Launch Monitor App from Blast Motion, any feedback?

Golfuntilbrooklyn · January 5, 2018

I was excited to get an email today from Blast Motion. Their new app "Blast Vision" was available to get in the IOS App Store. However, it appears my iPhone 6 Plus isn't new enough for the app. Requires 6s or newer. Bummer.

The app is free to try for 2 weeks. $9.99 for an unlimited version. Curiously you don't have to have the blast motion sensor.

The app uses the phone's camera to compute Ball Speed, Launch Angle & Carry Distance. Probably similar to the Bridgestone Bfit app.

Anyone try this out yet with a newer iPhone?

hlca · January 5, 2018

Without knowing the spin rate, it seems like a blind dart toss.

Golfuntilbrooklyn · January 5, 2018

Searched for relevant hashtags and found this first brief online review of it.

Says it compares favorably to GC Quad.

xreyuk · January 5, 2018

Without knowing the spin rate, it seems like a blind dart toss.

Agreed. Spin numbers affect distance massively.

PracticeAprl · January 5, 2018

I mean for the price this is killer. Would definitely be great for hitting balls in the garage over winter.

Looking forward to feedback

hlca · January 5, 2018

Also I have to wonder what kind of precision the system has. Let's say you hit the 165 mph ball as shown in the picture. You position the camera so there is ten feet from the ball to the edge of the frame. 165 miles per hour is equal to 242 feet per second. So it takes 0.04 seconds (10/242) for the ball to exit the frame. The camera on the iPhone can record at 240 frames per second. So you have 9.9 frames (2400/242) over which the system can calculate and project out distance. Doesn't seem like a whole lot.

It's laughable to compare with GC Quad, which has 4 cameras to measure ball movement in 3D. The cameras each take images at 10,000+ frames per second. I know the GC product is a lot more expensive and not accessible to the average golfer, but Blast cannot be considered anything other than a novelty item. I wouldn't use to diagnose swing or equipment issues, so what else is it good for?

Lomo Saltado · January 8, 2018

I tried this out on Saturday at the only driving range in my area that has enough space. The problem is you at least 8 feet to your right/left to place the phone facing you and 3-4 feet towards the target. At most driving ranges you'd need to have a removable stall divider and use up 2 stalls or use the far left/right station and hope there is enough clearance. Luckily I know of one such range that has a big area with some nice sized stalls and I was able to play around with the app. It's quite simple to use. I brought a measuring tape to be as precise as possible. I also recommend a portable charger as this app will use a lot of battery. I also recommend bluetooth headset so you can hear the yardages. It's kind of a pain in the a** to go over to your phone that's 2 feet off the ground to see it on screen. Oh, and finally, if you're hitting off grass you'll need to constantly readjust while hitting irons since you're always hitting from different spots if you're taking divots.

It's pretty neat and I'll use it from time to time until I have the budget for the Mevo.