$2600 garage simulator build (and updates on using it for my game)

[dg_1983]

PS - no doubt if you are aware of your limited space it could be impacting things.

 

Get a honest assessment of your baseline and work from there. I'd focus on how you are impacting in your setup versus others rather than the other numbers - they can be jacked or tweaked. That is unless you can get outside and laser your yardages. Skytrak is pretty accurate for average user needs though.

 

If those are your average impacts, you are going to get a bit of variance in your shots, maybe this new practice setup and extra balls is focusing your attention on things more.

 

To the point about needing a full cage or not - all you really need is a decent impact area and shank protection which total frees up the space behind you (unless lefties use it you would need shank protection for them

[jut111]

Sorry for this long post, I just want to share my frustration with the setup I have down my basement.

 

As I have posted before, I am having issues with my golf swing. Particularly with my mid and long irons. I thought that I have lost my swing completely because it is winter and I have not had the chance to go to the range. Well it turns out that was not the case when I played at a golf sim at our local course. All my irons were as they were in the summer.

 

So I thought maybe its the setup I have. I have a cage set up and my basement felt really small when I assembled it. Maybe that was what was causing my issues. Another culprit that I am suspecting was the CCE mat that I have. It may not be compatible with my swing. Not sure but I am trying to eliminate all possible causes.

 

I plan on getting the Ne Return and another mat that is not a CCE mat. Hopefully that solves my issue. I can swing my wedges and 9 iron but anything else, nothing. And it only happens here in my basement. It's so weird! This is the only thing holding me back from buying the golf simulation. I am glad though I did not spend the money on a gaming pc and the software.

 

So I got bored and took down one of the pipes that makes me uncomfortable hitting my driver and hybrid. I can say that it did make the basement feel bigger and I can swing more freely. I was able to swing my hybrid for the first time in this place, without feeling the same fear I felt of hitting the pipe or something. I have yet to try the driver.

 

This was my set up before:

 

 

This is a few hours ago minus one pipe:

 

 

This is my hybrid and I sprayed foot spray to see what happens. It only went 144 but it's a huge progress because before I could not even make it go 50 when the post was up. I was able to hit one at 178 but it still was flying very low.

 

 

 

I took pictures of my sw, aw and pw. All were nice hits.

 

 

approach wedge

 

 

 

Pw

 

 

 

This was the 7 iron, It felt flush but did not go far and launched like 12 degrees and ended up like 130 yards.

 

 

Sorry for the pictures and long post. I am just frustrated at what's happening. While it does feel better now that I can swing freely, the issue of my mid irons is still there. So that means the cage may have something to do with restraining my swing but not the low flight. If I can figure this out, Sky Trak would be the best thing that I could have purchased when it comes to golf. I can already see the effect of constantly practicing my short irons (because they are the only ones I can hit). My dispersion has improved a lot using Sky Trak for the last three months. It also helped a lot with my wedge shots from 20 30 40 50 yard shots.

 

I am just waiting for a mat to test other than this cce mat. I do hope it is just the mat because my wife will kill me for upgrading our basement, only to be able to hit wedges and short irons. lol

 

I have Googled and asked different forums and I have never had a person who has the same issue as I do. The closest one though was someone who bought a Fiber Built mat and he cannot hit his mid and short irons. The complete opposite of my problem. Hopefully I can sort this out when the new mat arrives and start really enjoying the full potential of my Sky Trak. :)

 

Whatever the reason your hitting the ball way high on the face, likely way fat. Your low trajectory is more from low ball speed and no spin.

 

Tldr you're hitting it like sh*t. Very likely the setup has your head spooked.

[msg]

Thanks a lot for the replies and opinions. I really appreciate it!

 

I think I don't need a cage at all. I went with the cage because of my buddies. I guess I'll try a different set up. I can cut the emt pipes as well to lessen the depth or just remove the sides all together.

