Sklz Pure Path Swing Trainer

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INTRODUCTION:
I enjoy golfing and grew up playing. I don't play quite as often anymore, but I do like to get out with friends and play. I don't have the time to go to the driving range with a newborn baby at home. I don't have room, desire, or money to buy and store a golf net. With that said, I was looking for a product that was easy to use and I could get some swings in before playing.

QUICK FACTS:
This golf swing aid has 3 spikes at the end. The spikes are sufficiently sharp from my experience putting it in clay soil. If your soil is rocky or concrete hard, you might have a bit of issue getting it in the ground. With that said, I had no issues. The arm is also made of metal. The yellow pieces holding the rope and covering the rope are made of plastic. The rope is a standard nylon rope. After looking through some other reviewers pictures, it looks like the manufacturer has updated the way the rope is secured after looping it around the top of the arm. It looks like previously (and even on the packaging) it was secured with a yellow plastic piece of some sort. Mine is secured with a black plastic tube of some sort. Based on some of the older reviews that had issues, I'm hoping those issues have been fixed.

PROS:
+ Very convenient to use
+ Easy to set up
+ Can be used anywhere in the yard
+ Inexpensive
+ No chasing after balls or picking them up
+ Securely holds in the ground
+ If there are issues that arise it seems quite easy to fix with common components and/or tools

CONS:
- Will the plastic ball hold up over years of use?
- The rope gives "Feedback" on your hit but sometimes a "good" or "bad" hit isn't evident
- Results in divots in your yard (though you can remedy that with carpet or turf stapled down with garden staples or stakes)
- I don't recommend hitting the ball high on the rope - it might not be great for a driver head/shaft

FOR WHOM IS THIS PRODUCT INTENDED?
In my eyes, this product is meant for those with limited storage or practice space, limited budget, those that want to practice their swing without picking up a golf balls, etc.

WHO IS NOT A GREAT FIT FOR THIS GOLF SWING?
I think those looking for the best quality golf practice aids will want a different product. That's not necessarily a knock on this product. I just mean that going to a driving range or hitting balls into a net is going to give a golfer better feedback and higher quality practice reps.

TIPS FOR IMPROVING THIS PRODUCT:
I think a user (or the manufacturer) could really improve this product by replacing the nylon rope with a thin, but strong, paracord attached to a real golf ball. If you want to "upgrade" this golf swing, it wouldn't be hard to do that. Like I mentioned, you would need paracord, which you can get at the store. You then drill a hole into a golf ball and tie a knot on the bottom (you can even tie a fishing knot on top to keep the ball from moving up and down the rope but it's not necessary).

CONCLUSION:
Overall, this golf swing aid does the job. I can't say how long the golf ball and rope will last, but I can't knock it unless it does give out. At this point, I have used it quite a bit with no issues. I've been pleased so far! If you are the golfer I described above, I think you'll like it!

FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION (FTC) DISCLAIMER:
I received this product free for purposes of testing and reviewing. However, the opinions expressed herein were formulated based on my personal use of the product. I welcome all suggestions, feedback and/or product questions!