Anybody have a golf simulator/launch monitor

I am currently researching golf simulators/launch monitors and there are quite a few options in terms of software and a few options for launch monitors. I have been looking at the SkyTrak and OptiShot 2. Obviously, the Optishot 2 is the cheaper option, but is it worth going the cheaper route to get started or go for the gold and go for the SkyTrak or even the GC2? Anybody have a setup that they like or would recommend? Also, any recommendation for golf net, golf mat, and projector screens are also welcome.

I'm in the market right now as well. Don't have any personal experience yet, but have done a ton of research and from what I gather the only two that are worth anything from what I understand are the Foresight GCQuad and the Trackman 4, but we're talking about a whole different ballpark price wise. Based on those two it seems like the camera based system of the GCQuad performs better indoors and the Trackman Radar based system performs better outdoors. I only plan on using my setup indoors so it will be GCQuad for me.

Thanks for the feedback. Unfortunately, those two are well outside of my price range (unless I find them on the second hand market for a steal). Have you researched any hitting mats or projector screens/nets? It seems there are a ton of different options available and some work better than others.

Depends how serious you want to take it. I have an Optishot 2 myself. It's definitely cheaper than a Skytrak or GC2, but the accuracy is questionable. You need to manually up club speed and/or distances manually to ensure you're achieving what you normally see on the course. It tells you club path and strike location, but since we're talking two rows of optical sensors and no metallic stickers on the club itself or ball, the accuracy is again still questionable. It's definitely fun to practice on and play some courses, but you need to check your expectations with the money you're saving versus the alternatives. If you buy one knowing all of this, you won't be disappointed.

If you have the money to go Skytrak or GC2 today, I'd just dive right in. I personally have a Little Giant Izzo net and the cut out hitting mat advertised on the Optishot website. Mat is nice and thick and the pad drops in there nicely. Net works well too. It's massive. I have a desktop computer I used for the Optishot, so I can't comment on a projector. Good luck with you setup!

I've got the skytrak, and while it's not as good as the higher end ones, it definitely gets the job done for the price. As far as hitting mats, nets, screens, etc., you'll find all the info you need (and then some) on the golf simulator forum (https://golfsimulatorforum.com).

Been living on the golf simulator forum lately. I'm considering the skytrak, but the GC2 looks nice if I can find a good deal. Gonna do a build out in the new house once we move in in a few weeks.

A bunch of cool DIY stuff on that forum as well. Everyone seems pretty helpful.

Thanks for the feedback and suggestions guys. Really good stuff to consider here. Thanks for the recommendation on the golf simulator forum website. I'm going to go check that ASAP. Good luck with the build out aramirez24. Would love to hear how it turns out.

I've had a Skytrak for about 4 years now, and I never had any issues with it.   I only used it for practice during the winter, and when it was raining.    I never used it for any online game play, I only used the driving range.  I have an Ipad Pro that synced with it by Bluetooth.    It would occasionally lose connection with the Ipad, but would only happen about once or twice at the most during about an 1 1/2 to 2 hour session.    The biggest thing to get used to is the roughly 2 second delay that there is showing the ball track through the air and the other data of the shot.   As far as mats go.... I purchased a "cheaper" mat at first, but I never got used to it and always seemed to hurt my wrists and elbows it seemed.  I purchased a Country Club Elite mat, and it was awesome.   I couldn't afford even a used GC2 when I was looking for a monitor since my wife had just had our little boy.    I haven't used it in about 2 years cause I don't have a dedicated SIM room, and was always have to sit up and take down my net and all that in the garage.    I could never get super comfy hitting my woods in the garage cause of my ceiling height.   Now it the unit just sits in my closet, cause I like to use range time to get away from the house, but don't tell the wife.    I seriously need to sell the unit to someone for a good price,   so I can have money to "ho" for new clubs.   Driver

Any more questions about it,  just ask..

Justin

I will search around for the Country Club Elite Mat. Since you only used it for practice, I'm assuming you didn't purchase any software package with it? If you're interested in selling it, I'm willing to discuss a price offline and see if we can't work something out. Feel free to shoot me an email at [email protected]

No, I didn't purchase a software package with it.  If Im not mistaken, a package can be purchased by a new owner a used unit.  All you have to have is the unit serial number.  I believe this is correct.  .   I am interested in selling to a member, cause I know it will go to a good home.   Email has been sent to you, hype03,

Justin

II am in a similar position. I bought my Skytrak 3.5 years ago and am about to sell it. I used it a bit over the first 2 winters and as i progressed I stopped using all the functions. I first stopped using the projector and just using a screen with the PC I had. then after a while I would just setup to an ipad. personally if I had to do it again I would probably just get a net with a while sheet behind it and an ipad. not waste the money on and impact screen, computer, projector, ect. a decent mat is a big part of it though.

