Choosing the best golf launch monitor is critical as it is the most significant part of a golf simulator. The launch monitor works like a computer CPU in a golf simulator to measure several data metrics.
The best thing about golf launch monitors is you can even use them to independently track your club, ball, and swing details without any simulator setup. And they are portable in most cases, so you can use them indoors and outdoors.
But, it is crucial to consider a few key factors to find the best golf launch monitor for your needs. And to help you purchase an ideal one, we arranged this article with the best launch monitors providing all the information required.
| Simulator Package Name | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|
| SkyTrak Golf Launch Monitor | ★★★★★ | |
| Foresight Sports GCQuad Launch Monitor | ★★★★★ | |
| Full Swing KIT Launch Monitor | ★★★★ | |
| Flightscope Mevo Launch Monitor | ★★★★ | |
| Ernest Sports ES14 Pro Golf Launch Monitor | ★★★★★ | |
| Foresight Sports GC3 Launch Monitor | ★★★★★ | |
| Trackman 4 Golf Launch Monitor | ★★★★ | |
| Ernest Sports ES16 Tour Launch Monitor | ★★★★ |
Table of Content
10 Best Golf Launch Monitors Reviews
A launch monitor is an electronic device that helps you measure your data using a simulator. Various golf launch monitors possess a lot of features that vary in quality and price. All of them aren’t equally good or not the best. Some are poor in quality and features. So you can’t expect something good from such a launch monitor.
Now the question may appear in your mind, “which launch monitors will be perfect for you, or which one is the best?” Well, we are giving you a list of the ten best launch monitors on the market.
1. SkyTrak Golf Launch Monitor
SkyTrak golf launch monitor is first in our article because it is accurate, affordable, portable, and easy to use. It features most characteristics that a top-quality golf launch monitor should have. As a result, it won the Golf Digest award for best value golf simulator in 2017 and 2018.
The SkyTrak is a photometric launch monitor with a realistic golf practice and play system. It is a lightweight launch monitor. You can use it outdoors, and it will still provide commercial-grade accuracy due to its shot tracer technology. You can immediately see your ball flight on your device and instantly receive feedback on the shot shape, angle, spin rate, distance, and other data points.
Besides, it features a wireless connection to PC and iPads with instant visual feedback. But the battery performance can be a challenge for outdoor use. The rechargeable battery included in the launch monitor can be used continuously for up to 5 hours.
What do the Skytrack Launch monitor tracks?
- Ball Speed
- Launch Angle
- Back Spin
- Side Spin
- Side Angle
- Carry/Total Distance
- Distance Offline
- Roll Distance
- Flightpath
- Clubhead Speed
- Angle of Descent
What significant benefit does it provide?
If you can get detailed feedback from your simulator, won’t it benefit you? Here, this launch monitor’s incredible accuracy and portability made it unique. Besides, you can use it both for entertainment and game improvement.
Things we liked:
- The tracked data results have fantastic accuracy.
- It provides instant visual feedback.
- It gives a realistic experience when installed with a golf simulator setup.
- A lot of practice features, including some of the best software on the market
- It features a wireless connection and iOS and Android compatibility.
- Very simple to set up.
Things that can be improved:
- The simulated shots should no
- No multiplayer feature with this launch monitor.
- It must use away from direct sunlight as it is a camera-based launch monitor.
Final words:
If you want to use a brand product, naturally, we would like to recommend the SkyTrak, you get the same accuracy and number of measurements as competing $30,000+ launch monitors. No wonder Golf Digest chose this SkyTrak as the “Most Valuable Golf Simulator” for consecutive years. It is a good choice for golf enthusiasts.
Check Price at Shop Indoor Golf
2. Foresight Sports GCQuad Golf Launch Monitor
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Our next launch monitor in today’s list is the Foresight Sports GCQuad. It is one of the most accurate, versatile, and complete launch monitors. The GCQuad launch monitor is known for its performance. As a result, it has won the Golf Digest Editors’ Choice award for three years. But it is more expensive than SkyTrak, with a $14,000 price tag.
The GCQuad is a camera-based launch monitor with four high-quality cameras that track plenty of data metrics. And we suggest this launch monitor if you are looking for advanced data tracking such as club head velocity, swing path, smash factor, and many more. Besides, you can track more data with the club head and putting add-ons.
