RichL85 Posted July 11, 2021 Share Posted July 11, 2021 Legitimate question from someone getting back into the game after a number of years away. When I started, I had access to coaches and a launch monitor through work, but now I'm slowly working my swing back into shape. Since the weather isn't great in my area at the moment, I'm hoping to get my swing to a repeatable, respectable point before I head to the course and embarrass myself. In the mean time, I figured I should learn my typical distances. For one, I'm not 20 anymore, and I don't live in Colorado anymore, so my distances from memory are practically useless. A relatively simple way to figure some of these numbers out sounds like a personal launch monitor. After having racked my brain comparing different models and the limitations of certain ones (I do have a budget so trade offs are inevitable), I'm left wondering if I can justify the purchase as a long term thing. In my mind, I see the benefits of a launch monitor, and I'm a chemical engineer by profession, so data and statistical analysis are my things, but I could also legitimately seeing it becoming just another thing that rarely gets used once the initial data collection is done to iron out some issues. I will say that with my work schedule and kids schedules, I have more chance to hit balls into a net at home than I do visit the course, so maybe it would be helpful to get more information than just, "that felt good and 7 feet from me it appeared to be on target". So realistically, is it worth having a launch monitor for personal use or is it something that quickly reaches a diminishing ROI? Movaltl, B_R_A_D_Y and Shapotomous 2 1 Quote Driver: PXG 0811XF Gen 4 w/ Fujikura Motore X F3 6- 3 Wood: PXG 0341XF Gen 4 w/ Mitsubishi Diamana S+ 70g Hybrids: 19 and 22 degree PXG 0317XF Gen 4 w/ Project X Evenflow Riptide 80g Irons: 5-PW PXG 0311P Gen 4 w/ KBS Tour 120 Wedges: Indi 50 FLX, 54 FLX, 58 ATK w/ KBS Wedge 610 (Official Review) Putter: Battle Ready Blackjack, 36.5”, Double Bend neck Spornia SPG-7 hitting net review 2023 Titleist White Box ProV1 review Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shapotomous Posted July 11, 2021 Share Posted July 11, 2021 I am interested in the answers as well since I picked up a Mevo about 2 weeks ago & I can't contribute to the long term use question. I also do a lot of net hitting at home and I like it for the ball speed and launch angle feedback. It is very accurate with its distance at my back yard 48 and 65 yard targets which I used the rangefinder for the real target distance. I used the net over its first winter quite a lot and I think I will use the Mevo quite often as well during those sessions. B_R_A_D_Y and RichL85 2 Quote Modern Bag: G410 LST 10.5*, Hzrdus Smoke RDX 6.5 Flex; 915F 3w, Diamana S+ 70 S flex; Snake Eyes 18* 2h, 23* 4h & 27* 5h; JPX 900 Forged 6 - PW, PX LZ 6.0; Edison 2.0 49*, 53*, 57* KBS Tour 120 S; Heppler Fetch; Ball - MTB-X; Bag - Jones MyGolfSpy Edition! Shot Scope H4, MG600 Rangefinder Classic Bag: Driver - Persimmon; 3w - Speed Slot; 5w - Tour Block; 3 - pw - Dynapower; sw - Ram Tom Watson; putter - bullseye standard or flange. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B_R_A_D_Y Posted July 11, 2021 Share Posted July 11, 2021 I got rid of my Mevo after a month or two, when the courses opened for the season. The drawback for me was that i could only use it in the net and had to have reasonably new balls for accuracy. I don’t hit into a net now cuz I hit at the club’s range 5 times a week. Some day in the future they might come up with an algorithm for crappy range balls, but until then it’s not practical. Besides, I want to see the flight of the ball. Hitting into a net for club head speed gets old. I wanted to use the Mevo to hone my 3/4 & 1/2 swing & stinger shots. Having a Mevo record tracking my progress would have been nice, but if I can’t use it on a crappy range, then I can’t benefit from it. Wish I lived near a