SkyTrak+ - 2024 Forum Review

[TSauer]

Well, well, well... look what the little brown truck dropped off today.

 

[Swood1994]

13 hours ago, TSauer said:

Well, well, well... look what the little brown truck dropped off today.

 

JEALOUS! Great pics, my shipping notice got updated to tomorrow so I'm really hoping i can get my hands on it as soon as I get home!

Edited September 10 by Swood1994

[Swood1994]

Well good news is I just got my delivery notice... bad news.. I'm stuck at work. Is it 5 yet?!?

[Swood1994]

PHOTO DUMP!

 

Edited September 11 by Swood1994

[Swood1994]

Unfortunately, my new net and mat will be arriving late this week early next week. So... I will be focusing on the set up of the unit and possibly going to the outdoor range to test out the IOS app to see how that functions while I'm waiting. Let the testing BEGIN!

[TSauer]

Did a quick test run this evening and connected it to my iPad just to see how well the range would run... and I'm impressed! It did take a couple minutes to get it connected, but it was smooth sailing after that. I was just getting home from my league match, so I didn't have a ton of time, but I am giddy. I can't wait to dive in even more!

I'll upload a few more details tomorrow, along with a snap of my ghetto setup

[schooner44]

Just FYI... They have a ton of new software features available in ver 5.0 software but it's only available on PC right now. I contacted Skytrak and they said the new version is supposed to be coming to iOS in either September or October. Hopefully you guys will get the opportunity to test that out also.

[TSauer]

28 minutes ago, schooner44 said:

Just FYI... They have a ton of new software features available in ver 5.0 software but it's only available on PC right now. I contacted Skytrak and they said the new version is supposed to be coming to iOS in either September or October. Hopefully you guys will get the opportunity to test that out also.

Awesome that it's coming to iOS so soon. I plan to use it on both systems, but it's hard to beat the convenience of the iPad for sure! Especially just for hitting the range. 

Though, I am very excited to test out all the other areas. 

Edited Thursday at 07:34 PM by TSauer

[TSauer]

So, a little more about last night and how it went with the initial setup on iOS. 

I forgot to throw in a picture of the included accessories to connect everything, so here you go.. OOOOH AHHHHH! 

Anyway, the setup really was a breeze. For some reason I was expecting there to be a lot more work but was pleasantly surprised. It did seem to take a moment to establish the initial connection, but that could have been on me not following directions or just being impatient. It was simply a matter of powering on the device, finding it in your list of Wi-Fi connections and connecting to it. Once the app was opened, it detected any kind of firmware upgrade that needed installed and automatically downloaded and applied it. 

It gives you three options on how to connect to and use the device: 

1. Direct Mode - Connect directly to the SkyTrak's Wi-Fi signal
2. Network Mode - Program the SkyTrak to connect itself to your wireless network
3. USB Mode - Connect the SkyTrak directly to your PC via USB

For the quick setup I did last night, I chose direct mode.

Here is a quick recap of what it looked like going through the iOS setup: 

I thought I would have to do some readjusting, leveling, and just a whole lot of tinkering to get the thing aligned and set up correctly to where the red dot would show on my mat. Fortunately, that was not the case. Update installed, dot appeared, and off to the range I went.

From the get-go you can easily select your club from the matrix or build your custom bag making things even simpler! You can see the basic details of your shot including launch angle, back spin, ball speed, club speed, side spin, and side angle right from the start. It also gives you your descent angle and shot height off to the side. But, the real juicy stuff is in the shot detail tab. Tap that to slide up and you're greeted with number soup. Good number soup at that. 

 

]

 

I didn't have time to hit a ton of shots, but I did bust out the 7 iron to make sure everything was good to go! One of the first things I was worried about was the shot delay. I've hit off of a few OG SkyTraks previously and knew there was always a slight delay after hitting before the monitor would pick up and display the shot. I thought this would be a huge turnoff. But actually, at least on the ST+, it's not bothersome. With my current setup, I actually don't mind it at all because it allows me to hit, imagine how the shot went, and then glance over and actually see how it went. It's a very slight delay. I'll try to capture it the next time I'm out! Here's a snapshot after hitting a few. I feel the distances may be slightly off, but that could be due to the dreaded ISS (indoor swing syndrome). I will know more once I start putting in the reps and establish a good baseline. I've also been given the green light to borrow a GC3 to put it up against!

