Eyeline Golf – Speedtrap 2.0 Review

Today I’m giving you my take on the Speedtrap 2.0 from Eyeline golf.

You might have seen this contraption on your Instagram feed and were drawn in by these crazy red pylons. It gets a lot of looks and questions at the range. I’ve found a lot of value in this thing and will share my thoughts in this post. I’ve got about 500 swings on it now, so let’s take a look at it. This item is GREAT for beginners, high-handicappers, and mid-handicappers alike. I also know some single-digit handicappers that get value from it as well. 

I’ll categorize this review into segments – contents, design, and durability; functionality; value; and an overall summary.

Contents, Design, and Durability

All the contents came in this cinch bag which makes it easy to take with you on-the-go. There are two compartments – one for the base plate and one for the pylons. The one for the pylon zips shut. It also came with a full-color set of instructions that were easy to use and follow.  

The first thing I noticed out of the bag was the poly-carbonate base. It looks like plexiglass and is extremely flexible. Eyeline calls it ‘unbreakable’ and I can see that. Trust me, I’ve tried and it doesn’t break when you flex it which is awesome. As you can also see from mine, it’s taken quite a beating. I’ve hit some shots that I swore were going to break it, but it didn’t. Nothing hurt but my pride! It’s easy to set up and takedown. The tethers are a little tough to get onto the pylons at first, but if you work them around a little bit, they fit snugly and securely. They’re very easy to affix to the baseplate via velcro. 

One of the other things I like about it is that the markings are all on the bottom side. That’s smart – no matter how much you beat this thing up, you can still clearly see the markings and alignment.

I never used the 1.0 version, but a notable difference between the two versions is the inclusion of the tethers for the pylons. I can only imagine how far these things would’ve flown had they not been tethered, given some of the shots I’ve hit them with. I’ll talk more about the pylons in the functionality, and as far as durability goes, they’ve taken a beating from me and still maintain a bright red color. The velcro is solid and they stay attached well enough until they’re hit.

Contents, Design, Durability Pros

• Assembly couldn’t be easier
• Base plate and pylons can take a beating
• Cinch bag is nice to keep everything together
• Pylons are tethered – no chasing them down the range

Contents, Design, Durability Cons

• Sometimes the velcro sticks to the inside of the cinch bag when you’re trying to remove the baseplate
• Tethers are a little tough to affix to the pylons — I found the best method to be: squeeze/compress the pylons and then put them into the tethers, from the velcro side.

Functionality
The instructions cover how to use this device, thoroughly. If you’re a beginner, FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS or you are in for a very frustrating day at the range. Even if you’re an experienced golfer, I recommend following the instructions. In short – the pylons don’t come on until you’ve taken a good number of less-than-full-speed of swings on the baseplate and are familiar with your new view of the ball and swing path. Speaking of view of the ball, there are 3 different colored lines that denote where to place the ball for a full swing, pitching, and chipping. I’ve mainly used the Speedtrap for full swing practice, but have chipped and pitched on it a few times. 

The alignment markings are very easy to follow – all you do is point the yellow arrow to your target and pin it down. The base-plate is pinned to the ground with tees which helps it stay in place, especially if you get a big piece of it during a swing. There are 4 pre-drilled holes, one at each corner, exactly for this purpose.

When you’re ready to put the pylons on, all you have to do is slide the end into the groove until you feel it click. Then, stick the pylons to the base using the velcro. If you’re a beginner golfer, start with only the two front pylons and turn them outwards, until you get used to seeing them. Then, add the back two, turned outwards as well. Only after you’ve progressed to full swings do I recommend turning the pylons toward you for the real challenge. Once you do that, it’s game on! Start with them VERY WIDE on the velcro and as your confidence increases and you groove a better swing path, move them closer to the center.

The pylons are held on with velcro so they stay in place very well, but also release easy enough when they’re hit. There is an audible noise they make when they’re hit partially and when they’re hit well enough to separate from the velcro. 

Here is where this thing earns it’s worth. Once all 4 pylons are stuck to the base plate and turned towards you, I again recommend following the instructions and starting with no ball, then moving to a tee, then finally adding the ball. Start slow. If you start at 100% power, you’ll knock the pylons off, time and time again, and you will become frustrated.

 
Nothing is gained from that style of practice. Take it slow and smooth. I’ve found that this thing is good at training your swing and also training patience. It’s not easy to bang balls down the range rapidly with this thing. It forces you to be patient and set up each shot – which is how you should practice anyways! (Practice like you play!)

It works with every club in the bag. You may have to make the pylons wider for driver and fairway metals. I’ve seen the best results with my mid to long irons. I haven’t utilized it for it’s shot-shaping capabilities yet — I’m still working on a nice straight shot. But if it works like it’s straight-shot capabilities, I’m sure it’ll work just fine.

Functionality Pros

• Provides immediate feedback for mis-hits
• Multiple setup options to hit full shots, pitches, chips and draws, fades, and straight shots
• Rapidly improves swing path
• Well-struck balls have an awesome-looking flight

Functionality Cons

• If you hit the pylons and/or the baseplate, it’s a little loud. Not a big deal for me, but might be disruptive to some
• If I’m using my driver and hit a pylon, it leaves a red smudge on my driver. Easily removable with a quick rub of the finger and also a non-issue if your driver doesn’t have any white on the crown like mine.
• If you’re prone to fat/heavy shots, you’ll find yourself picking it up and moving it backwards frequently if you’re hitting from the grass, as one or two divots takes most of the grass from the hitting zone.

Value

This thing is priced at $99. I ordered it on amazon. At first, I was a little sticker-shocked. But after I tried it and continue to use it, I realized the $99 is well worth it. You’re going to pay a good instructor that amount for an hour or two of lessons, and I’ve used this thing for way more than a couple of hours. I’ve started using it to warm up at the range or before a round. Hitting a couple of shots through it with each club to get my muscles back into rhythm, then taking it away and seeing how I do. 

Overall Summary

In closing, the Eyeline Speedtrap 2.0 has become my go-to swing training aid. It’s versatile, portable, quick to set up, easy to use, and let’s not forget – EFFECTIVE! Some of the things I like most about it include:

• Comes with a cinch bag that works well to keep it with you on-the-go
• Quickly sharpened my swing path and my ball-striking consistency has increased as a result of that.
• Great for golfers of all skill level
• Durable — it can take a beating
• Great Value — Well-worth the $99. 

If you’re struggling with your swing, looking to shape some shots, or need a place to start, this product covers all that. Give it a try – order yours right here!