golf training facility. I would use it. RichL85 and Shapotomous 2 Quote TSi3 #1-3-5 all with Tensi Blue S-flex 2019 Apex Pro black 3 & 4H Catalyst 70 or TSi3 #2-3 depending on how I’m playing. Tensi Blue 2019 Calloway Apex Pro black, 5-PW, Catalyst 100 - 6.0, Super Stroker Jumbo 2020 RadSpeed OL 4H, 5-GW … won’t get to actually use till warmer weather 2019 PM-grind, 56° & 60°, KBS steel, Green Cap Blue Spider EX Pro V1X Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pandaman Posted July 11, 2021 Share Posted July 11, 2021 I have a Skytrak, that I bought in March last year. I do use it fairly regularly, probably at least once a fortnight on average, and typically hit 150 to 200 balls each time. I do have to use it outdoors, so I am at the mercy of the English weather. Also, I do have to set up my net etc every time (around 10 mins) so I'm not inclined to have a 'quick half hour' when I would like to. B_R_A_D_Y, Shapotomous and RichL85 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geogolf007 Posted July 11, 2021 Share Posted July 11, 2021 I purchased a Swing Caddie SC200 and used it maybe 2-3 times. At 70 years old I don't frequent the range anymore. Would love to sell it for $100. Quote Driver - Ping G430 Max 9* Fairway - Ping G425 #5 & #7 Hybrid - Ping G425 #4 Irons - Mizuno JPX HM 923 5-AW Putter - Scotty Pro Platinum Newport two Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike B Posted July 11, 2021 Share Posted July 11, 2021 Geogolf007, How did you like it when you first used it? I too am real near 70 but do still go to the range. Is it worth looking into a launch monitor. I have just really started getting back into golf. Is there any place you can rent a launch monitor? Quote Coming back to golf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dstrombe Posted July 11, 2021 Share Posted July 11, 2021 I have a Mevo+ that I bought this past winter, I still use it 2-3x per week even if I can only find 20-30 minutes at a time. The garage net with the Mevo+ has almost completely replaced the driving range for me, and it's helped my game a ton because of the convenience. I'm also an engineer who loves digging into the ballflight data, so even if nothing else that's been a fun hobby to try and tweak the swing and see what happens cnosil and Shapotomous 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CWilson216 Posted July 12, 2021 Share Posted July 12, 2021 I use my Mevo+ nearly every day! Setup in my garage I am always practicing something, playing a mini game or challenge on Awesome Golf. edingc and Shapotomous 2 Quote Driver: TSR3 * - Tensei AV White 65 X Fairway Wood: TS2 16.5* - Tensei AV Blue 65 S Hybrids: TS2 19.0* - Tensei AV Blue 70HY S Irons 5-GW: JPX 921 Hot Metal - Pro Nippon Modus 3 Tour 105 S Wedges Vokey 54 | 58 | Putter: ER Ball: ProV1x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pandaman Posted July 12, 2021 Share Posted July 12, 2021 I have just seen that Garmin have announced their budget Sim offering (R10) for a similar price point to the standard Mevo, Rapsodo MLM etc. Looks promising, at a quarter the price of a Skytrak it may be worth a look. Shapotomous 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juspoole Posted July 12, 2021 Share Posted July 12, 2021 This coming offseason will be the true test for me. A little background...I found one in stock and received rather quickly at the end of December. Proceeded to tear my achilles a week into 2021 and after surgery, I was not able to really hit again until mid April. Since the weather has been nicer, I've chosen the course/range/putting practice over the skytrak every time. I somewhat knew this going in. I will only have a garage set up this winter, so unsure how often I will put the net/projector screen up and take it down each day as my wife and I will want to park in the garage. If you have a dedicated room for the device, I would say it's a no brainer for any hardcore golfer. I have all the components for TGC 