PERSONAL LAUNCH MONITOR BUYER’S GUIDE
FlightScope, Trackman or Foresight? Which one are you picking?
These are the leaders for golf launch monitors but they come at a price: $15,000 to $25,000. However, there is a more reasonably priced alternative.
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. 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.
If you’re considering purchasing a personal launch monitor or want to see how these devices measure up, read on.
Winner: Rapsodo
If you want the best of the best, look no further than Rapsodo. It might only give you few data metrics but they are accurate. It comes with a Doppler radar and an application on your phone. The app records all your session data along with your swing which is recorded via video. Depending on how competitive you are, you have the option to compete with others around the world. Whether its long drive or a skills’ challenge, the Rapsodo has you covered. These are just some of the reasons why Rapsodo was crowned Most Wanted Personal Launch Monitor Winner of 2021.
- 1st in accuracy
- 8th in user friendly
- 1st in features
- 4th in portability
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.
BEST INDOOR PLM - SkyTrak
For those who are looking for a Personal Launch Monitor that can provide data to get dialed in, the SkyTrak is the one for you. It comes with Ball Speed, Launch, Backspin, Launch Direction and much more to help you play better on all year round. You can also upgrade your package to play well known golf courses around the world.
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.
Accuracy
While you’re going to get the most accurate information from enterprise solutions like Trackman and Foresight, personal launch monitors offer reasonably accurate measurements.
The most accurate personal launch monitors are Rapsodo and the Mevo Plus.
Ease of Use
Even the best golf launch monitors 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, Voice Caddie SC300i and SC200 Plus get you practicing in no time. PRGR is easy to set up and collect data.
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 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 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.
BEST PERSONAL LAUNCH MONITORS 2021 - 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 | |
Flightscope Mevo Check Price | YES | 7 oz | IN + OUT | |
Garmin G80 Check Price | YES | 4 oz | IN + OUT | |
PRGR Check Price | NO | 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 | 1 lb | IN + OUT | |
Voice Caddie SC300i Check Price | YES | 1 lb | IN + OUT |
EXPERT TIP - Practice with the Ball You Play
If your plan is to use a personal launch monitor to gain performance insights while banging limited flight, beat to hell, or generally inconsistent range balls, you're wasting both your time and money. Practice with the ball you play (or at least one that's similar) so the data you collect is consistent and meaningful.
Personal Launch Monitors – Top Five Takeaways
What’s Your Budget?
The price range for the units we tested ranged from under $200 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, save your money for a SkyTrak. Consider buying used if you’re on a budget.
Those who want an 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 SC300i 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 offers 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 include a selection of games that extends 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, models like the SC200 Plus, Rapsodo, and Mevo Plus are reasonably accurate.
Short Pitch Shots and Carry Distance
There are some shortcomings that personal launch monitors are still working on. 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. Personal launch monitors 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.
MOST ACCURATE PLM - Rapsodo
The Rapsodo is a small compact unit that packs a punch. Although it provides limited metrics, it's the most accurate unit we tested. The lack of data is partially offset by features like shot tracking, launch, and dispersion charts and the ability to film your swing. Oh and it comes with a shot tracer to see your shot direction.
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.
BEST PERSONAL LAUNCH MONITORS 2021 - METRICS OFFERED
Product | Club Speed | Ball Speed | Launch Angle | Shot Tracer | Spin | Distance | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ernest ESB1 Check Price | YES | YES | YES | NO | YES | YES | |
Flightscope Mevo Plus Check Price | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | |
Flightscope Mevo Check Price | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | |
Garmin G80 Check Price | YES | YES | NO | NO | NO | YES | |
PRGR Check Price | YES | YES | NO | NO | NO | YES | |
Rapsodo Check Price | YES | YES | YES | YES | NO | YES | |
Skytrak Check Price | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | |
Voice Caddie SC200 Plus Check Price] | YES | YES | NO | NO | NO | YES | |
Voice Caddie SC300 Check Price | YES | YES | YES | YES | NO | YES | |
Voice Caddie SC300i Check Price | YES | YES | YES | YES | NO | YES |
EXPERT TIP - On A Budget?
