Anyone use one of these? I’ve seen them around but never really understood what they are designed for.
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I’ve not used one, but I think you use them the same way as you would a cardboard box - for swing path / face drills. You can see an example in Jon’s article here under the cardboard box heading.
I’ve used a cardboard box to practice my swing path. The box gives you feedback in how it spins and the direction it moves when you hit it. And they can take a beating and are free/cheap.
I haven’t priced an impact bag but, if I were to buy one, I’d get an idea of the material inside and the weight. Odds are you can build an impact bag // sandbag for much cheaper.
For example, I built a sandbag for exercise/training using an army duffle bag from Amazon and two bags (40# total) of rubber mulch. I don’t remember the cost, but I’m positive it was under $40-$50.
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I used an impact bag in a lesson years ago and it was the only time I have used or seen one haha!
The drill was working on keeping your hands in front of the ball with forward shaft lean. Obviously not a full swing but I would wind up the back swing and come down to the bag with your hands passing the bag before hitting it. It is not a drill I use and yes you could use just about anything instead of spending the money on one. I think it is supposed to prevent flipping your hands at impact.
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Bradley Hughes has a series of drills. Also he recommends making your own with a duffle bag and carpet samples. I have a cheap one off amazon and the downside is that the material is super loud (plastic - y finish on it).
I think it’s very useful. Similar to orange whip in the sense that if your space is limited and you want to work on movement for 10 mins a day it is a great tool to rotate in.
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Just saw a suggestion to use a sleeping bag instead of an impact bag, which might be a lot cheaper and even more forgiving on your clubs. Also, you can get it cheap (might have it lying around) and it won’t matter when you tear it up and have to toss it out.
Of course, if a sleeping bag works, then rolling up a blanket or using a pill should work fine too. Or even a soft laundry basket/hamper.
There’s dozens, if not more, of impact bag drills. Nice tool to get some at home ‘swings’. I bought a Dr. Gary Wiren’s impact bag when they were around $20. Still in good shape 10 years later. Takes a few 100 hits a year. Filled with old towels & clothing, weighs in at 6#. If you want to substitute, that fine. But with all the money we spend on golf accoutrements, a proper bag seems in order. 