2019 as well, but have yet to pull the trigger on the software just yet. I think it would get used enough for the lifetime cost to make enough sense, but kind of waiting to see if there will be an update (highly doubt it). I do think a net is worth the investment at the very least. Since at least staying active with my swing the past couple years, I've hit the season running and do not have as large as a transition to find my swing again after the winter layoff. Shapotomous and edingc 2 Quote Driver: Mavrik Sub Zero 9* (Set to 10) Ventus Blue 6X 2 Hybrid: TSI3 Hybrid Tensei Blue 80 X (17.25*) 3 Hybrid 818 H2 Hybrid Hzrdus RDX Black 6.5 (20.5*) 4 Iron - T200 4 Iron Graphite Design Tour AD IZ X Hybrid Shaft Irons 5-PW: T100-S 5 - GW KBS Tour 130 X Gap/Sand Wedge: Vokey SM6 49* SM8 54* Lob Wedge: Jaws 5 Wedge 58* DG Tour Issue Stiff Putter: Phantom 5.5 34" Pro Platinum Newport 2 35" Taylormade Tour Black Spider 34" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shapotomous Posted July 12, 2021 Share Posted July 12, 2021 39 minutes ago, juspoole said: ......I do think a net is worth the investment at the very least. Since at least staying active with my swing the past couple years, I've hit the season running and do not have as large as a transition to find my swing again after the winter layoff. A big plus 1 on the net....if you have a couple months where winter golf is painfully cold having the net keeps the swing intact until you can get out again. Just hitting 25 or so balls a couple times a week this past winter minimized the time i needed to get back in the groove this spring. I expect that using the Mevo along with the net next winter will make it even more likely I'll hit balls all year. edingc 1 Quote Modern Bag: G410 LST 10.5*, Hzrdus Smoke RDX 6.5 Flex; 915F 3w, Diamana S+ 70 S flex; Snake Eyes 18* 2h, 23* 4h & 27* 5h; JPX 900 Forged 6 - PW, PX LZ 6.0; Edison 2.0 49*, 53*, 57* KBS Tour 120 S; Heppler Fetch; Ball - MTB-X; Bag - Jones MyGolfSpy Edition! Shot Scope H4, MG600 Rangefinder Classic Bag: Driver - Persimmon; 3w - Speed Slot; 5w - Tour Block; 3 - pw - Dynapower; sw - Ram Tom Watson; putter - bullseye standard or flange. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pandaman Posted July 12, 2021 Share Posted July 12, 2021 2 hours ago, juspoole said: I do think a net is worth the investment at the very least. Since at least staying active with my swing the past couple years, I've hit the season running and do not have as large as a transition to find my swing again after the winter layoff. Yes, although a net without other feedback can, i think, lead to practicing bad habits it is better than nothing. And impact tape and an Accustrike mat etc can help a bit too, if a proper launch monitor isn't an option. juspoole 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichL85 Posted July 12, 2021 Author Share Posted July 12, 2021 I don't have the right setup to put a net indoors, so the best I can do is put something up in the back yard. It's convenient enough that I can get some swings in a few times a week to keep my swing somewhat intact. My main worry is as others have said, I can't really see what is happening past the first few feet. The feedback of hitting a target I lined up to is good, but it doesn't tell me everything I would prefer to know. I live in an area where frozen winters are not a problem, but I can't say golfing in 115 degree heat is high on my list of enjoyable activities. I was hoping that something like a launch monitor would help with nailing down my distances but also potentially help make hitting into a net a little more interesting for a long term application. I don't believe a full simulator setup is in my near future, but something to break the monotony of endlessly bashing a golf ball 7 feet. It sounds like it would be a reasonable purchase for my situation as long as I am willing to accept the limitations. Thanks to everyone that has contributed. Quote Driver: PXG 