 

 

Looking closer at the shot details screen there are a couple of things that I particularly enjoy. One, the optimal range numbers for the selected club and the colors showing how close you are to being in that range. It makes it easy to see how well the shot went with just a glance at the screen. Also, if you're unsure of what any of the metrics actually mean, you can click on the question mark icon next to the title and it will bring up a video, along with a description talking about it in more detail. Really well done!! I feel like I can go on and on about this thing... if you can't tell, I'm excited!

[Rearviewmirror]

How far do folks have it set up in front of the impact screen?

[TSauer]

1 hour ago, Rearviewmirror said:

How far do folks have it set up in front of the impact screen?

Mine is around 7ft or so, but I'm just hitting into a net, no screen.

Edited Friday at 03:00 PM by TSauer

[Swood1994]

16 hours ago, TSauer said:

So, a little more about last night and how it went with the initial setup on iOS. 

I forgot to throw in a picture of the included accessories to connect everything, so here you go.. OOOOH AHHHHH! 

Anyway, the setup really was a breeze. For some reason I was expecting there to be a lot more work but was pleasantly surprised. It did seem to take a moment to establish the initial connection, but that could have been on me not following directions or just being impatient. It was simply a matter of powering on the device, finding it in your list of Wi-Fi connections and connecting to it. Once the app was opened, it detected any kind of firmware upgrade that needed installed and automatically downloaded and applied it. 

It gives you three options on how to connect to and use the device: 

1. Direct Mode - Connect directly to the SkyTrak's Wi-Fi signal
2. Network Mode - Program the SkyTrak to connect itself to your wireless network
3. USB Mode - Connect the SkyTrak directly to your PC via USB

For the quick setup I did last night, I chose direct mode.

Here is a quick recap of what it looked like going through the iOS setup: 

I thought I would have to do some readjusting, leveling, and just a whole lot of tinkering to get the thing aligned and set up correctly to where the red dot would show on my mat. Fortunately, that was not the case. Update installed, dot appeared, and off to the range I went.

From the get-go you can easily select your club from the matrix or build your custom bag making things even simpler! You can see the basic details of your shot including launch angle, back spin, ball speed, club speed, side spin, and side angle right from the start. It also gives you your descent angle and shot height off to the side. But, the real juicy stuff is in the shot detail tab. Tap that to slide up and you're greeted with number soup. Good number soup at that. 

 

]

 

I didn't have time to hit a ton of shots, but I did bust out the 7 iron to make sure everything was good to go! One of the first things I was worried about was the shot delay. I've hit off of a few OG SkyTraks previously and knew there was always a slight delay after hitting before the monitor would pick up and display the shot. I thought this would be a huge turnoff. But actually, at least on the ST+, it's not bothersome. With my current setup, I actually don't mind it at all because it allows me to hit, imagine how the shot went, and then glance over and actually see how it went. It's a very slight delay. I'll try to capture it the next time I'm out! Here's a snapshot after hitting a few. I feel the distances may be slightly off, but that could be due to the dreaded ISS (indoor swing syndrome). I will know more once I start putting in the reps and establish a good baseline. I've also been given the green light to borrow a GC3 to put it up against!

 

 

Looking closer at the shot details screen there are a couple of things that I particularly enjoy. One, the optimal range numbers for the selected club and the colors showing how close you are to being in that range. It makes it easy to see how well the shot went with just a glance at the screen. Also, if you're unsure of what any of the metrics actually mean, you can click on the question mark icon next to the title and it will bring up a video, along with a description talking about it in more detail. Really well done!! I feel like I can go on and on about this thing... if you can't tell, I'm excited!

Awesome update! I just got mine charged last night for a full battery and plan to get it setup this weekend for IOS first. Unfortunately, my first go at it will be outside but will be interested to see how it does in that situation!

[TSauer]

10 minutes ago, Swood1994 said:

Awesome update! I just got mine charged last night for a full battery and plan to get it setup this weekend for IOS first. Unfortunately, my first go at it will be outside but will be interested to see how it does in that situation!

Looking forward to hearing how it goes! I plan to use mine quite a bit outside, so I hope it's pretty flawless for ya!

[TSauer]

Love how easy this thing is to set up and get a quick practice sesh in. Took probably 2-3 minutes to put my net up, throw my iPad in the tripod, and then power on and connect the SkyTrak and get on the range.

Also... the protective case not only protects against mishits, but having the handle on there makes it easy to transport back and forth. I just sit it down flush with the side of my mat and voila!