In 2020 we're starting to see a successful personal launch monitor take it's shape and for $500 you can reasonably expect some of these devices to give you information to help you in your game. The Rapsodo was more than 90% accurate on all data sets, with the exception of spin.
Personal 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. 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.
- When collecting data for your irons or driver, make sure you use your gamer ball and not a range ball.
- The Skytrak performed well inside but when it was tested outside, it took three times longer to capture the data. Yes, the data was relatively good to an extent but it was very frustrating to capture the final data.
BEST PERSONAL LAUNCH MONITORS 2021 - RESULTS
Products | Accuracy | User Friendly | Features | Portability | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rapsodo Check Price | 1st | 8th | 1st | 4th | 82.5 | |
Flightscope Mevo Plus Check Price | 2nd | 5th | 1st | 8th | 81.5 | |
SkyTrak Check Price | 5th | 3rd | 1st | 9th | 80.5 | |
Voice Caddie SC300i Check Price | 5th | 8th | 4th | 6th | 80 | |
Flightscope Mevo Check Price | 4th | 10th | 8th | 2nd | 79.5 | |
Garmin G80 Check Price | 7th | 8th | 5th | 2nd | 79 | |
Voice Caddie SC200 Plus Check Price] | 2nd | 1st | 9th | 4th | 79 | |
Voice Caddie SC300 Check Price | 9th | 1st | 5th | 6th | 78.5 | |
PRGR Portable Launch Monitor Check Price | 7th | 3rd | 10th | 1st | 76 | |
Ernest ESB1 Check Price | 10th | 5th | 5th | 10th | 75.5 |
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 data points.
Q: What data can I get from a personal golf launch monitor?
A: If you’re in the under-$2,000 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 percent accurate on all data sets with the exception of spin.
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Dante Valdez
8 months agoI hit into a net outside. Should I be looking at the ones for inside or outside? I was not sure if “indoor” in the article referred to hitting into a net.
Bernard
10 months agoMost important metrics for launch monitors are ball speed and carry. Club head speed is almost a useless measurement and never accurate or consistent across different devices even comparing Trackman and GCQuad. That being said, the Garmin G80 looks like it is the most accurate for carry and ball speed both indoors and outdoors, it is handheld, easy to use, comparable price to other devices, and functions as a GPS on top of that. Makes no sense how it was not chosen as the best personal launch monitor out of these devices. its not even included in the top 3 which is ridiculous. I’ve noticed a lot of the highest ranked products in a lot of the tests are not actually the best and almost chosen randomly. G80 hands down is better than the Rapsodo.
Justin Miracle
8 months agoThen show everyone your data for what products are “really the best”.
Aubry Moffett
12 months agoAny chance this will be updated to include the new Garmin R10?
Walt
12 months agoIt’s not available yet. You will hear enough about the R10 once it’s actually in the hands of multiple users.
Wilson Player
12 months agoGarmin Approach R10 seems to be new to the market.
I have not seen much out there for reviews.
Is there any way to add some testing of this new launch monitor/ simulator to the article?
Zoran
12 months agoYes, please!
Tim Root
1 year agoI have the Mevo, and it works great, for what it is. I realized I want additional functionality (shot tracer and related… ball side spin… also related… more visual feedback on club gapping beyond data – back to shot tracer). So I’m trying to decide between the Mevo+ and the Skytrak. Based on the results of the testing, the Skytrak appeared to be clearly the most accurate across all categories compared to the GCQ – though the findings/ranking doesn’t support that. I understand there were knocks against Skytrak for having difficulty in direct sunlight – but other than that… what makes Mevo+ rank higher? Not questioning the algorithm, just trying to fully understand so I can make an informed purchase in the $2K range. Thanks.
