Do you want to increase ball speed and clubhead speed to hit it longer than ever?
If so, it’s time to learn about a precision speed training system known as “The Stack.” While you might have heard of speed sticks and other golf training aids to increase your swing speed, this is next level.
Using different weights and the Stack App, it’s unlike other training programs or weight training when it comes to adding speed in your golf swing. Not to mention, it’s trusted by some of the best golfers in the world including Matthew Fitzpatrick, the 2022 US Open Champion.
As I watched Matthew that week I actually thought to myself, “Did his swing get faster?” As a smaller player on the PGA Tour, he’s never been a bomber off the tee. But that week, something was different as he was right there with some of the longest hitters on the PGA Tour.
Clearly, he had been putting in the work to hit it longer and have more confidence than ever. On Sunday he hit it long and straight thanks to the Stack training programs. The good news is, these Tour secrets aren’t secrets anymore… you can learn them too.
Keep reading to learn more about this speed training system and finally reach your distance potential.
Stack System Review
First off, what is the point of the Stack System?
One word – speed. Because the more club head speed in your swing, the more distance you can add to your game.
As I’m sure you know, the world of golf is obsessed with distance like never before. In fact, according to the annual USGA distance report, golfers are hitting it further than ever, largely due to more forgiving drivers.
Here’s what the USGA said, “The average driving distance of a sample of amateur male golfers in the UK was measured to be 216 yards in 2019. This represents an increase of 16 yards over 24 years. Driver usage has increased amongst these players over this timeframe, particularly for the highest handicap golfers.”
That’s right, the average golfer hits it 16 yards longer than they did 24 years ago.
While new, forgiving drivers play a part in more distance, it’s not the whole story. The other big change that has taken the golf world by storm recently is speed training.
Speed training isn’t about simply swinging harder or adding on tons of muscle like Bryson DeChambeau did in the pandemic. While golf workouts can help, more muscle doesn’t guarantee more speed. Instead, it’s about using proven techniques to increase swing speed over time.
You no longer need to guess and hope your practice routines will help you hit it longer. Instead, you can use a proven style of training like the one in the Stack System.
What is the Stack System?
The Stack System is a complete speed training process to biohack your way to more distance than you ever thought possible. This system was created by Dr. Sasho Mackenzie, golf’s leading biomechanist who specializes in golf and works with top players and coaches.
According to their website, “Sasho is an Engineering Consultant for PING and a Biomechanics Advisor and Software Developer for Footjoy. He has published over 20 golf related research articles in scientific peer-reviewed journals and has been invited to speak to golf instructors for the PGA of Australia, Great Britain & Ireland, Spain, and the French Golf Federation.”
He used his unique background to create a proven system to make speed training available to the masses. These speed training systems were developed for Tour Pros but are now available for the everyday golfer.
The co-creator is Marty Jertson, who is a PGA of America member, and an engineer at PING golf. According to their website, he’s quite a player too as “He’s played in 6 Major Championships, most recently the 2020 US Open at Winged Foot. Marty made the cut in the 2019 PGA Championship at Bethpage Black and was a member of the 2011 and 2019 victorious PGA Cup Teams.”
How the Stack Works
If you’ve heard of speed training before, you’ve likely heard of SuperSpeed Golf. They put speed training on the map the past few years using different weighted clubs over a regimented routine.
The Stack has a similar setup where you swing a weighted club over a specific amount of time to help you increase swing speed. But the Stack is different as they have something unique as each set comes with interchangeable weights. The Stack hardware comes with five milled weights that allow you to have 30 weight combinations from 0 to 300 grams.
The one downside of the Stack is that you need a few things aside from the set to make it work properly.
The first item you need is a non-contact swing speed radar system.
Some launch monitors work for this but not all as some require you to hit a ball to deliver results. Some of the best options include:
- Garmin G80
- Flightscope Mevo+
- Voice Caddie Swing Caddie SC200 Plus (read our full review here)
- PRGR (the device that SuperSpeed golf also recommends to start tracking your swing speed over time)
The second thing you need is an iOS device – sorry Android users, this device is only supported with Apple devices at this time. Once you have the radar and the Stack System, and app downloaded, then it’s time to work. Start by filling out the questionnaire so it can provide the right specifications for your training program.
