> The SkyTrak launch monitor is still an excellent choice in the sub $2,000 price range > It is a photometric launch monitor which means it works great in indoor spaces (but is not very good outdoors) > Although not at the level of theBushnell Launch Pro , it is still very accurate and compares to higher-priced launch monitors
Updated June 2023 with new protective case
The SkyTrak Launch Monitor was released in 2015 and was considered a breakthrough device at that time. It has since undergone some revisions and software updates.
Although there are better options now a slightly higher price points (Bushnell Launch Pro), the SkyTrak is still the best choice under $3,500.
There are some drawbacks to the unit, so let’s take a closer look at how it still remains a great choice after all these years.
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SkyTrak Summary
Accurate
The SkyTrak launch monitor is 98% as accurate as TrackMan, according to studies.
Ball Metrics
The SkyTrak provides 11 ball metrics, which are based off of the actual ball flight.
Golf Simulator
Works great with the most popular golf simulator programs.
Compact
It is small enough to easily setup & store and offers 5 hours of battery use with Wi-Fi.
SkyTrak Launch MonItor Overview
SkyTrak was very popular when it was released because it offered a combination of accuracy and affordability that was previously not available in the golf launch monitor market.
Prior to SkyTrak’s release, launch monitors that provided accurate data for golfers were typically very expensive and only available to professional golfers, coaches, and high-end golf facilities.
SkyTrak changed the game by offering a more affordable launch monitor that provided accurate data on ball flight and other parameters such as spin rate, launch angle, and clubhead speed.
While not quite as accurate as more expensive launch monitors, it is generally close enough to be useful and at a much lower price.
How Much Does the SkyTrak Cost?
The SkyTrak retails for $1,995. However, SkyTrak has just released the SkyTrak+ which now inlcludes club metrics. See our SkyTrak+ Launch Monitor Review for more details.
The price includes ball metrics, but you have to purchase a subscription if you want access to extra features such as enhanced driving range, and game improvement features.
What Makes SkyTrak Unique?
The SkyTrak is still a great indoor launch monitor. It works on WIFI and can connect to all major golf simulator software programs. High-speed photography measures the golf ball and provides an accurate reading of your ball with a robust assortment of parameters including ball speed, distance (carry and total), launch angle, club speed, spin rates and more.
SkyTrak’s unique selling points are the following:
The SkyTrak competes with the FlightScope Mevo+ ,Bushnell Launch Pro, & Uneekor EYE MINI .
There are very few consumer-grade camera-based launch monitors and the options are basically entry level or professional grade.
SkyTrak is the only photometric launch monitor under $3,500.
Before jumping into the review, here is a quick look at the main advantages/disadvantages of SkyTrak:
Advantages
- Pretty accurate inside
- Compact and easy to carry
- Works on Wifi
- Inexpensive (compared to better launch monitors)
- Can use with any simulator software
- Works with a cell phone or iPad
Disadvantages
- Does not work well outside
- Outdated technology
- Ball must be placed on the laser dot in order to get accurate readings
- Cameras do not compare to competitors
- Requires a subscription to access more advanced software features
Who Is SkyTrak?
SkyTrak was originally developed by SkyGolf. SkyGolf is a company that produces GPS golf rangefinders and other golf-related technologies and they . The company was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in Austin, Texas, USA.
SkyGolf acquired SkyCaddie in 2011, and until 2022, the two companies operated as a single entity under the SkyGolf brand.
In 2022, GolfTEC acquired SkyTrak (SkyCaddie is still owned by SkyGolf).
GolfTEC is a company that provides golf instruction and club fitting services to golfers of all skill levels. The company was founded in 1995 and is headquartered in Denver, Colorado, USA.
GolfTEC’s instruction methodology is based on the use of video analysis, motion measurement, and other advanced technologies to provide golfers with personalized feedback on their swing and help them improve their game.
The company has a network of over 200 training centers worldwide, where golfers can receive one-on-one instruction from certified golf teaching professionals.
