Updated: July 2023 with new club and ball metrics data
The Foresight GC3 Launch Monitor is one of the best mid-range launch monitors available. Find out what makes it so great and what makes it so accurate!
In essence it is tied with the Bushnell Launch Pro but it has all of its features unlocked for lifetime use.
Does it live up to the hype? As far as accuracy and portability in its class, it absolutely does live up to the hype!
Launch Monitor Wizard
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GC3 Launch Monitor Summary
Accurate
The GC3 combines 3 high speed/high resolution cameras with infrared to deliver high accuracy on every shot.
Ball & Club Metrics
Captures club and ball data for performance insights to help you identify areas you need to improve.
Indoors & Outdoors
The best mid-range launch monitor for use both indoors & outdoors. Has minimal indoor space requirements.
Use as a Simulator
Pair the GC3 with simulator software and experience indoor golf in your home.
$7,499
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!
Let’s jump in and get started.
Overview
The GC3 came out in 2021 as a more affordable model to the award winning GCQuad (see our GCQuad review here).
Around the same time, the
Bushnell and Foresight Sports are owned by the same parent company. The goal was to introduce incredibly accurate launch monitors at different price entry points.
They are the exact same unit though. The only difference is in how they are priced (and a few cosmetic differences)
GC3 Price VS Bushnell Launch Pro Price
The Foresight Sports GC3 retails at $7,499
The Bushnell Launch Pro starts at $3,999
The main difference is what software features are unlocked. With the Foresight GC3, all features are unlocked and there is no subscription. You pay once and get everything. Below is an overview:
- Golf simulation
- FSX Play
- All launch monitor metrics such as:
- Carry Distance
- Ball Speed
- Total Spin
- Vertical Launch Angle
- Horizontal Launch Angle
- Club Head Speed
- Smash Factor
- Spin Tilt Axis*
- Back Spin*
- Side Spin*
- Club Path*
- Angle of Attack*
With the
There are more features you get when you purchase a subscription (saved sessions, saved clubs, and more).
How to Decide if the GC3 Launch Monitor is right for you?
When reading this review, ask yourself what metrics are must-haves. Our section on metrics gives you additional info on how you could use the metric to improve.
There is no argument that the GC3 is the most accurate in its price range (and some levels above). If you can make it work with the subscriptions (or even no subscription) you will definitely have a great launch monitor that is incredibly accurate–which is the most important feature of a golf launch monitor.
Should I buy the GC3 or The Bushnell Launch Pro ?
This is actually pretty easy.
- Pick the GC3 if you want all features unlocked and no subscription fees
- Pick the Bushnell Launch Pro if you want a lower initial purchase cost and then you can add subscriptions for more features
Features
Built-in Display
The GC3 has a built in display. This is important because it means you do not have to use a computer or cell phone to see metrics.
If you want a quick session to check on your swing you can hit and view right on the unit.
Indoor & Outdoor Use
The GC3 can be used indoors in with minimal space requirements. It can also be used outdoors. While the unit is a bit big (1 foot high by 6″ wide & 5 lbs.), it is still portable enough to put in a bag and bring it to the range.
Less expensive launch monitors do not offer minimal indoor space requirements & outdoor usage with this level of precision.
GC3 Launch Monitor Accuracy
As mentioned above, the accuracy of a golf launch monitor is the single most important feature. Without accurate data, a launch monitor is useless if you are serious about your game.
Accuracy is where the GC3 launch monitor shines. The GC3 was inspired by the Foresight Sports GC Quad.
The technology and measurements are extremely accurate & precise. The GC Quad’s pro-grade technology was incorporated into the GC3.
The GC3 combines proprietary high-speed/high-resolution cameras with infrared which has been optimized in an auto-calibrating three-camera system to deliver Tour-level performance and accuracy on every shot.
This also makes the unit an excellent choice if you want to setup a golf simulator. It allows you to play courses around the world knowing your shots on the simulator are exactly what you would shoot on the course.
Camera vs Radar Tracking
Today, 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.
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
GC3 Camera System
The GC3 launch monitor uses a high-speed, high-resolution infrared camera system.
This three-camera system is auto-calibrating and captures the impact zone including a small space before and after the ball.
Setup
To get started with the GC3, you need to plug it in and fully charge the battery. Once it is charged, you can turn it on and will see a flashing blue light.
Connecting to the Internet
The first time you start up the GC3, you will need to connect it to the internet & register the device. You can connect it via WiFi, a PC, or a mobile device.
A note on Wifi Many launch monitors use a Wifi connection to acquire product updates and connect to launch monitor software (or simulator software). It is extremely important you have a solid Wifi signal where you use your launch monitor. This is not exclusive to the GC3 as others use this method. A lot of problems with launch monitors not working properly are due to a poor Wifi connection.