Edited Saturday at 12:50 AM by TSauer

[LeakyValve]

Not sure if it was touched on. But testers!! I'm curious about using this at the range with range balls. We all know they suck. And sometimes are even flighted. Curious if the numbers remain similar to using this as a sim, inside with your gamer ball or if the numbers reflect the range balls!!

[TSauer]

23 minutes ago, LeakyValve said:

Not sure if it was touched on. But testers!! I'm curious about using this at the range with range balls. We all know they suck. And sometimes are even flighted. Curious if the numbers remain similar to using this as a sim, inside with your gamer ball or if the numbers reflect the range balls!!

Noted and added to the list to test!

[LeakyValve]

@TSauer also did you guys get any of the subscriptions?

[ManBeard]

2 hours ago, LeakyValve said:

@TSauer also did you guys get any of the subscriptions?

I'd like to hear about the software side of it as well, and the value of it versus not having the E6 subscription in addition !

[LeakyValve]

I like to try and play courses I'm at when I'm on the driving range. I'll think of the holes and play them one the range. Driver. Iron. Wedge. Next hole and so on. I've also played at a range that had a mix of top golf and a full range. Where chipping determined your number of putts. Would be sweet if the unit could be set up so you can basically play a round on the range. 

[TSauer]

3 hours ago, LeakyValve said:

@TSauer also did you guys get any of the subscriptions?

It comes with a 30 day trial of the essential plan. I am assuming that is just standard when purchasing a SkyTrak. As for now, that is the only kind of subscription that we have. There may be something in the works to get an extended trial or maybe an add-on package, but I am not 100% certain on that yet, however.

[Rob Person]

Just caught up on this.  Great intros and follow ups so far!

Can you usb connect on the range or outdoors to your tablets? Or does it have to be wifi. 

Also, I know for me anyway, I move around a little bit on the range (a foot left or right sometimes)  how much, if any, side to side leeway do you have? Or does the ball have to be placed in the exact same spot every time? (Which is impossible on a grass range)

 

 

[Flanpro]

On 9/12/2024 at 8:20 PM, TSauer said:

So, a little more about last night and how it went with the initial setup on iOS. 

I forgot to throw in a picture of the included accessories to connect everything, so here you go.. OOOOH AHHHHH! 

Anyway, the setup really was a breeze. For some reason I was expecting there to be a lot more work but was pleasantly surprised. It did seem to take a moment to establish the initial connection, but that could have been on me not following directions or just being impatient. It was simply a matter of powering on the device, finding it in your list of Wi-Fi connections and connecting to it. Once the app was opened, it detected any kind of firmware upgrade that needed installed and automatically downloaded and applied it. 

It gives you three options on how to connect to and use the device: 

1. Direct Mode - Connect directly to the SkyTrak's Wi-Fi signal
2. Network Mode - Program the SkyTrak to connect itself to your wireless network
3. USB Mode - Connect the SkyTrak directly to your PC via USB

For the quick setup I did last night, I chose direct mode.

Here is a quick recap of what it looked like going through the iOS setup: 

I thought I would have to do some readjusting, leveling, and just a whole lot of tinkering to get the thing aligned and set up correctly to where the red dot would show on my mat. Fortunately, that was not the case. Update installed, dot appeared, and off to the range I went.

From the get-go you can easily select your club from the matrix or build your custom bag making things even simpler! You can see the basic details of your shot including launch angle, back spin, ball speed, club speed, side spin, and side angle right from the start. It also gives you your descent angle and shot height off to the side. But, the real juicy stuff is in the shot detail tab. Tap that to slide up and you're greeted with number soup. Good number soup at that. 

 

]

 

I didn't have time to hit a ton of shots, but I did bust out the 7 iron to make sure everything was good to go! One of the first things I was worried about was the shot delay. I've hit off of a few OG SkyTraks previously and knew there was always a slight delay after hitting before the monitor would pick up and display the shot. I thought this would be a huge turnoff. But actually, at least on the ST+, it's not bothersome. With my current setup, I actually don't mind it at all because it allows me to hit, imagine how the shot went, and then glance over and actually see how it went. It's a very slight delay. I'll try to capture it the next time I'm out! Here's a snapshot after hitting a few. I feel the distances may be slightly off, but that could be due to the dreaded ISS (indoor swing syndrome). I will know more once I start putting in the reps and establish a good baseline. I've also been given the green light to borrow a GC3 to put it up against!

