Jump to content

Is a simulator worth it?


luvofgolf

Recommended Posts

That one looks gimmicky to me. While, I think you can improve your game quite a bit working with a simulator, I wouldn't buy one where you swing a piece of plastic and don't actually hit a ball. Spring for a nicer one if you can

G430 Max 9* - Ventus Blue 
Stealth 15* - Tour AD-IZ 

U505 2i - Hzrdus Black rdx

T200u 4i - Tour AD
Fly Z + 5-P - PX LZ

T20 50*

Jaws Raw 54 & 59*
Versa 7
Tour B X

Link to comment
Share on other sites

My two cents based on my experience the past two seasons.

Last winter I went twice a week and used an "entertainment" type simulator. Mostly to keep in shape over the winter but to work on my swing as well. The ball, CHS, and other ratings were OK, but didn't match what I saw when I went to Trackman.

This winter I went twice a week to a place that had a GCHawk so I could get accurate ball readings AND clubhead measurements (not calculations) of path, angle of attack, etc.

My game was in basically mid-summer form for full shots this spring when we managed to get our RTJ Trail trip in just under the wire. Only thing off was short game/chipping. I wouldn't recommend anything that doesn't give full club data if you intend to use it as a training aid.

 

Ping G430 LST 10.5* : Ventus Red TR 7S

Titleist TSR2 4W : Tensei 1K Black 85-S

Mizuno CLK 19*: Ventus Blue HB-8S

Srixon ZX Utility #4: Nippon Modus3 125-S

Wilson Staff CB 5-PW : Nippon Modus3 125-S

Cleveland Zipcore 50, 54, 58: Nippon Modus3 125-S 

Piretti Potenza 370g : Breakthrough Technology Stability Shaft - 34"

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Lessons Lessons Lessons. The data is only useful once you have a handle on how you can manipulate it based on your skills.

 

Without the positive feedback to see different numbers the correct way, you likely just are manipulating the numbers to get to an ideal any way you can, which often is not a correct swing.

 

After a few years working with my pro, I am considering a consumer grade LM now to help compliment my training, but even a 2K mevo+ is not inexpensive when you think of all the lessons you can buy :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Agree with all of the comments regarding lessons. Although I have a Skytrak with a video set up, it’s really a big luxury. I use it basically as a virtual driving range for the days when I want to hit balls and it might be too cold or raining. So it’s useful to me to keep my swing in sync, but I work on my swing separately.

Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond
PXG 0211 (15)

PXG 0211 (19)
PXG Gen 6 0311P 5-AW
Cleveland RTX Zipcore 54, 58
Seemore Mini Giant DF

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You’re better off spending that money on lessons and supplementing with a basic mat and net for at home reps and drills in the interim between lessons.

Callaway Paradym 12° - Fujikura Ventus Red 6s

Callaway Paradym 18° - Fujikura Ventus Red 7s

Callaway Paradym 21° - Fujikura Ventus Red 7s
PXG Gen 6 0311P (4-PW) - Oban CT 115s+
Titleist Vokey SM9 Raw 51° - Oban CT 115s+
Titleist Vokey SM9 Raw 55° - Oban CT 125s+
Titleist Vokey SM9 Raw 60° - Oban CT 125s+

Toulon Las Vegas DB

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Two aspects for me:

CostIt’s not the real thingA setup like that will easily be in the 4-5k range. Think launch monitor, hitting mat, impact screen/net with frame structure and protective side/top netting, monitor or projector, subscription for online play, cost for sim software (TGC/E6 or other), gaming laptop, lights, install labor, just to name the basics. And you need a room with enough ceiling height and width. Even if you’re the DIY type, it’s a hell of a project- which, in the current situation however, might be just what the doctor ordered. It helps with practice for sure, as you get so much valuable data.

