The Stack System Review (2026): 3 Years Later — Did the Gains Actually Stick?

Last updated: September 1, 2026

Quick verdict: After 3 years with The Stack System — including a couple of years where I barely trained — my swing speed still tops out around 119 mph. The gains stuck. If you’ll commit to 3 sessions a week for 6 weeks and you already have (or will buy) a radar, this is the best speed trainer you can put in a bag. If you want a $150 stick and a PDF, buy something else.

My verdict: 4.8 out of 5.

All-in cost, 2026: Club only $299. Club + Stack Radar bundle $499. Year 1 app included, then $99/year Speed or $129/year Premium. Save 10% with code BIGTEESGOLF.

3 Years Later: Did the Gains Actually Stick?

This is the question every speed-trainer review skips, because most of them are 7 to 12 weeks in.

Short answer: yes.

I first ran a Stack program in the fall of 2023. Baseline sat around 108 mph. After about 5 weeks I hit 116 mph on the sim with a personal-best 318-yard carry. Then life happened — work, other priorities, worries about being sore mid-season, and some on-and-off back stuff that kept me from training hard. I was still golfing plenty. I just basically stopped Stack training for a couple of years.

Here’s the part I care about: when I got back to swinging normally, the speed was still there.

My current numbers:

In my experience, and from what I’ve heard from other long-term Stack users, the speed you build through overspeed training behaves more like a nervous-system learning event than a muscle you have to keep pumped up. Once your brain figures out it’s allowed to move that fast, it doesn’t forget.

I’m getting back into a full program this fall and I’ll be training through the winter. I’ll update this post with those numbers when I have them.

What is the Stack System

The Stack System is a short, hybrid-length training club with five milled weights that thread on the end (30 different combos, 0 to 300 g), plus an app that runs the whole show. You pair it with a radar — either their Stack Radar or a compatible launch monitor you already own. The app takes a baseline, figures out how you personally produce speed, and hands you a custom program: which weights, how many reps, how hard to swing, session by session.

It was built by Dr. Sasho MacKenzie (biomechanist, PING consultant) and Marty Jertson (PING engineer). Matt Fitzpatrick used it before winning the 2022 U.S. Open. Yuka Saso, Michael Kim, and top instructors like Mark Blackburn and Chris Como are on the roster too.

Stack has now analyzed 50 million+ swings across 75,000+ users. If you want the science-and-celebrities angle, every other review has that covered. Below is what actually matters if you’re deciding whether to spend the money.

The Stack System is Not For Everyone

Don’t get me wrong — I love the Stack. But if you are not willing to:

• Stick to the workouts (3 sessions a week, ~30 minutes each, warm-up included)
• Commit to a long-ish approach (a program is roughly 6 weeks)
• Do the warm-ups (they’re not optional — this is where you avoid injury)
• Understand you’ll have off days

…this probably isn’t for you.

On the other hand, if you go into it with commitment and dedication, you’ll absolutely see the results. There is no question it takes work. The workouts aren’t hard by any means — they’re just consistent. 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 — my own experience is proof.

Does The Stack System Work for Older Golfers?

Yes. Stack has published age-band data showing golfers 60+ still gain meaningful speed from a first program — usually around 5 mph. Younger golfers gain more (20-somethings average closer to 8 mph). Nobody I’ve seen honestly reports zero gain if they actually complete the program.

The bigger factor for older players isn’t age, it’s physical readiness. The warm-up in the app is non-negotiable — a mobility routine that gets your rotation and lower body ready to swing at max intensity. Skip it and you’ll tweak something. Don’t skip it.

If you’re recovering from an injury, talk to a physical therapist before you start.

My Personal Experience & Results

I’ve always been a sucker for hitting the long ball. I used to swing harder than I probably should have — driver wear pattern covering the entire face harder. In my quest to improve accuracy, I slowed things down and lost distance. That was fine for a while, until it wasn’t.

I typically play the same 9-hole course about four days a week — men’s league, couples league, scrambles, weekend rounds with my son. There’s one par 5 on the course, and after a few weeks with The Stack, I could reach it in two if I hit the fairway (still a big “if”). That’s a real, on-course difference that hasn’t gone away.

