... a couple of advantages over the Smartswing, which I have.
1) iClub can be used on different clubs. Smartswing is installed semi-permanently in the grip of one club.
2) It purports to show face angle, which Smartswing does not (yet). However, I'm not sure how accurate the number will be since you move the device from club to club. Smartswing spends a lot of time during installation getting the device aligned to your clubface within a degree or so. It's not clear to me how you'd accomplish this moving an iClub from club to club.
3)Smaller data files for each swing. iClub says they're "smaller than an email." To me, this would mean 5kb. Smartswing files are much larger for some reason.
Disadvantages:
1) iClub looks a bit clunky, sticking 2-3 inches out from the butt of your club. Might get in the way.
2) Less Accuracy - I think this is the other side of the coin of making a device movable from club to club. It can't be as accurate as a device semi-permanently, and precision aligned during installation in the shaft of one club. The fact the iClub is also offering iClub-e (installed in the shaft of one club) would seem to support this hypothesis.
I don't think iClub is quite ready for primetime. Calling their phone number, you get a company with a different name answering, and I was forwarded to someone's voicemail box that was full. My read is they're probably a few months away from good commercial availability. I didn't buy a Smartswing until they had about 1000 units in the field --- so they could hopefully work out some of the kinks. iClub looks promising though. Perhaps the competition will help bring down the prices of both iClub and Smartswing.
Thanks for the input BBFTX, much appreciated . I am meeting with their area sales rep next week. Iclubs are not inexpensive. They, however, claim it will replace the video camera as a teaching tool . If I buy one, I will keep you posted.
Drewitgolf,
I have had an iclub for about 2 weeks. I also have one of thier Bimotion Shoulder and Hip motion sensor vests. It is really neat what numbers these products provide. However, I do not think video will become obsolete. They are working on changes and improvements every day. The company is very open to continued improvement of the products.
"Why guess when we can measure"
Drewitgolf,
I have had an iclub for about 2 weeks. I also have one of thier Bimotion Shoulder and Hip motion sensor vests. It is really neat what numbers these products provide. However, I do not think video will become obsolete. They are working on changes and improvements every day. The company is very open to continued improvement of the products.
"Why guess when we can measure"
Thanks Clublag. I agree with your assessment of video. While I wouldn't be lost without it, it sure does help both instructor and student.
As the technology inproves, can it be incorporated into your current ICLUB model or will it have to be replaced with a new model?
The company developing the iclub and Bi-Motion Vest is Fortescue. They are M.I.T. Graduates. They are working with a M.I.T. Professor in developing these products.
From the best I can tell they will update software to reflect what the sensors can measure. As of right now the vest and the club do not work at the same time. A definite limitation. But they are working on developing them to be used together. I am working with a few Biomechanics experts to help me better interpret the data. The Bi-Motion vest is unreal. The computer model looks just like the person on video. (ie. axis tilt changes and spine angle changes.) I am learning more on the Biomechanical Chain of Events with the pivot. This equipment is affordable and will be very useful. Give me a couple of months and I think I can hopefully give some interesting data.
I leaning toward purchasing just the club at his time and not the vest (considerable investment as the end of the golf season in New England appears on the horizon). Would the purchase of just the club provide enough information for my students?
I am meeting with the company rep on Monday to take a look at it. Any questions you want me to ask him?
Drew,
I'd like to hear his thoughts on the advantages and disadvantages of his iClub device vs. Smartswing.
Also, please ask what needs to be done to set up the iClub to use on different clubs in a set, and what needs to be done to move it to a different set of irons. In other words, what measurements need to be made on each club and then entered into the software.
Finally, ask him how accurate placement is when you move it from club to club, and therefore, how accurate are the readouts for any given swing.
. I am meeting with their area sales rep next week. Iclubs are not inexpensive. They, however, claim it will replace the video camera as a teaching tool 
. If I buy one, I will keep you posted.
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