"Check-GO" Sweet Spot Finder
As most golfers know, we lose and use more strokes on the green than on any other part of the course. Why do you think every course seems to have a practice putting green? So this month we decided to review a couple of products that hopefully will reduce the number of putts it takes to get that stupid ball in the hole. We decided to focus on the various ball alignment systems that are available.
What is a ball alignment system you may ask? Well in the case of the "Check-GO" device from Technasonic, it is a high-speed gyroscopic device that automatically realigns the balls heaviest areas along its equator. This allows the ball to roll more accurately on the green, and wobble less. Once the ball is balanced a centerline and sweet spot are marked using a permanent marker. This centerline helps golfers align their putts and also tells them whether or not they are striking the ball square when they are putting.

Balanced or un-balanced who gives a crap.
I do, now. After a little research I’ve learned surprisingly that golf ball manufacturers have not been able to produce a balanced ball yet. What this means in essence is that the ball has a tendency to wobble or veer in the direction of most mass. In a way it’s putting an unbalanced ball is like kicking a hamster ball. Unless the hamster is centered over the balls equator, the ball won’t roll straight towards the intended target (swimming pool). It will favor whichever side of the balls equator has the most hamster mass. The same is true with golf balls to a certain extent.

8 –ft challenge
To get a fair comparison of the different marking systems available, USGolfer.net took 3 new golf balls of the same make and model and marked two of them, one using the Line M up device and one using the check-GO device. We then took 10 consecutive 8-foot putts with an unmarked ball, the Line M up ball, and the Check-GO ball. The results were as follows:
The unmarked ball went in the cup on 6 out of 10 tries
The Line M up ball was more successful with an 8 out of 10 hole out rate.
The clear winner was the check-GO ball with an astonishing 10 out of 10 rating.
Here’s what we think.

The Good
Compact
Battery operated
Batteries Included
Line really helps with aligning putts and tee shots
It has an equator and axis template for easy marking
A protective safety cage, ball may fly out otherwise
This product is small enough and battery operated to put in a golf bag so a player can align and mark his balls right on the course or at the proshop.
Includes marker, which fits tightly into the provided template.
Really works!

The Bad
At $27.99 (MSRP $35.00), this product can be a little hefty on the budget
Due to the high RPMs, and dimples on the ball, it is rather difficult to mark equator in a continuous line.
Must wait 20 seconds for the ball to balance out, but when it does it is pretty sweet!
Marking the ball does take a little practice; your first few may look a little ugly

The God’s Honest Truth
Overall this is an amazing tool that can really help golfers with their short game. It is still pretty pricey for what it is, but for those perfectionists out there, this is a great product.
Ratings info:

0> Total waste of time and money
1> May be beneficial but like moped, it’s fun until you’re friends see you use it.
2> Average benefit for most golfers
3> Pretty Good product, if you have extra money, it’s worth it
4> Buy it now, before the company catches on and raises it’s price


Ratings
Fun Factor
4 out of 4
Just give a spin; you won’t want to put it down.

Value Factor
2 out of 4
$28.00 is steep for a ball spinner and marker, yet it definitely will give golfers and edge.

Golf Benefit
4 out of 4
I can’t think of another way to get more out of your imperfect golf ball. Although if you miss a putt now, you can’t really blame it on an unbalanced ball anymore.

Fun Factor	Value Factor	Golf Benefit
4 out of 4	2 out of 4	4 out of 4