 

I've been playing for quite a bit and in the last 5 years we always play indoor golf every winter. Never have I experienced this issue. Also I never had issues with mats at the range. I am very familiar with my yardages as I used Game Golf and Golf Shot and a range finder as well. So far my wedges and short irons are all spot on with the Sky Trak unit. It's just the damn mid and long irons.

 

Well, I still have somethings to try like getting a different mat or even bringing my mat to that sim place I was talking about and see what happens there. If all else fails then that means I am being bothered by the space I have. Which is really unfortunate.

[GT7212]

wow. do you not use the garage for cars at all or is just that big?

 

Standard 2 car garage. I throw a painters tarp over the stance and hitting mats and roll the car right over it after practice sessions. Finally a truly functional garage :)

 

For those struggling with mat issues, I highly recommend taking the DIY divot action mat. Cost me $26 bucks total, mainly for the cost of the lexan polycarbonate and it provides everything I expect from a hitting mat. Fat shots, thin shots and perfectly struck shots each provide their unique feel

[HatsForBats]

msg, if all else fails sounds like it is time to post a swing video.

[msg]

msg, if all else fails sounds like it is time to post a swing video.

 

This is a good idea. I'll take a video of my swing at my basement and at that sim place that I usually have success at. Maybe that will show if there is any difference at all. :)

 

Edit:

 

Well, I picked up the cheap Callaway golf mat and what a difference it made.

 

 

 

I was able to hit my usual 7 irons finally.

 

[HatsForBats]

Have had my SkyTrak for about two months now and finally plunged for a projector and screen. Any input on a floor enclosure for the projector? I see them on Amazon for $300 bucks which made me chuckle.

 

I could mount it on the 10x10x10' cage but that would take a bit more doing and will still need an enclosure plus a way to get the top net more taut.

[msg]

I got a proper mat from EBAY and returned the Callaway one and I can finally enjoy my SKY TRAK. :) Apprently CCE and my swing don't mix and match.

 

[ruffellprefley]

I got a proper mat from EBAY and returned the Callaway one and I can finally enjoy my SKY TRAK. :) Apprently CCE and my swing don't mix and match.

 

 

seems like you’re new mat isn’t punishing you for fat strikes. the club hits behind the ball and just skips into it. you’re better off using the CCE and correcting the fats

[msg]

No thanks, I've been hitting off different mats all my life and I have no problem bringing those hits on the course. :) And I don't usually get fat shots on grass or in real game scenario. That's why when I saw my 145 yard 8 iron on my new mat, with the proper launch angle, I was relieved. I know I hit it short.

 

And believe me, when I hit a fat shot on ANY mat it does punish my shots. It also happens on this new mat. I don't want to find out what's causing my issues on my cce anymore, it's been three months of torture, I'll use it on my driver and wedges and as a stance mat and on every thing else, I'll use the new one. It's weird because on wedges to 9 iron I can hit them flush with the CCE but not the 8 iron and up.

 

I was finally able to do the bag mapping and skills assessment on the Sky Trak.

 

I'll shut up now about this issue lol

 

Regarding the Sky Trak as a practice tool for us weekend golfers, I can't stress enough how much help it has been. Three months of hitting only wedges, translated into very accurate approach shots when we played a different simulator using Flight Scope. It also increased my pitching and chipping distance control. I can't wait for summer to see it happen in real life, I hope. :)

[Lincoln_Arcadia]

No thanks, I've been hitting off different mats all my life and I have no problem bringing those hits on the course. :) And I don't usually get fat shots on grass or in real game scenario. That's why when I saw my 145 yard 8 iron on my new mat, with the proper launch angle, I was relieved. I know I hit it short.

 

And believe me, when I hit a fat shot on ANY mat it does punish my shots. It also happens on this new mat. I don't want to find out what's causing my issues on my cce anymore, it's been three months of torture, I'll use it on my driver and wedges and as a stance mat and on every thing else, I'll use the new one. It's weird because on wedges to 9 iron I can hit them flush with the CCE but not the 8 iron and up.