The feel change matters as much as the numbers. I don’t feel like I’m swinging harder for the extra distance. If anything, my swing feels easier and more controlled, with more speed baked in. That’s the point. I’m not sacrificing accuracy for the gains — my dispersion actually tightened up over the same period.

The Stack System Discount Code

The kind folks at The Stack System have provided our readers with an exclusive 10% off discount.

Code: BIGTEESGOLF

2026 Pricing — What This Actually Costs

Full-cost transparency, because most reviews leave this vague and it’s usually the deciding factor.

Do you need the Stack Radar? No — but you need some radar that can read clubhead speed. If you already own a Mevo Plus, FlightScope Mevo Gen 2, Rapsodo MLM2PRO, or a similar launch monitor, use that. If you don’t own a radar, the bundle at $499 is cheaper than buying anything separately. The Stack Radar is basic — a speed-and-carry tool, not a full launch monitor — but it does what the app needs it to do.

True cost of ownership over 3 years: Bundle plus 2 years of Speed membership after year 1 = $499 + $99 + $99 = $697. That’s about $232/year, or roughly $19/month. Less than most gym memberships, and a lot less than the “20 more yards” a new $600 driver promises but rarely delivers.

What’s Changed Since My Original Review

The hardware is the same. The app has become something considerably bigger — a full game-improvement platform, not just a speed trainer. If you looked at this a couple of years ago and passed, some of these might change your mind:

• Stack Radar (launched March 2024) — Bluetooth radar that auto-populates swing speed into the app, and doubles as a wedge-distance tool.
• Stack Wedging — gamified wedge practice from 140 yards and in, using the radar for real carry distances.
• Stack Putting — data-driven putting practice with three modes. Some reviewers rank this above the speed training for pure fun.
• Stack Stats — records rounds and calculates strokes gained across your whole game. This is the Premium tier ($129/year).
• Practice Tracker — logs every practice shot so you can spot trends over time.
• Learning Library — 60+ instructional videos curated by Dr. MacKenzie.
• Android support — added after the original launch. If Android was your reason to pass before, that’s fixed.

Algorithms now train on data from 75,000+ golfers and 50 million+ swings, so the personalization keeps improving as more users join. This isn’t a product that got built and abandoned — they’re clearly investing in making it better, which gives me confidence the subscription is worth it long-term.

For Faster Swingers — Does It Work at 110+ mph?

Most Stack reviews start with baselines around 87 to 95 mph. Mine was 108. If you’re already in that range, you might be wondering whether an overspeed system built around “your body doesn’t know it can move faster” actually applies to you.

In my experience: yes. Diminishing returns are real — I didn’t gain 15 or 20 mph, and I never would have — but going from 108 to 116 in a first program was significant, and I picked up another few mph over the years even with almost no training. The math on distance also gets more valuable as you get faster. At my speeds, 4 mph of clubhead speed is worth roughly 10 yards of carry. That’s a real club shorter into a par 4.

If you’re already swinging 110+ and looking for the last 3 to 7 mph, this is one of the few tools I’ve seen actually deliver.

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 that keeps them 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 app is really what you’re paying for. Hardware without the app is a fancy weighted stick.

• Speed Training: the core. Baseline session, then a personalized program that adjusts weights, reps, and target intensity as you improve. Sessions run about 30 minutes with the mandatory warm-up. The app auto-records everything.
• Wedging: structured wedge combines with real carry distances. Nice change of pace from range balls with no target.
• Putting: data-driven putting practice. Some reviewers rank this above the speed training for pure fun.
• Stack Stats (Premium only): log rounds, get strokes-gained across every part of your game. If you want a data view of where you’re actually losing shots, this is worth the extra $30/year.
• Learning Library: MacKenzie’s video content — Concepts, Feels, and Drills. Free once you’re a member.
• Grit Score: tracks how consistently you’re actually doing the sessions. It’s a nag, but it works.

