MGS Tested: PERSONAL GOLF LAUNCH MONITORS

PERSONAL LAUNCH MONITOR BUYER’S GUIDE

Golf launch monitors have become ubiquitous with the pros.  At every PGA TOUR event, you see a variety of launch monitors on the range. Foresight, TrackMan, and FlightScope are the leaders. Bryson DeChambeau, the 2020 U.S. Open champion, uses launch monitors from two brands to dial in his game.

Given that many of the best players in the world use these devices to drive both equipment and on-course decisions, it’s understandable that average golfers would be hungry to do the same.

Personal golf launch monitors are the Holy Grail for the average golfer looking to improve their golf game. Technology is developing rapidly, and personal launch monitors have improved over recent years. These gizmos might still need a few years to become more accurate and provide more data points, but they’re able to offer enough information to help you reasonably dial in your game, with your expectations managed.

The enterprise stuff is expensive … really expensive. But for $500, there are a number of pocket sized devices that offer plenty of data for a reasonable cost.

If you’re considering purchasing a personal launch monitor or want to see how these devices measure up, read on.

Golf Launch Monitor Technologies

Most, if not all, launch monitors available today are powered by one of two technologies: radar or cameras.

Radar

Radar-based systems use Doppler radar to follow the flight of the golf ball. Doppler works by bouncing microwaves off an object; in this case, a golf ball. By continuously sending waves and receiving the reflections, Doppler-powered devices track the movement of the ball through space.

Enterprise radar launch monitors like TrackMan and FlightScope X3 feature larger Doppler radars which are capable of tracking a golf ball over its entire flight. Less expensive consumer-grade units like the Voice Caddie SC200 Plus and the Rapsodo have smaller Doppler units that don’t quite track the full flight of the golf ball.

With the exception of SkyTrak, all of the models we tested are radar-based.

Camera

As the category suggests, camera-based launch monitors use high-definition cameras to measure ball data at, and immediately following, impact. While camera-based systems can’t measure the full flight of the golf ball, they typically provide more accurate axis tilt and spin measurements and are far more reliable in limited-flight scenarios.

Depending on the quality of the cameras, some camera-based launch monitors struggle under certain lighting conditions and in highly reflective environments.

SkyTrak is the only camera-based system included in this test.

Golf Launch Monitor Features That Matter

Metrics

All of the devices we tested provide Ball Speed, Club Head Speed and Carry Distance. If you’re looking for club head data, offline and dispersion numbers, you might want to look at the enterprise solutions like ForeSight and Trackman.

SkyTrak and Mevo Plus provide the most data metrics to help you with your game.

Accuracy

While you’re going to get the most accurate information from enterprise solutions like Trackman and Foresight, personal launch monitors have improved to offer reasonably accurate measurements to help you improve your game.

The most accurate personal launch monitors are Rapsodo and the Mevo Plus.

Ease of Use

Even the best golf launch monitors on the market must be easy to use. For most of us, practice time is limited and it shouldn’t be wasted trying to configure, connect and use a device meant to help us improve faster. Some units require more precise placement at setup.

For the easiest of setups, both Voice Caddie SC300 and SC200 Plus are a breeze and get you practicing in no time.

Features

While measuring the flight of the golf ball is the primary purpose for all of the units we tested, most offer some additional features. Some units allow for simulator play while others include features to record your swing or leverage GPS functionality on the golf course. Others add elements of gamification like long-drive contests and closest-to-the-pin challenges.

Rapsodo is a perfect launch monitor to record your swing while getting some data. SkyTrak and Mevo Plus provide games, range sessions and courses to play, no matter the weather. Garmin G80 is not only a launch monitor but also a GPS device so you can get some numbers to your target and some data points.

Smartphone/Tablet Apps

While the Voice Caddie and Garmin offerings are entirely self-contained, the other devices we tested require an app to communicate with the launch monitor and relay data to the user. We found the applications to be generally easy to navigate and hassle-free.

The Rapsodo MLM and Skytrak stand out for their simple interface and layout, though Rapsodo proved to be a battery killer when taking swing videos.

The Best PLM 2020 - Features

	Product	Mobile App	Weight	Outdoor/Indoor
	Ernest ES B1 Check Price	Yes	3 lb	In + Out
	FlightScope Mevo Plus Check Price	Yes	1 lb	In + Out
	FlightsScope Mevo Check Price	Yes	7 oz	In + Out
	Garmin G80 Check Price	Yes	4 oz	In + Out
	Rapsodo Check Price	Yes	9 oz	In + Out
	SkyTrak Check Price	Yes	1 lb	In + Out
	Voice Caddie SC200 Plus Check Price	No	7 oz	In + Out
	Voice Caddie SC300 Check Price	Yes	1lb	In + Out

Personal Launch Monitors – Top Five Takeaways

What’s Your Budget?

The price range for the units we tested is just under $400 to just under $2,000. If you want enterprise-level accuracy and features (head data, for example), you’re looking at $7,000-plus for a used Foresight GC2. If you go all out, you’re upwards of $25k for a brand-new, fully featured unit.