Every 45 days you must connect the GC3 to the internet. You will receive a warning within 5 days.
Ball Placement & Hitting
To use your GC3, set it upright approximately 2 feet away from the hitting area and place the ball on the ground in front of your GC3.
If you are using a hitting mat, make sure the GC3 is raised to the same level as the hitting surface. If it is not level, you may receive misreads or inaccurate data.
- If the ball is outside of the hitting zone, you will see the MOVE BALL INTO HITTING ZONE screen.
- If there are multiple balls in the hitting zone, you will see the MULTIPLE BALLS DETECTED screen.
- Once the ball is in the hitting zone, the GC3 will display the READY screen and the blue LED indicator light will change from blinking to solid.
Settings & Features
From the main display on the unite, you can access Quick Settings which gives you the following choices:
| ITEM | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Backlight | Turn on/off |
| Settings | Turn on/off tracking mode, access target alignment, check firmware, choose units of measurement, access Wi-Fi, change the display, access diagnostics, access shot saver |
| Left/Right Handed | Toggle between modes |
| About | Access account information, version, patents, system information, web dashboard, and counters |
| Battery | Check battery life |
GC3 Golf Software
$7,499
FSX 2020
The GC3 comes with FSX2020 simulation software. Experience the most realistic golf simulation ever with FSX 2020. Play the best and most exclusive courses, practice your skills on the range, or even compete in skill-building competitions with players around the world – all in beautiful 4K resolution.
This true-to-life home golf simulator experience includes:
- 5 Courses (Teton Pines, Broken Tree, Linfield National, Willow Crest and Bayou Golf & Fishing Club)
- Skills Challenge and Long Drive & Closest to the Pin Competitions
- Glass Break (skill building module)
- Inside 6 Feet (skill building module)
- Driving Range
- Club Fitting Software
- Foresight Sports’ Online Network
- Tournament mode in Compete
- Updates to club images and club analysis screen
- Refinement of impact location reporting on club face
FSX Play
FSX Play is included with the GC3. It is an upgrade to FSX2020.
FSX Play is the next evolution of true-to-life graphics in golf simulation. With a whole new graphics engine, you’ll experience the game like never before. Rich textures, 3D grass, enhanced lighting, updated UI and HUD, and ultra-smooth gameplay make you feel like you’re on the course.
FSX Pro
FSX Pro is analysis software. FSX Pro shows you only data you select to use. And thanks to 3D visuals, the performance of each and every shot is crystal clear.
3rd Party Simulator Software
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.
Club Tracking
Club tracking can be enabled in the Quick Settings menu. This allows the GC3 the ability to track what your club face is doing at impact.
In order to track your club face, the GC3 requires 2 steps:
- Apply a Club Marker to your golf club
- Set TRACKING MODE to On in Quick Settings
Applying a Club Marker to Your Golf Club
The GC3 launch monitor doesn’t only look at the ball, but the club too. To take advantage of this
feature, open the club marker packet (included) and follow the directions to apply the club
marker to your club.
- Clean Club – Clean the clubface with an alcohol pad or water
- Place Marker – Place club marker at the location (above) on the clubface, adhesive side down
- Apply Pressure – Firmly apply pressure to the club marker with your finger and gently pull the tab away, leaving only the club marker on the clubface
After your next swing, the display will show your Club Speed, Path, Angle of Attack, & Smash Factor (aka Efficiency).
See Club Data for details on metrics captured by Club Tracking including advice on how to use this data to improve your swing.
Metrics Included
$7,499
With the GC3, you have lifetime access to all of the features & data points below.
| Data Point | Included? |
|---|---|
| Carry Distance | Y |
| Ball Speed | Y |
| Total Spin | Y |
| Horizontal Launch Angle | Y |
| Vertical Launch Angle | Y |
| Club Head Speed | Y |
| Smash Factor | Y |
| Spin Tilt Axis | Y |
| Back Spin | Y |
| Side Spin | Y |
| Club Path | Y |
| Angle of Attack | Y |
| Total Distance | Y |
| Descent Angle | Y |
| Barometer | Y |
| Software | FSX 2020 |
Additional Features
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Saved Sessions | 10 Locally |
| Cloud Sessions | Unlimited |
| Save Clubs | Unlimited |
| Save Videos | 10 Locally |
| Cloud Videos | 10 |
| Standard Range | Y |
| Ball Flight Type | 3D |
| Dispersion | Y |
| Simulation Allowed | Y |
| Players Allowed | 8 |
| Courses Included | 10 |
| Online Play (FSX 2020) | Y |
| GOLD |
Launch Monitor Metrics
The GC3 Launch Monitor tracks 2 different kinds of data; Ball Launch data and Club data.
- Ball Launch Data – Ball launch data is measured by capturing images of the ball to model it in real-time and comparing it to the next captured image to determine exactly what the ball is doing post-impact.
