Skytrak...worth it?

[Chinn-Chinn55]

Does anyone use or used to use the Skytrak?  I am trying to make sure it's worth getting or if I am going to be "excited" about it and in 2 months it's going to be collecting dust ($2K isn't gonna break the bank but it's still $2k).  I don't get to play as much as I want to, or get to the driving range (kids sports, work, etc.) hence the reason I'm looking into it...trying to be the responsible guy and use my head rather than my emotions.  Currently I have the Net Return Pro and the Country Club mat, so I figured this would be the logical thing as I hit on my back patio but honestly I could just be creating bad habits.  I tried a launch monitor app on the iphone and it was a complete joke with the numbers. Skytrak says they have solid numbers but it would be better to hear from "real" people than a company.  Any feedback would be helpful, thanks in advance!

[TR1PTIK]

@GolfSpy MPR seems to have become pretty experienced with SkyTrak based on the thread he created to share about his journey to a lower handicap.

 

If anyone in the forums could help you, I think it'd be him.

[GolfSpy MPR]

Yep, obviously I'd refer to you to the other thread as well, but here's the short version: for ~$500 (or less), you can get a Mevo or Sky Caddie that will tell you your ball speed, spin rate, and carry distance. The extra $1,500 for the SkyTrak (less right now, because they're doing one of their regular $300 off sales) is the cost for getting your sidespin rates, so that you know whether and how much your ball is curving.

There are obviously software differences as well: you can use the SkyTrak as a full on simulator, but they will charge you (a lot) extra for additional features. I'm merely comparing base hardware.

In my estimation, if you can afford it (obviously), the SkyTrak is a great investment in your game. A cheaper launch monitor can help you gap your clubs properly, and that's important. But because golf is a game of hitting targets, knowing whether you are in fact hitting your target is a big part of productive practice. I've had mine for a year, and am very glad I got it.

[KurtActual]

2 minutes ago, GolfSpy MPR said:

Yep, obviously I'd refer to you to the other thread as well, but here's the short version: for ~$500 (or less), you can get a Mevo or Sky Caddie that will tell you your ball speed, spin rate, and carry distance. The extra $1,500 for the SkyTrak (less right now, because they're doing one of their regular $300 off sales) is the cost for getting your sidespin rates, so that you know whether and how much your ball is curving.

There are obviously software differences as well: you can use the SkyTrak as a full on simulator, but they will charge you (a lot) extra for additional features. I'm merely comparing base hardware.

In my estimation, if you can afford it (obviously), the SkyTrak is a great investment in your game. A cheaper launch monitor can help you gap your clubs properly, and that's important. But because golf is a game of hitting targets, knowing whether you are in fact hitting your target is a big part of productive practice. I've had mine for a year, and am very glad I got it.

Im busy reading all 13 pages right now 

[joen]

1 hour ago, Chinn-Chinn55 said:

Does anyone use or used to use the Skytrak?  I am trying to make sure it's worth getting or if I am going to be "excited" about it and in 2 months it's going to be collecting dust ($2K isn't gonna break the bank but it's still $2k).  I don't get to play as much as I want to, or get to the driving range (kids sports, work, etc.) hence the reason I'm looking into it...trying to be the responsible guy and use my head rather than my emotions.  Currently I have the Net Return Pro and the Country Club mat, so I figured this would be the logical thing as I hit on my back patio but honestly I could just be creating bad habits.  I tried a launch monitor app on the iphone and it was a complete joke with the numbers. Skytrak says they have solid numbers but it would be better to hear from "real" people than a company.  Any feedback would be helpful, thanks in advance!

Without a doubt....one of my best golf purchases ever second only to lessons. When spring starts I am ready to go. I know exactly how far all my clubs go which is huge. I have used it to dial in all my wedge distances.  You already have the net and mat......go for it. 

[Chinn-Chinn55]

Thank you so much Joen, TR1PTIK, GolfSpy MPR.  Really do appreciate it and appreciate you taking the time!

Edited September 4, 2019 by Chinn-Chinn55

[Chinn-Chinn55]

@GolfSpy MPR quick question...which package do you recommend getting?  I’m sure you have posted this somewhere but figured I’d ask

[GolfSpy MPR]

54 minutes ago, Chinn-Chinn55 said:

@GolfSpy MPR quick question...which package do you recommend getting?  I’m sure you have posted this somewhere but figured I’d ask

I don't pay the money for the simulator software subscriptions. It strikes me as wrong to pay more per year to play pretend golf than I do for my annual real golf membership.

But I definitely recommend the $99 annual subscription for the Game Improvement package. The Skills Assessment and the random practice targets are the features I used all the time. My son and I love playing the target practice and closest to the pin. I think the practice features at this level are with the cost (even though, in general, I hate subscription models).

[GolfSpy BOS]

I don't pay the money for the simulator software subscriptions. It strikes me as wrong to pay more per year to play pretend golf than I do for my annual real golf membership.
But I definitely recommend the $99 annual subscription for the Game Improvement package. The Skills Assessment and the random practice targets are the features I used all the time. My son and I love playing the target practice and closest to the pin. I think the practice features at this level are with the cost (even though, in general, I hate subscription models).

So does that give you a sort of driving range? Or is it all just numbers based?


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[ChrisNH]

It's the driving range on screen with greens for targets and shot tracers.

I've got skytrak on the way.  Can't wait.  The only downside I've heard is that there is no spin degradation on the driving range shot tracers, which means that fades and draws will be a bit more pronounced than actual shots because the sidespin is constant in their calculation and doesn't reduce over the ball's flight like it does in real life.

[Pandaman]

1 hour ago, ChrisNH said:

...which means that fades and draws will be a bit more pronounced than actual shots because the sidespin is constant in their calculation and doesn't reduce over the ball's flight like it does in real life.

Interesting, can't say I noticed, but if that is the case then from a practice angle it is probably better than the other way round though IMO.  

I got my SkyTrak in April this year, and I was a little 'twitchy' after ordering in case I was disappointed and felt I'd wasted my cash.  But no, absolutely no regrets so far.

I looked at the £500 level offerings and, apart from them needing more space for the doppler to work (which ruled them out for me anyway), I felt I needed the directional and sidespin data anyway.

All in I reckon I spent around £2500 when I include the net, mat etc too.  For a set up that I have to put up and take down each time, but at around 15 mins to set up it is quicker than driving to the range, and I get more time, unlimited balls and full launch data at no extra cost, and don't use fuel to get there either.  I just can't use it in the rain.

If your budget allows then go for it, and get the 'game improvement' subscription too.

[Pandaman]

On 9/5/2019 at 12:48 PM, B.Boston said:

 

So does that give you a sort of driving range? Or is it all just numbers based?


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There are options for both actually.