I`m thinking of buying an Impact Bag on eBay. Has anyone used one of these and, if so, was it any good?

Arny, they're great! But why bother buying one? Just stuff an old pillow case full of knackered towels and stuff and tie it up, then bash away to your hearts content :-)

Nah - whats the point ? Only one decent swing trainer /gizmo and that is a weighted club - fill an old club shaft full of lead shot and swing it all winter - come the summer you will be hitting it further and better than ever (IMO)

Don't, don't and don't use it. Unless you want to wreck your swing entirely. All the training in the golf swing is to get you to the point of swinging your club in plane, the ball just happens to be in the swing path and you follow through with the impact. Unless you want to buildup your muscle to hack fireplace wood, I really don't see any advantage with the impact bag.

Henry, with all due respect, I think that's untrue, mate.

An impact bag is a massive help in training not only your golfing muscles and adding yards, but in improving your impact position.

You still swing through the bag as you would a ball. Unlike with a weighted club you're using the same swingweight you're used to. using a weighted club can ruin the feel of the clubhead afterwards as the club feels so light.

If you're concerned about abbreviating the swing then I've heard amazing things about the XLR8R (Tour Tempo.com). Bulids up swing power and rhythm.

Sorry 23rdman - I don't agree at all - I have heard of more injuries than enough by use of the impact bag, it also causes a natural tendancy to slow down into the bag (to prevent a sudden stopping of the clubhead which was previously travelling at speed)

Conversely to what you suggest a weighted club helps build feel and the golfing muscles - when you pick up you normal club they feel great and easier to hit than ever. Check out what the pro's do - a weighted club - also as it happens, suggested as the best swing aid by one of the greatest teachers ever - Harvey Penick. If you use a weighted club in slow motion it also helps increase your clubhead awareness. How can you possibly build a great swing by stopping it halfway through - the follow through is a sign of what has gone on before it !!