Jevaughn l
1 year agoHarry, looking at the outdoor graph alone the regular Mevois close to 100% in nearly all metrics yet you recommended the Rapsodo and 300i
What am I missing?
Wilson Player
1 year agoI was hoping to get more thoughts on why the MEVO plus did worse in most categories than the smaller MEVO.
I would think the larger unit would have a larger radar system and work better from an accuracy standpoint.
How does the mevo plus compare to the skytrack in the outdoor setting?
I am looking for a simple PLM for a indoor simulator set up, but would like to take to the range as well.
Jimmy
1 year agoThe consensus seems to be that Skytrak struggles to read in variable light conditions. It’s not ideal for range use. Mevo+ will do fine at the range, but you need at least 20 feet of space to use it indoors, The radar sits 7-8 feet behind ball and has to measure at least 10 feet of ball flight (ideally more than 10 feet).
Wilson Player
1 year agoThank you, that is great information.
Do you know if there are any first hand reviews the clarify the “variable light conditions”.
I am asking to see how my range in california could handle the Skytrack.
does bright sunlight or sunlight from a certain direction affect it more?
My range is free of shade most days. Clouds are also infrequent most days from may through October
thanks agaibn.
Jeff
1 year agoI said it last year and will continue to say it until it gets addressed but a HUGE con for Rapsodo continues to be the lack of an Android option. Not sure how you can consider this to be “best” when a huge segment of the market literally can’t use it and don’t even mention this glaring issue that is still lingering a year later in their product offering. It’d be like an OEM offering a brand new driver…..but only for lefties.
James
1 year agoAgreed and the fact that you need to use your phone as the screen is not ideal. I have the SC300, because of the all-in-one package but I use my radar on the course while I’m playing. My spin seemed high on my driver, but it was similar to trackman numbers. I recently was fitted with GCquad and the numbers were the same. No complaints.
Ricky
1 year agoHow can skytrack be 5th for accuracy? It looks to be the most accurate to me?
W
1 year agoUmmm….. what about weather considerations? You didn’t test for weather.
How is Rapsodo’s operation in 100 degree sunny weather? I think the phone would have overheat problems, the screen will be hard to see as it overheats. So can it work with in umbrella giving a shade over the machine?
What about cloudy weather? How about if it’s drizzling or foggy with that wetness all around? Such as when the ground is muddy and wet and so is the ball???
Cold weather? How does it do at extremely cold temps close to freezing?
Please re-test…… this review is bogus, otherwise.
Shawn
12 months agoHeat is definitely the enemy of a phone-driven device like Rapsodo. I told a friend who bought one to look out for it as I used to cycle with a phone mounted on my handlebars. It would get cooked on a hot day. He confirmed that the same thing happens to him on hot, sunny days at the range. He also confirmed that recording swing videos drains the battery big time.
Jimmy
1 year agoWell done as always. I got a Mevo+ during lockdown and it does a pretty solid job in the back yard net setup. It’s pretty much the only option in the <= $2k range if you want simulator capabilities outdoors. I do think it has come a long way in the short time I've had it. The last few firmware updates fixed a lot of the issues with short game stuff..
I'm wondering how you guys compared data for accuracy. Did you have the GCquad reading the same shots as the radar models, or did you compare the data between different shots? I ask because I've had a couple different radar PLMs and both made sure to remind me to remove any electronics in front of the launch monitor for the most accurate results. I would expect the radars to be less consistent if they were measuring shots with a GCquad a few inches away from the ball.
P.J.
1 year agoOnly one device scored over 90% accuracy in all five categories. SkyTrak.
Add in interoperability with The Golf Club 2019 and you can’t beat it.
I don’t have the room for a Rhapsodo due to feet required beyond the hitting area for the Dopler technology, but the SkyTrak only needs a few feet beyond the hitting area. Granted, the SkyTrak is more expensive, but you get what you pay for. For a home simulator, it’s not even a close competition – for getting stats on the range, I can see the appeal of Rhapsodo. But since SkyTrak accuracy is so high, I don’t have to go to the range, I can hit balls indoors at home.
