Rapsodo MLM2Pro - 2023 Forum Review

[DriverBreaker]

37 minutes ago, xOldBenKenobiX said:

So you got me curious and I ended up doing some research and found this 3D printed marker guide on eBay.

Golf ball marking template for Rapsodo RPT MLM2PRO launch monitor

I’ve seen that as well.  At least there are options!  You going to get the stickers or the template and see how they go?

[xOldBenKenobiX]

3 minutes ago, DriverBreaker said:

I’ve seen that as well.  At least there are options!  You going to get the stickers or the template and see how they go?

I ordered the template to see how it goes, specially because I want to use the doted balls on the course and see how it reads.

[Madden B]

So jealous, this is one that I think would be soooo nice to have. Can't wait to hear the reviews. 

[DriverBreaker]

2 hours ago, xOldBenKenobiX said:

I ordered the template to see how it goes, specially because I want to use the doted balls on the course and see how it reads.

I like it!!!!

[CSiders12]

Look at what surprised me at my house when I got home from the Tour Championship

 

I am super excited to get this out to the range and see how it works! I am planning on testing it this weekend both indoors and outdoors to see how it compares. Let the games begin!!

[Preeway]

35 minutes ago, CSiders12 said:

Look at what surprised me at my house when I got home from the Tour Championship

 

I am super excited to get this out to the range and see how it works! I am planning on testing it this weekend both indoors and outdoors to see how it compares. Let the games begin!!

I’m really eager to hear about it’s performance indoors. I’m split between the R10 and this but I’ve read a lot of concerning reviews about challenges using the R10 indoors. Hoping this fares better. 

[xOldBenKenobiX]

1 hour ago, CSiders12 said:

Look at what surprised me at my house when I got home from the Tour Championship

 

I am super excited to get this out to the range and see how it works! I am planning on testing it this weekend both indoors and outdoors to see how it compares. Let the games begin!!

Awesome that you got it.

[GolfSpy_APH]

With testers getting these in hand this is a great article to go over and for them to reference along the way.

https://mygolfspy.com/news-opinion/rapsodo-mlm2pro-takes-spin-measurement-to-pro-level/

[xOldBenKenobiX]

Played a round this morning, unfortunately the course was full, so not a lot chances to use the MLM2Pro!  

Short par 3 a little bit to the left

 

 

Then a "stinger" on a par 4.

 

The distances and direction were spot on.

 

 

 

[Emag315]

Nice work. Amateurs practice until we get it right. Pros practice until they can’t get it wrong

[Shrek74]

1 hour ago, xOldBenKenobiX said:

Played a round this morning, unfortunately the course was full, so not a lot chances to use the MLM2Pro!  

Short par 3 a little bit to the left

 

Rapsodo_MLM2PRO_Elson_Correa_31081006.mov 17.41 MB · 1 download  

 

Then a "stinger" on a par 4.

Rapsodo_MLM2PRO_Elson_Correa_31081013.mov 22.53 MB · 0 downloads  

The distances and direction were spot on.

 

 

 

This might be a dumb question, but why are you bothering to use it on the course? Most use it on the range or in a home sim. I've never actually seen someone on any course I've played put down a PLM for their shots. Perhaps a Garmin G80 due to it's super small size, but never something like this. So I'm just curious as to the thought behind it. I'm not saying it's wrong, I'm just curious.

[xOldBenKenobiX]

29 minutes ago, Shrek74 said:

This might be a dumb question, but why are you bothering to use it on the course? Most use it on the range or in a home sim. I've never actually seen someone on any course I've played put down a PLM for their shots. Perhaps a Garmin G80 due to it's super small size, but never something like this. So I'm just curious as to the thought behind it. I'm not saying it's wrong, I'm just curious.

Curiosity mostly.

I am really curious with the feedback of it, specially off the tees, with distance and what else I can get information from.

I also like the fact that it is taking the video of my swing, the good, the bad and the ugly parts of it.

 

[Bradka13]

26 minutes ago, xOldBenKenobiX said:

Curiosity mostly.

