Updated: July 2023 with new launch monitor metrics data
The Foresight GCQuad launch monitor has created a ton of excitement among golfers wanting the best photometric launch monitor money can buy. Its main competition is Trackman, but many golfers believe the GCQuad is more versatile due to its indoors performance.
Does it live up to the hype? As far as accuracy and portability, it absolutely does live up to the hype! The GCQuad is the best photometric launch monitor on the market. It may be the best launch monitor available bar none.
However, there are some drawbacks to be aware of (such as the add-ons) and we will cover that in this review.
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.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you click on the link and purchase the item, I may receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
Foresight GCQuad Launch Monitor Summary
Tour Pro Accuracy
As one of the only launch monitors in the industry to utilize Quadrascopic imaging, the GCQuad delivers the most accurate detailed picture of ball and club head performance analysis.
Ball, Club, & Putting Metrics
Captures ball data for performance insights to help you identify areas you need to improve. With add-ons, you can include club measures and even putting analysis.
Indoors & Outdoors
The best launch monitor on the market for use both indoors & outdoors. Has minimal indoor space requirements.
Use as a Simulator
Comes with FSX 2020 simulator software to bring the course into your home.
$14,000
GCQuad Launch Monitor Briefing
The Foresight Sports GCQuad is the best all-around launch monitor you can buy on the market today.
Its main competitor is Trackman, but the GCQuad has some advantages over that launch monitor that we believe makes it a better choice most of the time (Trackman is better for 100% outdoor use).
Before jumping into the review, here is a quick look at the main advantages/disadvantages of the GCQuad:
Advantages
- Camera-based tracking with (4) high-speed cameras
- Incredibly accurate
- Minimal indoor space requirements (only 22″)
- Easy to use indoors & outdoors
- Built-in display
- Fast setup
- Can use with simulator software
Disadvantages
- Club face tracking requires add-on package
- Not quite as good as Trackman outdoors
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!
Overview
The Foresight GCQuad launch monitor is the best indoor/outdoor launch monitor available. But wait, what about Trackman? Trackman has advantages over the GCQuad, but they don’t outweigh the benefits of the GCQuad. Especially when you consider the price difference.
The GCQuad can be used in very limited space both outdoors & indoors. You just set it down, turn it on & fire away. Let’s dig into the details.
First up, who makes the GCQuad?
Who Is Foresight Sports?
Located in San Diego, California, Foresight Sports is a leading manufacturer of professional-grade launch monitors.
Foresight released the GC2 in 2010 and within six years became the best-selling professional-grade launch monitor.
In 2017, Foresight Sports released the award-winning four-camera GCQuad launch monitor. Featuring complete ball, club head, and putting data in a compact and portable unit, the GCQuad set a whole new standard of accuracy for performance analytics.
The GCQuad has also become the launch monitor of choice for many PGA Tour players, top retailers, and coaches.
In September of 2021, Vista Outdoors purchased Foresight Sports. Vista Outdoors also owns Bushnell (who signed an exclusive domestic partnership with Foresight Sports in early September 2021).
GCQuad vs Trackman
The Foresight Sports GCQuad starts at $14,0000
The Trackman starts at $19,999
The main difference between the 2 units is the tracking system. The Trackman uses Doppler radar and the GCQuad uses cameras. Before we go further, let’s talk about these tracking systems.
The GCQuad launch monitor needs very little space to operate–about 22″ from the unit to center of the hitting area.
In contrast, the Trackman needs a minimum of 20 feet (optimally 25 feet) to operate. These differences are due to the tracking systems.
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.
To answer the question most people want to know, Trackman uses dual radar and an HD camera.
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
GCQuad Camera System
The GCQuad launch monitor uses four (4) high-speed, high-resolution infrared camera system. This four-camera system is auto-calibrating and captures the impact zone including a small space before and after the ball.
The cameras precisely measure every aspect of club head and ball launch performance and capture thousands of images per second.
The systems then builds a virtual 3D model, analyzes a multitude of data components, and is able to create the most accurate and complete picture of the ball and club head performance – and deliver the results in nearly real-time.
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.