Indoors, Outdoors or Both?

If you’re going to use your launch monitor almost exclusively indoors, our first piece of advice would be to save your money for a SkyTrak. Consider buying used if you’re on a budget.

Those leaning towards a more affordable launch monitor indoors need at least eight feet of flight distance before the ball hits the impact net.

The best launch monitors for outdoor use are the SC300 Plus and the Rapsodo for under $500.

If you’re splitting time between indoor and outdoor use, consider FlightScope’s Mevo or Mevo Plus. They can handle either environment, the option to use metal dots can improve tracking a bit and the video features are well executed.

Business, Practice or Fun?

If you’re a fitter or teaching professional looking to leverage data, more than likely, you’ll need to look at the enterprise solutions. SkyTrak does offer some fitting capabilities and the bag-mapping feature (also available in the Rapsodo MLM) is impressive.

For recreational golfers looking to measure their distances, some of the $500 radar units do a reasonably good job. At the $500 price point, the most accurate unit we tested provides enough data points to help you improve and understand your game.

For those just looking to have a good time with their friends, units that offer games like closest to the pin or long drive may offer the most bang for the buck. Mevo, Rapsodo, SkyTrak, and Voice Caddie all include a selection of games that extend the capabilities of the device beyond just capturing data.

Depending On Your Needs

If you’re a golfer who wants the most metrics and most accurate readings on the market, you’re likely not going to be satisfied with a personal launch monitor. If you’re looking to improve your understanding of the data associated with your game like ball speed, clubhead speed and carry, and not break the bank then there are models like the SC200 Plus, Rapsodo, and Mevo Plus that are reasonably accurate.

Short Pitch Shots and Carry Distance

There are some short comings that personal launch monitors are still working to improve on and develop. While consistent readouts 60 yards and under is an area in need of improvement, you can still derive some short game data from personal launch monitors. Some, like the Rapsodo and Voice Caddie SC200 Plus, are consistently off by five to 10 yards so you have to know your baseline and do the math.

Metrics

All of the devices we tested provide Ball Speed, Club Head Speed and Carry Distance. Other metrics produced by each unit are detailed in the chart below.

The Best PLM 2020 - Metrics Offered

	Product	Club Speed	Ball Speed	Launch Angle	Shot Tracer	Spin	Carry	Total
	Ernest ESB1 Check Price	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	No
	FlightScope Mevo Check Price	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
	FlightScope Mevo Plus Check Price	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
	Garmin G80 Check Price	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	Yes	Yes
	Rapsodo Check Price	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	No
	SkyTrak Check Price	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
	Voice Caddie SC200 Plus Check Price	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	Yes	No
	Voice Caddie SC300 Check Price	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes

Golf Launch Monitors – More Tips

• Some of the golf launch monitors tested work better indoors while others work better or exclusively outdoors. Before you purchase a launch monitor, make sure you know where you’re going to use it.
• If you’re only going to hit a few dozen balls at a time, battery life may not be relevant. For longer sessions, especially when using video features, battery drain can be an issue.
• Golf launch monitors are a part of nearly every fitting experience but don’t expect to fit yourself with a consumer-grade unit. They’re not consistent enough and don’t provide the necessary data.
• Personal Launch Monitors have improved dramatically, but still have some room to grow. Models tested do a reasonably good job of measuring ball speed and launch angle for the most part. However, real spin measurements, come at a cost.

Best PLM 2020 - Results

	Product	Accuracy	User Friendly	Features	Portability	Total
	Rapsodo Check Price	1st	6th	1st	3rd	82.5
	Flightscope Mevo Plus Check Price	2nd	4th	1st	5th	81.5
	SkyTrak Check Price	5th	3rd	1st	7th	80
	Flightscope Mevo Check Price	4th	8th	6th	1st	79.5
	Garmin G80 Check Price	6th	6th	4th	1st	79
	Voice Caddie SC200 Plus Check Price	2nd	1st	7th	3rd	79
	Voice Caddie SC300 Check Price	7th	1st	4th	5th	78
	Ernest Check Price	8th	4th	8th	7th	71

Personal Golf Launch Monitors FAQ

Q: What’s the difference between a personal launch monitor and an enterprise solution? 

A: Several thousand dollars and accuracy. Enterprise solutions like Foresight and TrackMan are more accurate and provide more more data points.

Q: What data can I get from a personal golf launch monitor?

A: If you’re in the under $2000 price range you can reasonably expect your launch monitor to give you ball speed, carry, launch angle and spin. If you’re looking for club head data, offline and dispersion numbers, you might want to look at the enterprise solutions like ForeSight and Trackman.

Q: What is Smash Factor?

A: Smash factor is a common club performance metric. Several of the devices we tested provide this with varying degrees of accuracy. The Smash Factor formula is simple. It’s ball speed divided by head speed.

Q: Are all personal golf launch monitors accurate?

A: Not all are as accurate as enterprise solutions like, Foresight and Trackman. But according to the results of our test there are accurate units. The Rapsodo was more than 90% accurate on all data sets, with the exception of spin.