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, and hands-free speed entry means you never have to touch your phone mid-session.

The app is now available for both iOS and Android.

Metrics That Matter

• eSpeed (Equivalent Driver Speed): approximates your driver clubhead speed based on the length difference between TheStack and your driver’s length, so the numbers translate.
• Distance Potential: converts eSpeed into an estimated driving distance under specific conditions (temperature, elevation, fairway firmness).
• Grit Score: quantifies your commitment by tracking adherence to prescribed reps, sets, and rest.

Training Programs

Whether you’re 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’s a diverse range of training programs.

I completed the Foundation program, which is ideal for those starting out. It gets your body primed for one of their more difficult programs, including one from Martin Borgmeier (2022 World Long Drive Champion).

The coolest part is the dynamic adjustment. The app takes data through your session and applies it to adjust swing weights, number of reps, and types of reps — minimizing injury risk and maximizing outcomes.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Very high quality hardware
• Workouts dynamically adjust based on your performance
• Access to multiple training programs (Foundation, Cruiser, Return to Form, and more)
• Trade-in program ($50 credit for old SuperSpeed sticks or Rypstick)
• Works for any age, teen to senior
• Continuous improvement — Wedging, Putting, Stats, Practice Tracker, Learning Library all added since launch
• The speed gains stick — 3 years later, mine still have

Cons

• You’ll need a radar that reads clubhead speed (or the Stack Radar bundle)
• Higher-end price — $299 club-only, $499 bundle
• Requires a subscription after year 1 ($99–$129/year)

Stack System vs. Superspeed vs. Rypstick

Quick head-to-head. Full breakdown is in my Stack vs SuperSpeed comparison and Rypstick review.

*Prices verified August 2026. May vary based on current promotions or manufacturer changes. Stack pricing shown is the club-only option — add $200 for the Stack Radar bundle if you don’t own a compatible launch monitor.

Rypstick’s biggest selling point over Stack is that it’s driver-length. Fair criticism. Stack’s biggest selling point over both is that the app adjusts to you rather than running a canned protocol. If you’re going to commit and you like data, Stack wins. If you want to try speed training for the cheapest possible entry, SuperSpeed. If you want driver-length without a subscription, Rypstick.

Full head-to-head at my speed trainers hub.

Tips to Help You Get the Most Out of The Stack System

• Off-season is the best time for a full program. In-season training is a fast way to end up sore during rounds and hurt your golf. There’s a specific program called Cruiser designed to maintain gains during the season without the fatigue.
• Return to Form is your friend. Take a week or two off? The app detects it and offers a Return to Form session before dropping you back into the main program. Take it. I’ve skipped it and regretted it.
• Speed Priming before a round. A 5-to-10-minute priming session before you tee off will absolutely add mph on the first tee. Some of the longest drives I’ve hit on the course have come right after a priming session.
• Sharing the Stack System. Multiple people can download the app and activate the same serial number — each golfer gets their own profile and it doesn’t interfere with individual training. A single serial can be activated up to 20 times.
• Distance numbers are estimates. They factor in specific course and atmospheric conditions. Some golfers find them slightly generous, others (me included) find them a touch low. Don’t read into them too much — focus on your trends over time.
• Trust the trend, not the day. Some days you’ll be up 5 mph. Some days you’ll be down. The line goes up over 6 weeks. Stay focused on the long-term.
• Do the warm-up. Every time. It’s the reason you don’t hurt yourself swinging max effort at a weighted stick.

The Stack Radar

On March 7, 2024 the Stack Radar was released. It’s a small Bluetooth radar that captures swing speed and ball speed, then estimates carry distance and smash factor. It works with or without the Stack System app, so you can use it whether you’re training with your Stack or on the range hitting balls.

The biggest benefit: when you’re training with the Stack System, the Stack Radar auto-populates your swing speed into the app. It was already easy to enter speed by voice, but the radar makes it effortless — open the app, take a swing, the shot registers automatically. No pairing steps.