Fergus Reeve
1 year agoI’m dissapointed with the results- sad face. (Not your testing.)
I really wanted the SC300i to be best, because it is simple and functional in a contained unit.
I live in Florida, and trying to use the rapsodo on the range doesn’t work- my phone will overheat and turn off with too much direct sunlight. Also battery life is an issue- using it on the range for an hour and then trying to get a round with arccos won’t happen, the battery on my phone will be dead before I finish.
Because of this I was hoping I could buy an sc300i but I’m dissapointed that it came out worse than the rapsodo, so now I’m less convinced.
Many sad faces. Please send me one of those god-awful custom head covers you have to cheer me up!
Brian
1 year agoHmm…Rapsodo only works with iOS…deal breaker. They’ve had that device out for, what, 2 or 3 years and they STILL haven’t added Android support?
Fraser
9 months agoI agree – less than half phones are Apple so the Rapsodo is no use to these people. How can this be called the best when more than half the customers can’t even access it? It seems an odd and illogical recommendation to make and undermines the credibility of the “Most Wanted” project.
Dave V
1 year agoMany moons ago I got a Voice Caddie and used it very infrequently. When I was trying to teach my kid to swing a club, I got a PRGR so that we could get swing speed numbers without hitting a ball. Again, it was used infrequently. After heart surgery, I got a Skytrak so that I could get meaningful data while I tried to learn how to swing a golf club again. The cost of the Skytrak was almost unjustifiable. However, in retrospect it was one of the best golf related purchases I’ve ever made. The app can be flakey at times and I’ve had to re-install it several times. You lose your history when you do that but sometimes it remembers your bag and the distances associated with the clubs. I use the Skytrak every day. Even if I spent the day playing a round of golf, in the evening I’ll still go back into the garage and work on stuff I had problems with on the course. The wedge matrix thing is awesome and I’m much more confident that I’ll hit a partial wedge shot to the distance I need. I know the carry, total distance and accuracy I can get from full, go-for-broke swings with all my clubs and the distances/accuracy I get from the 90% swing. The accuracy (expected dispersion) is something that the Voice Caddie and PRGR can’t provide.
Brian
1 year agoShould have mentioned that Rapsodo requires an iPhone or iPad – and that Android users need not apply.
Mevo+ works with iPhone, iPad and Android, but the free courses included with Mevo+ only work with iPad,
SkyTrak works with iPad and PC, but not Android. No love for Android, and who wants to take their PC to the range? OTOH, I do have a corporate MS Surface Go 2 that would probably work.
Bryan
1 year agoI use my skytrak with my Samsung phone and tablet everyday. It definitely works with android.
Alex
1 year agoSkytrak does have an Android app
victor
1 year agocan you guys include Yetiperu into the test too? I jears it uses a similar radar to the sc200 but cost less than 150
Erling
1 year agoLooking at the features chart, the Flightscopes and Skytrak should be tied for first in features. Why is Rapsodo tied for first? It doesn’t measure spin.
Jake
1 year agoI have an Ernest sports ESB1 and it’s very inaccurate, often off by 10-20 yards and understated low irons and overstated woods making it pointless to use.
Lee
1 year agoI’ve got the Skytrak with the Game Improvement package and it is outstanding. I use it indoors so I think it’s better than a radar-based system which needs to track the ball flight longer. For me it’s a perfect solution. My local driving range is closing at the end of the year and I’ll have nowhere nearby where I can practice. This will pay for itself in a couple of seasons.
Jay
1 year agoI have to disagree on the Rapsodo. I bought one this winter purely for indoor use with an excellent mat and a 10×10 white hitting screen designed for golf from Dave’s. I tried for a month to get a reading indoors, following all the suggestions from the troubleshooting team. I think it could not pick up the white ball against the white screen. I ended up sending it back for a complete refund.