0811XF Gen 4 w/ Fujikura Motore X F3 6- 3 Wood: PXG 0341XF Gen 4 w/ Mitsubishi Diamana S+ 70g Hybrids: 19 and 22 degree PXG 0317XF Gen 4 w/ Project X Evenflow Riptide 80g Irons: 5-PW PXG 0311P Gen 4 w/ KBS Tour 120 Wedges: Indi 50 FLX, 54 FLX, 58 ATK w/ KBS Wedge 610 (Official Review) Putter: Battle Ready Blackjack, 36.5”, Double Bend neck Spornia SPG-7 hitting net review 2023 Titleist White Box ProV1 review Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THEZIPR23 Posted July 12, 2021 Share Posted July 12, 2021 I use my skytrack 1-2 times a week. They are great for supplementing not playing. cnosil 1 Quote Stealth 2+ 9 (Diamana PD 60 S 45") Stealth 2+ 15 (Diamana PD 70 S 43") G425 19 (Raijin 2.0 85x) G425 22 (Raijin 2.0 85x) ZX7 5-9 (KBS C Taper S) Vokey SM9 45 10 F (KBS 610) Vokey SM9 49 08 F (KBS 610) Vokey SM9 55 08 M (KBS 610) Vokey SM9 59 04 T (KBS 610) Spider GT Splitback 34" ProV1 #23 Twitter @THEZIPR23 "One thing Golf has taught me, is that my muscles have no memory." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BMart519 Posted July 13, 2021 Share Posted July 13, 2021 I use my SC200 2-3 times per week to capture swing speed while speed training. I also use it 3-4 times per week in approach mode dialing in partial swings from 40-100 yards. This varies based on how much I play, try to hit some balls everyday. Even if it is 20-30 partial wedges. Quote G425 MAX Driver & 5W Baffler Rail-H 3H-4H 699 Pro Utility V2 - 4i APEX CF19 6-AW INDI Wedges 52, 56, 60 EAS 2.0 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pandaman Posted July 13, 2021 Share Posted July 13, 2021 I would say that, if you can, get a launch monitor that gives sidespin and direction etc. But if that's not an option, then a 'distance only' device will do (SC200/300, PRGR etc). And, again if you can, an accustrike mat to give some directional indication at least will help too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alf. S Posted July 13, 2021 Share Posted July 13, 2021 I'm a Mevo user and a golf addict that plays 4 or 5 days a week. I'm pretty much comfortable with my distances I should be hitting in terms of carry. When things go a bit a skew I will go down on to the range with the Mevo this usually is about once a month. I also tend to tweak my drivers and will again use the Mevo to look at distances and launch angles. It is not something I will generally use all the time, since it is a bit footery to setup and breakdown on the range. For me it is a useful tool that can give me confidence that my gapping is OK and hasn't changed. Quote WIMB Driver Callaway Epic 10.5' Fujikura Stiff 3W Callaway Epic 15' Fujikura Stiff 3-AW Srixon Z565 Nippon Stiff 52', 56' Cleveland RTX 585 Wedges Putter Taylormade Rosa Daytona Bags 2017 Callaway Org14 Cart bag or 2018 Srixon Z start Carry bag Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichL85 Posted July 13, 2021 Author Share Posted July 13, 2021 8 hours ago, Pandaman said: I would say that, if you can, get a launch monitor that gives sidespin and direction etc. But if that's not an option, then a 'distance only' device will do (SC200/300, PRGR etc). And, again if you can, an accustrike mat to give some directional indication at least will help too. Since a straight block right is my typical miss, the side to side tracking was fairly important to me. It's not perfect, but given a fairly small budget I found a deal on the Rapsodo MLM so I'll give that a shot. Quote Driver: PXG 0811XF Gen 4 w/ Fujikura Motore X F3 6- 3 Wood: PXG 0341XF Gen 4 w/ Mitsubishi Diamana S+ 70g Hybrids: 19 and 22 degree PXG 0317XF Gen 4 w/ Project X Evenflow Riptide 80g Irons: 5-PW PXG 0311P Gen 4 w/ KBS Tour 120 Wedges: Indi 50 FLX, 54 FLX, 58 ATK w/ KBS Wedge 610 (Official Review) Putter: Battle Ready Blackjack, 36.5”, Double Bend neck Spornia SPG-7 hitting net review 2023 Titleist White Box ProV1 review Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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