The $14,000 GCQuad launch monitor comes with the famous FSX2020 simulation software. It is an in-house simulator software from foresight sports. The FSX2020 features like skills challenge and long drive, closest to the pin competitions, five beautiful courses, and much more.
What do the Foresight Sports GCQuad tracks?
- ball speed,
- horizontal launch angles,
- vertical launch angles,
- spin, spin axis,
- carry distance
- club head velocity,
- swing path,
- attack angle,
- club face angle,
- smash factor,
- dynamic loft at impact,
- dynamic lie at impact, and more
Things we liked:
- You can track plenty of valuable data with the GCQuad. And the accuracy is top-notch.
- The FSX2020 is included with the launch monitor.
- The GCQuad has a clear, built-in display that provides accurate data fast.
Things that can be improved:
- It requires additional accessories to track some clubs and putting data.
- On the expensive side.
Final words:
If you are an expert golfer and constantly looking to improve your golfing skill with the help of the best golf launch monitor, the GCQuad is the best choice.
Check Price at Shop Indoor Golf
3. Full Swing KIT Launch Monitor
The following product in this review article is the Full Swing Kit Launch Monitor. The Company is a leading golf simulator brand known for manufacturing premium products. Even professional golfers like Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth have shared incredible experiences with the Full Swing.
First, the Full Swing Launch Monitor is as classy as the Foresight Launch Monitor. But the price is much cheaper than the Foresight GCQuad. Plus, this launch monitor features the most innovative radar technology, so you can use it indoors or outdoors without setting up a simulator.
The Full Swing Kit Launch Monitor tracks 16 data points. And the data accuracy is on the higher side. The device has a bright display that shows swing data immediately after each shot. So if you’re looking for versatility, realistic ball flight, and a range of features, the Full Swing Kit Launch Monitor is for you.
What do the Full Swing KIT tracks?
- Carry distance & Total Distance
- Spin Rate & Axis
- Face Angle
- Face To Path
- Attack Angle
- Launch Angle
- Ball Speed
- Club Speed & Path
- Smash Factor
Things we liked:
- It can track more than 15 club and ball data points with accuracy.
- It is lightweight, portable, and easy to use.
- It can be used both indoors and outdoors.
- The launch monitor is available at an affordable price.
Things that can be improved:
- The device sometimes delays around 2-5 seconds to register a swing.
Final words:
If you want a launch monitor providing full swing and ball trajectory metrics, you can consider this one on your list. For pro golfers, this monitor will be an ideal option.
4. Flightscope Mevo Portable Launch Monitor
If you want to
The Flightscope brand debuts with this Mevo launch monitor powered by Doppler radar technology. If you’re on a budget, this unique home monitor is available at a very affordable price of $499 with excellent quality and features. It is one of the best golf launch monitors under $500.
With the 3D Doppler technology, the Flightscope Mevo launch monitor helps golfers improve their skills. You will get the chance to enjoy the ball’s full swing and flight measurements. It measures ball trajectory, distance, club swing speed, and all the necessary data.
What do the Flightscope Mevo tracks?
- Carry Distance
- Club Head Speed
- Smash Factor
- Apex (max height of ball flight)
- Flight Time
- Ball Speed
- Spin Rate
- Launch Angle
Things we liked:
- The Mevo is a compact, lightweight launch monitor. That makes it very portable.
- The tracking results are pretty accurate.
- The price of the Mevo is reasonable.
- Easy to set up and use.
- It also features instant feedback with a video playback option.
Things that can be improved:
- It requires a metallic dots ball for consistent results.
- Suitable for limited use only.
Final words:
It is a good choice for beginners. Else we recommend getting a better launch monitor for advanced use.
Check Price at Shop Indoor Golf
5. Ernest Sports ES14 Pro Golf Launch Monitor
This launch monitor will allow you to see every pinpoint of your game giving you information on club speed, launch angle, ball speed, smash factor, spin rate, and distance. Have the analysis of your shots with audible feedback and other features.
What’s included here:
- ES14 Pro Launch Monitor
- Activation Code
- 9V Battery
- Carry Pouch
- ES14 User Manual
What’s unique about this launch monitor
- Provides Instant Feedback on Every Aspect of Your Golf Game.
- Tracks and Analyzes Practice Sessions.
- Portable and Lightweight.
- Simple and Easy to Use.
- Bluetooth is Compatible with iOS and Android Devices.
What significant benefit does it provide?