SkyTrak Subscription Options
Users will be required to pay $99.99 per year to access historical data. The other big difference is that with the Play & Improve subscription, it includes WGT.
| FEATURE | Basic | Game Improvement | Play & Improve |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | $99 /year | $199 /year |
| Driving Range | Y | Y | Y |
| Game Improvement Features | Y | Y | |
| Skill Building Challenge | Y | Y | |
| Golf Simulator Integration | GSPro | Y | Y |
| Course Play w/ WGT | N | Y | |
| Bag Mapping | Y | Y | |
| Skills Assessment | Y | Y | |
| Wedge Matrix | Y | Y | |
| Shot History | Y | Y |
Using Launch Monitor Metrics To Improve
Precise metrics are at the core of a launch monitor. But do you know how golf launch monitor metrics can improve your game? Most golfers are not aware of what each metric measures and what the data means.
To improve at golf, it is critical to understand these metrics and what they mean. In our post How Golf Launch Monitor Metrics Can Improve Your Game, we explain how you can use launch monitor data to analyze & improve your golf game!
Camera vs Radar Tracking
Todays high-end launch monitors take advantage of camera or radar systems. There is no right or wrong answer. The question is what fits your situation and needs the best.
SkyTrak uses cameras (Photometric) as its main tracking mechanism.
Camera
Technically called “Photometric”, these types of launch monitors use multiple high-speed cameras to capture ball & club data. Photos are captured before and after launch and then sent to proprietary software.
Customized algorithms are used to calculate metrics based on the captured data. In this case, the more cameras, the more accurate the results.
Pros
Cons
Radar
Doppler radar systems measure ball data through the use of radar sensors. They follow the entire flight of the ball until it lands. When they have this line-of-sight, they are very accurate.
Radar-based systems require a clear view of the ball and hitting zone from behind. Because of this, they need a lot of space.
Pros
Cons
SkyTrak Camera System
SkyTrak has a dual-camera system. They don’t publish the specs on the camera speeds but their technical specs mention “ultra high-speed”.
Regardless, for the price point they do a great job of capturing ball flight indoors.
SkyTrak Features
The SkyTrak launch monitor comes with some great features. Here are more details on them.
Accuracy
As mentioned above, the SkyTrak launch monitor is extremely accurate considering its price range. Although $1,900 is a lot, it is actually an entry level price for a true golf launch monitor.
Multiple head-to-head tests show the SkyTrak as performing very close to top units (GCQuad or TrackMan).
Wireless Connectivity
The SkyTrak launch monitor can connect directly to your Wi-Fi network. This means you can run it without any cables at all (it has a great battery) and connect directly to your cell or iPad to see your real-time stats.
Compact Design
The SkyTrak is built to be compact so it is easily setup and then stored when you are finished.
The unit only weighs 1.7 lbs. and measures at 6.7†H x 5.7†L x 2.5†W
Value
This is one of the biggest selling points of the SkyTrak. It can’t be overlooked that the next step up in launch monitors is the Bushnell Launch Pro at almost double the price. Granted the Launch Pro is a huge step up. However, the SkyTrak is great for its price!
Golf Simulator Software Compatibility
SkyTrak works with all of the major simulator software. If you just want to play and are not as concerned with club data, this can be an excellent choice for your budget.
SkyTrak Ball Data
The following ball data is included with the SkyTrak. There is no club data provided.
For more information on what these metrics mean and how to use them to improve, see our post How Golf Launch Monitor Metrics Can Improve Your Game.
- Ball Speed
- Launch Angle
- Back Spin
- Side Spin
- Side Angle
- Spin Axis
- Total Spin
- Carry Distance
- Roll Distance
- Total Distance
- Apex Height
- Flight Time
- Shot Dispersion
- Offline
3rd Party Simulator Software
SkyTrak works with all major golf simulator programs. They even have the Play & Improve subscription that includes WGT.
Our recommendation is to purchase 3rd party simulator software. The software is better overall and you can find almost any course in the world in these packages.
We are not going to go into a long review of these, but will give you an overview of the 3 most popular simulator programs. You cannot go wrong with any of these–it’s more a matter of what you want in a golf simulator.
GSPro was designed to be a true to life golf simulator. Featuring 4K graphics, tons of real courses, realistic ball physics, and an advanced physics engine that can account for different lies, deep rough and undulations on the greens.
GSPro
What makes this unique?
- The most realistic ball physics
- The most popular courses in the world
- Constant updates
Summary
GSPro was designed to be a true to life golf simulator. Featuring 4K graphics, realistic ball physics, and an ever growing online community.
In GSPro, it has an advanced physics engine that can account for different lies, deep rough and undulations on the greens.
It also includes a driving range and different skills challenges.
With GSPro you’ll be able to create and play courses built by other indoor golfers in the community.