How The GCQuad Launch Monitor Is Different
Unlike radar-based technologies that analyze ball and club head performance results from the worst possible position (behind the club head) and then largely calculate performance based on the geometric center of the club head, Foresight Sports launch monitors use exact photometric measurements taken with a clear, direct view of the impact window.
The GCQuad launch monitor measures – not calculates – club head data based on the club’s face plane, deriving vastly more precise results.
GCQuad 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 Foresight Sports GCQuad shines.
The technology and measurements are extremely accurate & precise. The GCQuad’s pro-grade technology was built from the ground up.
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.
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.
How to Decide if the GCQuad 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 GCQuad is incredibly accurate in its price range. But is it the right choice? Here is how to decide.
If you want the best launch monitor that can be used in these situations, get the GCQuad:
- Indoors
- Outdoors
- In a small space
- Using a built-in display
- Fast setup
If you want the most accurate outdoor launch monitor, get the Trackman. But remember, Trackman is not as good indoors and requires 25′ of length in your indoor hitting area.
GCQuad Features
Built-in Display
The GCQuad 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.
Great For Indoor & Outdoor Use
The GCQuad can be used indoors in with minimal space requirements. It can also be used outdoors. While the unit is not small (1 foot high by 7″ wide & 7.5 lbs.), it is still portable enough to put in a bag and bring it to the range. It also includes a carrying handle.
Other launch monitors do not offer minimal indoor space requirements & outdoor usage with this level of precision.
Use As A Simulator
The GCQuad comes with FSX2020 simulation software. This means you can play exclusive courses, practice your skills on the range, or even compete in skill-building competitions with players around the world.
Putting Add-On
Through this add-on, putter club head and ball launch performance – are delivered in real-time to either the GCQuad’s large indoor/outdoor LCD display or any connected mobile or PC device.
This includes the unique launch, skid, and roll characteristics of the ball.
Club Tracking
Club tracking can be enabled in the Main Menu. This allows the GCQuad the ability to track what your club face is doing at impact.
In order to track your club face, the GCQuad requires 2 steps:
- Apply Club Markers to your golf club
- Set CLUB TRACKING to On in the Main Menu
Applying a Club Marker to Your Golf Club
The GCQuad 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 club
markers to your club.
- Clean Club – Clean the clubface with an alcohol pad or water
- Place Markers – Place club markers 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 metrics depending on your use of 1 marker or 4 markers:
Data Captured With 4 Markers
- Club Speed
- Swing Path
- Angle of Attack
- Smash Factor
- Face Angle
- Loft
- Lie
Data Captured With 1 Marker
- Club Speed
- Swing Path
- Angle of Attack
- Smash Factor
See Club Data for details on metrics captured by Club Tracking including advice on how to use this data to improve your swing.
GCQuad Metrics, Software & ADD-ONS
The GCQuad launch monitor captures and measures thousands of frames per second with its four-camera setup to provide incredibly accurate and reliable metrics.
There are no subscriptions with the device but there is add-on software packages available. Below is information on each package and what it includes.
Base Model
Here is what is included in the base model purchase. For club data and putting data, see the Add-ons section below.
- FSX 2020 simulation software
- Launch Angle
- Side Angle
- Ball Speed
- Total Spin
- Back Spin
- Carry
- Side Spin
- Spin Axis
Software Add-ons
$14,000
The GCQuad launch monitor offers (2) add-on packages that can be added to your device. You can purchase each one individually. Here are the 2 packages.
Club Head Measurement Add-On Package
This package gives insights into extremely valuable club head metrics. Here is the list of metrics unlocked:
- Club Head Speed
- Smash Factor
- Club Path
- Angle of Attack
- Loft/Lie
- Face Angle
- Impact Location
- Closure Rate
Essential Putting Analysis Add-On Package
With the press of a button, putter club head and ball launch performance – including the unique launch, skid, and roll characteristics of the ball are delivered in real-time to either the GCQuad’s large indoor/outdoor LCD display or any connected mobile or PC device.
- Simple press-of-a-button access.