Once complete, the app will recognize the Stack System so you can start training. As mentioned above, this is only one club with five adjustable weights. Depending on how you configure the weights, there are 30 options available ranging from 0 to 300 grams.
Then, you will go through a series of swing speed tests on the app to establish a baseline and create a force velocity profile. This data will then create custom programming options and the app will provide specific programs to increase speed over the next 6-10 weeks. This will take about 18-24 training sessions in that time.
Go here for a full discussion on how to measure club head speed.
Getting Started with the Stack
Once you have your training program, it’s time to get to work. During each session, the app will provide specific instructions on what weights to use and how many swings to take. It will then display how much rest you need so you have optimal recovery too.
The app keeps track of your top speeds with all weight configurations so you don’t have to log anything manually. It will let you know when you hit a new personal best too and help you celebrate your new speed gains.
Additionally, the app will provide “e-speed” which is an educated guess on your driver speed and distance potential. It will also help you make sure you’re taking plenty of recovery time to get the most out of each session.
After each session, the app will update the home screen and provide you instructions on when you should train next. They emphasize recovery a lot in this system so you won’t likely train on back to back days.
Remember, speed training is safe but does require energy and effort! If you aren’t feeling 100% on a day you should train, wait another day until you’re healthy and ready to go.
Once your training is complete, it will give you a few weeks off and recommend another program to keep elevating your swing speed.
Pre-Round Priming Session
While this training program takes place off the course (you can do it at range but you won’t be hitting balls with it) they do have a “priming session” too. This is a short program that is to be used before competitive events to get your muscles ready to go.
The speed priming session won’t interfere with your program and get you ready for the event.
Stack App Metrics
The app has four key metrics to better understand your swing.
First, it is “Stack Speed” which is the radar measurement when configured to represent the inertia of your driver. Next, is “eSpeed” which stands for “equivalent driver speed” and provides an educated guess on how you will swing with the driver.
The third metric is distance potential when using the standard stack setting. Finally, it has a “grit score” which quantifies your tenacity to pursue your long term golf goals. When you follow the program based on the protocols to get a 100% grit score and find results in your driving game.
The Stack Training Programs
The Stack isn’t a one-size fits all speed training program.
Instead, it’s customized to your swing and results. After going through the speed tests, it creates baseline data to create customized programs.
The most popular program is the Foundation program. This consists of 18 sessions and takes about six weeks to complete.
Once you’re done with the original program, there are still tons of ways to train your muscles for more speed. Each program below has their own goal and the training regiment to take your swing to the next level.
These other programs include:
- Full speed spectrum
- Heavy hitter
- Neural drive
- Neural overdrive
- Trail arm enhancer single arm program
- Lead arm enhancer single arm program
Plus, other creative programs too.
The Stack System vs. SuperSpeed Golf
While there are other speed training systems available, I think the most popular are SuperSpeed Golf and the Stack System. They’re both wildly effective and can help players of all skill levels add speed for more distance. But they’re quite different and one might be suited more for your game than another so let’s review.
First, there are some similarities between the two speed training systems. Both use weighted clubs to help improve muscle speed in order to increase clubhead speed.
But the Stack only uses one club with five weights to change the weights over time. While SuperSpeed has three sticks (light, medium and heavy) without the ability to change the weights.
Second, the Stack System relies heavily on the iOS app to go through the training, track results, and use with each session. While SuperSpeed golf does not have an app and only provides online videos to go through the training process.
Next, the Stack requires you to use a non-hitting radar device to track your swing speed over time. With SuperSpeed golf, you simply swing following the protocols provided. While you can measure your speed with a radar, it’s not required.
Both speed training systems can be used outside, inside, and neither allow you to hit golf balls with like other training aids. Both systems also take the same amount of time to see results (6-10 weeks) and have protocols to help you hit your speed goals.
SuperSpeed Golf vs. The Stack – Which is better?
Personally, I think SuperSpeed golf is easier for the average person to get started with. You don’t need to buy a launch monitor or radar, it’s a lower investment, and you don’t have to use an app to see results. It’s a great way to get into speed training and understand how over speed training works.
For more advanced golfers and those who might have already used SuperSpeed sticks, the Stack is a better system. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a higher investment and you need to buy a radar, but it’s worth it.
The Stack app is an absolute game changer and will guide you through each training session. It makes it easy to track everything in one place, monitor your progress over time, celebrate wins, and follow the protocols. Not to mention, it has a priming session before competitive rounds and more than one training program available.
