The new SkyTrak launch monitor has released and it is called the SkyTrak+ ! Will it actually be a legitimate competitor to the Bushnell Launch Pro?
Now with club metrics, this unit has promise! Continue reading for all of the info we have on this exciting new launch monitor.
6-17-2023: Added new feature info and protective case
> The SkyTrak+ launch monitor has officially released> It now has the ability capture club metrics with a new radar system to detect the club> All new software is released with the unit
SkyTrak+ Summary
Accurate
The SkyTrak+ has upgraded the camera system for better accuracy!
Club Metrics
The SkyTrak+ provides 4 club metrics, including club path, angle, & club speed.
Golf Simulator
Works great with the most popular golf simulator programs.
Shot Optimizer
Allows you to analyze your club and ball data vs. optimal launch conditions.
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Overview
After more than 9 years since the SkyTrak was launched, the SkyTrak+ launch monitor has officially released.
The SkyTrak+ has been completely updated and now includes club metrics, a new Doppler radar system, improved Photometric camera system, new software, and more!/
SkyTrak History
The original SkyTrak Launch Monitor was released in 2015 and was considered a breakthrough device at that time. It has since undergone some minor revisions and software updates.
It has been an extremely popular launch monitor due to its accuracy and price.
Although there are better options now a slightly higher price points (Bushnell Launch Pro), the SkyTrak is still the best choice under $3,500.
Original SkyTrak Shortcomings
Although the original SkyTrak Launch Monitor is still popular, it was not without its shortcomings. The SkyTrak+ addresses many of those and definitely looks like a solid upgrade.
Original SkyTrak Weaknesses
The original SkyTrak was often criticized for the following weaknesses:
- Lack of club data – it cannot capture any data related to the club
- Shot delay – there is delay after hitting the ball before it registers on screen
- Missed shots – depending on environment, most users report at least some missed shots
- Poor outdoors performance – it does not do well in direct light outdoors
- Small hitting area – the ball needs to be placed within a 2-3″ windows
We will cover the new SkyTrak+ features & tech which address all of these weaknesses to some degree.
SkyTrak+ Improvements
The SkyTrak+ launch monitor includes club metrics without the need for stickers, an upgraded camera system, a new Shot Optimizer, upgraded range, and more.
The SkyTrak+ has a ton of improvements:
SkyTrak+ Advantages & Weaknesses
The SkyTrak+ competes directly with the Bushnell Launch Pro, Uneekor EYE MINI (and to a smaller extent the Mevo+). These are the only launch monitors that offer club metrics for under $7k.
Here is a quick look at the main advantages/disadvantages of SkyTrak+:
Advantages
- Club metrics included with purchase
- Improved camera system + Doppler
- Ideal for indoor use, but can also now be used outdoors
- No stickers required on clubs
- Shot Optimizer
- New driving range software
- Official support for 3rd party simulator software
- Lower subscription rates than competitors
Disadvantages
- Delay from time a shot is struck until it displays on-screen
- Small hitting zone
- No external display
- (2) cameras (vs
Bushnell Launch Pro ‘s three camera setup) - Purchase price is close to the industry-leading Bushnell Launch Pro
SkyTrak+ Features
The new SkyTrak+ launch monitor has received major upgrades. The biggest feature being that it will now track club metrics.
But there are a lot of other improvements as well.
Club Metrics
The new SkyTrak+ will finally include the feature everyone has asked for–Club Metrics!
(see the section below on Using Launch Monitor Metrics to Improve)
SkyTrak includes the following Club Metrics:
Club Metrics
- Club Head Speed
- Smash Factor
- Club Path
- Face Angle
Dual Doppler Radar
The new Dual Doppler Radar system is used to provide Club Data. It works in conjunction with the camera system.
Club Stickers Not Required
The new Doppler Radar system also means that club head stickers will not be required to get club metrics!
Improved Accuracy
The internal software and algorithms have also been updated to make the SkyTrak+ even more accurate. See the heading below for more details.
5GHz Wifi
The original SkyTrak was limited to 2.4GHz Wifi which caused poor connections for some golfers. This is a great upgrade that should solve any connectivity issues.
USB-C Charging
Anyone who struggled with the original SkyTrak’s micro-USB power cable will appreciate USB-C. In addition to this switch, the SkyTrak+ also supports Rapid Charging which means less downtime.
Larger Hitting Area
Another welcome improvement as the hitting area is 40% larger. Now granted, the original hitting area is pretty small, but this will make it easier to hit shots and avoid missed shots.
I tested this thoroughly and took a picture to show the size of the new hitting zone.
SkyTrak+ New Software
SkyTrak has released new driving range software featuring Shot Optimizer.
Club metrics are now displayed along with some very nice club visuals at impact.
Shot Optimizer
The new and improved Shot Optimizer allows you to view and analyze all of your club and ball data vs. optimal launch conditions.
Optimal Shot Metrics
Our red, yellow, and green scoring system lets you know how close your numbers are to the best players in the world.
Performance Progress
The SkyTrak Shot Optimizer feature allows you to determine the expected distance by hitting 20 shots with any club.
This data measures subsequent shots and provides you with a Shot Score, which compares your performance against shots from other players of various skill levels. The Shot Score objectively measures your golfing ability and predicts your expected performance in an 18-hole round.