I’d LOVE to have a Skytrak/GC2 setup to practice and play online leagues in my basement. It’s just not doable for me. First of all, no basement :). Then the money. But even if I did this, I’m sure I’d miss being outside to practice or play. I go to the range and practice a lot, and it shows on the course. Lessons once every three weeks keep me busy and I don’t get into bad habits, as the Pro is looking at my swing regularly.

Even with the nicest of all simulator setups, it gets old at some point and is no substitute for the real thing. Of course, now being in a lockdown, I’d kill to have it, but there will be a time when we can be outside again, so I don’t bother.

 

Consider getting a simpler device like a MEVO or SC 200/300 to take it to the range. My SC 200 is a great help when practicing. I can see my ball flight and it tells me all about ball data. Has little practice games to keep it interesting, too. Club data would be great to have when working on my swing, but that’s another price range altogether.

 

WITB 2024

Dr Mizuno ST-Z

3W Cally Rogue ST Max

5W Mizuno ST-Z

4H New Level NLH-01

5/6i New Level 902 OS

7i-PW New Level 902 PD

GW/SW/LW  Mizuno S23

Putter Odyssey WhiteHot OG 2-Ball

Ball  Vice Pro/Snell MTB Prime

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You’d be playing, indoors but you would be playing. I’m not doing that right now.

but will it help your game? Yea. Repetition is a good thing. But be careful, I tried one a year ago at a course near me. First swing with the driver I hit the frame they had us in. Kept going but modified my swing to not hit that bar at the top. Screwed me up for a bit.

So wow, you’ll get to play and repetition is good but insure your space is adequate for your swing.

G430 MAX 10K 9° w/ventus velocore red 5s

G430 MAX threewood ping chrome tour2 65 S
Taylor Made SIM MAX2 5wood w/ventus velocore blue 7

Adams 23º 9031 proto w' diamana ahina 82
Eye2   3-SW

Oddessy Rossie nsl og slant neck.  

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Absolutely true. But if you are like me and want it to be really nice, it gets expensive.

And don’t forget the subscription and software cost, because if you have a Skytrak, you want to play a golf game and not just practice, right?

But you’re right, if you’re smart, you can get a basic setup for less than what I called.

WITB 2024

Dr Mizuno ST-Z

3W Cally Rogue ST Max

5W Mizuno ST-Z

4H New Level NLH-01

5/6i New Level 902 OS

7i-PW New Level 902 PD

GW/SW/LW  Mizuno S23

Putter Odyssey WhiteHot OG 2-Ball

Ball  Vice Pro/Snell MTB Prime

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Agree with most posts here, anything good that works well indoors starts at the Skytrak. As others have stated, even if you were to obtain a simulator improvement will be based mainly on how well you can self diagnose in the absence of lessons. Lessons by themselves are no guarantee either, you have to find an instructor that can diagnose well and can get you to do what he/she wants (assuming they are correct in the initial diagnosis phase).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

For the money, SkyTrak is pretty good (has some significant misreads from time to time but works pretty well for mid ballspeed and typical launch conditions). GC2 is a bit more expensive, but is pretty good on ballspeed, launch, and spin but has some downsides (need to change flashes often to get good spin readings, has a tendency to read shots longer than they really go, and has a draw bias). Of course, if the money isn't a significant factor you can't beat TrackMan indoors or outdoors (simply can't fool a radar working in 3D samples).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have a SkyTrak. Been using it for a year today. Dropped my handicap from 12 down to about 6. But I spend 80+% of my time on 7i-LW practice as those are where you score. Definitely comes in handy in times like these though. Only so much Netflix you can watch...

Callaway Paradym 12* (-1Std) Autoflex SF505X

Callaway Paradym Heavenwood

Ping G425M 20.5* Tensei Raw Org 75S

Ping G425 22* ADIZ85S

Ping G425 26* ADIZ85S

T100S 6-7 (1* weak) Aerotech FC115

T100 8-PW  Aerotech FC115

Titleist T100 50*  Aerotech FC115

Vokey SM8 54.12D/58.8M Aerotech FC115
SC Champ Choice Newport 2 Stability Shaft Tour

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I do not think they are worth it. I would love one....

