We've been using the Zepp 1 sensor for a year now and have found it to be a fantastic tool for our players. Not only did it help right out of the box, but over the past year Zepp has continuously improved their app to provide feedback and training to develop a better swing. For example, you can select the Instant Evaluation option and after 3 or 10 swings it provides you with a set of drills - and videos - to improve your swing. Master those drills, take the evaluation again, and if you've improved it suggests the next program to improve your swing.
We did some tests with the Instant Evaluation system with players of different skill levels and it does work well. For example, we had players initially take the evaluation 3 or 4 times and each time it recommended the same training program for that specific player. For players that needed a lot of work the initial training program recommended was always the most basic. For example, hitters with a bad swing path and no power were always directed to improve their swing path first and were not suggested the more power drills until they improved upon all of the basics first. In other words, it's a progressive swing program that makes sense.
The 3D swing analysis and the video analysis are great tools, especially with stubborn players or young players without a feel for their swing yet. It's also great to be able to compare the swing paths and videos of your players against some of the best MLB hitters. For my own son (11U player), combining "see" and "feel" has been a tremendous asset in his development. He can take a swing and before looking at the Zepp or getting feedback from me he says "Wait, I know what I did wrong."
As a coach, it was interesting to put perceived good hitters on the Zepp and take a look at their swings. It immediately shows flaws in the mechanics that they compensate for with great athletic ability. But without correcting those swing flaws they will undoubtedly have a tougher time as they get older.
Those that are critical of the Zepp probably get hung up on the numbers data and don't take the time to do the evaluation, videos, and drills. That was our mistake early on as well. But once we focused on the specified drills we saw improvement across the board. I haven't seen another baseball sensor out there that offers the insights and training that the Zepp offers. The data means nothing if you don't know what to do with it! Zepp provides insight within the app and on their website to help you get the most out of the sensor.
That being said, there's still room for improvement with the Zepp. I have no idea why you can't do something as simple as set a default bat. If you don't set the correct bat before the swing there's no way to change it (and their shouldn't be because my guess is that the length and weight of the bat are used in some calculations). Zepp also needs to take advantage of the super slow motion (200fps) video available on most iOS devices. Another thing that really bugs me is that if you download a video og an MLB player (or take video of your player) there is no way to delete that specific video if you're running low on storage. You have to delete the app and the reinstall it (you do not lose your data). To delete a video of your own player you need to delete the swing. C'mon Zepp, some of this stuff is app development 101.
In the future I'd like Zepp to add videos and drills on fixing common swing flaws even if these items are not detectable with the sensor. A companion bluetooth integrated pocket radar unit would also be a nice addition. The design of the charger is also not great. Sometimes I have to clip the Zepp to the charger with a chip clip so the contacts meet.
Despite these shortcomings, the Zepp baseball sensor is a fantastic tool IF you take the time to understand it and commit to putting your players through the evaluations and drills. During the past year my 10 year old son has gone from a very good, kid ball swing to a repeatable pro style swing. Sure, you can pay $75 an hour for pro hitting coach and get results. But I think that something really clicks with kids when you can show them the 3D swing and video of the swing and they get that "AHA" moment.
If you're a coach, then this tool must be part of your program. You can run the evaluation tool on every player and it gives each of them an individual program to work on. You can take time away from the ballpark, analyze the data capture for each player, and add your own specific drills based upon what the Zepp has recorded. No more having to think back what little Johnny was doing with his swing in practice. Just look at the Zepp data and prepare your notes for the next practice session.
From what I've heard, the Zepp 2 is even better. If it was in my budget I'd buy that one as well.
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 6 x 5.7 x 1.7 inches |
|---|---|
| Package Weight | 0.07 Kilograms |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 1.1 x 1.1 x 0.4 inches |
| Item Weight | 0.02 Pounds |
| Brand Name | Zepp |
| Suggested Users | Baseball-Softball Swing Tracking System |
| Manufacturer | Zepp Labs - Team Sports |
| Part Number | ZA1B2NA |
| Style | Swing Analyzer |
| Size | One Size |