Yeah, I knew the mat would be expensive, but wow!!  I was a little surprised about the cost, but it was totally worth it.   I have a friend with a GC quad and CC Elite mat that he let's me use some, so I just bought what he had.  I wish I had bought that mat first.  It  would have saved me some money after I was trying to get off a little cheaper.  Get what you pay for I guess

Would be interested in talking to you guys about your used skytraks. PMs are open!

GC2 is great for simulation and work on the range. Fun to buy a GCQ, but not necessary.

I have a sim built in my garage. GC2 and use fiberbuilt or t35 as the hitting mat. I use JNPG sofware currently and hope to move to a new software when its completed late in the summer.

I use it to play on the sim tour weekly and play scrambles with friends and family.

Skytrak/GC2 are launch monitors. They take pictures of the ball, measure spin, launch angles etc and calulate distance, shot shape with that data. Optishot sees the club and ball speed. It's a video game more than a simulator. Can still be fun, but buy once cry once. Get the skytrak, or better GC2 and have fun.

Mevo+ has to be considered based on price, data, app’s and the non subscription course package. Seems a good value package.

GC2/HMT setup in garage for me, play all year long. Not enough space for any kind of radar based system so the choice was easy for me.

Any chance you can elaborate on this new software? I have been GC2 and JNPG since day one and am freaking out a bit because of JNPG going away in August.

Which of the mentioned systems is best for playing rounds of golf? I think I would do that more than use the driving range feature.

JNPG no longer works on SkyTrak is my understanding, due to a licensing issue and removal as a package option. I'm currently going to the "old" 500$ TGC software on a Skytrak with a projector. Been hitting on the driving range, but my new PC and TGC license will soon be operational. I'll keep you posted.

The "one-time" purchase of the previous gen software seemed like the best option for me, as I will likely never do anything that requires live interaction with others online. I will play it at home, in the confines of my garage by myself and with family. The only hook ProTee has over me now is a req'd yearly 99$ subscription to keep the software license valid/functioning. For me costs are as follows:SkyTrak(used): 1400Projector: 420DIY Net & Canvas Screen & Mounting: 150DW Quail Mat: 180Gaming PC Tower: 500TGC Old Software(one-time purchase): 500Miscellaneous(cables/screws/etc): 1003250 tot + 200(garage heater) All-In ~3500

Before getting the TGC software & the new PC to run the game, just a few days ago, I've been using my iPod and the Skytrak driving range app. Living in a cold climate makes this purchase a no-brainer for me. If I had golf all year round, I may have never considered this as a necessity. Ymmv

How much room is really necessary for a simulator? I’m not talking about what you would like but what is the minimum dimensions of an area that could be used to have a simulator. Let’s say I wanted GC quad which I believe since it uses cameras doesn’t need as much space as say Trackman that uses radar.

If I’m mistaken, please correct. I’m looking to build a sim in my basement but don’t want to take up that much space to keep the wife happy.

Skytrak seems pretty accurate to me, my ball flight and distances are pretty spot on. It uses cameras at very high speed like gc quad, just slightly lower tier. If you are a + handicap and really need club data, go for gc quad, but Skytrak is good for this 3hcp.

I would say 9' ceiling or more is a must, unless your swing is ridiculously flat. Area wise Ineould say 10' wide by 12' deep.

Here is the setup, pardon the hack in the video, cough...cough.....

My friend has skytrak. I don’t like it and has has lots of error in calculating when you move to a club that has a higher swing speed. On driver my friend’s is like 20% off on distance and ball speed.

Versus what other launch monitor? The innacuracy is surely measureable on another device, not on course observations?

Versus the numbers I get on Trackman.

I had skytrak for a couple years. It is the bare minimum worth buying for launch monitor and simulator (I had jnpg with it that is no longer available). I upgraded a few months ago to Uneekor. Purchased their entry level package which has no simulator software, just launch monitor fitting software. Also got TGC2019 for simulator software. $6000(Uneekor) +$1000 (TGC2019) = $7000 just for launch monitor and software. Certainly much more than skytrak, which is about 5k less if you get TGC for it as well.

It is definitely worth the upgrade from skytrak. Very rare to have a misread. Launch Monitor is ceiling mounted which I like better than sitting in front of you. Similar accuracy to GC2. Some club data but that is not as accurate as the ball data. Only real downside is you have to have marked balls, which don't bother me much.

Trackman is radar of the ball flight, maybe the actual ball choice and dimple pattern for different flight characteristics matter more outside. Also, I've noticed a propensity to lose confidence inside with Skytrak, afraid to swing 100%, were both units tested outdoors? Very valid question as most indoor players notice a big adjustment period to hitting inside, sort of a unconscious wariness about swinging in confined space.

Anyone tried the flightscope mevo plus yet? That's where I'm leaning atm.