I am really curious with the feedback of it, specially of the tees, with distance and what else I can get information from.

I also like the fact that it is taking the video of my swing, the good, the bad and the ugly parts of it.

 

The more information you can pass on the better I say.  Very interested in all aspects of the performance of this as a launch monitor and also as a simulator!

[Golfspy_CG2]

2 hours ago, Shrek74 said:

This might be a dumb question, but why are you bothering to use it on the course? Most use it on the range or in a home sim. I've never actually seen someone on any course I've played put down a PLM for their shots. Perhaps a Garmin G80 due to it's super small size, but never something like this. So I'm just curious as to the thought behind it. I'm not saying it's wrong, I'm just curious.

On course you are able to hit real golf balls and the ball of your choice.  For example, I use both my MLM2Pro and R10 on course.  Only once during an actual round, but other times when I've gone out to practice on the course.   I feel I get better information by hitting real balls in real course condtions.   I did take the R10 a few times during a round, not every hole, only when nobody behind us was insight and it's very easy to pick up and put back down between shots.  it's really no different than using a Garmin Z80 or something. 

[xOldBenKenobiX]

23 hours ago, Golfspy_CG2 said:

On course you are able to hit real golf balls and the ball of your choice.  For example, I use both my MLM2Pro and R10 on course.  Only once during an actual round, but other times when I've gone out to practice on the course.   I feel I get better information by hitting real balls in real course condtions.   I did take the R10 a few times during a round, not every hole, only when nobody behind us was insight and it's very easy to pick up and put back down between shots.  it's really no different than using a Garmin Z80 or something. 

What Rob says about using your own balls is also a big part of it.

I got the template for the same dot pattern as the RPT balls, so I can try different balls and see the difference between spin rates and try to set a baseline if a certain ball brand and model are helping or hurting my game.

[GolfSpy_KFT]

On 8/30/2023 at 6:57 AM, Preeway said:

I’m really eager to hear about it’s performance indoors. I’m split between the R10 and this but I’ve read a lot of concerning reviews about challenges using the R10 indoors. Hoping this fares better. 

I’m in the same boat as @Preeway. Pretty much between the R10 or MLM2 when I talk SWMBO into letting me go full blown obsessed (already am just don’t tell her ). Ultimate dream is the Skytrak but don’t think I can talk her into that

[GolfSpy_KFT]

On 9/1/2023 at 1:57 PM, xOldBenKenobiX said:

What Rob says about using your own balls is also a big part of it.

I got the template for the same dot pattern as the RPT balls, so I can try different balls and see the difference between spin rates and try to set a baseline if a certain ball brand and model are helping or hurting my game.

This is awesome data gathering and sharing, @xOldBenKenobiX. Looking forward to seeing what you find ball to ball, think it’s a great idea. I also find it similar to if someone was using an irange stick with an iPhone or the like. set it up, swing, take it down. Efficient and as long as the course isn’t packed, might as well get the feedback. 

Also I am sure I am not the only one where I can be grooving on the range and then it unravels on the tee on the course. Getting to see what the swing looked like on the range to now on the course where you may be subconsciously doing something different is invaluable IMO. Keep up the great work!

[Bulldog]

On 8/27/2023 at 8:52 AM, DriverBreaker said:

Something to consider for the testers (and sorry if their has been mentioned already).  I’ve followed this product since its launch and one of the things that people complain about is that you have to use the pre-marked Chrome Soft balls.  They are some solutions/workarounds to this that I’ve seen (example link below).

https://justapotamusdesigns.com/products/copy-of-rapsodo-mlm2pro-ball-dots-pack-of-50-for-50-balls?variant=43346085150875&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&utm_campaign=gs-2021-01-04&utm_source=google&utm_medium=smart_campaign&gclid=Cj0KCQjw6KunBhDxARIsAKFUGs9J_LhkYChU7_ImsOHiYRTEXM94W_MjKB6GNvQI23EnQ0xjaDMnO9UaAhC0EALw_wcB

Id love to see if anyone can figure out/test some of these type of workarounds to see how feasible they are.  I’ve heard pretty good things about the dot stickers in the link above. 