What it isn’t: a full launch monitor. No spin, no launch angle, no shot shape. If you already have a Mevo Plus, FlightScope Mevo Gen 2, or Rapsodo MLM2PRO, those integrate directly with the Stack app too and give you more data.

FAQs

How does the Stack System work?
The Stack System is a swing speed training program that combines CNC-milled weights, a custom-engineered shaft, and an award-winning app that dynamically adjusts training based on individual performance. Through AI-powered algorithms, workout programs are optimized for each golfer’s unique journey.

Does the Stack System actually work?
Yes, if you commit to the program. I gained 8 mph off my baseline in about 5 weeks. Stack has published data on 75,000+ users showing measurable gains across every age group and skill level.

How much swing speed can you realistically gain?
Program-average gains run around 4–8 mph in a first Foundation program, with 20-somethings averaging closer to 8 mph and 60+ golfers around 5 mph. Individual results vary a lot depending on starting fitness, commitment, and mobility.

Does the speed stay if you stop training?
In my experience, mostly yes. I effectively didn’t train for a couple of years and my peak was actually slightly higher when I came back. Overspeed training is more of a nervous-system adaptation than pure muscle — once your brain accepts you can swing faster, it doesn’t forget.

Do you need the Stack Radar or can you use a launch monitor you already own?
You need a radar that can measure clubhead speed. The Stack Radar is one option. Mevo Plus, FlightScope Mevo Gen 2, and Rapsodo MLM2PRO all integrate directly with the Stack app. If you don’t own one, the Stack Radar bundle is cheapest.

Is the app subscription required?
Year 1 is included with hardware. After that it’s $99/year for the Speed membership or $129/year for Premium (which adds Stack Stats). You can cancel and still keep the hardware — but you won’t get the dynamic programming that makes The Stack worth paying for in the first place.

Stack vs SuperSpeed vs Rypstick — which should I buy?
SuperSpeed if you’re testing the water on the cheap. Rypstick if you want a driver-length club with no subscription. The Stack if you want the most advanced, adaptive system and you’re going to commit.

Will it mess up my swing accuracy?
No — mine improved. Some other reviewers report accuracy dips at max-effort speed, which makes sense: you’re literally training yourself to swing harder. Real-round accuracy usually recovers within a few rounds because you’re not swinging at Stack intensity during actual play.

Does the Stack System work on Android?
Yes, it’s available for both iOS and Android.

Can more than one person use the same Stack System?
Yes. Multiple golfers can download the app and activate the same serial number — each gets their own profile. A single serial can be activated up to 20 times.

How long does the Stack System take to complete?
Most programs run about 6 weeks. There are multiple programs available so you can continue your journey indefinitely.

Does it work for older golfers?
Yes. Stack’s own data shows golfers 60+ still average around 5 mph of gain from a first program. The app scales weight and intensity down for any starting level — just do the warm-up and clear it with your doctor if you have any joint or back history.

Does it work for faster swingers (110+ mph)?
Yes, with diminishing returns. I baselined at 108 and peaked at 116 in a first program. Now years later I’m topping out at 119. Fewer mph on the scoreboard, but at those speeds each mph is worth more carry, so the distance dollars-per-mph is arguably better.

What’s the discount code?
BIGTEESGOLF at checkout for 10% off.

Can I hit golf balls or an impact bag with the Stack System?
No. Do not hit balls with The Stack or into an impact bag. You’ll damage the hardware and possibly hurt yourself.

My Recommendation

If you’re serious about gaining distance and you’ll put in the reps: bundle it with the Stack Radar at $499, save 10% with code BIGTEESGOLF, and give it a real 6 weeks. My results are proof that the gains stick — even if life gets in the way.

If you’re not sure you’ll commit, start with SuperSpeed or a Rypstick and trade them in later for $50 off a Stack if you decide to upgrade.

Either way — the “swing easy” naysayers are wrong. There is a balance, and this is one of the cleanest ways I’ve found to get on the right side of it.

Good luck on your journey. If you have any questions, feel free to shoot me an email, reach out on Twitter, or post a comment below. I’m also active in the MyGolfSpy forum Stack System thread.