- Club Data – The GC3 launch monitor doesn’t just look at the ball, but place one of the included markers to the face of your club to get accurate and consistent club data previously only attainable at much higher price points.
Ball Launch Data
CARRY DISTANCE
The amount of distance the ball travels through the air.
What This Metric Means
Carry distance only measures the ball flight in the air until it hits the ground. It does not factor in roll
How to Improve your game with this Data
Use this metric to understand your average carry with each club. Knowing this will allow you to hit more greens & fairways and avoid more hazards. You cannot always control rollout, but you can control your carry distance. Additionally, you can track swing improvements by seeing an increase in average carry distance over time.
BALL SPEED
The measurement of the golf ball’s velocity just after impact.
What This Metric Means
Ball speed is the main component in generating distance. This tells you how the fast the ball is moving right after impact.
How to Improve your game with this Data
This metric can be used to understand how well you are striking the ball. Higher ball speed equates to longer carry distance. Use this to identify how well you are striking the ball and track improvements over time.
TOTAL SPIN
The amount of total spin created around the tilt axis is expressed as total spin.
What This Metric Means
This will determine the curve and lift of the shot. Spin rate has a massive impact on the height & distance of your shot.
More loft increases spin rate. A Lob wedge will spin more than a 7 iron when struck the same.
Higher swing speeds will increase spin rate. A Lob wedge struck with a 90 mph. swing speed will spin more than a Lob wedge struck with an 80 mph. swing speed.
How to Improve your game with this Data
For irons, you typically want more spin as you move from longer irons down to wedges. Total Spin helps you identify problems that you may need to work on (such as low spin on wedges).
For Driver, you want low spin and high launch (a rough guide is 2,700 rpm- 3,300 rpm). Having this data is critical to maximizing distance because you need to match the launch angle and spin rate for optimal launch.
VERTICAL LAUNCH ANGLE
Commonly referred to as “launch angle”, this metric is the initial vertical angle of ascent relative to the ground plane measured in degrees.
What This Metric Means
This tells you what angle you ball was launched upwards into the air at. The launch angle, combined with ball spin and speed, will determine the ball’s carry and total distance.
How to Improve your game with this Data
This can be used to optimize your driving.
HORIZONTAL LAUNCH ANGLE
Also known as “Azimuth,” side angle, or deviation angle, it’s the initial horizontal angle relative to the target line.
What This Metric Means
This is the direction in which the ball gets launched relative to the target line.
Horizontal launch angle, combined with side spin, will determine the final ball position range relative to the target line.
How to Improve your game with this Data
This can help you determine your face angle at impact which is critical if you want to know why your ball is moving in a certain direction. You can then use this information to dig deeper and find out the root cause as to why this is happening.
SPIN TILT AXIS*
The spin-tilt axis is the axis that the golf ball rotates around to create shot curvature and lift.
What This Metric Means
This determines the curvature of the ball flight. This metric is essentially the difference between club face angle and club path.
If the Spin Axis is negative, the ball will curve to the left.
A positive Spin Axis means the ball will curve to the right.
A Spin Axis of 0 means a straight ball.
How to Improve your game with this Data
You can use this metric to identify if the ball is curving in the direction you intend it to. For instance, if you are trying to hit a draw and your Spin Axis is positive, the ball will not curve to the left. You would need to practice on and inside-out swing to achieve a draw (in addition to a horizontal launch angle that is right of your target line).
BACK SPIN *
A component of total spin that defines ball lift and trajectory.
What This Metric Means
This measures how much the ball is spinning front to back. It is a component of Total Spin (along with Side Spin).
How to Improve your game with this Data
This is a bit harder to use to improve as it is a very specific metric and you can use Total Spin instead of this. However, if you are working on wedges, this will tell you exactly what your back spin is. You should consider Side Spin though as well.
Alternatively, you can use Total Spin and Spin Axis to understand what is happening at a higher-level.
SIDE SPIN*
A component of total spin that defines ball curvature or shot shape; related to the spin-tilt axis.
What This Metric Means
This measures how much the ball is spinning in a horizontal direction. It is a component of Total Spin (along with Back Spin).
How to Improve your game with this Data
This also is a bit harder to use to improve as it is a very specific metric and you can use Total Spin instead of this. However, if you are working on long irons (for example), this will tell you exactly what your Side Spin is which can help explain why a ball is curving left or right.
Alternatively, you can use Total Spin and Spin Axis to understand what is happening at a higher-level.
Club Data
The GC3 uses three sophisticated cameras to capture and track the club marker (“fiducials”) placed on the club face. This requires a specific orientation for the cameras to track properly.
CLUB HEAD SPEED
The velocity at which the head travels, measured just prior to ball contact.