I’ve been using the dots. I hit into a net in the backyard. The dots are fairly easy to apply. They have a YouTube video showing the dot application process. I used 18 new, but previous model, MaxFli Tour balls, which are my gamers. I’ve hit enough times to say that I have had no issues with the dots. The MLM2PRO gives me the spin data consistently, with occasional fails.
The net I use leaves black marks on the balls. I ordered a fabric bullseye target online which reduces the amount of black marks (when I hit it).

Having a tube of balls makes the MLM2Pro a pleasure to use. 

[CSiders12]

I went to the school today and got some good practice in with the MLM2PRO. A couple of things that really stood out to me for the practice mode:

1) It is super easy to setup - took less than a minute to set up before starting the session.

2) Provided a hit box which made it easy to see where to place golf ball.

3) Quick and accurate distances.

4) Easy to end session and put away.

5) Provides a great recap after the session with all distance and shots hit through session.




I was also impressed with the simplistic simulation mode. I only hit the range, but plan on hitting some courses in the next couple of days. Stay tuned to hear more about that!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[xOldBenKenobiX]

My little template arrived, the holes aligned perfectly.

My markings are smaller than the original ones on the RPT balls, but I think that is because the marker I've tryed had a tip that was too thick, the instructions said to get a fine tip marker, I'll be getting one, and marking a whole lot of balls this week.

 

I wonder if there will be any issues with the alignment lines on the ball.

I use the green balls to practice putting in the living room.

 

[GolfSpy_APH]

Well I got myself a Rapsodo and it arrived in the mail today. Got out for a quicker range session and my goodness I am impressed. A few things I didnt love off the hop, but this was more because I was rushing was that you had to input all your clubs for practice. Again had I had more time, not a big deal. Not all my clubs were available, again not a huge deal however worth noting. 

Other thing that I would improve is the chipping. When I did some on course training with it or simulation. Smaller shorter chips werent picked up as much. I would say 50% rate. However this is first time and I could use some practice in maybe playing to get it to work better. 

Overall seriously impressed though. Have only scratched the surface and hit say 30 balls in training then went to simulation. 

Other quick notes - Battery drain was fast on my phone! Expected, but something to be aware of. 

Also I would love a method of move to next hole or edit scorecard (maybe there are there and I didnt see them) however these are easy to work with as they are. 

Cant wait to dive into it more and at some point I will have more photos for all!

[GolfSpy_KFT]

16 hours ago, xOldBenKenobiX said:

My little template arrived, the holes aligned perfectly.

My markings are smaller than the original ones on the RPT balls, but I think that is because the marker I've tryed had a tip that was too thick, the instructions said to get a fine tip marker, I'll be getting one, and marking a whole lot of balls this week.

 

I wonder if there will be any issues with the alignment lines on the ball.

I use the green balls to practice putting in the living room.

 

Awesome, man! Can't wait to see how it goes!

[snoopy79]

So far I like what I am reading from everyone. Great work! I think anyone that was having doubts or questions about the Rapsodo MLM2PRO will get a great read on its capabilities. This thing is like having a reality show for your golf game. lol

Anyone planning on hitting into a net yet? Super interested to see how that goes.

[Tom the Golf Nut]

I'm following this test with interest. I have been on the fence between this and the Garmin R10. I think it's time to upgrade from my Optishot2.

My questions so far or should I say concerns are the following.

Is anyone hitting into a screen? If so and you are using the black paint marker to mimic the dot pattern on other balls is this leaving black marks on your screen?

Will this system read the dimpled foam balls? Would it read them with black dots put on? I don't have a problem hitting real balls but other guests to my game room I prefer they hit the foam balls. I have seen some hosel rockets from the lesser skilled if you know what I mean.

My main interest is the simulator portion for playing rounds. I have a MEVO for ball data and the Optishot2 for club path and playing courses. How is the Rapsodo  working as a simulator, quality of image, do the courses look more realistic or more cartoonish, and how much extra does it cost per year for the simulator upgrade?  