  • Like 1

Driver: Paradym 3D Ventus black TR 6x

3 wood: Paradym 3d Ventus black TR 7x

19 degree UW: Ventus black TR 8x

Mizuno Pro Fli Hi 4 utility Hazrdus black 90 6.5 X

5 -PW: Callaway Apex MB, KBS $ taper 130X

Wedges - Jaws raw 50, 54, 59 KBS $ taper 130x

Putter- Mutant Wilson Staff 8802 with stroke lab shaft
BALL; Chrome Soft X

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Agreed .. Mindlessly hitting balls on a simulator or at the driving range can actually turn a well grooved swing into mush quite easily . Over practicing is something I guard against and also practicing the wrong way , when I start to fatigue at the range I stop and hand whatever balls I have left to somebody near me and head to the chipping / putting green . Not to mention hitting off the mats is nothing like real turf interaction and can cause problems to form ...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If you are diy capable then $10k can make a very nice setup.

My price list roughly

screen 270

cage 355

flooring 670

fiberbuilt 250

computer 1135

projector 740

launch monitor 6040

software (TGC 2019) 947

Cords and Lights 50

Total 10457

 

This is for Uneekor QED, it is an overhead launch monitor that is camera base and give ball data similar accuracy to GC2. It has some club data too but that data is less accurate than HMT or higher end systems.

Skytrak at $2000 could reduce the price quote a bit, but if you can afford Uneekor I greatly prefer it over Skytrak (I used Skytrak for a year first).

Doubles as a 3D home theater.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think people are missing the point to some degree here. Is a simulator "worth it?" is different than 'will a simulator make me better'. A simulator, even at $70k+, could be worth it to the right person when you weigh all the considerations (their financial status, interest in golf, their general experience provided by the simulator). People buy $100k boats all the time and use them a few times a year. Take a look at how big the private simulator market is, it's clearly worth it to a lot of people.

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

During these lock-down days (which might last a while), when all I can do is hit balls into a net, I ended up finally pulling the trigger on a used skytrak. I had swing speed radar, and I have gotten pretty good at looking at my swing on video. So all together, this gives me a lot of feedback to use to improve my swing (and know how far I actually carry the ball).

i bought my st used ($1475) just with basic range, a decent mat and a diy net. I love it.

Titlest Tsi2, 10*, GD ADDI 5
Titleist TSi2 16.5 GD ADDI 5

Callaway X-hot pro 3, 4 h
TM P790 5-W, DG 105 R
Vokey SM7 48, 52, 56
Cameron Futura 5W


 
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I own an indoor training studio in Dublin, OH with 5 Trackman, 5 GC Quads, and a GC Hawk. We have about 5000 visits per month during the winter months. The feedback we receive from our customers about how their games are not only maintained throughout the offseason, but they improve. We had a junior member win an AJGA in Florida last year, in February.

We allow any instructor to teach at our facility, so long the client is paying, so we have around 10 regular instructors that teach almost daily. Getting a lesson on the technology, then being able to practice and work on numbers between lessons seems to be a very good recipe for improvement.

For me personally (+2 hcp), I still really enjoy hitting balls on the driving range outside, but if I'm going to work on my golf swing, I'm doing it inside. Premium golf balls, no wind, alignment is perfect. Trackman outdoors is fantastic if the conditions are perfect.

 

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

All these comments to get lessons instead... are frustrating... I’ll leave it at that. A good simulator setup is so much fun and keeps your swing grooved all winter.

I have a Foresight GC2 with TGC 2019, TGC, and Creative Golf 3D. I started with a SkyTrak and have some videos of the 2 compared. With projector, computer, screen, mat, launch monitor, software, etc you can piece together a good setup for $5k or a great setup for $8k.

Online tournaments are going on every week. Next week, the tours are in Augusta. Here is a quick video I shot from that course.