The significant benefit you will enjoy is that ES14 is perfect and excellent for use in the range. Besides, can you think of a launch monitor with the required features that will cost under &500? Yes, the ES14 Golf launch monitor might be within your budget as it is affordable but contains good quality and serves long.
Things we liked:
- Simple to set up
- Highly accurate
- Great for indoor winter distance practice
- Shows every statistical information
- It will increase your club-fitting experience
- Easy to use
- Very portable
Things that can be improved:
- More audio feedback would be helpful
- A little bit to avoid errant shots
Price
ES14 Golf launch monitor can be bought for $500, costing $495. For beginners, that seems a perfect budget.
Final words:
ES 14 is best for use both indoors and outdoors and is great for offering audio feedback that will help you analyze your performance. These launch monitors will provide you with accurate data, but some are more accurate indoors. So if you like to practice more indoors than outdoors, you got an ideal option.
Check Price at Shop Indoor Golf
6. Foresight Sports GC3 Launch Monitor
GC3 is the latest introduction from Foresight Sports. It features three triscopic photometric camera systems for tracking club and ball data. With GC3, you can track launch angle, side angle, ball speed, club head speed, smash factor, and more.
All Foresight Sports GC Launch Monitors have a similar outlook. However, the features and performance of each differ from the others. For example, the number 3 in the model name “GC3” also indicates the number of cameras used in that model, just as GC2 had two cameras and GCQuad had four cameras. However, in the GC3, the photometric technology has been updated to an infrared system for improved accuracy.
GC3 accuracy is about the same as GCQuad. However, it can vary by 2-3% on average. GCQuad tracks four cameras and four angles, so it’s better to be more accurate.
The GC3 is portable. It can be used indoors or outdoors. And you can easily connect to your simulation software to enhance your experience. Plus, get free access to FSX2020 by purchasing GC3 Launch Monitor.
What do the Foresight Sports GC3 tracks?
- Launch Angle
- Side Angle
- Ball Speed
- Total Spin
- Carry
- Side Spin/ Spin Axis
- Club Head Speed
- Smash Factor
- Club Path
- Angle of Attack
Things we liked:
- It can track more than 15 club and ball data points with accuracy.
- It is lightweight, portable, and easy to use.
- It can be used both indoors and outdoors.
- The launch monitor is available at an affordable price.
Things that can be improved:
- The device sometimes delays around 2-5 seconds to register a swing.
Final words:
A launch monitor providing some specific excellent features might be on your list. The latest GC3 from Foresight Sports will help you get more data parameters with accuracy.
Check Price at Shop Indoor Golf
7. Trackman 4 Golf Launch Monitor
Rapsodo combines your mobile device’s power and professional-grade machine learning to create a mobile launch monitor. You can connect your mobile device and hit the ball
Another favorite launch monitor for professional golfers is the Trackman4. It has become synonymous with “launch monitor” due to the technology boom. We listed this launch monitor so late only for the price it takes. The pricing starts at $21,495, exceeding the average market value.
That device has been used by many of the world’s best players. The new Trackman 4 will deliver precise, accurate data due to its patented multi-sensor technology that synchronizes its onboard camera with two bespoke ultra-sensitive radars. It offers the best of both worlds regarding camera and radar technology.
Instead of displaying the data on the device itself (like the GCquad), the data is displayed in the app. You can buy a single home monitor and get a complete home setup from the company.
However, it includes over 100 simulator courses, complete putting analysis, club fitting software, swing video software, online tournaments, skill testing, kids’ games, on-court training, and more, all from one device. No other golf launch monitor has such an extensive list of features.
What do the Trackman 4 tracks?
- ball speed,
- launch angles,
- spin,
- spin axis,
- carry distance
- swing path,
- smash factor, and more
Things we liked:
- Trackman 4 has the industry’s best accuracy.
- It tracks the most data metrics that a professional golfer may need.
- Shares the tracked data on the mobile app rather than on the device screen.
Things that can be improved:
- Very Expensive
Final words:
This launch monitor is trusted by experts and by the leading experienced golfers. After taking a shot, you can make corrections when you see your feedback on the app screen. If you are a pro, and aiming for specific development in your gameplay, then TrackMan 4 will be an ideal option to choose for you.
8. Ernest Sports ES16 Tour Launch Monitor
If you are worried about playing golf in unfavorable conditions and desperately looking for a launch monitor to run your simulator, you just came to the right place. To practice at your home throughout the year, you can choose The ES16 Tour Launch monitor. As a launch monitor, it’s unbelievable with its features. Let’s know in detail.