- Unprecedented Putter club head and ball launch performance data
- Fully compatible with all FSX apps
The GCQuad can give insight into your putting performance with these metrics:
- Ball velocity
- Vertical launch angle
- Horizontal launch direction
- Total spin
- Spin-tilt axis
- Back spin
- Side spin
- Club speed
- Smash factor
- Club path
- Angle of attack
- Impact face angle
- Impact lie
- Impact location
- Skid rate
- Time to full roll
GCQuad Launch Monitor Software Package Comparison
| DATA POINT | BASIC | CLUB HEAD MEASUREMENT |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Included | $4,000 |
| Carry Distance* | Y | Y |
| Ball Speed* | Y | Y |
| Total Spin* | Y | Y |
| Side Spin* | Y | Y |
| Horizontal Launch Angle* | Y | Y |
| Vertical Launch Angle* | Y | Y |
| Spin Tilt Axis* | Y | Y |
| Back Spin* | Y | Y |
| Smash Factor | Y | |
| Club Head Speed | Y | |
| Loft/Lie | Y | |
| Face Angle | Y | |
| Impact Location | Y | |
| Closure Rate | Y | |
| Club Path | Y | |
| Angle of Attack | Y | |
| FSX 2020 | Y | Y |
| BASIC | CLUB HEAD MEASUREMENT |
GCQuad Golf Simulation Software
The GCQuad 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
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 software options. 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.
Setup
To get started with the GCQuad, you need to plug it in and fully charge the battery. Once it is charged, you can turn it on and start setup.
Connecting to the Internet
The first time you start up the GCQuad, you will need to connect it to the internet & register the device. You can connect it via WiFi, mobile device, or a PC.
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 GCQuad as others use this method. A lot of problems with launch monitors not working properly are due to a poor Wifi connection.
The GCQuad requires online registration renewal every 45 days. If the registration of your device has expired, all data channels from the GCQuad (USB, Ethernet, WiFi, and BLE) will be blocked until registration renewal is completed.
The GCQuad will continue to work as a stand-alone device. To review the remaining days left until registration renewal, go to the About > Features screen.
Ball Placement & Hitting
To use your GCQuad Launch Monitor, set it upright approximately 22″ away from the hitting area and place the ball on the ground in front of the unit.
If you are using a hitting mat, make sure the GCQuad is raised to the same level as the hitting surface. If it is not level, you may receive misreads or inaccurate data. The GCQuad comes with a kickstand that can be used to assist with uneven surfaces.
- When club tracking is turned on, the GCQuad will track the golf ball & golf club. The device will have a green LED indicator light and a smaller hitting zone.
- When club tracking is turned off, the GCQuad will only track the golf ball. The device will have a blue LED indicator light and a larger hitting zone.
Ball Placement Status Indicator
Once a ball has been located by the launch monitor, the on-screen placement aid will appear and you will see one of the following statuses:
LED Blinks Slowly
No ball is detected by the cameras – The previous shot data is displayed on the screen.
LED Blinks Rapidly
Ball is out of the hitting zone – The ball is not detected and must be moved into the hitting zone.
Too many balls detected – More than 1 ball is detected in the hitting zone (remove all others)
LED Remains Solid
Ready – The ball is inside the hitting zone and the GCQuad is ready for the next shot.
Settings & Menus
From the main display on the unite, you can access Quick Settings which gives you the following choices:
| ITEM | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Backlight | Turn on/off |
| OK Key | Turn on/off tracking mode, access target alignment, settings, diagnostics, and About. |
| –L | Switches to left hand mode |
| R- | Switches to right hand mode |
| Back Key | Return to previous screen |
| Cursor Keys | Toggle between ball/club data and navigate system options |
GCQuad Menus
Settings options are navigated using the cursor keys and changed with the OK key.
Display Options
- Velocity (MPH, KMH, MPS)
- Distance (Yards, Meters)
- Spin Mode (Axis & Total, Side & Back)
- Face Angle (Target, Path)
- Air Pressure ( Auto, Sea Level, 2,500 ft, 5,000 ft, 10,000 ft
Diagnostics
- Screen 1 (Detailed battery information)
- Screen 2 (Accelerometer and barometer sensor data)
- Screen 3 (Usage information)
About
- Screen 1 (Device information, including serial numbers and firmware build numbers)
- Screen 2 (Patent information)
- Screen 3 (Features or trials enabled on the GCQuad, remaining days on the current registration period)
Target Alignment With Alignment Stick
The GCQuad allows you to set you target alignment up to 10 degrees off the launch monitor.