 

 

Looking closer at the shot details screen there are a couple of things that I particularly enjoy. One, the optimal range numbers for the selected club and the colors showing how close you are to being in that range. It makes it easy to see how well the shot went with just a glance at the screen. Also, if you're unsure of what any of the metrics actually mean, you can click on the question mark icon next to the title and it will bring up a video, along with a description talking about it in more detail. Really well done!! I feel like I can go on and on about this thing... if you can't tell, I'm excited!

Great job! Based on all the questions and feedback I would say we are all excited!

[Rearviewmirror]

1 hour ago, Rob Person said:

Just caught up on this.  Great intros and follow ups so far!

Can you usb connect on the range or outdoors to your tablets? Or does it have to be wifi. 

Also, I know for me anyway, I move around a little bit on the range (a foot left or right sometimes)  how much, if any, side to side leeway do you have? Or does the ball have to be placed in the exact same spot every time? (Which is impossible on a grass range)

It has to be WiFi (direct connect) - there's no way to connect via USB directly.

I would say you have about 1 ball inside and outside and then 4-6 inches back and forward.

[schooner44]

On 9/13/2024 at 7:14 AM, Rearviewmirror said:

How far do folks have it set up in front of the impact screen?

It doesn't matter. Unlike other units like the mlm2pro, it doesn't read from behind the flight of the ball. It reads the info as the ball passes the unit which is less than a foot. 

[schooner44]

I also wanted to add this for the testers... Some golf balls work better than others. I found this video back when I first got my OG Skytrak and ended up settling on the Callaway Truvis (soccer ball) style of balls. They recommend putting the logo of the ball facing the unit and I believe it's so the unit can see contrast in order to pick up the data. The soccer style balls have markings all over them so I don't have to place the ball in any certain position. In a lot of testing, I found that the white versions with markings of blue, red and pink worked the best. The yellow ones are hot and miss and the ones with green markings are terrible. A lot of my initial knowledge came from the below video which I had found super helpful. 

 

Edited Saturday at 03:45 PM by schooner44

[Rearviewmirror]

23 minutes ago, schooner44 said:

It doesn't matter. Unlike other units like the mlm2pro, it doesn't read from behind the flight of the ball. It reads the info as the ball passes the unit which is less than a foot. 

Yup I know that from a shot reading perspective, but I am more interested from a bounceback perspective. I'm trying to figure out what is realistically workable for indoor simulators in terms of ball to screen distance when using an optical launch monitor based on people's real world experiences.

[Swood1994]

20 hours ago, LeakyValve said:

Not sure if it was touched on. But testers!! I'm curious about using this at the range with range balls. We all know they suck. And sometimes are even flighted. Curious if the numbers remain similar to using this as a sim, inside with your gamer ball or if the numbers reflect the range balls!!

So I actually just got an outdoor session in while I await the rest unit my upgraded indoor set up. 

all I can say is WOW! I messed up and even without creating an account I was able to have a full range session off of my iPhone 15 pro. The UI and graphics were great and I didn’t lose connection once. It’s super easy to switch between clubs and log shots. I was also able to export the session easily and get all of the metrics in a PDF

I’m not sure if it was due to the mat or if I was just having a good day but my total distances were farther than I expected. Carry distances were almost spot on. The spin rates were also lower than I was expecting given I know my game and know that I can hold a green with a 7-iron. I also noticed on a couple mishits where it was a duck hook on a 3-wood it logged a low slice. Only happened once or twice though. 
 

I’ll have a more in depth update on the outdoor session tonight!

Edited Saturday at 09:21 PM by Swood1994

[Swood1994]

5 hours ago, Rearviewmirror said:

Yup I know that from a shot reading perspective, but I am more interested from a bounceback perspective. I'm trying to figure out what is realistically workable for indoor simulators in terms of ball to screen distance when using an optical launch monitor based on people's real world experiences.

You should really only need the distance needed to clear the club from the net. Because the Skytrak reads from the side with a mix of doplar and photometric based reading it makes for a more compact setup

[Medfloat]

On 9/9/2024 at 6:17 PM, TSauer said:

Well, well, well... look what the little brown truck dropped off today.

 

Ohhhh snap!

[Medfloat]

On 9/11/2024 at 11:25 PM, TSauer said:

Did a quick test run this evening and connected it to my iPad just to see how well the range would run... and I'm impressed! It did take a couple minutes to get it connected, but it was smooth sailing after that. I was just getting home from my league match, so I didn't have a ton of time, but I am giddy. I can't wait to dive in even more!

I'll upload a few more details tomorrow, along with a snap of my ghetto setup

Any issues with connecting to apple?