What’s included here
- E16 Tour Demo – Ernest Sports App
- E16 Tour Demo – Golf Club Simulation
- Software
- User manuals
What’s unique about this launch monitor
- Tracks and analyzes practice sessions.
- It provides a wide array of statistical information.
- Full simulator gameplay option with putting.
- Compatible with full golf simulation from The Golf Club, E6, and Perfect Parallel.
- Bluetooth is compatible with iOS and Android devices.
What significant benefit does it provide?
This launch monitor is based on cutting-edge technology that has never been known before. This technology combines Doppler radar & photometric tracking technology. And this combination of the two technologies made this launch monitor the most accurate on the market. So you are getting the world’s first hybrid launch monitor.
Things we liked
- Waterproof and portable
- Most precise launch monitor on the market
- Photometric tracking technology
- Cutting Edge Technology
- Every possible metric of your mind can be tracked
- Very accurate data
- Free Bluetooth-compatible app
- Extremely convenient and portable at only 3 pounds
- Tracks more than 15 factors
Things that can be improved:
- An expensive one
Price
Though this launch monitor is very expensive, you won’t have another launch monitor similar to this from the perspective of its quality. Check the price here.
Final words:
Suppose you aren’t on a limited budget and can consider a large amount. In that case, you can keep this launch monitor on your priority list as it has extraordinary qualities and practice features with the capability of tracking more than 15 factors.
Buying Guide for Choosing the Best Golf Launch Monitor
From our review section, you may have an idea of the factors we considered while reviewing the golf launch monitors. Here is a list of factors you must consider before choosing the best golf launch monitor.
Check and compare the accuracy.
The first factor you need to consider is how accurate the golf launch monitor is. Without accuracy, you cannot justify your game while practicing. So compare the golf launch monitors and check the accuracy performance first. Properly installed launch monitors can provide 90-95% accurate results. It may vary for different models.
Learn about the data it can track.
The more data you get, the better it gets at improving your skill. It is always suggested to buy a launch monitor that measures distance and analyzes many valuable factors. Just remember that the primary function of a launch monitor is to measure your data. So don’t forget to notice whether the launch monitor can measure most data of your requirement or not.
Portable launch monitors are a must for outdoors.
It would be best if you looked for a portable launch monitor. Portable launch monitors or mobile launch monitors are very easy to carry. So you can use it both indoors (with a home golf simulator) and outdoors. If the launch monitor you buy is not portable, you cannot carry it outdoors. So a portable golf launch monitor is suggested so you can play indoors and outdoors or whenever you want.
A balance between price and quality should be your priority.
Quality launch monitor costs much. On the other hand, affordable launch monitors are less accurate and consistent, and they may not measure many factors that expensive ones can. Quality and prices are related to each other. If you are on a limited budget, you may consider the quality of output, but if you are looking for better quality, you need to consider your budget. As we mentioned in our reviews, a balance of both can be worth purchasing.
If you are on a limited budget but still want a reliable option, our reviews suggest that finding the best budget launch monitor that offers a balance of quality and affordability can be worth considering.
Please beware of the disadvantages
Each launch monitor will have its advantages and disadvantages. We suggest you check expert opinion and know the pros and cons of a launch monitor. Else the hidden disadvantages might hurt you later.
Frequently Asked Questions on Launch Monitors (FAQs)
Golfers often ask the following questions regarding golf launch monitors on the internet. Our experts have responded to these questions to help you know every detail about the golf launch monitor for the best at home golf simulator.
What launch monitor do the pros use?
Several brands and their several models are found to be used by professionals. Here are a few top players on the launch monitor list.
| Brands | Professionals found to use their golf simulator |
|---|---|
| Foresight Sports GC2 | Butch Harmon, Michael Breed, and Martin Hall |
| Trackman | Dustin Johnson, Francesco Molinari, Justin Thomas, Rory McIlroy, Sergio Garcia, Jason Day, Justin Rose |
| Full Swing Golf | Justin Rose, Jordan Speith, Jim Furyk, Jason Day, Brandt Snedecker |
| GOLFZON | Kevin Na and Matt Kuchar |
Conclusion
As launch monitors are a significant part of a simulator, they should be known well before purchasing. And to help you purchase an ideal one, we arranged this article with the best launch monitors providing all the information required. Now you can make your decision and select the one that will be suitable for you.
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