BONK TEMPO Field Testing notes
From the Front Lines: BONK TEMPO Initial Outdoor Testing
The first round of golf since November 2025 — after months of testing multiple BONK TEMPO prototypes and coming off our smashing debut at the 2026 Michigan Golf Show — ended in epic and spectacular failure.
It was a beautiful Michigan day in the high 70s. After getting rained out for the first week of league play, we finally got our chance to hit the course. That made it the perfect opportunity to truly battle test one of the Golden Prototypes (our completed prototype units). The excitement and anticipation were real.
Known Issues Going In
There were already several issues I knew about before teeing off:
1. Battery Life
We already knew the current software had battery life issues that needed to be addressed. Because of the low-voltage on/off button, I thought there would still be enough juice to survive all 18 holes.
I was wrong.
2. Watchband Prototype Failure
This was the first full test of our watchband prototype. The setup was built from a $12 watch purchased on Amazon, with the internal cradle bored out so we could install high-powered magnets into the base.
That experiment failed immediately.
The very first thing I did was bump BONK TEMPO against the golf cart. The device completely detached from the watchband, landed squarely on the cart path, and the BPM dial ejected from the base.
Fortunately, I was able to snap the dial back on and continue the round.
Disaster delayed.
Mid-Round Breakdown
By around the 12th hole, the battery was dead.
The device stopped working — and so did my game.
Without the rhythm and routine BONK TEMPO helps reinforce, I quickly slipped back into old habits. The round ended with an ugly snowman on the final hole and an official 45 for 9 holes.
My honest preseason expectation was a 42.
Do the math.
Would it have been different if BONK TEMPO stayed alive?
Maybe I don’t go out of bounds twice on the same hole.
Maybe I reset better.
Maybe I make cleaner contact.
Maybe the triple bogey turns into a green in regulation and a routine two-putt.
We’ll never know.
The Grand Finale
To cap off this unforgettable live debut, I somehow managed to lose the prototype entirely.
I left the course with nothing but the empty watchband that once hosted BONK TEMPO.
Failure = Feedback
This is exactly why we field test.
We would rather expose weaknesses now, fix them now, and improve the product now — before it ever reaches your hands.
Every failure gives us feedback. Every setback moves the product forward.
The Good News: My Actual Game
Despite not touching a golf club since early November 2025 — with no range session, no warmup, and no preparation — there were positives:
- Hit every fairway in regulation
- Missed only one par-3 green
- Ball striking felt solid overall
- Tempo and rhythm felt surprisingly good
Short game and putting were rough, but that was expected with no recent reps.
I played BONK TEMPO at 40 BPM, which is my preferred on-course speed because it helps slow my breathing, calm my heart rate, and naturally smooth out my backswing.
More balance.
Better contact.
Less thinking.
Just swing.
BONK Tempo Test Round 2 Notes
Live On-Course Field Testing – Watchband Prototype + Full 18 Hole Attempt
The second day of live BONK Tempo testing brought a new setup: the first 3D-printed watchband prototype. This version featured two high-power magnets installed in the base cradle, with a basic watchband attached using setting pins.
Knowing the existing battery-life limitations from prior testing, I came prepared with two fully charged BONK Tempo devices in an effort to complete a full 18-hole round using the product from start to finish.
Conditions
- Location: Michigan spring golf league
- Weather: Cold, 48 degrees
- Apparel: BONK Camo Hoodie over the watchband setup
- Hat Used Later: Waxed cotton BONK prototype hat (heavier cold-weather style)
Watchband Prototype Performance
Early in the round, the watchband detached from the cradle twice. Fortunately, because the watchband was covered by the sleeve of my hoodie, the device never hit the ground and was not lost.
After the second detachment, I made the decision to abandon the wearable watchband test mid-round.
Immediate Adjustment:
- Removed magnets from the cradle
- Mounted BONK Tempo directly onto the built-in BONK bill magnet on the hat
- Continued testing for the remainder of the round
Vibration / Feel Testing on Hat
While mounted to the waxed cotton BONK prototype hat, I noticed the vibration felt weaker than expected. However, when I pulled my hoodie over my head, the vibration became noticeably easier to feel.
Not entirely sure why, but possible factors include:
- Increased compression of the hat against the head
- Reduced vibration dissipation
- Better contact transfer through tighter materials
Since swinging with the hood up was uncomfortable, I instead tightened the snapback closure to create a firmer fit.
Result:
A tighter hat improved vibration feel enough to follow tempo effectively.
On-Course Performance Results
BONK Tempo appeared to be helping immediately.
Strong Start:
- Even par through first 5 holes
- Included multiple sand saves leading to 1-putt pars
- Strong performance considering it was only the second round played this season
Critical Turning Point – Battery Failure
After a perfect tee shot on Hole 15, the active BONK Tempo unit died.
I then reached for the fully charged backup unit in the golf bag... and it was dead as well.
At that moment, BONK Tempo testing was over for the round.
Immediate Performance Drop-Off
Without BONK Tempo:
- Bogeyed the next 3 holes
- Tempo and rhythm noticeably changed
After hitting the tee shot on the par-3 17th hole, my playing partner said:
“I noticed that your backswing is good, but your downswing is really fast.”
My response:
“Because I no longer have tempo.”
A brutally honest and highly ironic moment.
Final Score
- Saved par on 18
- Finished with a 39
Key Takeaways
What Worked
- Tempo guidance clearly translated to better rhythm early in round
- Strong scoring start suggests real performance benefit
- Hat-mounted system remains viable backup solution
What Failed
- Battery life remains critical issue
- Watchband retention system failed twice
- Backup unit unexpectedly dead
- Vibration transfer varies by hat material / fit
Final Thought
If battery life had lasted through 18 holes, maybe that 39 becomes a 36... or better.
We won’t know until BONK Tempo solves:
- Reliable all-round battery life
- Durable wearable watchband system
- Consistent vibration delivery across setups