What This Metric Means
This tells you how fast your club is moving just prior to contact with the ball. It is measured in miles-per-hour (mph). The average golfer has a driver Club Head Speed around 93 mph.
How to Improve your game with this Data
This metric can be used to help measure progress with your swing. If you are practicing to improve, you should see increases in Club Head Speed.
Alternatively, if your Club Head Speed is high but the ball is not carrying as far as expected, this can help you pinpoint other areas. For instance, you may have too much back (or side) spin on the ball robbing you of distance.
Or you may be hitting the ball off-center. Smash Factor can help you narrow down the problem even more.
SMASH FACTOR
Smash Factor, also know as Efficiency, is the ratio between club head and golf ball velocities.
What This Metric Means
Smash Factor is a simple equation that is Ball Speed divided by Club Head Speed. It tells you how efficiently you are transferring energy from the club to the ball.
A Smash Factor of 1.50 would be ideal for driver with a Club Head Speed of 100 mph. A 10 handicap would expect a Smash Factor of 1.45 on average.
How to Improve your game with this Data
Smash Factor is essentially the result of everything else you are doing in the swing. On its own, it can’t help you pinpoint anything other than you may not be swinging the club as well as you can.
If your smash factor is lower than expected, look at these areas to see if they are part of the root cause:
- Impact (you can use impact stickers to see if you are hitting the sweet spot of your club)
- Spin loft
- Face-to-path
CLUB PATH*
The swing path measured in a horizontal plane relative to the target line.
What This Metric Means
This data point will tell you if the club was moving from inside-out, outside-in, or perfectly down the line.
Values
- Positive (+) – club is moving to the right of the target (in-to-out)
- Negative (-) – club is moving to the left of the target (out-to-in)
- Zero – club is moving straight down the target line
How to Improve your game with this Data
Use Club Path to see if your intended swing matches with reality. If you are trying to hit a draw (or fade), the launch monitor will tell you how your club is moving. In either case, this should not be a huge number (+/- 3 to 6 degrees is ideal).
This is a super useful metric to see what is really happening with your club face but is highly dependent on what you are trying to do with your swing.
ANGLE OF ATTACK*
The descending or ascending path of the club head, measured in degrees.
What This Metric Means
This measures how much up or down the club is moving at the time the ball is struck.
Values
- Positive (+) – club is hitting up on the ball
- Negative (-) – club is hitting down on the ball
- Zero – club is moving straight down the target line
How to Improve your game with this Data
Angle of Attack (or Attack Angle) can be used to optimize your driver swing. For maximum distance, you need a driver’s Angle of Attack (AoA) to be positive.
So if you have a negative Angle of Attack for your driver, find instruction on how to change your swing to hit up on the ball off the tee to maximize carry.
Conversely, for a ball hit off the ground, the AoA should be negative. If you see positive values, work on drills to improve your ball striking with irons.
Note that ball position can have a significant effect on AoA so check that 1st when troubleshooting.
$7,499
What’s in The Box
The GC3 INCLUDES:
- GC3 Launch Monitor Device
- Club Marker Pack
- USB-C Cable
- Power Cord
- Alignment Stick
- Quick Start Guide
- FSX 2020
- FSX Play
- FSX Pro
Space Requirements
- 13′ of depth to track the ball
- 6′ of width
- Enough ceiling height to swing a club
Full Features & Specifications
- CARRY DISTANCE: YES
- BALL SPEED: YES
- TOTAL SPIN: YES
- LAUNCH ANGLE (VERTICAL): YES
- HORIZONTAL LAUNCH ANGLE: YES
- SPIN TILT AXIS: YES
- BACK SPIN: YES
- SIDE SPIN: YES
- CLUB HEAD SPEED: YES
- SMASH FACTOR: YES
- CLUB PATH (IN/OUT): YES
- ANGLE OF ATTACK: YES
Collection of club data requires use of included club markers
*Optional ball and club data points are available via software subscription packages. 30-Day free trial of “Gold” package include with every Launch Pro purchase (first year of Basic free).
 
- DISPLAY TYPE: Standard Transflective LCD
- TOUCHSCREEN: YES
- BATTERY LIFE: 5-7 Hours
- CHARGING PORT: A/C Power Adapter
- NETWORK CONNECTIVITY: Wi-Fi or internet enabled PC
- PC CONNECTIVITY: Ethernet or USB-C Cable
- MOBILE DEVICE CONNECTIVITY: Wi-Fi
- LENGTH: 5″
- WIDTH: 6″
- HEIGHT: 12″
- WEIGHT: 5 lbs.
- DISPLAY SIZE: 3″ x 2″
- HITTING ZONE [BALL ONLY]: 7″ x 10″
- HITTING ZONE [BALL + CLUB]: 7″ x 10″
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.
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!