Greg
1 year ago…I’m just here for the “Rapsodo doesn’t work with Android” comments 🙂
J Livingston
1 year agoI’m here for the Rapsodo doesn’t work at altitude.
Seriously, 20+ states have an average elevation of over 1,000 feet. Why does the gold industry ignore golf that isn’t on the coast?
Tom54
1 year agoWhich is the best one for use at the driving range?
Rob
1 year agoI don’t feel like you can say the Rapsodo device is the best when it limits who has the ability to actually use it. Since it’s IOS only and you have to have an iPhone, only users that have one can essentially buy it. This limits a huge audience (Android users) and none of the other monitors have this limitation. They’ve been promising Android support for years but it hasn’t arrived. Until it’s open to everyone, I don’t feel it should be included.
Paul
1 year agoRaspsodo working only with iOS might be an issue for many. I’m definitely surprised this is not listed as a con.
The just released PRGR has better doppler radar and thus improved accuracy on ball (and club head) speed. Which means each manufacture will be improving what can be measured in a short distance (ball speed, spin and launch angle)
Most monitors guess at carry distance based on the measured items above. Other do try and factor in other items that impact carry distance like humidity, air pressure, temperature. I don’t know if any take into account wind or ball type.
I think the real question is what the user wants to answer. I assume most are not hitting game balls at the range. Most hit those into a net, which means ball speed and launch angles are important in guessing/estimating carry distances. Which of course ignores the other factors listed above.
Walter
1 year agoI have the updated PRGR (HS-130A) that I used for Overspeed training. Just like you stated I was looking for a swing speed radar and the PRGR felts my need nicely. The added benefit of being a launch monitor was a bonus.
Paul
1 year agoYes, the PRGR black is great for speed training as it is doesn’t require a ball to be hit.
If hitting into a net, PRGR is good for smash factor to help measure good ball strike/efficiency.
Lastly, the MSRP for the PRGR is $230, the money saved can be used on a lesson or two.. I’m not including the cost of the iOS device needed for the Rapsodo.
Patrick
5 months agoAgreed. Huge CON by not supporting Android users AND no Backspin Data. I could live without the backspin but i’m not buying a new phone for this.
Dr Tee
1 year agoThe VC SC 200 tells me everything I need to know as an under 10 index amateur and…It cost less than 300$ new on Amazon !
Scott
1 year agoI have tried both the ESB1 and PRGR and I’m happy with both. When demoing the ESB1, the app was a bit buggy but I did like that I could get launch and spin numbers AND it kept a record of all my shots + metrics per club that I could then download in a spreadsheet and drill down further into each shot. However, I began to notice that launch angle was the same on a majority of shots (I’m not that consistent). The ESB1 is great if you like to tinker with your bag setup. Any club, shaft, or loft changes you can leverage the ESB1 to help you understand the impact to better optimize and gap your setup. The PRGR is great for gapping your clubs as well and it is easy to carry along and use anytime. Helps me work on my distance consistency (not for wedges). The PRGR does NOT pick up wedges very well, if at all. Decent with a 9 iron but 8 iron and longer clubs works just fine.
Walter
1 year agoScott the new PRGR (HS-130A) picks up my wedges with no problem. As a matter of fact, I’ve been using it to improve my wedge distance control. That was one of the major improvements over the older model (HS-120A) that was tested in this article.
Max R
1 year agoBought the PRGR Black for <2$00 as the newest model is selling for approximately $230.. Bigger screen and more accurate. Unfortunately doesn't have lainch angle but has all that you need to work indoors/ outdoors with or without a ball. Great fot @stacksystem, too!
Walsh
1 year agoWanted to get the rapsodo on the prime day deal this year, but their site says they still don’t support Android.
PDT816
1 year agoNo Android support is a pretty big con.
