CES: M-Tracer is a Small, Affordable Golf Swing Analyzer

Though the golf swing is a highly-technical movement, it actually lends itself well to analysis with technology. The problem is, in order to analyze a swing comprehensively, an expensive and complicated radar-based system like Trackman is needed. Epson, with their release of the M-Tracer, is looking to bring a similar kind of analysis in a much smaller and more convenient system.

The M-Tracer is a small device weighing only 15 grams that attaches to the shaft of a golf club. The sensor tracks things like clubhead speed, face angle, swing path, and tempo. Renowned golf instructor David Leadbetter was involved in the design of the device, and was at Epson’s CES booth to discuss it with members of the media.

One of the biggest advantages of a system like M-Tracer is its flexibility. It can be used both on the course and at the driving range, or even in an indoor facility during the offseason. There are no special mats or cameras to be set up, just strap the device on the shaft of any club and start tracking your swings. The device can both stream live data to a Bluetooth-enabled device in real time, or can be stored locally for later uploading. Epson says M-Tracer can store 399 swings locally before needing to upload the data. Once uploaded, golfers can see the raw numbers as well as a 3D model of their swing to find what parts still need to be addressed.

One of the nicest things about the M-Tracer system is the ability to use it in conjunction with a golf instructor. Data can be sent from the student’s device to the coaches app so that the coach can keep tabs on how the student is progressing and if new issues have arisen. They can also easily communicate which facets of the game need work, so that the student know which data that the device captured is most important to their specific game improvement.

As someone who has relied on the indoor radar systems as part of his instruction, I can say that the idea of a portable swing analyzer is very intriguing. The ability to both work independently and with an instructor in a structured, data-driven way seems like the next logical step in tech-based game improvement. Nothing will completely replace the need for a good instructor, but the M-Tracer seems like a perfectly fine tool to use in the never-ending quest for the perfect golf swing.

The M-Tracer by Epson will be released in March 2015, and is expected to sell for $300.