To adjust the alignment, place the included FSS Alignment Stick in the hitting zone and align to your target.
Once you have it pointed properly, step away from the device to allow it to calibrate.
After a few seconds, both LED indicators will show yellow and the unit will make a tone. The new alignment will display on the LED screen.
Alignment can be viewed or reset at any time from the Target Alignment menu in System Options.
Launch Data Metrics
The GCQuad Launch Monitor tracks 3 different kinds of data; Ball Launch data, Club data, and Putting 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 GCQuad 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
GCQuad uses four 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.
FACE ANGLE*
The dynamic measurement of the club head’s face plane position square to the target line.
What This Metric Means
This measures what direction the club face is aligned to the target line at the time the ball is struck.
Values
- Positive (+) – club is open to the target line
- Negative (-) – club is closed to the target line
- Zero – club is square to target line
How to Improve your game with this Data
The direction a club faces at impact has the biggest affect on the starting direction of the ball.
So if you want to hit a fade, your club face needs to be pointed left of the target line at impact (closed) with your club path going out-to-in.
Conversely, if you want to hit a draw, your club face needs to be pointed right of the target line at impact (open) with your club path going in-to-out.
Use this metric in conjunction with club path to figure out why your ball is moving in the direction it is.
IMPACT LOCATION*
The measurement of the contact point of the golf ball on the club face relative to face center.
What This Metric Means
This measures where on the club face the ball was struck.
How to Improve your game with this Data
This is a result of all the parts of your swing. However, if you are hitting off the heel your ball may fade.
If you hit off the toe, your ball may draw. If your other metrics look good, this can explain unexpected ball flight.
You can check to see if you are standing too close or far away from the ball.
DELIVERED LIE ANGLE*
The lie of the club is the way the club compares to the ground through the hitting area.
What This Metric Means
This measures how much up or down the club is moving at the time the ball is struck. For every degree your clubs are off-angle, the ball can travel up to ~4 yards off intended target line.
Values
- Positive (+) – club is toe up at impact
- Negative (-) – club is toe down at impact
- Zero – club is perfectly flat at impact
How to Improve your game with this Data
If your clubs are too upright, the toe will not make impact with the ground (only the heel) and the shot will fly left of target.
If your clubs are too flat, the heel will not make impact with the ground and the shot will fly right of the target.
Most of the time this is due to clubs that are not fit to the golfer properly. Make sure you are custom fit if you see bad measurements.
This also can be a result of standing too close/far from the ball and then making compensations.
IMPACT LOFT*
The dynamic measurement in degrees of the club head’s face plane position vertically relative to the ground plane.
What This Metric Means
This measures what angle the club is at when the ball is struck.
Values (for driver)
- PGA Pro – 12.8 degrees
- LPGA Pro – 15.5 degrees
- Average Male Golfer – 15.1 degrees
- Average Female Golfer – 16.5 degrees
How to Improve your game with this Data
This is tough to use this specifically to improve as it requires changes to your fundamentals. As a general rule, most golfers hit shots too much loft and could improve delofting the club more.
To accomplish though, you need to improve your overall swing mechanics.
$14,000
What’s in The Box
GCQuad INCLUDES:
- GCQuad launch monitor
- FSX 2020 Software
- USB-C Cable
- Alignment Stick
- Club marker dispenser
Space Requirements
- 13′ of depth to track the ball
- 6′ of width
- Enough ceiling height to swing a club
Specifications
- Technology: Quadrascopic high-speed camera system.
- Dimensions: 7″(w) x 4″(d) x 12.5″(h)
- Weight: 7.5 lbs/3.8 kg
- Battery: Removable Lithium-Ion Rechargeable
- Data Interface: USB Type C / WiFi / Ethernet
- Compatibility: Apple & Android
- Warranty: Two-Year Warranty
- FSX Compatibility: PC operating Windows 7 or greater
- FSX Compatibility: Recommended processor speed i7 (Gen6)
- FSX Compatibility: Must have NVidia GeForce 1050 Ti video card or greater
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!
