Launch monitor vs. Simulator

[David Rakoczy]

Hey Team,

I am interested in purchasing a simulator or Launch monitor, I know what the basics of each, and that prices can be drastically different from $700- 20k

Does anybody own both? Should I wait and go all in on the Simulator, we have about 3k saved for one. My wife has been Golfing since she was 5, and both our daughters love swinging the sticks but they are still so young!

Can you turn a launch monitor into a simulator? Do you need special software 

I know they are testing both now, but would love anyone’s input who has already got a set up.

Which would you do? And what type?

Thanks!

[cnosil]

The launch monitors that also have simulator capabilities either come with or require add on software to do course simulation.   To have a simulator you need a launch monitor that will capture ball data so it can determine flight.  
 

while I don’t have both, I have access to a GC Quad and have used if for both launch monitor numbers and as a simulator.   The number side is more for working on your  game and the simulator side is to obviously simulate a round of golf.  

you have a big price range so you can do anything between a basic garage setup to a dedicated simulator room.  

 

[David Rakoczy]

Do all the simulators have a membership cost? 

[cnosil]

Most of the ones I have seen do.  If the device has courses they is typically a limited number 

[JAYER38]

I've had experience and owned both a SkyTrak & Bushnell Launch Pro Launch Monitors.

Both require some sort of yearly fee to use with any program even there own...

SkyTrak & BLP both have there own software to track shots and give you the data they each supply as it is a little different

You can also use other programs like GSPro, TGC2019, and E6. Each of these is it own fee but also let you play alot of the courses worldwide or games.

Here is a link to a YouTube video to help with some comparisons...

 

[Mpollock]

I have used multiple different monitors. Trackman, fullswing, Bushnell, flight scope and cg quad. If you are looking for more and indoor sim use I would recommend the Bushnell or gc quad or older models of foresight. Foresight uses multiple cameras that take pictures of the ball and uses those numbers in an algorithm to calculate your numbers. Trackman and full swing use radar which the camera tracks the ball in the air. I personally would get foresight for more indoors which can be used outdoors as well. If you have the money trackman for sure but full swing is very accurate. I do know Bushnell monitor which is under the foresight brand has the best price options. If you are more at an outside range and not indoor I would say full swing. 

[Chux13]

On 8/21/2024 at 12:08 PM, JAYER38 said:

I've had experience and owned both a SkyTrak & Bushnell Launch Pro Launch Monitors.

Both require some sort of yearly fee to use with any program even there own...

SkyTrak & BLP both have there own software to track shots and give you the data they each supply as it is a little different

You can also use other programs like GSPro, TGC2019, and E6. Each of these is it own fee but also let you play alot of the courses worldwide or games.

Here is a link to a YouTube video to help with some comparisons...

 

@David Rakoczy I second that this is a great video to start with. Also, determine where you would be using the device as that could potentially eliminate the doppler units should you have a tight space. Those usually need around 14 feet or more from behind the mat to the net! There are so many great options out there that pull double duty in metrics and simulation. 

I love my Garmin R10. Buy once and do not have subscription fees to access all the data it provides, which is quite a lot! That and I already have a life subscription to Awesome Golf simulator. That one is a blast to use with the kiddos. Quite a few fun games there for their swings. 

Edited August 25 by Chux13

[MackTruck]

On 8/21/2024 at 12:24 PM, David Rakoczy said:

Hey Team,

I am interested in purchasing a simulator or Launch monitor, I know what the basics of each, and that prices can be drastically different from $700- 20k

Does anybody own both? Should I wait and go all in on the Simulator, we have about 3k saved for one. My wife has been Golfing since she was 5, and both our daughters love swinging the sticks but they are still so young!

Can you turn a launch monitor into a simulator? Do you need special software 

I know they are testing both now, but would love anyone’s input who has already got a set up.

Which would you do? And what type?

Thanks!