  

[chris_]

28 minutes ago, Tom the Golf Nut said:

I'm following this test with interest. I have been on the fence between this and the Garmin R10. I think it's time to upgrade from my Optishot2.

My questions so far or should I say concerns are the following.

Is anyone hitting into a screen? If so and you are using the black paint marker to mimic the dot pattern on other balls is this leaving black marks on your screen?

Will this system read the dimpled foam balls? Would it read them with black dots put on? I don't have a problem hitting real balls but other guests to my game room I prefer they hit the foam balls. I have seen some hosel rockets from the lesser skilled if you know what I mean.

My main interest is the simulator portion for playing rounds. I have a MEVO for ball data and the Optishot2 for club path and playing courses. How is the Rapsodo  working as a simulator, quality of image, do the courses look more realistic or more cartoonish, and how much extra does it cost per year for the simulator upgrade?  

  

My biggest current hangup is that the sim is single player only. With three boys who golf, I really need multi player to be a thing. 

[xOldBenKenobiX]

First Impressions

As a caveat, this is my first extended experience with a mobile launch monitor/simulator, so I am very excited about the experience. With that being said, this device is a beast, nicely packaged in a very small and portable device, yet it boasts tons of power and information. My range sessions have become a great source of feedback.

The packaging of this device is extremely clean and feels like a high-end product. Out of the box, the device is easy to set up with the Rapsodo app and configure the clubs to be added to the bag. The one drawback was that each club had to be entered manually, including length and loft. I do wish there was a quick-start setting where we could select the basic type of club and get going.

Setting up on the range was extremely easy. Turn on the device, connect it to my phone, set up the location, and it was ready to go. Writing these steps makes it seem longer than it actually took on the range; it was just a matter of a couple of minutes, and I was ready to go.

Having the two cameras on the device allows for the impact view and down-the-line view, which are awesome. I can see that information right on my phone's screen without having to walk back to the device. The system also allows me to set up my device as a third camera view, enabling me to see the face-on view of my swing—a very useful feature for practice and for coaches to help visualize swing flaws and improvements.

Now, the wealth of information that the device provides is astounding and has me on cloud nine right now. The Rapsodo can track various aspects of the shot, including:

    Club speed
    Carry distance
    Total distance
    Side carry
    Ball speed
    Smash factor
    Launch direction
    Launch angle
    Descent angle
    Apex
    Shot type
    Spin rate and spin axis (if using Callaway RPT balls)

These can be interchanged on the screen for a live view as well as for a recap with the 10,000 videos that can be stored by Rapsodo on my account. There is a little bit of information for everyone, and in my view, it can absolutely help players of any skill level improve their game.

The session insights you get, such as accuracy, distance, and consistency by club, are great, and with the video feedback, you can see the ins and outs of each swing. The tracer lines are a great addition, especially if you are practicing for a specific shot type. That being said, there have been a couple of times when the device thought I had hit a straight stinger when in fact it was a worm-burner.

On-course usage has been easy, as the setup is quick. Of course, I am not using it when there is a chance to slow the pace of play and hold up anyone.

[xOldBenKenobiX]

Played a round this morning.

I was able to use my marked balls and it does read the spin numbers really well.

 

[xOldBenKenobiX]

5 minutes ago, xOldBenKenobiX said:

Played a round this morning.

I was able to use my marked balls and it does read the spin numbers really well.

 

[xOldBenKenobiX]

The two things I need to pay attention when using in the course.

First I need to check my alignment, some of the videos were to the side.

I also need to remember to change clubs on the app, I hit a 9 iron that count as a driver.

 

I played alone and used the rapsodo to hit 20 different shots.

The distances and direction of the shots were spot on, that made it really easy to drive up from the tee box straight to my ball, even on thicker rough.

[Josh Parker]

Great information so far!  I want something for the range that doesn't cost an arm and a leg and this seems like its doing pretty well for everyone.