Golf Full-Swing Training Aid Showdown
A deep-dive comparison for golfers from Australian, US, and UK seeking the best value, versatility and portability from a swing training aid with alignment rod holders.
Meet our Training Aid Contenders
Thinking about getting a full swing golf training aid? This guide breaks down three popular options: Clay Ballard’s Blue Brick, Stryper’s SwingMate swing training aid, and the Swing Plane Perfector (a tool often associated with Tommy Fleetwood's "block drill"). We'll look at what makes them tick, how much they really cost (especially if you're in Australia!), and which one might be your perfect match.
Technical Showdown
Angle Adjustability: The Key Differentiator
A golfer's ability to fine-tune angles in multiple planes is crucial for nuanced full swing adjustments. The products differ significantly in this core capability.
Blue Brick
Fixed slots
✔ Vertical Inclination
✖ Horizontal Spin
✖ Sliding Base
✖ Multiple, independent rods
SwingMate
Multiple multi-axis ratchets
✔ Vertical Inclination
✔ Horizontal Spin
✔ Sliding Base
✔ Multiple, independent rods
Swing Plane Perfector
Single adjustable rod
✔ Vertical Inclination
✖ Horizontal Spin
✖ Sliding Base
✖ Multiple, independent rods
Included Rods: Your Training Arsenal
All training aids require at least two alignment rods for effective use. This chart shows how many rods are typically included with each product out of the box, influencing immediate versatility and cost.
Adaptability: Beyond Just One Purpose
Stryper’s SwingMate stands out for its inherent versatility. While designed for advanced use, its modular nature allows it to be simplified, effectively mimicking the core functions of both the Blue Brick (for fixed angle drills) and the Swing Plane Perfector (for ground plane alignment without complex setups). This means one tool can serve multiple training needs. The inclusion of various rod lengths, particularly the 1.6m four-piece rod, is a critical benefit for full swing drills, providing superior reach and enhanced safety by reducing the chance of contact with shorter rods during swings.
Physical Footprint: Size & Weight Comparison (Including Required Rods)
For golfers on the move, the physical dimensions and weight of a training aid are crucial. This table details the size and total weight of each product, including their required alignment rods, highlighting their overall portability and how they can be transported.
| Aid | Dimensions (L x W x H) | Weight (Main Unit) | Total Weight (with rods & accessories) | Carry Solution | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clay Ballard's Blue Brick | 25cm x 18cm x 3cm (40cm with rods) | 1.2 kg | 1.41 kg (with 2 foldable rods) | No dedicated carry bag for the main unit; rods are foldable (600mm long folded) for separate storage. | Rods are foldable, assumed similar weight to SwingMate's foldable rods. |
| Stryper’s SwingMate | 65cm x 6cm x 7cm (inc rods) | 0.93 kg | 1.7 kg (incl. carry bag & 5 rods) | Dedicated carry bag fits all components, base and rods. Hand straps or shoulder strap. | Compact due to foldable rods. Variety of rod lengths (especially 1.6m) offers superior full swing drill versatility and safety. |
| Swing Plane Perfector (often associated with Tommy Fleetwood's "block drill") | 19cm x 10cm x 7cm (plus rods) | 0.5 kg | 1.25 kg (with 3 rods & packaging) | Main unit fits golf bag pocket; rods (1.2m long, ~0.25kg each, solid) are separate, typically carried in a standard alignment stick tube. No combined carry bag. | Main unit is very light. Rods are full length and assumed solid, impacting total weight. |
Portability Rating
Considering the overall size and total weight (including essential rods and typical carry method), this rating reflects how easily each aid can be transported to the range, course, or home. A higher score indicates better portability.
The Bottom Line: Global Cost Analysis
This analysis provides a clear picture of the total shipped cost in AUD, USD, GBP, and EUR for buyers in each respective region.
Cost for Australian Buyers (AUD)
Includes product price and shipping within Australia.
Cost for US Buyers (USD)
Includes product price and shipping within the US, or international shipping.
Cost for UK Buyers (GBP)
Includes product price and shipping within the UK, or international shipping.
Cost for EU Buyers (EUR)
Includes product price, international shipping, and potential VAT.
*Exchange Rates (approx): 1 USD = 1.53 AUD | 1 GBP = 2.06 AUD | 1 USD = 0.75 GBP | 1 USD = 0.92 EUR | 1 AUD = 0.61 EUR.
And the winner is...
a clear choice!
Best Overall Value: Stryper’s SwingMate
Its robust feature set, excellent portability, and competitive global pricing make it the clear winner for Australian, US, and UK buyers alike.
Why Use a Full Swing Training Aid Anyway?
Golf swing aids, especially ones that use alignment rods, are fantastic for getting your full swing dialed in. They give you instant, physical feedback – kind of like having a pro standing right there with you. By setting up physical boundaries, these full swing tools help you naturally find the right swing motion.
The Blue Brick, SwingMate, and Swing Plane Perfector all help with common swing issues, but they vary a lot in how adjustable they are, what comes in the box, and what they'll actually cost you. Knowing these differences will help you make a smart choice for your game.