SkyTrak+ Shot Data
SkyTrak includes the following Club Metrics & Shot Data:
Club Metrics
- Club Head Speed
- Smash Factor
- Club Path
- Face Angle
BALL Metrics
- 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
SkyTrak+ Price
The SkyTrak+ retails for $2,995.
The SkyTrak+ launch monitor includes club metrics without the need for stickers, an upgraded camera system, a new Shot Optimizer, upgraded range, and more.
SkyTrak+ Protective Case
Designed with precision and crafted from premium High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), this case is engineered to provide unbeatable durability and unrivaled defense for your SkyTrak+ device. Capable of withstanding ball strikes of up to 100 mph, the SkyTrak+ Protective Case ensures exceptional impact resistance.
A 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 (and have one myself) just because of how close it sits to the ball.
SkyTrak+ Improved Shot Accuracy
I tested the SkyTrak+ against the (2) leading launch monitors in this class: the Bushnell Launch Pro & the Uneekor EYE MINI. And the SkyTrak+ matched both of those launch monitors in accuracy!
I was a bit surprised at how well the SkyTrak+ performed. I think it is because I have used the original SkyTrak and had low expectations. However, it quickly made a believer of me!
Indoor Testing
Below are the settings I used indoors when I tested. I hit hundreds of golf balls in the tests as well, using irons, wedges, and driver.
- Altitude: 0 feet
- Temperature: 70 degrees
- Humidity: 30%
- Wind: None
- Ball: ProV1x
- Competitor 1:
Bushnell Launch Pro - Competitor 2: Uneekor Eye Mini
Indoor Results
Here are the results from my testing. The only big difference is that the Bushnell Launch Pro Club Speed is much higher than the SkyTrak+ and the EYE MINI.
As you can see, the SkyTrak+ is extremely accurate!
Outdoor Testing
When I tested outdoors, I hit driver and irons off of a tee in the grass. The SkyTrak+ must be used outdoors on a mat or on a tee. You cannot hit balls directly off grass as it will interfere with the sensors.
I matched the local temperature, altitude, wind and humidity with my weather conditions. In addition, I used a laser rangefinder to measure the exact distance of every shot, which I then compared to what the SkyTrak+ reported.
Outdoor Results
Outdoors, the SkyTrak+ was dead-on accurate with what I measured through the laser rangefinder.
Driver
- Carry: Both measured the exact same yardage
- Shot Shape: Both matched
Irons
- Carry: SkyTrak+ was 1 yard less than actual
- Shot Shape: Matched
SkyTrak+ Subscriptions
Users will be required to pay $99.99 per year to access more advanced range features and 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 | Y | Y | |
| Course Play w/ WGT | N | Y | |
| Bag Mapping | Y | Y | |
| Skills Assessment | Y | Y | |
| Wedge Matrix | Y | Y | |
| Shot History | Y | Y |
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.
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.
3rd Party Simulation Software
The SkyTrak+ works with all major golf simulator programs. The catch is that you are REQUIRED to purchase at least the Game Improvement subscription to unlock a 3rd party connector.
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 2 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 At this time, GSPro is not supported on the SkyTrak+. There is an unofficial connector, that is not officially supported.
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.
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.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
This is pretty easy to sum up. The SkyTrak+ is a great launch monitor and performed as well as the Bushnell Launch Pro & the Uneekor EYE MINI. It is absolutely as good as those two launch monitors and has lower subscription plans.
The SkyTrak+ launch monitor includes club metrics without the need for stickers, an upgraded camera system, a new Shot Optimizer, upgraded range, and more.
Main Advantages
- Club metrics unlocked with purchase
- No Stickers required on clubs
- Very accurate
- Driving range included with Optimizer views
- Low subscription cost
- Super lightweight & compact
Disadvantages
- Requires a mat or a tee outdoors
- Subscription needed for 3rd party software
- Doesn’t currently work with GSPro
- Same price as the
Bushnell Launch Pro
Alternatives to the SkyTrak+
If the SkyTrak+ is not right for you, the Bushnell Launch Pro & the Uneekor EYE MINI are great options.
The best photometric launch monitor in its class. It is built upon the technology of the award-wi...
- Best Accuracy
- Works with all 3rd party Software
- (3) cameras
- Can hit off grass
- External Display
The EYE MINI ships with all club metrics unlocked & includes a driving range with no subscription required. It includes an E-Ink display, video of club through impact, official 3rd party software support, and is also available outside the USA.
- Official 3rd Party Software Support
- External Display
- Works off grass
- Available outside the USA
- Swing Optix
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.
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!
New Launch Monitor Wizard
Try our new Launch Monitor Wizard which was designed to help you find the perfect launch monitor for you!
Launch Monitor Wizard
The Launch Monitor Wizard will walk you through a series of questions designed to find the best launch monitors for your unique purpose.
It will then provide a list of the best golf launch monitors that fit your requirements and price range.
The Wizard can be restarted at any time if you make an incorrect selection.
Frequently asked questions
Founder of TheLuxeGolf, I am an avid golfer with a single-digit handicap with over 20 years of experience playing golf. I use my analytics education from Georgia Tech to help me research and write the best articles on luxury & premium golf products! I love how analytics has seeped into every aspect of golf and how it can be used to provide incredible insights into your game. In my time, I’m either writing about golf, watching golf, or playing golf!