Kevin R
1 year agoI find this interesting. Couple of points. Why would all the Voice Caddie instruments be so different in their accuracy? Are they using completely different algorithms and hardware? I have to imagine the 300 and 300i are almost identical in their data collection. I have owned and used the VC100, Vc200, Sc300, ES14, And PGBR. My wife destroyed the es100 with a toed driver. LOL I never liked the Sc300 so I sold it. Didn’t seem accurate. The VC200 was fine and the ES14 was good. PGBR was excellent. Also, I own the Raposdo which is excellent as well. I believe the PGBR is the only one that can measure swing speed without hitting a ball. So it is useful for swing speed training as well as launch monitor functions. I have commented before that the use of these entry devices is for comparison more than accurate data collection. They are all fairly good but the best use is for say comparing your Mizuno 8 iron to maybe Callaway 8 iron or similar head to head. It can also give you a rough idea of your gapping in your set. The most useful function is evaluating swing tweaks. “If I take the club back this way vs that way, or if I make a bigger chest turn or higher hands how does that affect my distance.” This is the true value of personal launch monitors. If you are looking for accurate spin data and dispersion and carry distance to the yard, these aren’t going to meet your needs.
Harry Nodwell
1 year agoBut isn’t your last sentence exactly what a launch monitor supposed to do as its primary function?
Kevin R
1 year agoYep, in a perfect world., But the technology isn’t there yet at this price range. So best to understand what you CAN use them for rather than what you hope they can do
DubC
1 year agoSc200+ had a swing speed mode
Kevin R
1 year agoThat’s great. I had the 200 which did not. Glad to hear the + made that improvement!
Andrew Allan
1 year agoQuestion, why is the Mevo+ the only launch monitor to get the con, ‘Not as accurate as a GC Quad’, none of these launch monitors is as accurate as a $20000 device. I think it’s being really picky. For $2000 I think Mevo+ at the moment is the closet we’ll get to the high priced model
Harry Nodwell
1 year agoIf you look at the data it is not the closet device to the GC Quad. Some categories the Mevo plus only got 60 -86%. Would you want to base you bag on 60 – 86% accuracy?
Eric
1 year agoDoesn’t make sense — the winner doesn’t measure spin AT ALL. So basically if you completely ignore the Mevo+ spin rates, it’s on par with the Rapsodo., but because they try to spit out a number, they get penalized.
Marty
1 year agoMGS probably didn’t use the metallic dots that are supplied with the MEVO+. If you use the dots the spin number accuracy increases dramatically. I’ve had the Plus for a little over a year and I’ve been really happy with it. They are constantly upgrading the software and customer support is pretty good considering they are based in South Africa. The only real negative is the price. $2000 was a large investment.
Harry Nodwell
1 year agoWe did test them with metal dots on the balls and the spin numbers get slightly better. But if you don’t have a net or indoor monitor then what are you going to do? Hit the 3 balls you dotted up on the range and go get them. It just isn’t that practical and we have to take into account every scenario for the consumer.
Mjinwi
1 year agoHarry,
I think the point Andrew was making is.
Since none of these devices are as accurate as a gc quad. Stating not as accurate as said gc quad is well ….to put it bluntly a completely useless thing to list under con.
Perhaps a better thing to list is….not among the most accurate in out test group if that’s the case
Essentially considering these devices were being compared to each other while using the gc quad for the baseline.
If I’m reading a review of 4 door sedans I don’t think the best way to say one has less horse power than the others is to say it has less horsepower than a Ferrari 488 Pista., Because we already know the obvious.
Mike
1 year agoUntil the prices come down to below $500, count me out. I can’t see any reason that a shot tracker should cost much more than a decent cell phone.
Rob
1 year agoWhat phone are you buying that’s less than $500?!? Most phones these days are between $800-$1,500.
brianwhosoever
1 year agoNo love at all here for the Garmin G80 but it’s everything I need for $500 and also serves at a gps. Once you know your carry yardages (and trust them after reality sets in) do you really need to split all these hairs? My game is better with the G80 and learning my true yardages. That’s all I need.