased and I have not sacrificed accuracy for those gains. I feel like I am swinging the club easier and more controlled, but the speed gains are absolutely there in spite of that “more controlled” feeling.
Stack System Features Review
The first thing you’ll notice is the quality of the Stack System. The club, the weights…it isn’t a cheap training aid you’ll find being peddled in YouTube ads.
It includes a club and 5 weights ranging from 20g to 100g, allowing you to adjust for 30 unique weight combinations from 0g to 300g. The weights come with a nice storage case hat keeps your weights from rattling around.
The club is the equivalent length of a standard hybrid, which helps to ensure you stay on your swing plane while using it.
The Stack System App
The iOS app isn’t quite as sexy, but it definitely delivers. The real benefit is in the backend processing where the workouts dynamically update based on your performance. The app simply delivers the data and offers a decent user interface to interact with.
One cool feature I like about the app is the ability to enter my swing speed data hands-free. No need to click/type…I can just set my phone down and follow the prompts throughout the guided workout.
Another feature I like is the Learning Library. They recently added this feature and it provides a plethora of detailed video drills and explanations for different aspects of your swing, and how those techniques “feel”.
Pro Tip – If you have a set of bluetooth headphones, use them to connect to your phone during your workouts. The app picks up your voice much better with headphones.
As of today, the app is only available to iOS users. They have Android coming soon, but no published release date. There are some alternatives you can explore. Here are the main workarounds for Android users.
Metrics
The Stack System offers a range of metrics to gauge your progress. Two of them that I find useful – and fairly accurate are eSpeed and Distance Potential.
Training Programs
Whether you are mid-season and don’t want to overdo it, or looking for a robust program to build strength and maximize gains over a couple of months, there is a diverse range of training programs to cater to golfers of all levels and specific needs.
I completed the Foundation training program, which is ideal for those starting their swing speed training journey. It gets your body primed and ready to take on one of their more difficult programs, including one from Martin Borgmeier himself (2022 World Long Drive Champion).
The coolest part of these programs really comes down to the dynamic adjustments made to your workouts as you progress. It takes data through your training session and applies it to adjust swing weights, number of reps, and/or types of reps.
All of that helps to minimize risk of injury, and maximize outcomes from your training.
Pros
- Very high quality
- Includes workouts that dynamically adjust based on your performance
- Access to several training programs
- Trade-In program (send them your old swing speed trainer, i.e. Superspeed sticks, and get $100)
- Works for any age, teen to senior
- It works!
Cons
- To get the full benefit, you will need to purchase a swing speed radar
- It is on the higher-end in price
Continuous Improvement
The Stack System app has seen a significant transformation since its inception in 2021. They have released 24 updates through Feb. 2024 focusing on user experience, data-driven insights, and the recent release of their Learning Library. Here are some of the key evolutions:
The consistent updates not only improve the overall user experience, it also gives us an indication of their commitment to continuously evolve their programs to ensure their product remains the best on the market.
Stack System vs. Superspeed vs. Rypstick
Check out other swing speed training options here, or my full comparison of the Stack, Rypstick, and Superspeed sticks in my post on the best golf speed trainers.
The StackRadar
On March 7, 2024 The StackRadar was released. It is a bluetooth enabled radar that integrates with the Stack App. The device captures swing speed, ball speed, and calculates carry distance and smash factor.
It can be used with or without the Stack System app, so you can measure whether you’re using your Stack or on the range hitting balls.
The biggest benefit – When you are training with the Stack System, the StackRadar will automatically populate your swing speed into the app. It was already convenient to enter your swing speed over voice, but this makes it even more convenient.
It was really easy to setup, you don’t even need to pair the device, when you have the stack app open on your phone it automatically connects. Then when you take a shot, it automatically registers the shot. Pretty convenient!
I have only had it for about a week now, but so far it is super easy to use and seems to be very accurate. I’ll do a full review once I have a chance to use it for several weeks.
Tips to Help you get the most out of The Stack System
FAQs
My Recommendation
If you are serious about your speed gains and you are willing to put the time in to complete the training program, you’ll absolutely see the benefits from The Stack.
Don’t go cheap on the radar, you can get the PRGR device bundled when you purchase through their website.
If you are not sure you want to spend this much, or if you aren’t sure you’ll stick with it – get some SuperSpeed sticks or a rypstick and trade them in later if you decide you’d like an upgrade.
Good luck on your journey! If you have any questions, please feel free to shoot me an email, reach out on Twitter, or post your comment below. I’m also active in the MyGolfSpy forum stack system thread.
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