Budget Launch monitor help

[Vegan_Golfer_PNW]

Hey fellow spies. Looking for some insight. I was on the fence of getting a driver fitting (never been fit for driver) or a launch monitor. Still on the fence for either but wanting to get my best option for a launch monitor out of the way. Looking for thoughts on the 2 I listed and if they are even worth it if hitting range balls.

 

Here are the things I am looking for (I am between the MLM and the R10)

 

Dispersion of my clubs

Somewhat accurate spin numbers

Somewhat accurate club face metrics for random or experimental practice

Cost 

Subscription (I don't plan to do any simulator stuff so which would be best as just a raw monitor)

Maybe speed training down the road (have a PRGR for that now but would likely sell it)

Are these really with it if I am just hitting range balls?

 

Many thanks!

 

[Off Map Oscar]

I've owned both and can tell you unequivocally that the r10 is the better at everything.  The gen 1 MLM is okay at things like distance but will do nothing for any other usable metric. It has apex and you can spend another 90 a year but the it does nothing the non pro subscription that the R10 does. 

 

R10 for 400. I wouldn't consider the mlm again unless it was well under 200 and at 200 there are other options. Like a voice Cady.  

 

 

[MountainManJeff]

Like @Off Map Oscar, I’m a fan of the Garmin Approach R10. It’s what I use as my simulator and I love it.  I’m like you @Vegan_Golfer_PNW in that I don’t really plan on getting the subscription. I’m more interested in tracking my dispersion, length, club head speed and  ball speed.  Of course, it tracks way more than that. 
 

I’ve taken it to the range and use it in my home garage too. I’ve been using g it for about two months and my current favorite way to practice with it is to start on the driving range and then choose one of the more targeted ranges for some short shot practice.  
 

I’ve added some photos to give you an idea of what I’m seeing 

 

anyway, good luck

 

 

[Off Map Oscar]

Give the e6 connect a run. 

You get some of the sim courses and the driving range is nice. 

[GolfSpy_BNG]

I dont have either of those option but a few staff members have the mlm2(not significantly more $ than the r10) and seem to really like it. Paging @GolfSpy_APH @GolfSpy_BEN @GolfSpy_BOS @GolfSpy SAM

 

I think that covers the staff members. Oh wait @GolfSpy_KFT had just mentioned thinking of going with one of these options as well.  
 

I have the Full Swing Kit now and used e6 connect with the Mevo plus last winter. If you are gonna use it inside at all I’m a fan of this software due to being able to practice inside on a hole. Choose a par 3 for irons or a par 4/5 for driver. Much better than just bashing balls at a net or screen for me. 

[GolfSpy_APH]

Only advice I would give is give a fun look at what you want now and in 2 or 3 years. If it means waiting and making a bigger splash in 6 or so months I would say it's worth the wait.

[WaffleHouseTour]

It’s wasn’t on your list but the Mevo+ covers all this items, particularly the speed training as it plugs into the Stack system app.  I like the FS Golf app for just range work.  The biggest downside, and maybe it’s why it’s not on your list is space requirements. 

[GolfSpy_BEN]

@Vegan_Golfer_PNW, I had the MLM and currently use the MLM2Pro. They are both decent options, but if it's within budget, I would give the nod to the MLM2Pro. It isn't as reliant on the iPhone to operate and it contains most of the features you mentioned in your post. The lone exception is that neither model gives the clubface data you are looking for. I can't speak to R10, as I have not used it. 

Dispersion of my clubs - yes

Somewhat accurate spin numbers - yes (with the use of RPT balls)

Somewhat accurate club face metrics for random or experimental practice - no

Cost - This is subjective, but going into the holidays, there are likely going to be deals

Subscription (I don't plan to do any simulator stuff so which would be best as just a raw monitor) - 99/year for MLM, 199/year for MLM2Pro

Maybe speed training down the road (have a PRGR for that now but would likely sell it) - The MLM2Pro has it's own speed training function, but also integrates with Stack, Superspeed, Rypstick, etc.

Are these really worth it if I am just hitting range balls? - For me, the answer is yes. As the combine feature allows for productive range sessions and the ability to measure your current game against benchmarks. Although, the SIM and Practice Range functions have made hitting balls into a net at home a much more enjoyable experience.

[Off Map Oscar]

I'll second the mevo plus. I sold my r10 for the mevo but that's a huge price increase if you're looking new. 

I got mine for 800 on marketplace 

[Shapotomous]

33 minutes ago, GolfSpy_BNG said:

I dont have either of those option but a few staff members have the mlm2(not significantly more $ than the r10) and seem to really like it. Paging @GolfSpy_APH @GolfSpy_BEN @GolfSpy_BOS @GolfSpy SAM

 

I think that covers the staff members. Oh wait @GolfSpy_KFT had just mentioned thinking of going with one of these options as well.  
 

I have the Full Swing Kit now and used e6 connect with the Mevo plus last winter. If you are gonna use it inside at all I’m a fan of this software due to being able to practice inside on a hole. Choose a par 3 for irons or a par 4/5 for driver. Much better than just bashing balls at a net or screen for me. 

@Golfspy_CG2 has tried quite a few lm's.  Hey Rob...Any product preference from your experience?

[Golfspy_CG2]

On 9/20/2024 at 8:19 AM, Shapotomous said:

@Golfspy_CG2 has tried quite a few lm's.  Hey Rob...Any product preference from your experience?

So yeah i have researched them all and owned several. 

I think before you decide on what yoi need.  You have ro answer two questions will it be used primarily outside on the range or inside into a net. 
 

Outside i think you lean toward Radar based.  They require a bit more distance in setup from unit to ball but generally track the entire flight.  
Mevo+
Full Swing Kit

MLM2

Inside probably lean toward camera based

 BLP

Skytrack

EyeMini

They require less room for setup but only measure ball speed off the face, everything else is calculated   
 

I have only used Radar based as my use is 100% outdoors   I have owned

Full Swing KiT

Mevo+
MLM2 

R10 

i think the Full Swing and Mevo+ are the fwo best. They are also the two most expensive by a long shot in the radar category  

MLM2 for the price is possibly the best value of all, what you get for less fhan $1,000  

What i love about Mevo+ is the amount of data points and the reports.  
 

What i liked best about FSK was the ease of use  set it down 8 feet behind you and start hitting   The data appears on screen.  Mevo+ you need a phone of ipad to display the dsta   
 

Hope that helps  would be glad to answer any questions v 

 

[Gusset]

IMO, after the initial period, the MLM is not very useful without paying the subscription. I can't recall what it can still do without it, but if limited to non-subscription capabilities, it's definitely overpriced. Hence I chose the R10 over the MLM2Pro.

By all accounts the MLM performs somewhat better than the R10, so if you're willing to pay the subscription moving forward, it may be your best choice. But the R10 is fully functional out of the box. You can pay for subscriptions to get different things like more e6 courses, Awesome Golf, etc, but the driving range and its data are always available by default, so it's better from a one-time purchase point of view.

As for club face or impact data, you have to move out of the "budget" category to get that.

Good luck!