After analyzing the results from over 1300 customers, we’re giving the Medicus an 4 1/2 out of 5 star rating, beating out Refiner Golf (3 1/2 stars) for the 2008 golf training aid of the year.
You’ll find older reviews on this site where we first introduce Refiner Golf, a company that has been marketing a similar line of clubs for the last 13 years (1992) at 1/2 the price. While we still stand by our reviews that these are a solid addition to your training regimen, the overall value of the Medicus packages, extreme durability, and customer satisfaction leave no doubt as to the winner.
The Refiner line of hinged golf training aids work along the same principles of the Medicus. If we make an incorrect swing by getting off the proper swing plane, or have a jerky motion, the club immediately hinges. When the club “breaks” we are rendered unable to hit the ball.
- Medicus products tested superbly with bottomlinereviews’ readers of all ages and playing abilities. Our surveys give a strong edge to Medicus golf of late.
- Medicus is made of quality materials and is extremely durable in on-course testing. Our first Medicus 2000 we purchased in 2002 still works as well as the first day.
- Both Refiner and Medicus have US Patents on their hinge mechanisms.
Price Comparison of the Medicus and Refiner
At first glance, the Refiner appears to be almost 1/2 the cost of the Medicus which is what we originally reported. Refiner has bumped up a shade in cost since then but we forgot to count in shipping costs. The Medicus comes with free shipping when you purchase it direct. And by all means, you should buy it direct because retailers can’t price it below.
So let’s look at the new price comparison (figures as of 2008)
Refiner Driver = $99.95 + Standard Shipping $12.40 is only 30% less than Medicus Driver. 30% is nothing to laugh away, but even if we overlook the preferential customer reviews about the Medicus and it’s proven durability, consider the extras with the Medicus.
Extras with the Medicus
Let’s just look at the two drivers – Medicus vs Refiner:
Medicus Golf
Advantage? Clearly, it’s the Medicus
Click below to learn more about the Medicus and Refiner Golf Value Packages
Frustrated with your game? Have you been trying to fight off the same old swing flaws, only to keep the same handicap year after year?
By now you probably have seen the Medicus driver on television. You may be wondering, “Yeah, but can the Medicus golf swing trainers really fix my game, or is it all just hype?”
Background of the Medicus
The Medicus golf training aids have sold over 1,000,000 units since their introduction to the golf market. They have an aggressive infomercial campaign and use high profile PGA Tour player and Golf Digest top 100 golf instructor endorsements. Just like movie critics, there is always a pro to tout a new product. However, the 1,000,000 units is difficult to dismiss in a market where competition is fierce and the market is fickle.
Our test of the Medicus 2000 dual hinge
The first club we tested was the Medicus 2000 dual hinge 5 iron. The club was purchased new for slightly below suggested retail and came with an instructional DVD, booklet, and adjustment tool.
Ease of use of the Medicus Golf Aids
Medicus 2000 instructional video
The instructional DVD and manual that came with the Medicus 2000 provides feedback on the different “break points” that the Medicus may reveal in our swing. As we swing the club, it will hinge, or “break” when a flaw in our swing is detected. The DVD is of high quality and explains the product clearly.
Medicus dual hinge at the driving range
Even without the instructional video, the product is quite intuitive. We can reverse-engineer a proper golf swing simply by fiddling with it, and watching what the club is doing when it breaks. Now I am not as scared when I inevitably lose the manual and/or the DVD.
The Medicus clubs actually do allow us to hit real balls with them. The distance we will get is not nearly as much, but but we can make solid contact with the ball using the actual training club. I use the Medicus for mainly practice swings, just to be on the safe side.
Medicus Golf on the course
The Medicus fits right in my practice bag so I can take it out on the course. It also looks like a regular golf club so I do not look like an idiot out there. Not that I am vain (okay, maybe a bit), but some of those training aids look absolutely ridiculous when we use them.
Effectiveness of the Medicus dual hinge
I had inconsistent contact and a wicked slice. I also hit the ball a bit too high for what the trajectory of the clubs would suggest.
The Medicus first revealed something I had never considered. My takeaway was too fast, and the club would immediately hinge. It felt strange to bring back that slow at first, but it definitely smoothed out my swing and gave me a sense of slow acceleration from the backswing, through the downswing. I also learned of an over-the-top move that I must have created to turn around my highly-accelerated backswing.
Now for the results. Over 10 test rounds, my average score was 12 strokes lower. Now of course I am a higher-handicap player, so my results were much more drastic than the lower-handicap players.
Regardless, even their results were significant enough for them to notice a difference. Beyond just my score, I felt extreme confidence over the ball. My slice disappeared, and I actually pulled the ball a bit, as I was now driving through the ball instead of instinctively flinching as I made contact.
Value of the Medicus golf line
How much do you spend on lessons? How much would you have to spend to bring the instructor out with you for a 3-4 hour round of golf? How long would you have to keep bringing the instructor on the course with you?
I am not discounting professional lessons, but rather touting the ability of the Medicus dual hinge products to keep our swing together between lessons.
Flaws of the Medicus
We did not find any with the product, pertaining to claims made in the commercials. We are confused as to what the big deal is regarding the dual-hinge, over the single hinge. The two hinges break in the same direction. That would be like taking an elbow and replacing it with two smaller elbows that each bend half as far. We get the same result but it seems unnecessary – great marketing though, if we are correct in our assessment.
Over time, we noticed that the hinge tends to develop rust. This was not during our month evaluation, but from noticing wear on a product for about 8 months. Of course we are located in a seaside community which is tough on all unfinished metal. However, the rust does not affect the functionality of the Medicus.
Medicus does offer a money-back guarantee (less S&H of course) in case you do not experience the same results.
Bottom Line: We give any of the Medicus golf products a strong “buy” recommendation whether you are a high or low handicapper.
41/2 of 5 stars: 