Srixon ZX5 9* driver: Tensei CK Pro Blue
Ping G410 2h, 3h, 4h: Tensei CK Pro Blue
Srixon ZX7 5-PW: Recoil 95 (HS + lead tape)
Titleist Vokey SM7 50, 54, 58: Recoil 110
Rife Cayman (+tungsten powder)
Srixon Z-Star Diamond

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Our picks

    • 2024 Valspar Championship WITB Photos (Thanks to bvmagic)- Discussion & Links to Photos
      This weeks WITB Pics are from member bvmagic (Brian). Brian's first event for WRX was in 2008 at Bayhill while in college. Thanks so much bv.
       
      Please put your comments or question on this thread. Links to all the threads are below...
       
       
       
       
        • Like
      • 31 replies
    • 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put any questions or comments here
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Monday #1
      2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Monday #2
      2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Monday #3
       
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Matt (LFG) Every - WITB - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      Sahith Theegala - WITB - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      New Cameron putters (and new "LD" grip) - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      New Bettinardi MB & CB irons - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      Custom Bettinardi API putter cover - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      Custom Swag API covers - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      New Golf Pride Reverse Taper grips - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
        • Like
      • 15 replies
    • 2024 Cognizant Classic - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put any questions or comments here
       
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #1
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #2
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #3
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #4
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Brandt Snedeker - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Max Greyserman - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Eric Cole - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Carl Yuan - WITb - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Russell Henley - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Justin Sun - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Alex Noren - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Shane Lowry - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Taylor Montgomery - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Jake Knapp (KnappTime_ltd) - WITB - - 2024 Cognizant Classic
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      New Super Stoke Pistol Lock 1.0 & 2.0 grips - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      LA Golf new insert putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      New Garsen Quad Tour 15 grip - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      New Swag covers - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Jacob Bridgeman's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Bud Cauley's custom Cameron putters - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Ryo Hisatsune's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Chris Kirk - new black Callaway Apex CB irons and a few Odyssey putters - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Alejandro Tosti's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
        • Like
      • 2 replies
    • 2024 Genesis Invitational - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put any questions or comments here
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Monday #1
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Monday #2
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #1
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #2
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #3
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #4
       
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Rory McIlroy - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Sepp Straka - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Patrick Rodgers - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Brendon Todd - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Denny McCarthy - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Corey Conners - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Chase Johnson - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tommy Fleetwood - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Matt Fitzpatrick - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Si Woo Kim - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Viktor Hovland - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Wyndham Clark - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Cam Davis - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Nick Taylor - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Ben Baller WITB update (New putter, driver, hybrid and shafts) – 2024 Genesis Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      New Vortex Golf rangefinder - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      New Fujikura Ventus shaft - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods & TaylorMade "Sun Day Red" apparel launch event, product photos – 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods Sun Day Red golf shoes - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Aretera shafts - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      New Toulon putters - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods' new white "Sun Day Red" golf shoe prototypes – 2024 Genesis Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
      • 22 replies
    • 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put and questions or comments here
       
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open - Monday #1
      2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open - Monday #2
       
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Ben Taylor - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Garrick Higgo - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Billy Horschel - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Justin Lower - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Lanto Griffin - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Bud Cauley - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Corbin Burnes (2021 NL Cy Young) - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Greyson Sigg - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Charley Hoffman - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Nico Echavarria - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Victor Perez - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Sami Valimaki - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Ryo Hisatsune - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
       
       
       
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      Jake Knapp's custom Cameron putters - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      New Cameron putters - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Tyler Duncan's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Greyson Sigg's custom Cameron putters - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Sunjae Im's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Ping's Waste Management putter covers - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Vincent Whaley's custom Cameron - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Odyssey Waste Management putter covers - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Super Stroke custom grips - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Cameron putters - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Zac Blair's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Bettinardi Waste Management putter covers - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
       
       
       
       
       
       

       
      • 12 replies

×
×
  • Create New...