How do launch monitors/simulators actually work?

[rvgolfer]

Went to a golf store today thinking about a new driver. None of the readings from the computer were even close to my actual course results. So in the end, if you don't trust the readings as being accurate with your current driver, its hard to trust the readings for a new $400 driver.

 

So my question, how is ball speed, carry distance, total distance actually determined? Another question is that there was a hole in the middle section of the outer material, and it seemed that the material was loose from being hit in the middle so many times,,so with this wear would it cause the readings to be inaccurate?

[rvgolfer]

Bump

[tradpl]

Launch monitor "reads" the ball movement (speed, launch angle, spin). The are several ways to do it. The best LMs (Trackman, Flightscope) use Doeppler radar technology. Other use high speed camera (which gives good speed and LA readings, not so good spin number and orientation).

After that it is simple physics. If you know the start parameters of the ball you could easily compute her movement, distance etc.

The problem with cheaper LM used in golf store is not only their lesser exactness. The store managers could "juice" the results of LMs readings. You test a new $400 driver and WOW, it hits 50 yards longer that my old $300 driver. I have to buy it, with it I'll win PGA Tour. So take to the store your old driver and first test it. Then you will know what is your normal distance in store's LM and if $400 is really that much better (it isn't).

[learjetguy]

i have not much faith in them, I think the best way is a outdoor range where you can see the ball flight for yourself backed by some type of trackman lm. with that said after playing almost all the 460 drivers with all shafts the winner is a callaway vft hawkeye 10deg firm stock shaft 300cc carry 245 255 avg. 10/15 yd roll straight or my high cut whatever works