 

I was finally able to do the bag mapping and skills assessment on the Sky Trak.

 

I'll shut up now about this issue lol

 

Regarding the Sky Trak as a practice tool for us weekend golfers, I can't stress enough how much help it has been. Three months of hitting only wedges, translated into very accurate approach shots when we played a different simulator using Flight Scope. It also increased my pitching and chipping distance control. I can't wait for summer to see it happen in real life, I hope. :)

 

If I had to guess you sank too deep into your old mats. I’d just get heavier and less soft mats in the future like the one you’re happy with now.

 

No thanks, I've been hitting off different mats all my life and I have no problem bringing those hits on the course. :) And I don't usually get fat shots on grass or in real game scenario. That's why when I saw my 145 yard 8 iron on my new mat, with the proper launch angle, I was relieved. I know I hit it short.

 

And believe me, when I hit a fat shot on ANY mat it does punish my shots. It also happens on this new mat. I don't want to find out what's causing my issues on my cce anymore, it's been three months of torture, I'll use it on my driver and wedges and as a stance mat and on every thing else, I'll use the new one. It's weird because on wedges to 9 iron I can hit them flush with the CCE but not the 8 iron and up.

 

I was finally able to do the bag mapping and skills assessment on the Sky Trak.

 

I'll shut up now about this issue lol

 

Regarding the Sky Trak as a practice tool for us weekend golfers, I can't stress enough how much help it has been. Three months of hitting only wedges, translated into very accurate approach shots when we played a different simulator using Flight Scope. It also increased my pitching and chipping distance control. I can't wait for summer to see it happen in real life, I hope. :)

 

If I had to guess you sank too deep into your old mats. I’d just get heavier and less soft mats in the future like the one you’re happy with now.

[Shane1]

So... skytrak have just come out and said that in their next update, there will be some club data available. I'm guessing this would be calculated and not measured. They are also currently working on sky pro integration.

[Shane1]

[msg]

I've tried the skills assessment today for the first time in 3 months. This feature is so nice. I hope this will make me a better golfer this summer. I've tried three sets, the first one with no warm up, sucked, the second and third were way better. Some errant shots on the second set at 1140 and 150 screwed up my scores. lol

 

 

[ROH1]

Is there no more alignment function? I thought that was useful.

[GungHoGolf]

msg, if all else fails sounds like it is time to post a swing video.

 

This is a good idea. I'll take a video of my swing at my basement and at that sim place that I usually have success at. Maybe that will show if there is any difference at all. :)

 

Edit:

 

Well, I picked up the cheap Callaway golf mat and what a difference it made.

 

 

 

I was able to hit my usual 7 irons finally.

 

 

Your usual 7 iron is 3,200 backspin and 18 yards of rollout? What kind of ball are you using?

[Stuart_G]

Your usual 7 iron is 3,200 backspin and 18 yards of rollout? What kind of ball are you using?

 

That's still a little low, but not as bad is it might seem. Hitting off most mats will significantly reduce the spin numbers compared to on course performance.

[msg]

msg, if all else fails sounds like it is time to post a swing video.

 

This is a good idea. I'll take a video of my swing at my basement and at that sim place that I usually have success at. Maybe that will show if there is any difference at all. :)

 

Edit:

 

Well, I picked up the cheap Callaway golf mat and what a difference it made.

 

 

 

I was able to hit my usual 7 irons finally.

 

 

Your usual 7 iron is 3,200 backspin and 18 yards of rollout? What kind of ball are you using?

 

Sorry, as soon as I saw the ball fly I took a picture of the shot right away without even checking. I got excited since it was the first time that I was able to get a good shot in months in my set up. I cannot remember what ball that was, but I am pretty sure it is a two piece rock. lol

 

I usually play Supersofts and I just hit a few shots for you and this is what I am getting with a seven iron.

 

[bradski]

msg, if all else fails sounds like it is time to post a swing video.