Deep Dive into Features: Angles, Rods & More
A. Clay Ballard’s Blue Brick
The Blue Brick uses specific, predefined "slots" where you insert your alignment sticks, giving you "11 angles" to choose from. This system only guides the vertical angle of your stick and doesn't allow for horizontal rotation or sliding adjustments. It's simple and offers clear guidance but lacks customizability.
It comes with two collapsible alignment sticks. The fixed slots mean it's a very structured way to practice, which might feel limited if you're looking for very specific, custom angles.
B. Stryper’s SwingMate
The SwingMate truly shines with its easy-adjust ratcheting hinges that show the angles right on the hinge itself. This allows for quick, precise, and repeatable adjustments. You can also add more hinges and rods to the base plate for a wider variety of practice drills!
It offers top-notch, multiple-axis adjustment. The hinges control the vertical angle, but you can also spin them horizontally and slide them along the base. This full range of motion lets you create incredibly custom and complex "gate drills."
The SwingMate comes with a generous 5 alignment rods: one 400mm target line rod, two 600mm draw/fade rods, one 1.2m foldable rod, and a crucial 1.6m four-piece foldable rod. This longer rod is a game-changer for safety and reach in many full-swing drills.
C. Swing Plane Perfector
The Swing Plane Perfector is a beautiful, aerospace-grade, and super-light piece of kit. However, it can only be adjusted in a single plane, so it cannot offer the same intuitive and repeatable multi-plane adjustability you'll find in the SwingMate.
Table: What You Get & How It Works
| Feature | Blue Brick | Stryper’s SwingMate | Swing Plane Perfector |
|---|---|---|---|
| Angle Adjustment | Fixed slots (11 angles) | Easy-adjust ratcheting hinges with printed angles | Claims "pinpoint degree accuracy" |
| Adjustable Planes | Vertical only | Vertical, Horizontal Spin, Sliding on Base | Vertical only |
| Rods Included | 2 collapsible sticks | 5 rods (1x400mm, 2x600mm, 1x1.2m, 1x1.6m 4-piece) | 3 premium sticks |
| Portability | "Brick" shape | Comes with carry bag with hand and shoulder straps | Super lightweight |
SHOW ME THE MONEY
Cost for Aussie Golfers
This section lays out how much each product will likely cost you in Australia. All prices are converted to AUD using an approximate exchange rate of 1 USD = 1.52 AUD. Keep in mind, exchange rates can change!
Clay Ballard’s Blue Brick
$129 USD + $40 USD Shipping
~ $256 AUD
Stryper’s SwingMate
$179 AUD + FREE Shipping
$179 AUD
Swing Plane Perfector
$349.95 USD + ~$40 USD Shipping
~ $590 AUD
Cost for UK Golfers
This section lays out the likely cost if you're buying in the United Kingdom. Prices are converted using approximate rates of 1 GBP = 2.06 AUD and 1 USD = 0.75 GBP. Please note that exchange rates and potential import duties can affect the final price.
Clay Ballard’s Blue Brick
$129 USD + $49 USD Shipping
~ £134 GBP
Stryper’s SwingMate
$179 AUD + $37 AUD Shipping
~ £105 GBP
Swing Plane Perfector
$349.95 USD + Free UK Shipping
~ £262 GBP
Cost for US Golfers
This section lays out the likely cost if you're buying in the United States. International prices are converted using an approximate rate of 1 USD = 1.53 AUD. Please note that exchange rates can fluctuate.
Clay Ballard’s Blue Brick
$129 USD + Free US Shipping
$129 USD
Stryper’s SwingMate
$179 AUD + $37 AUD Shipping
~ $141 USD
Swing Plane Perfector
$349.95 USD + Free US Shipping
$350 USD
Cost for EU Golfers
This section lays out the likely cost if you're buying in the European Union. Prices are converted using approximate rates of 1 USD ≈ 0.92 EUR and 1 AUD ≈ 0.61 EUR. Please note that exchange rates, international shipping, and potential VAT/import duties can affect the final price.
Clay Ballard’s Blue Brick
$129 USD + $49 USD Shipping
~ €164 EUR
Stryper’s SwingMate
$179 AUD + $37 AUD Shipping
~ €132 EUR
Swing Plane Perfector
$349.95 USD + €28 Shipping
~ €350 EUR
SwingMate: The Clear Winner
When you compare the features, versatility, and landed cost for Australian golfers, the SwingMate stands out as the superior choice.
- Adjustability: The SwingMate is the undisputed champ with its multi-axis hinges, giving you incredibly precise control for any drill you can imagine.
- Value: SwingMate gives you the most bang for your buck with 5 rods, including the crucial 1.6m rod for safety and reach.
- Cost (in AU): For Australians, it's a no-brainer. More versatile and significantly lower cost than the competition, with no surprise currency conversions or import duties.
- Cost (in US): Even with international shipping, the SwingMate is only marginally more expensive than the Blue Brick and offers far more functionality. The wait will be worth it!