New courses added weekly including many of the most popular courses worldwide. GSPro is less polished but the ball physics are unmatched.
The Golf Club 2019 (TGC) was created from the popular console video game. It features announcers and crowds which is similar to the Xbox/PlayStation game versions. It also includes a driving range and different skills challenges.
The Golf Club 2019
What makes this unique?
- A smooth video game experience
- Access to over 100k courses (most are user-created)
- Announcers and crowds
Summary
The Golf Club 2019 (TGC) was created from the popular console video game. It features announcers and crowds which is similar to the Xbox/PlayStation game versions.
It also includes a driving range and different skills challenges.
The Golf Club 2019 is pretty polished with some great graphics but has some flaws. It is really geared towards a video game experience on a simulator vs a more accurate experience (like GSPro).
E6 includes Courses, Mini Games, Skills Combines, Training Aids, and more. It includes constant updates.
E6 Connect
What makes this unique?
- Full practice and course package
- Polished interface and graphics
Summary
E6 includes Courses, Mini Games, Skills Combines, Training Aids, and more. It includes constant updates.
E6 also comes with different driving ranges, putting areas, chipping areas, and games for kids.
E6 is more of a combo of GSPro and TGC 2019. However, we would recommend one of those 2 over this due to the price vs. value.
SkyTrak Protective Case
A metal protective case is a great idea to protect your SkyTrak. The launch monitor sits forward, and pretty close to the ball while hitting. While it is unlikely you will hit a ball into the SkyTrak, a bad hosel rocket could hit it.
Or if you have guests playing, you may want piece of mind that the SkyTrak is protected. I personally recommend getting a case for SkyTrak (and have one myself) just because of how close it sits to the ball.
This is definitely required to protect the SkyTrak from mishit shots and clubs. Laser cut from 13 gauge steel to withstand balls and clubs, wrinkle-finish powder coat and comes with 3 adjustable leveling legs.
Is SkyTrak Right For You?
After reading this post you hopefully have a good understanding of the SkyTrak features. If your budget is under $3,000, it is the only real option for indoor use. It is accurate enough, and you can play with all of the major simulation software.
Reasons to Buy
The SkyTrak is still a great indoor launch monitor. It works on WIFI and can connect to all major golf simulator software programs. High-speed photography measures the golf ball and provides an accurate reading of your ball with a robust assortment of parameters including ball speed, distance (carry and total), launch angle, club speed, spin rates and more.
Buy it if you hit balls inside 90% of the time and want to play courses with simulator software. Also, if you don’t need club data as the SkyTrak will not provide those metrics.
However, If you need club data, we recommend you find an alternative (such as the Bushnell Launch Pro).
Remember that the SkyTrak launch monitor works well indoors, but struggles outside–especially in direct sunlight.
Reasons to Skip
The unit, hardware, and technology was very impressive and accurate when it was launched. But that was almost 10 years ago and technology has made some big leaps.
(See our page on Launch Monitors for more options)
- No club data
- Is not really feasible to use outdoors
- Cameras are lower speed than better units
- Can miss shots at times
- Requires ball to be placed on the laser dot to register shots (or at least within 1-2″)
What’s in The Box
- SkyTrak Launch Monitor
- SkyTrak App
- Basic Practice Range Software
- USB Cable
- SkyTrak User Manual
Full Specifications
Below are the full specs for the SkyTrak:
- Tracking: Photometric launch monitor
- Camera: dual, ultra high-speed
- Connectivity:
- Connects directly to iPad Wi-Fi (NO Internet access in this mode)
- Connects to iPad Wi-Fi through router/home network (Internet Access available)
- Battery: Built-in Lithium-ion ; Approximately 5 hours of use (depending on conditions)
- Charging Port: Micro USB
- Unit Dimensions: 5.75in L x 6.75in H x 2.5in W
- Unit Weight: 1.7 lbs
- iPad Air
- iPad Air 2
- iPad Pro
- iPad Mini 2 (with Retina Display)
- iPad Mini 3
- iPad Mini 4
- iPad models manufactured after 2014 are compatible
- Windows 7, 8, or 10
- Intel Core 2 Duo @ 2.0GHz or higher
- 2GB RAM or higher
Get More Launch Monitor Info
Visit our Launch Monitors page for more information on golf launch monitors, including why to use them, the benefits of launch monitors, and get links to more reviews on premium and luxury golf launch monitors.