 

This is a good idea. I'll take a video of my swing at my basement and at that sim place that I usually have success at. Maybe that will show if there is any difference at all. :)

 

Edit:

 

Well, I picked up the cheap Callaway golf mat and what a difference it made.

 

 

 

I was able to hit my usual 7 irons finally.

 

 

Your usual 7 iron is 3,200 backspin and 18 yards of rollout? What kind of ball are you using?

 

Sorry, as soon as I saw the ball fly I took a picture of the shot right away without even checking. I got excited since it was the first time that I was able to get a good shot in months in my set up. I cannot remember what ball that was, but I am pretty sure it is a two piece rock. lol

 

I usually play Supersofts and I just hit a few shots for you and this is what I am getting with a seven iron.

 

 

Super softs were amazing for me added 10-20 yards on each iron. LOL. They didn't read spin right for my skytrak either.

[msg]

Haha yeah they are amazing in real life. But they cracked easily when using indoors on my sim. I think it's because I bought them used and maybe they are a bad batch.

 

Spring is almost here in Canada. I can't wait what happens to my game after practicing with my ST for almost everyday. My ball striking and driver shots have improved tremendously. I really hope it does really carry over!

[swoosh21]

What golf mat are you guys using? My cheap one is giving me inaccurate backspin numbers which is making my shots seem longer.

[bradski]

What golf mat are you guys using? My cheap one is giving me inaccurate backspin numbers which is making my shots seem longer.

 

it is likely the balls. what balls are you using?

[swoosh21]

What golf mat are you guys using? My cheap one is giving me inaccurate backspin numbers which is making my shots seem longer.

 

it is likely the balls. what balls are you using?

 

Some cheap balls since they were bouncing around in the garage. I read on the golf sim forum that the mat can screw with the spin rate which makes your shots seem longer.

[GungHoGolf]

What golf mat are you guys using? My cheap one is giving me inaccurate backspin numbers which is making my shots seem longer.

 

it is likely the balls. what balls are you using?

 

Some cheap balls since they were bouncing around in the garage. I read on the golf sim forum that the mat can screw with the spin rate which makes your shots seem longer.

 

Cheap balls (2-piece distance balls with surlyn cover) will lower spin rate more than a mat will.

[swoosh21]

What golf mat are you guys using? My cheap one is giving me inaccurate backspin numbers which is making my shots seem longer.

 

it is likely the balls. what balls are you using?

 

Some cheap balls since they were bouncing around in the garage. I read on the golf sim forum that the mat can screw with the spin rate which makes your shots seem longer.

 

Cheap balls (2-piece distance balls with surlyn cover) will lower spin rate more than a mat will.

 

I'll test today with some TP5 and Kirkland.

[swoosh21]

I think I was hitting with cheap precept balls I had laying around.

 

This is what I got with my 8i, that spin is way too low.

[GT7212]

Your skytrak range time should always be with the same ball you play with on course. Common sense. That 170yd 8 iron carry with 3000 rpm backspin using that tour top rock doesn't help translate your practice to real greens with a pro V1x

[swoosh21]

Your skytrak range time should always be with the same ball you play with on course. Common sense. That 170yd 8 iron carry with 3000 rpm backspin using that tour top rock doesn't help translate your practice to real greens with a pro V1x

 

I don't play with expensive balls, yet. I'll knock around some Kirklands tonight and see what type of distance and spin it's reading.

[GT7212]

Expensive balls are inconsequential to on-course performance relative to your practice sessions. The key is consistency in the type of ball you practice and play with.

[swoosh21]

Expensive balls are inconsequential to on-course performance relative to your practice sessions. The key is consistency in the type of ball you practice and play with.

 

Back was a bit sore from the workout, but I did get some hits in just to see how the spin measures with better balls. I'm still getting around 4-5k back spin from Skytrak with Kirkland balls. I'm getting the height but I'm not sure why it's reading so low.