[golfgnome]

I doubt you got the same results but I get your opinion. I don’t have a problem with improvement of swing trainers and welcome it, but I do have a problem with people who knock of patents that someone has worked hard and spend a lot of time and money for.

The Smart Stick is not the only swing trainer to knock off one of mine. David Leadbetter has done the same with his swing setter but his advertizing has sold many of mine, so that is a good thing. This is my livelihood and I have no problem with competition and I really don’t worry about knockoffs as they are poor imitations of the real deal and are here today and gone tomorrow.

I am going on 13 years of successful development of positive transfer swing trainers and have seen many try and fail. It takes more than just looking like the product as there are many things one does not see for the balance and feel of the swing trainer that make it an effective positive transfer swing trainer. The smart stick will have a short marketing success and then you will not hear about it. This is what happens with most training aids. I have seen many come and go.

As for supporting it even if it was not a knock off, mine is superior as you can hit balls with it and it cost effective for the golfer.

John,

With all due respect, enough is enough!!! You doubt that Rob Noel got the same results? So do I because I doubt you could get the same results as a teacher of his caliber.

I have bit my cyber toungue long enough about your posts. I was about to post once before because I did not know who you were then you finally posted your name. Out of respect to you, your G.S.E.M. classification and because I have met you at the show I refrained from posting because I thought you might come around. My fault!!

There may be other sites where "bashing" is permitted but as for me I do not care for it. If you were a true "inventor" and "business-man" you may consider operating your own website where you can sell your products and pay homage to Mike Austin as you see appropriate. However, it should not be done here.

I appreciate Lynn for all he has given us for free and all of the help and support he has given me. I enjoy being a part of this site and choose to contribute in those areas where I feel I can make a contribution, club-fitting, playing, videos with Lynn. I do not post much because I chooese to read and then jump in when I feel it is needed. You have forced my hand to the keypad!!

Tom came to the Barclay's with his Smartstick and I truly enjoyed meeting him and learning about this training aid as well as others he was working on. He was a sponge for knowlege, not only how to make his inventions better, but also how to make himself better. He was very humble and complimentary of yours and other inventions.

The problem arises when someone like yourself feels that you have been slighted in some way because someone has more "marketing" money behind them and you invented something first or whatever. If there is a patent infringement then hire an attorney and prove your case in court. If you win I will appologize, but I do not think you have a case. I have used your pureswing and it is very good but nothing like the Smartstick. in fact, I am not a very tall person and I have a hard time hitting shots with the pureswing. I would give you suggestions on how to make it better but you obviously have ALL the answers.

I was one of the first people to comment negatively on this site about the smartstick and its cost, I was wrong and even posted as much. Most training aids are good for some applications but not all. The market will decide if a product costs to much not you or I can do this. I applaud Tom and Martin for making money on such a simple concept with such broad applications. Martin Hall has a terrific reputation as a teacher so his endorsement is worth money. Butch, Ledbetter, Rick Smith, and all of the other "popular" teachers get paid for there endorsements which will obviously drive up the cost.

I suggest you either hire a "name" instructor to promote your products or do a better job of marketing them yourself. Either way I do not care. Please do not be bitter for the success of others or anyone who has a different opinion than yours. Debate is a healthy thing, just like competition. There is nothing better than walking to the tee knowing you can beat your opponent. However, when you don't it is great to know that you can walk into the bar and enjoy a beer with him knowing that you gave it your all and toasting his success.

I wish you success.

Jeff