I Tried It: Take a perfect swing video every time with the GPod

Welcome to I Tried It, a GOLF.com series about golf items — apparel, gear, accessories, etc. — that we’ve recently taken out for a spin. We’re here to give our honest, no-frills takes on the latest and greatest golf or golf-adjacent items. So, scroll down to read about what we love about golf’s newest (or new to us) products.

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When I’m hitting on the range, I love to take videos of my swing to check my positioning, diagnose any faults and ensure that old habits aren’t creeping back into my game. However, there is one drawback to relying on this tool during my practice sessions: I’m usually alone. 

Because I’m on my own, I end up fumbling with my phone, trying to balance it on my golf bag and I’m usually lucky if I can get one swing video before it topples over. So when I found a potential solution to my problems in the GPod phone tripod, I had to test it out.

GPOD Travel for Magsafe

Introducing our NEW GPOD Travel for Magsafe. It’s our first collapsible magnetic phone tripod. It is perfect for indoor use and for traveling. Fully collapsed at 13″, it easily fits into backpacks, purses, and golf bags. Fully extends at 62″ to film at your desired height. FEATURES AND COMPATIBILITY Works with all smartphones with the metal plate (provided) iPhone 12, 13, 14, & 15 models don’t require a metal plate Can be used with or without case. Both indoor and outdoor use Bluetooth remote for handsfree pictures and videos Ultra light and strong aluminum body 180 degree adjustable mount Compatible with all camera accessories with 1/4″ thread. Compatible with GoPro. Use your device in Portrait or Landscape mode by simply rotating your device. Silicone cover protects your gear. The magnets are 100% safe for your electronics. Film/photograph unique angles and on different terrain in practice and on the golf course. Extremely stable vs. flimsy alignment sticks, won’t sway in the wind as much. Fits into your golf bag just like a club, except it weighs only 8oz. INSTALLATION Connect the magnetic mount onto the mount screw and tighten. Adhere a metal plate onto your phone/phone case or place in between the case. Unlock the blue ring and open the tripod base from the bottom of the legs. Extend the legs fully and tighten the blue ring. Pull the head of the tripod and extend to your desired height. Stick your device to the magnet and start taking pictures and videos. WHAT’S INCLUDED (1) Travel Tripod, (1) Magsafe Compatible Magnetic Mount, (1) Device Clamp, (1) Bluetooth Remote, (3) Metal Plates    

$74.99 from Fairway Jockey

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ALSO AVAILABLE AT: Amazon, Rapsodo

Before receiving the GPod, I was slightly skeptical. I questioned the practicality of the product, knowing that I would not be likely to use anything that takes too long to set up or requires an additional bag to carry it. 

To my surprise, I was pretty impressed by this handy device, so much so that I wanted to share everything that impressed me about the GPod. So, here’s everything that I loved about the GPod:

The first thing that stood out to me about this tripod was that it was compact and sturdy. Most of the tripods that I’ve tried in the past have been either too large to carry in my golf bag or too flimsy to hold the weight of my phone at the right height and angle. I love that the GPod collapsed down into itself, making it an easy addition to your bag for long range sessions. Plus, it was still solid enough to hold my phone at a consistent height and angle regardless of how many times I detach and reattach my phone to check my swing. 

Which brings me to my next point, I absolutely love that this device utilizes a magnet to attach my phone. The magsafe mount makes for an easy, near-seamless application and use. Plus, you can flip the 180-degree mount around to use both the back camera and selfie mode, so you can always be sure you’re in frame when taking your swing videos. And, because it’s magsafe, I didn’t have to worry about it damaging my phone. 

I also noticed that I was able to take more videos of my swing, and even capture a few putting videos, which allowed me to monitor my progress more accurately, which ultimately led to a more focused approach during my time on the range. Overall, I was really happy with my purchase and impressed with the GPod. You can snag one of your own on Fairway Jockey using the link above.