Lastly, the SuperSpeed golf is the cheaper option of the two (about half the price). Considering you have to buy the Stack plus a radar, it’s a steeper investment but 100% worth it for a committed golfer.
Want more information about the SuperSpeed golf system? Click here to read our full review now.
Trade-In Program
This is something I’ve never seen with any training aid before – a trade-in system. But it’s not trading in an old version of the Stack since it’s a brand-new product. Instead, it’s trading in one of their competitors products!
After you place an order for the Stack, you can get them to email you a prepaid shipping label (yes, they pay for shipping too) to ship back one of their competitors products. Eligible products include:
- Rypstick
- Golf Slingshot
- SuperSpeed golf sticks (three sticks are required)
Unfortunately, not all similar devices are allowed including the Orange Whip, Lag Shot, Mach 3, or other tempo trainers. Once they receive the shipment, they will refund you $100 to your original payment method.
Clearly, they believe in their product and have to say, this is a great idea. Please note, this is for US customers only.
FAQs About Stack System
Do you have more questions about this speed training system? If so, make sure to read our frequently asked questions and answers to see if it’s right for your game.
Does the stack system work?
Yes, it’s a proven speed training system that has worked for tons of tour players and amateurs alike. It trains your muscles over time to get comfortable swinging faster. Plus, you can track your results over time inside the iOS app to monitor progress and adjust as needed.
Not to mention, you can’t plateau with this device as there are tons of training programs available.
Can you hit golf balls with this system?
No, this is a non-impact training program. You can’t hit golf balls with this system but can train from anywhere.
Does this only work for Apple devices?
One of the few downsides to this speed training system is that it’s only available with iOS devices. You can use the device on your iPhone or iPad if you prefer a larger screen. Sorry Android users, they don’t list anything about adding it outside the App Store at this time.
How much does the stack system cost?
The Stack costs about $350 and is currently only available through their website to buy directly.
But don’t forget, to track your progress and measure your gains, you also need a swing speed radar which costs extra. Depending on the one you choose to buy, this can cost anywhere from $100 to $200+, on top of the Stack system. The Stack app is free but only available on the IOS app.
Do pros use this system?
Yes, the Stack System has worked for PGA, LPGA, Korn Ferry, and European Tour players. One of the most notable players to have used this system and benefited greatly is Matthew Fitzpatrick.
Following his incredible win at the 2022 US Open, he said that speed training with this system made a huge impact on his game. Clearly, it worked and continues to work for both professionals and amateurs alike.
What is Stack training?
One of the best training programs to help you increase clubhead speed and play better golf. Developed by golf’s leading biomechanist Dr. Sasho MacKenzie and Marty Jertson, a PING golf engineer, this system has worked for some of the best golfers in the world.
The goal is simple – increase swing speed to hit it longer and shoot lower scores. Go through the foundation training and watch your swing speed increase like never before.
Do they have junior or senior versions?
Currently, there are only two versions of the Stack System – an adult version and junior version. They don’t need a senior version like SuperSpeed swing sticks because they have interchangeable weights. You can add weight as necessary with the 30 combinations and go from 0 to 300g.
Senior players can use the adult version, go through the foundation program, and then adjust the weights as needed.
What happens if I lose a weight?
If you lose one of your swing weights, simply reach out to them via their website to order a new replacement.
What is their refund policy?
Not only do they have a trade-in policy (which is unlike anything I’ve ever seen as a golf writer), they do have a generous refund policy too. If you aren’t happy, email them within 45 days of delivery to learn more about returning your item. Refunds take 2-10 business days after they have received the item.
Final Thoughts on Stack Speed Training System
One of the best things you can do for your golf game is learning how to increase speed. The best way to do that is to use a proven system like the Stack.
As mentioned above, I think the Stack is a great system but is a lot more advanced than Super Speed Golf. It’s definitely geared towards golf junkies who love numbers and are committed to their game. If that sounds like you and you’re ready to hit it farther than ever, this system can help.
Just remember, adding speed to your swing doesn’t happen overnight. Most of the programs in the Stack take 6-10 weeks to see results with regular sessions every few days. But you don’t have to go to the golf course so there’s no excuse to not train. You can them inside, in your backyard, outside, or anywhere that’s convenient.
Once you start to hit golf balls, I bet you’ll be amazed with the results.