I went with the rapsodo which is the $700 option. It does a pretty decent job for entry level. It gives you your numbers and I’d say they are relatively accurate. Compared to top tracer the speeds are within 5 mph and distances are about 10 yards longer than top tracer shows.  If you’re just looking for some fun metrics and don’t need identical stats translating to the course - ie my PW goes exactly 130, it’s a lot of fun. Me and my 8 yr old have been enjoying playing on the virtual range and you can also play virtual golf.   Not bad for $700 bucks!!  

Just now, MackTruck said:

I went with the rapsodo which is the $700 option. It does a pretty decent job for entry level. It gives you your numbers and I’d say they are relatively accurate. Compared to top tracer the speeds are within 5 mph and distances are about 10 yards longer than top tracer shows.  If you’re just looking for some fun metrics and don’t need identical stats translating to the course - ie my PW goes exactly 130, it’s a lot of fun. Me and my 8 yr old have been enjoying playing on the virtual range and you can also play virtual golf.   Not bad for $700 bucks!!  

 

[GolfSpy_BNG]

On 8/21/2024 at 11:24 AM, David Rakoczy said:

Hey Team,

I am interested in purchasing a simulator or Launch monitor, I know what the basics of each, and that prices can be drastically different from $700- 20k

Does anybody own both? Should I wait and go all in on the Simulator, we have about 3k saved for one. My wife has been Golfing since she was 5, and both our daughters love swinging the sticks but they are still so young!

Can you turn a launch monitor into a simulator? Do you need special software 

I know they are testing both now, but would love anyone’s input who has already got a set up.

Which would you do? And what type?

Thanks!

There are some really good ones out there that will do both. 
 

What time of space do you have?  This could greatly reduce your options.  Radar based systems(mevo plus, full swing kit) will require 8-10’ ball to screen(more is better) and 8-10’ ball to unit. Camera based systems(skytrak plus, Bushnell launch pro) sit just in front of the ball instead of behind you so they require less room but also need to be moved if switching between lefty and righty.  
 

If you have the room and like diving into the numbers a radar based system like mevo plus or full swing kit are nice because you can take them to the range and outside they track the entire flight giving you great accuracy. 
 

All of them will need a simulator package added such as e6, gspro, or tgc2019. Each with different system requirements. Gspro and tgc are computer only and e6 can be iOS.  Not 100% sure but some LM are also system dependent. 
 

prices are all over the map but if you have the space the Mevo plus with face impact and pro package is great with zero subscription fees to use the unit. Just the e6 subscription if you want more than the free with Mevo courses. If you are fine with those few courses then it’s a one time payment and done. 
 

I reviewed the Mevo plus earlier this year and made a switch with @Golfspy_CG2 for the full swing kit so we both could check out the other.   So far the FSK wins on lcd screen and ease of setup.  I need to check out the simulator side of things to see how that goes but the mevo was very good on that aspect with the free e6.  

 

There are always pros and cons to all of them but it’s a great thing to have and totally worth the rabbit hole you are going to be going through to find the right one. 
 

 

[David Rakoczy]

Awesome! Thanks for the info

[Shifty]

a gc2 is the only one that has no yearly fee that I'm aware of.  Just have to purchase simulator software.  Still best bang for your buck.

Pair with GSPro and you'll have the best possible set up on the cheap, and you can putt and shortgame actually works unlike some launch monitors.

Edited August 29 by Shifty

[GolfinWdbry]

I started with a modestly priced launch monitor and a net in my garage. It was useful for a time, but didn't take long to realize the limited information I was provided wasn't all that beneficial. I upgraded to a Mevo+ and paired it with GS Pro. A huge step up and probably keeps me content for a good amount of time. 

[David Rakoczy]

9 minutes ago, GolfinWdbry said:

I started with a modestly priced launch monitor and a net in my garage. It was useful for a time, but didn't take long to realize the limited information I was provided wasn't all that beneficial. I upgraded to a Mevo+ and paired it with GS Pro. A huge step up and probably keeps me content for a good amount of time. 

That’s what I think the general idea is, we have a driving range literally across the steeet that measures launch angle and club head speed, It doesn’t measure spin,

I think the simulator would be the better bet, space isn’t an issue, just want to have some fun with the family and also play in the winter!